A20756:337
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.
Which plainly showeth that their opposition to error and falsehood, was not chiefly grounded on mental discourses (for then those who most excelled in learning & knowledge should have as much exceeded in their resolution and opposition) but upon that secret change of nature, made in them by Gods spirit, by which they opposed that which was evil, not only in their reason and understanding, but also in their will, hearts and affections, with all other powers and parts of their souls and bodies. By which it appeareth that the Christian is no sooner conceived of the seed of the spirit, and by communication of saving grace, receiveth spiritual life, birth and being, but he presently becometh one of Gods soldiers, and as naturally and voluntarily by virtue of his regeneration, fighteth against the flesh, the world and the devil, without any pressing by the conscience, or enticement and enforcing by the terrors of the law denouncing punishment, if he go not on this Warfare, only out ⟨p. 234⟩of his love and obedience towards God and his owns inclination carrying him against these enemies, as it were by a natural antipathy and inward contrariety, as the fire striveth against the water, health against sickness or life against death.
Which plainely sheweth that their opposition to errour and falsehood, was not chiefly grounded on mentall discourses (for then those who most excelled in learning & knowledge should haue as much exceeded in their resolution and opposition) but vpon that secret change of nature, made in them by Gods spirit, by which they opposed that which was euil, not onely in their reason and vnderstanding, but also in their will, hearts and affections, with all other powers and parts of their soules and bodies. By which it appeareth that the Christian is no sooner conceiued of the seede of the spirit, and by communication of sauing grace, receiueth spirituall life, birth and being, but hee presently becommeth one of Gods souldiars, and as naturally and voluntarily by vertue of his regeneration, fighteth against the flesh, the world and the diuel, without any pressing by the conscience, or inticement and enforcing by the terrours of the lawe denouncing punishment, if hee goe not on this Warfare, onely out ⟨p. 234⟩of his loue and obedience towards God and his owns inclination carying him against these enemies, as it were by a naturall antipathy and inward contrariety, as the fire striueth against the water, health against sickenesse or life against death.