A20756:178
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.
neither doeth Satan move, or as much as in him lieth suffer to be moved of any questions, because he would possess all things in peace, and not have his kingdom divided in it self. Secondly, true faith is the instrument of a mutual donation, for as it receiveth Christ who is given us of God, so it offereth and consecrateth our bodies and souls unto Christ who by the gift of God hath as much right unto us as we unto him: But the faith of hypocrites would have part in Christ and all his benefits, but Christ must have no part in them, or if any at all, he must be contented with their tongue only, whereas the world and the devil must have their hearts. Secondly, true faith is not easily daunted or dismayed, but commonly shineth most clearly in the dark night of afflictions, and manifesteth it self in it chief strength, when carnal reason will minister no comfort; but the faith of hypocrites resteth only upon the prop of worldly prosperity which being pulled away sinketh and faileth; and whilst this fair green blade, which springeth out of the stony ground, is moistened with the dew of temporal benefits, it sprouteth up and flourisheth; but no sooner doeth the sun of affliction and persecution arise but presently it withereth and fadeth. Lastly true faith is always a living and fruitful faith, and is continually exercised in good works and Christian duties, and in love and obedience towards God; but the faith of hypocrites is dead, barren and fruitless, or if it bear any fruits at all, yet have they no respect to God, but are done out of pride or self-love, for fear of punishments or hope of rewards. But more of this afterwards.
neither doeth Sathan moue, or as much as in him lyeth suffer to be moued of any questions, because hee would possesse all things in peace, and not haue his kingdome diuided in it selfe. Secondly, true faith is the instrument of a mutuall donation, for as it receiueth Christ who is giuen vs of God, so it offereth and consecrateth our bodies and soules vnto Christ who by the gift of God hath as much right vnto vs as we vnto him: But the faith of hypocrites would haue part in Christ and all his benefits, but Christ must haue no part in them, or if any at all, hee must be contented with their tongue onely, whereas the world and the diuell must haue their hearts. Secondly, true faith is not easily daunted or dismayed, but commonly shineth most clearely in the darke night of afflictions, and manifesteth it selfe in it chiefe strength, when carnall reason will minister no comfort; but the faith of hypocrites resteth onely vpon the proppe of worldly prosperitie which being pulled away sinketh and fayleth; and whilest this faire greene blade, which springeth out of the stonie ground, is moystened with the dewe of temporall benefits, it sprouteth vp and flowrisheth; but no sooner doeth the sunne of affliction and persecution arise but presently it withereth and fadeth. Lastly true faith is alwayes a liuing and fruitfull faith, and is continually exercised in good workes and Christian duties, and in loue and obedience towards God; but the faith of hypocrites is dead, barren and fruitelesse, or if it beare any fruits at all, yet haue they no respect to God, but are done out of pride or selfe-loue, for feare of punishments or hope of rewards. But more of this afterwards.