A20756:176
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.
1To which purpose we must not only labour to have all saving graces, and to be enabled unto the performance of all Christian duties; but also after assurance that they are in us and done by us in sincerity and trueth. And to this purpose we are often to examine and weigh them in the balance of the sanctuary, and to observe the infallible marks and signs, whereby our true graces and virtuous actions may be discerned, not only from vices and gross corruptions, but also from these near counterfeits and shadows of them, which are insubtill hypocrites and temporary believers. For there we shall find that though the knowledge of temporaries be in respect of the measure very great, yet it faileth in the quality and effects; for it is barely learned by hearing and reading, and not taught by the spiritual anointing, whereof the Apostle speaketh 2which the faithful only receive: it is much in speculation and theory; and little in practise, spiritual power, feeling and repentance; and they know the things of God appertaining to salvation, as a man knoweth a strange land by reading which he never travailed; whereby he is enabled to discourse of it, and of the fruits and benefits contained in it, though he never tasted them, nor hath any hope ever to enjoy them; whereas the true believer, though he be in his pilgrimage, yet knoweth heaven and heavenly things, as his own country, and the blessings contained in it, of which he hath already tasted and had feeling experience, and is assured after a while when he hath finished his journey to have the full fruition of them. And hereof it is that the knowledge of the hypocrite bringeth small joy and comfort with it, and though it exceed in measure, yet it cheereth not the heart, like the least knowledge of a sound Christian, even as the knowledge of the Lawyer in the evidences of a mans lands may be greater ⟨p. 112⟩then the owners: but yet he cannot read them with like comfort, because he hath no right unto them.
1To which purpose wee must not onely labour to haue all sauing graces, and to be enabled vnto the performance of all Christian duties; but also after assurance that they are in vs and done by vs in sinceritie and trueth. And to this purpose wee are often to examine and waigh them in the ballance of the sanctuary, and to obserue the infallible markes and signes, whereby our true graces and vertuous actions may be discerned, not onely from vices and grosse corruptions, but also from these neere counterfaits and shadowes of them, which are insubtill hypocrites and temporary beleeuers. For there wee shall finde that though the knowledge of temporaries bee in respect of the measure very great, yet it faileth in the qualitie and effects; for it is barely learned by hearing and reading, and not taught by the spirituall annoynting, whereof the Apostle speaketh