A20756:207
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 like conceit unto this is, when as the flesh persuadeth us that we may neglect good duties, or commit and live in divers sins because we live in such callings as do force us to take these courses, without which we could not maintain our charge. Thus it persuadeth shopkeepers, that they should not be able to live in their trades, if they should not use lying and deceit; and other tradesmen as Cooks, Tailors, Shoemakers, Vintners, Butchers, Carriers, and such like, that they may be dispensed with, though they neglect the service of God, and labour in the works of their callings on the Lords Sabbaths, because otherwise they should loose their custom, together with those gains, by which they are enabled to maintain themselves and theirs. Yea and thus it persuadeth others to live in unlawful callings, because they have no other means, as Players and Playmakers, gan•esters, and those who keep gaming houses, and such like. But let the former know that no particular calling should withdraw us from performing the duties which belong to the general calling of a Christian; that they shall in the end find those gains the greatest losses, when to keep a market for our body and sta••, ⟨p. 150⟩we neglect the spiritual market of our souls, & the means whereby we might attain unto the riches of saving graces and heavenly happiness. That those who seek to compass riches by unlawful means, they either fail of their end, and so labour in vain, or together with them get a curse, which will make them moulder and consume away, or if they continue, will bring to the possessors but small comfort, when they must leave their riches behind them and carry their sin with them before their judge. Let them know that no man in any lawful calling is brought into such straits, but that if there be prudence, providence and wise forecast joined with it, he may find some time and opportunity for the service of God and the feeding of his soul: and though he do not use the means of thriving in his calling as others do, who so earnestly follow their worldly business that they neglect all holy duties, yet may they expect from God upon their weaker endeavours a greater blessing, which may make their state become 2as fat and in as good liking, as those children were in their bodies who fed only upon pulse & water: