A20756:293
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.
1But let us descend to some particulars, and consider the manner of this fight between the flesh and the spirit in our several faculties and parts. And that both the superior and inferior faculties. In the superior, as both the mind and the will whether we consider them severally or jointly. Concerning the former, the mind of the faithful being but in part renewed and regenerate, the relics 2of our sinful corruption do remain in it, which continually fight against the renewed graces of the spirit, they labouring to expel and thrust them out, and the other to keep their possession and continue in them. So Nazianzan; There is in me (saith he) a double mind, the one being ⟨p. 199⟩good followeth that which is good, the other being evil followeth 3also evil. That cheerfully and willingly obeyeth Christ, and desireth the light; this contrariwise is devoted to flesh and blood, and is ready to entertain Belial drawing us to darkness. Whereof it cometh to pass that this is delighted in earthly things and in the flitting and frail profits of this life, as though they were the chief good, and loveth riotous feastings hatred, gluttony, and the filthiness and willy deceits of the works of darkness, and goeth the broad way, being compassed about with such a dark cloud of folly, that it feigneth unto it self pleasure out of it own destruction. But the spiritual mind rejoiceth in heavenly things, which we enjoy through hope, placeth all confidence of life and salvation in God alone, esteemeth worldly profits subject to innumerable casualties, as vile and contemptible smoke, loveth honest labours, poverty and laudable cares, and taketh the narrow way that leadeth to life.
1BVt let vs descend to some particulars, and consider the maner of this fight betweene the flesh and the spirit in our seuerall faculties and parts. And that both the superiour and inferiour faculties. In the superiour, as both the minde and the will whether we consider them seuerally or ioyntly. Concerning the former, the minde of the faithfull being but in part renewed and regenerate, the reliques