A20756:364
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 that we may studiously endeavour to attain unto, let us consider, first that God in his Word revealeth this truth of the spirits dwelling in every faithful Christian, by many infallible marks and signs, to this end and purpose, that we 1may take notice thereof, & labour to attain to the knowledge and assurance of it, being a truth so important and comfortable. Secondly, if we do not know that the Spirit dwelleth in us, we cannot know that we have any part in Christ; and consequently, that we are true Christians, seeing the holy Spirit is the principal bond of the union between him and us, by which he dwelleth in us, and we ⟨p. 254⟩in him. Thirdly, if we do not know that the Spirit dwelleth in us, we cannot know that we are justified; for we have nothing to do with Christs righteousness in which we stand righteous before God, till by our spiritual union he is made ours, whereby we have right and interest in all his benefits, we cannot know that we are adopted the children of God, unless we know that we have the spirit of Adoption, whereby we cry in our hearts. Abba Father. 2Nor that we are sanctified, unless we have the sanctifying spirit which is the beginner and perfecter of all our holiness; nor that our prayers are heard of God, seeing of our selves we know not how to pray as we ought, but it is the spirit of supplication, which helpeth our infirmities and teacheth us to pray with sighs and groans which cannot be expressed; 3Neither doth the Lord hear any prayers but such as the Spirit inspireth, because such only are according to his will. And when without his help we pray, We ask and receive not, because we ask amiss, as the Apostle speaketh. Fourthly, unless we know that we have the Spirit, we 4cannot know whether we are in error or truth, or whether our Religion which we profess, be true or false, because he is the spirit of illumination, who only enlighteneth us and teacheth and leadeth us in all truth. Now how shall he show us other things, so as we may know that he showeth them, if he do not show us himself, and make it known unto us that he dwelleth in us, and teacheth us?