A20756:288
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 first end at which the flesh in it lusting aimeth, is to stir up and incline us unto such lusts, desires and motions, as are sinful and contrary to the law of God, as to infidelity, impenitency, pride, self-love, hatred, envy, uncleanness, covetousness and such like; or to speak more distinctly, it endeavoureth to beget and stir up, preserve and nourish evil cogitations in the mind, wicked inclinations in the will and sinful affections and desires in the heart, in which respect it is fitly compared to a fiery furnace or boiling pot, which continually send up sparks and smoke; and by the Apostle James it is likened to a filthy harlot, which by her alluring baits enticeth to commit folly with her, upon which followeth the conception and birth of sin and death. And our Saviour Christ telleth 2us, that from within, even in the heart, (that is the sinful 3flesh and natural corruption, which chiefly resideth in the heart) proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness, &c. Contrary to this is the lusting of the spirit, which endeavoureth to stir up & persevere good motions & inclinations in us, as good meditations in the mind, good resolutions in the will, good ⟨p. 196⟩desires and affections in the heart which are conformable and agreeable to the holy will and word of God. Thus the Apostle John saith, that we have received an unction from 4the holy one whereby we know all things. And Saint Paul exhorteth us not to quench the spirit, that is the good motions which arise from it, as it were sparks from the fire. So David. I will bless the Lord who hath given me 5counsel; my reins also instruct me in the night season, that is, those sweet meditations and motions which the spirit secretly in the night season putteth into our minds and hearts. And the Prophet Isaiah saith, that the ears of the faithful shall hear a voice behind them, saying. This is the 6