A20756:194
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.
1A fifth policy which the flesh useth to draw us unto sin, is to persuade us, that we may safely use the means and occasions of sin, and yet be preserved from the sin it self. And thus Lot was allured to drink excessively, never suspecting his falling into that brutish drunkenness, and much less that abominable incest with his own daughters. Thus David securely lived in idleness and wantonness, never thinking, that these would be the means to bring him to whoredom. Thus Solomon gave his strength unto women, and defiled himself with unlawful lusts, never imagining that this corporal whoredom would be the occasion and means to make him commit also spiritual whoredom with Idols and strange Gods. Thus Jehoshaphat linked himself with wicked Ahab by marrying his daughter, and yet supposed that he should no way be tainted with his impieties; and Peter presumed that he should be constant in his love to his master; and the profession of the trueth, and yet consorteth himself with the high Priests servants. And thus in our times many think that they may be safely present at the Mass and idolatrous service, yea themselves have about them many means and occasions of idolatry, and yet not fall into the sin it self; many think they may ordinarily swear and yet never commit the sin of perjury; that they may nourish covetousness, and yet never commit theft, fraud, oppression or any uniustice; that they may drink, pamper the belly and use all manner of wanton dalliance, and yet be far enough off from fornication and adultery. Now that we may not be abused with this deceit, let us consider, that where the Lord forbiddeth any sin, there he also forbiddeth the occasions and means thereof▪ because those who do not carefully avoid these, they cannot possibly escape the other. That they who go in the way will (though the never think of it) come thereby to the town or place to which it leadeth. That if we always walk upon the ice or slippery ⟨p. 142⟩[…] ⟨p. 143⟩[…] ⟨p. 124⟩places, we shall ever be in danger of falling, and often fall though we be never so weary; and therefore the Psalmist pronounceth him blessed, who hath not walked in the way of sinners.