A20756:419
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.
1If therefore we would know whether the spirit of God dwell in us or no, we must examine our own hearts, and try our selves, whether there be in us these operations and effects of the spirit which are resembled by these metaphors and similitudes, as first if it have like a mighty wind cast down the strong holds of sin, and (as it were) laid flat on the ground our proud carnal reason and rebellious will subjecting them to the will of God and the rule of his word; if it hath caused us, not only to burn in love of Gods Majesty, but even to blaze out in the zeal of his glory, and if it hath cleansed us like pure wheat from the chaff of our corruptions, and from the light corn of human inventions and ungrounded superstitions. Secondly, let us consider and try our selves, if like an oil it hath suppled and softened our hard and stony hearts, so as they are pliable to Gods will; if by this spiritual anointing we be made more strong, active and nimble to perform holy and Christian duties, then ever we have been in time past; and finally if it have comforted and cheered our hearts in the assurance of our reconciliation with God, and remission of our sins, filling them with spiritual joy, and hath brought peace of conscience which maketh us to look with a cheerful countenance, even whilst the world frowneth upon us. Thirdly, let us examine, if like water it hath cleared the eyes of our minds, and hath given unto us a saving, feeling and experimental knowledge of God, our selves, and his holy trueth; if it hath cooled and refreshed us who were scorched with the apprehension of Gods anger for our sins, or with the heat of troubles and afflictions, and hath quenched our spiritual thirst by applying unto us Christs righteousness and blood-shed (as it were) a fountain of living waters; if it hath by applying unto us the virtue ⟨p. 296⟩of Christs death, cleansed and purged us, not only from the guilt and punishment, but also from the corruption of our sins, so as though they dwell, yet they do not reign in our mortal body; and lastly if it have watered our hearts, as it were, dry and barren grounds, and hath made them like a fertile soil, to bring forth plentiful fruits of holiness and righteousness.
1If therefore we would knowe whether the spirit of God dwell in vs or no, wee must examine our owne hearts, and try our selues, whether there be in vs these operations and effects of the spirit which are resembled by these metaphors and similitudes, as first if it haue like a mighty winde cast downe the strong holds of sinne, and (as it were) laide flat on the ground our proude carnall reason and rebellious will subiecting them to the will of God and the rule of his word; if it hath caused vs, not onely to burne in loue of Gods Maiesty, but euen to blaze out in the zeale of his glory, and if it hath cleansed vs like pure wheate from the chaffe of our corruptions, and from the light corne of humaine inuentions and vngrounded superstitions. Secondly, let vs consider and try our selues, if like an oyle it hath suppled and softned our hard and stony hearts, so as they are pliable to Gods will; if by this spirituall annoyting wee be made more strong, actiue and nimble to performe holy and Christian duties, then euer wee haue beene in time past; and finally if it haue comforted and cheared our hearts in the assurance of our reconciliation with God, and remission of our sinnes, filling them with spirituall ioy, and hath brought peace of conscience which maketh vs to looke with a chearefull countenance, euen whilest the world frowneth vpon vs. Thirdly, let vs examine, if like water it hath cleared the eyes of our mindes, and hath giuen vnto vs a sauing, feeling and experimentall knowledge of God, our selues, and his holy trueth; if it hath cooled and refreshed vs who were scorched with the apprehension of Gods anger for our sinnes, or with the heate of troubles and afflictions, and hath quenched our spirituall thirst by applying vnto vs Christs righteousnesse and blood-shead (as it were) a fountaine of liuing waters; if it hath by applying vnto vs the vertue