A20756:367
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.
1Secondly we may know whether the spirit dwelleth in us, and fighteth against the flesh by the effects and fruits of ⟨p. 256⟩it. And first generally by the nature of the things wrought in us, and then by their constancy and continuance: For if the gifts and endowments which we have be but merely natural, or such as may be attained unto by our own art, industry and endeavours, then are they no infallible notes of Gods sanctifying spirit or saving graces dwelling in us, the which are supernatural divine, and sent down as it were from heaven into us. Whereof it is that the Apostle opposeth this spirit of God and that which is in worldly men, the one against the other. We have received not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God. And a little after, the natural man perceiveth not the things of the Spirit 2of God. Again, if they be but the common gifts of the Spirit, as merely Moral virtues, and restraining graces, which are common to civill worldlings, and have been also in many Heathens and honest infidels, then cannot we by them gather any assurance that the sanctifying spirit dwelleth and warreth in us against the flesh only there is a fight between conscience and affections, vice is curbed and over-ruled by vice, and one corrupt faculty by an other of the same kind.
1Secondly we may know whether the spirit dwelleth in vs, and fighteth against the flesh by the effects and fruits of ⟨p. 256⟩it. And first generally by the nature of the things wrought in vs, and then by their constancie and continuance: For if the gifts and endowments which we haue be but meerely naturall, or such as may be attained vnto by our owne art, industrie and indeauours, then are they no infallible notes of Gods sanctifying spirit or sauing graces dwelling in vs, the which are supernaturall diuine, and sent downe as it were from heauen into vs. Whereof it is that the Apostle opposeth this spirit of God and that which is in worldly men, the one against the other. Wee haue receiued not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God. And a little after, the naturall man perceiueth not the things of the Spirit