A20756:148
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.
1Now this fraud and policy of the flesh, as it is most malicious in it self, so it is most pernicious unto us. The former appeareth in that it taketh part with satan, the wicked one, against God himself the chief goodness; for so the Apostle telleth us, that the wisdom of the flesh is enmity against God. And that this policy is most pernicious unto us, it is manifest, first because it often prevaileth, and much ⟨p. 87⟩deceiveth us; as the Apostle out of his own experience complaineth- Rom. 7. 11. Sin taking occasion by the commandment deceived me. In which regard that may justly be 2said unto us which the Prophet speaketh in another case, Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide, keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. For so often and commonly are we hereby deceived and abused, that we have just cause to subscribe to the wise mans saying: He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool. Secondly the perniciousness of this policy unto us hereby appeareth 3in that it tendeth unto no less hurt then our death and utter destruction, for so the Apostle telleth us; that the wisdom 4of the flesh is death, and therefore he joineth these two together, that sin, or his sinful corruption deceived & slew 5him; because it was such a deceit as brought death and destruction, unless he had been redeemed and freed from it by the precious death of Jesus Christ. Finally, the danger of this carnal policy and deceit is so much the greater, because it is so subtle and secret so deep and disguised, that it can hardly be discerned and found out; according to that of the Prophet Jeremiah, The heart is deceitful above 6all things and desperately wicked, who can know it? So that our longest line cannot sound the bottom of his gulf, out quickest and most piercing sight cannot discover the multitude and strength of these subtle enemies, because they display not their colours in the open field, but lye hidden in secret ambushments: yea they mingle themselves amongst our own forces, and disguise themselves in our own coats and habits. They make show of simplicity and sincerity, when as there is nothing but craft and deceit: