A20756:206
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.
1Thirdly the flesh deceiveth us, by pretending the poverty and necessity of our estate as a sufficient cause, and reasonable excuse, why we should continue in our sins, and maketh us believe, that though we neglect all means of knowledge, faith and all saving grace, and all duties of Gods service, we may be dispensed with because our whole time is little enough to be employed for the obtaining of worldly necessaries; yea that we may use wicked and unlawful means, for the supplying of our wants, as all manner of fraud and deceitful dealing in our trades and occupations, which is no better then theft it self in the sight of God. But let us know that though we be never so poor, this is no excuse why we should neglect any religious duty, or commit any sin. For one thing is necessary and happy are we, if with Mary we quite our selves of worldly incumbrances and choose the better part. That if we be poor in earthly things, we have greater cause to labour after saving graces and heavenly treasures, which alone without the other are all-sufficient to make us rich. That when we have carked and cared, toiled and moiled to provide earthly things, yet all is in vain except Gods 2blessing be upon our labours; and we cannot expect it either ⟨p. 133⟩by neglecting holy duties which he hath commanded, or by committing such sins as he hath forbidden and 3condemned. That we have Gods gracious promise of earthly necessaries, if we first and chiefly seek his kingdom and righteousness: That poverty, if we use it well, is no hinderance to grace in this life nor glory in the life to come; as we see in the example of the Disciples, yea Christ himself, who being most poor in worldly things, were 4most rich in spiritual and heavenly treasures. Finally let us know, that if we serve and seek the Lord, he will take care for us, and not suffer us to want any thing which is good, and that they of all others are best provided for, who have his providence to watch over them. Or though we should be pinched in respect of earthly things, yet it is much better with Lazarus to go poor to heaven, then with Dives having abundance, to be cast into hell.