A20756:218
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.
Again let us know that in repentance there is a change not only of our actions, but also of our hearts and minds, whereby it cometh to pass, that those sinful delights which were formerly most sweet to our carnal appetites, are now most bitter and loathsome to the part regenerate; and those godly and religious exercises which were to the flesh and natural man most distasteful and tedious, are now to the man regenerate most pleasant and comfortable; as we may see in David who esteemed Gods word and holy ordinances above all manner of riches, and found 1them sweeter to his taste then the honey or the honey comb; and in Job who professeth, that he esteemed the word of God much more then his necessary food. And therefore though new 2obedience be irk some and painful to those who are unregenerate, yet not to those who are sanctified, changed and renewed in the spirit of their minds. Even as we see those pains and serious studies which were so tedious and contrary to our disposition whilst we were children, are sweet and delightful when we are come to years of discretion. Furthermore let us consider that though it be a most toilsome labour unto us to run in the Christian race being considered in our selves, because we are stiff and benumbed, and sore and lame in all our joints through the fetters and bolts of sin which have long hanged upon us, yet being strengthened by the spirit, and being made partakers of this spiritual anointing, we are made able, nimble and active to run in the ways of God, according to that of the spouse, Draw me, and we will run after thee, and of the Prophet; I will run the way of thy 3Commandments when thou shalt enlarge my heart; and that also of the Apostle; I can do all things through Christ which ⟨p. 143⟩strengtheneth me. Finally let us know, that as we have in the way of Christianity many crosses, so also many comforts, as for example, for the present we loose the applause of worldlings, and lye open to obloquy and reproach; but for recompense we have the approbation of God and our own consciences; we have wars with men, but peace with God; we loose carnal rejoicing in the pleasures of sin, but instead thereof we have spiritual rejoicing in the assurance of Gods love, the remission of our sins, and the salvation of our souls;