A20756:237
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.
Yea not only doth the flesh dwell and co-inhabit with us, but it also adhereth and inseparably cleaveth unto us, as being a part, and the greater part of our selves. Whereby the dangerousness of this enemy appeareth, for the war which it maketh against the new and spiritual man, is not only civill and domesticall (which notwithstanding is much more perilous and terrible then that which is foreign) but without any metaphor, properly, and truly intestine, and (as it were) in our own bowels. ⟨p. 158⟩Besides this combat between them is fought in a place of great disadvantage, namely this world where the worser 1parts hath many friends and strong aides, even millions of wicked men and whole legions of Devils, and contrariwise the better part hath few friends and many enemies. Great surely (saith one) is the danger, and the conflict sore and grievous against an enemy so domestic, especially seeing we are strangers and he a citizen; he inhabiteth his own country, and we here are exiles and strangers. Yea in truth this war is more intestine then that which was between Rebecca her twins. For not only doth here one person fight against another, nor (as some would have it) the body against the soul of the same man, nor yet one faculty alone against another of a different nature, the sensitive against the reasonable, and the will & affections against the judgement and conscience; but also the self-same faculties against themselves, reason against reason, will against will, the same affection against the same, love against love, fear against fear, and hope against hope. In which respect this fight with our flesh is much more dangerous then our fight with Satan himself; for though he be sometime yea often near us, yet not always, and when he is nearest▪ he is not alike near as our own flesh, which adhereth to every part and faculty of body and soul. Though he casteth into our hearts and minds the fiery darts of his tentations, yet if we catch them upon, and quench them with the shield of faith they will not hurt us. Yea though he buckle and close with us, yet if the Spirit of God dwelling in us resist this foul spirit, he will fly away at least for a season, and we 2shall be rid of his noisome company;