A20756:197
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.
Secondly, to take notice of our least sins, that we may not securely live in them, but having fallen may recover our selves by unfeigned repentance And lastly that seeing our selves are too too reckless and secure, we do often and unfeignedly desire the Lord to watch over us, and by his spirit to waken our consciences that they may admonish us of the evil which we are ready to fall into, and so prevent the committing of it, or accuse us being fallen that we may arise again by repentance, and afterwards be made more careful of our ways.
Secondly, to take notice of our least sinnes, that wee may not securely liue in them, but hauing fallen may recouer our selues by vnfained repentance And lastly that seeing our selues are too too retchlesse and secure, we doe often and vnfainedly desire the Lord to watch ouer vs, and by his spirit to waken our consciences that they may admonish vs of the euill which we are ready to fall into, and so preuent the committing of it, or accuse vs being fallen that we may arise againe by repentance, and afterwards be made more carefull of our wayes.
1A seventh policy of the flesh is, to draw us from that which indifferent and in it own nature lawful, unto that which is unlawful and sinful; for whereas things indifferent are not simply good, but only in their right and moderate use, the flesh allureth us to abuse them through immoderation and excess, whereby they become sinful and evil. Thus because the creatures are good in their own nature: and the blessing of God unto us if they be sanctified by the word & prayer, and be used soberly for the better fitting and enabling us to Gods service, and for the performance of all religious and Christian duties, the flesh allureth us to love them excessively more then the creator himself and then all saving graces and heavenly happiness, and so chiefly to value, affect and seek them and to place all our happiness in the fruition of them. Thus because ⟨p. 146⟩riches, honours and pleasures, are in their own nature good, it persuadeth us to love them excessively, to set our hearts upon them and seek them more diligently then the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and so through our abuse to make them become unto us shameful Idols with which we commit spiritual whoredom. Thus because recreations are lawful, if we use them lawfully, seasonably, and with moderation, that so we may be the better enabled for the duties of Gods service, it allureth us to abuse them through excess, and to spend all, or the chief part of our time in them, whereby of recreations they become occupations, which take us wholly up, and shoulder and thrust out all Christian duties of our callings with all religious duties of Gods service, or to use them unseasonably on the Lords day, which should be consecrated as holy unto him, and be wholly spent in divine duties and religious exercises. So because meats and drinks are lawful and of an indifferent nature, the flesh draweth us to abuse them by intemperance and excess, surfeiting and drunkenness, and so to become gross epicures who make their belly their God. Because apparel is necessary to keep us warm and hide our nakedness, the flesh persuadeth upon this ground to excessive bravery, and strange attires: