A20756:401
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.
The which by his inward and secret operation, he so blesseth and sanctifieth unto us, that they become effectual to work in us a lively faith, whereby we lay hold upon Christ and his benefits, and so are assured of the mercy of God and the remission and pardon of all our sins, of Gods grace in this life, and eternal glory in the life to come.
The which by his inward and secret operation, he so blesseth and sanctifieth vnto vs, that they become effectuall to worke in vs a liuely faith, whereby wee lay hold vpon Christ and his benefits, and so are assured of the mercie of God and the remission and pardon of all our sinnes, of Gods grace in this life, and eternall glory in the life to come.
1And thus being possessed by faith of all these inestimable benefits, our hearts are ravished with the apprehension of the infinite love of God, and our Saviour Christ, and inflamed with unfeigned love towards them again; which faith thus working by love doth cause a change and alteration which is called repentance, beginning in the mind and heart, and so proceeding to the outward parts and actions; and worketh in us a godly sorrow because by our sins we have so much offended and displeased so gracious a God and good a father; a true hatred of those sins and corruptions which we have either formerly committed, or which yet adhere and cleave unto us, and a settled resolution and constant purpose to mortify and subdue, leave and forsake them for the time to come; and to serve the Lord in holiness and newness of life. All which we ⟨p. 283⟩do not out of servile fear, but out of child-like love and affection, which maketh us willing and desirous by our new obedience to please and glorify our heavenly father, not for fear of condemnation, but because through the mercies of God, and merits of Christ, we are assured that we shall never be condemned. Where by the way we may note a notable difference between that sorrow for sin which the spirit worketh in the regenerate, and that which is in carnal men: For though these may sorrow and grieve after they have sinned, yet it is not for sin it self, the remembrance whereof is pleasant unto them, but for the punishments, which they either presently feel, or fear and expect in time to come: where as the sorrow of Gods children is a flood or stream that springeth from faith and love, making us to bewail our sins because we have offended and dishonoured so good a God who hath freed us from the guilt and punishment of them by giving his only Son to death as the price of our redemption.