A20756:167
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.
Book 1 › Chapter 12: Of the fleshes policies respecting our estates.
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.
1And thus the flesh abuseth those who are professed worldlings: Neither doth it deal less deceitfully with those that make some show of religion; the which are of two sorts civill justiciaries and temporary hypocrites. Concerning the former, it persuadeth them, that they are in good estate because they live civilly and unblameably among their neighbours in respect of notorious crimes which are punishable by the laws of men; and maketh them to bless themselves because they are no murderers, adulterers, drunkards, thieves, perjured persons, and covenant breakers; but contrariwise deal honestly with all men, keep their word, pay every one their due, and sometimes also give an alms to those that are in want and misery. And because in respect of their duty towards God, they are of that religion which the Prince is of, and the Law requireth, and are no recusants, but come to the Church with the rest of their neighbours, and there hear divine service, and the word preached, and receive the Sacrament as oft as ⟨p. 101⟩the law enjoineth. Though in the mean time they are utterly ignorant of the true God, his persons, nature and attributes of Jesus Christ and his natures and offices, and the great work of redemption, and in a word of all the principles of true religion. And though they make no conscience of performing any duties of the first table (as of Prayer, hearing the Word; receiving the Sacrament, sanctifying the Sabbath) in spirit and in truth, as God requireth, but only formally for custom and fashion sake, yet their corrupt flesh maketh them believe, that God will accept of their good meaning and superstitious devotion, and will be well satisfied with their bodily exercise and liplabour, though their hearts be far from him; yea though in the very time of his service they set up idols in their hearts, and have all their cogitations wholly taken up with their pleasures, profits and other vanities of the world. But that we may not be overtaken with this deceit, let us know and remember, that God will not accept of us, unless with David we have respect unto all his commandments, and make 2conscience of performing as well, (yea principally) the duties of the first table, as of the second; that the fear of God and his true religion▪ is the head and first beginning of saving wisdom;