A20756:257
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.
1The causes of this conflict are either efficient and more remote, or formal and essential; the later is plainly expressed, the former implied in the description of this conflict, namely Gods will appointing this fight; and to this purpose, not perfecting our sanctification in this life, but in part regenerating, and in part leaving us unregenerate. Yea but why did not the Lord, who through his infinite wisdom was as able to have recreated and renewed us at once by his sole word as he did first create & make, us perfect this work of regeneration, replenish us with abundance of his spirit and with sanctifying graces thereof, and quite abolish the flesh with the lusts thereof? I answer though there were no other reason but the good pleasure of his most wise will, it were sufficient to satisfy us, for he best knoweth what to give, and when to give ⟨p. 173⟩it, what measure of his grace is fittest for him to bestow, and the most seasonable time for us to receive it. But yet divers reasons may be yielded why the Lord suffereth the flesh and the sinful lusts thereof still in some measure and degree to remain in us, and to fight with and assault the spiritual part, all which may be reduced to two heads; first because this course is most profitable, and secondly most fitting and seasonable. It is most profitable both for the setting forth of Gods glory, and the advancing and furthering of our own good. It doeth more manifest and magnify the glory of God, for the weaker we are in our regenerate part, and the stronger the flesh is with all other the enemies of our salvation, the more clearly his wisdom and power shineth and appeareth, which so strengtheneth this weak part, that it is able to stand in the day of battle; yea that it obtaineth a full and final victory, and putteth all it mighty enemies to flight. Whereas if we were perfectly regenerate and the flesh utterly vanquished and abolished, it were no great wonder, that we were not overcome, if we had no enemy or but a weak one to set upon us. And this moved the Lord to suffer the prick in the flesh to molest the Apostle, and the messenger of Satan to buffet him, notwithstanding he so earnestly prayed to be delivered from 2them, that the all-sufficiency of his grace assisting him might appear, and his power might be gloriously manifested in his weakness and infirmity.