A20756:141
The conflict between the flesh and the spirit. Or the last part of The…The conflict betvveene the flesh and the spirit. Or the last part of The…
The conflict between the flesh and the spirit. Or the last part of The Christian warfare wherein is described the nature of these combatants, the malice and power of the flesh and fleshly lusts, with the means whereby we may subdue and overcome them. By John Downame Bachelor in Divinity, and preacher of Gods Word.The conflict betvveene the flesh and the spirit. Or the last part of The Christian warfare wherein is described the nature of these combatants, the malice and power of the flesh and fleshly lusts, with the meanes whereby we may subdue and ouercome them. By Iohn Dovvname Batchelar in Diuinitie, and preacher of Gods Word.
London: printed by William Jones, 1618London: printed by William Iones, 1618
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
1So also if we compare it with the spiritual part, the flesh is much greater and stronger; and therefore would easily ⟨p. 83⟩overcome it and quench all Gods graces in us, if God should leave us to our selves to be supported and defended by the strength which we have received, and not continually send us new supplies, and uphold us with the power of his own spirit. For the Apostle telleth us, that in this life we have received but first fruits of the spirit, which is but an handful 2in comparison of the harvest, the whole crop of grace being reserved, till we shall receive with it the fullness of glory. And in regard that the flesh in quantity did so much exceed the spirit, he sticketh not to say, that the Corinthians though sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints, were carnal and but babes in Christ; yea having himself 3received such a great measure of grace, he notwithstanding in the sight and sense of his great corruption acknowledgeth 4that he was carnal and sold under sin. Hereof it is that Divines compare the flesh to the great giant Goliath, and the spirit to little David; and not unfitly, for as David was far unequal to the mighty Giant, and therefore prevailed not against him by his own strength, but by the power of God assisting him, in whose name he came against him, so by the same means only the spirit getteth victory over the flesh, God giving it strength to overcome because it fighteth his own battles.
1So also if wee compare it with the spirituall part, the flesh is much greater and stronger; and therefore would easily ⟨p. 83⟩ouercome it and quench al Gods graces in vs, if God should leaue vs to our selues to be supported and defended by the strength which we haue receiued, and not continually send vs new supplies, and vphold vs with the power of his owne spirit. For the Apostle telleth vs, that in this life we haue receiued but first fruits of the spirit, which is but an handfull