A20756:421
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.
1The last effects which are infallible signs of the spirits dwelling in us, are all the saving and sanctifying gifts and graces which it worketh in us; as first a lively faith apprehending the promises, and applying unto us Christ Jesus and all his benefits, of which I have already spoken. The second fruit of the spirit is unfeigned love of God, not only for his benefits received or expected, present prosperity, the confluence of worldly benefits, and everlasting salvation; but also in his own nature and in respect of his 2goodness, mercy, justice, holiness and all other his saving attributes. In which the faithful in their love resemble ⟨p. 297⟩children, who love their parents, out of natural affection, simply and sincerely, when as they have no other outward motive, even when they cross them in their desires, and do correct and chastise them for their amendment. For such is the love of Gods children, free and generous, (although their love may be increased, and made unto them much more sensible by temporal benefits and heavenly hopes) in which respect they are said to have received a free spirit, and so serve God in the liberty of it. Whereas contrariwise if there be any love towards God in the wicked, it is only servile and slavish, not for his own sake, or out of their own disposition and natural affection, but only for the hire of worldly prosperity, honours, riches, pleasures, peace, health, ease and such like temporary benefits; the which when he doeth at any time take from them, and inflict upon them the contrary crosses, then the cause of their love ceasing, their love it self also ceaseth; as we see in the example of Saul, Jehu, Judas, Demas and many others. Thirdly, the spirit bringeth with it peace of conscience, 3which is a fruit of faith that the spirit worketh in us, assuring us of the remission of our sins and our reconciliation with God; for so the Apostle saith, that being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; and therefore he also reckoneth it among the fruits of the spirit.
1The last effects which are infallible signes of the spirits dwelling in vs, are all the sauing and sanctifying gifts and graces which it worketh in vs; as first a liuely faith apprehending the promises, and applying vnto vs Christ Iesus and all his benefits, of which I haue already spoken. The second fruite of the spirit is vnfained loue of God, not onely for his benefits receiued or expected, present prosperitie, the confluence of worldly benefits, and euerlasting saluation; but also in his owne nature and in respect of his