A20756:415
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.
1Finally it is compared to fire, according to the Baptists speech of our Saviour Christ, He shall baptise you with the holy Ghost and with fire; and so when he descended upon the Apostles, it is said that there appeared unto them, cloven tongues like as fire, and it sate upon each of them. The which similitude is most lively to signify and represent the virtue and operation of the holy Ghost. For first like fire it giveth light, even in the darkest places and dispelleth and scattereth the black and thick fogs of ignorance and error, so that all things about it which were hidden and secrete are spiritually discerned, in which respect he is called the (a) father of lights, which causeth the (b) light of grace bringing salvation to shine unto us, by which we are (c) enlightened who sate and in darkness, and in the shadow of death, that we might (d) know the things of God, which cannot otherwise be discerned, and might have our feet guided into the ways of peace. Secondly as fire burneth all things that are combustible, as straw, wood, chaff and such like; so the spirit of God burneth and consumeth in us whatsoever may be consumed, as sin, corruption, and all manner of fleshly lusts, and so offereth up our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable and without 6blame, which would not be acceptable unto God, unless like the whole burnt offering, it were thus salted, seasoned, and purified with this holy fire, as our Saviour speaketh. Thirdly, as fire by consuming the rust and dross doeth refine and purify the metal, so that the more it is tried the purer it waxeth; So this holy spirit consuming the rust and dross of our sins and corruptions, doeth make us pure and refined metals, yea it also (like the fire) hath the virtue of separation, parting asunder our tin and copper; from right silver and gold, that so we might be a treasure unto God, and as it were fit vessels for his own table. So the Lord promiseth; I will turn mine hand upon thee, and 7