A20756:192
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.
1Fourthly the flesh oftentimes deceives us by bringing us into careless security, whilst it maketh us believe, that there is no danger of falling into some sins; for when it cannot persuade us that sin is no sin, or if any at all, yet so small and venial that we may live in them without peril to our souls, or hazard of our salvation, then it is ready to suggest, that there is no cause why we should fear falling into many sins, because they are so heinous and monstrous, and we not only in our natures are so averse unto them, but also have received such a measure of grace and strength, that no allurements can draw us to them. Thus when the Prophet told Hazaell what horrible outrages he should commit, he was so blinded with this deceit of the flesh, that he would not believe it, but cried out unto him, what is thy servant a dog, that I should do such things. And when our Saviour told Peter, that he should 2deny and abjure him, consulting only with his flesh, he was ready to presume upon his own strength, and rather doubted of his Masters trueth, then of his own courage and fidelity. Now by this deceit we are made wretchlesse and secure, and keep no watch over our selves, because we fear no assault of such enemies, whereby it cometh to pass that we are surprised at unawares, and carried captive of sin because we never expected, and therefore never armed our selves against such mighty enemies; as we may see in the example of David who having long made conscience of small infirmities and seriously repented even for his secret slips and least sins, never feared falling into adultery ⟨p. 142⟩and murder, and so was the more easily overcome, because he neglected his watch and suspected no danger. And thus Lot having been preserved pure from the filthiness of Sodom, was overtaken by incest, when having no other company with him but his own daughters he grew secure and feared nothing; for the defeating of which policy let us consider that whilst we live in this world, we are but in part regenerate, and that in our flesh as there dwelleth no good thing, so contrariwise, there lye secretly lurking the seeds of all sins, which are ready continually to sprout and shoot forth, when they are watered and warmed with Satan's temptations, if they be not nipped and restrained by the sanctifying grace of Gods holy spirit;