A20756:424
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.
CHAP. XIII. Of the event and success of the fight between the Flesh and the Spirit.
CHAP. XIII. Of the euent and successe of the fight betweene the Flesh and the Spirit.
1THE last thing to be considered in this conflict between the spirit and the flesh is the event and success of the fight between them, which is two-fold; the first whereof is the repulses and foils which the spirit receiveth and suffereth through the malice and fury of the flesh; the second is the victory and triumph of the spirit over it; the first being temporary and lasting only for a time; the other permanent and everlasting. Concerning the former, the spirit is often foiled in this combat, when as by the subtlety or violence of the flesh, it is hindered in the course of godliness and allured or forcibly drawn to the committing of sin; Of which the Apostle complaineth: I see (saith he) another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of ⟨p. 302⟩2sin which is in my members. And again, I find then a law, that when I would do good, evil is present with me. The which happeneth either through the weakness of the spirit, or want of watchfulness, and spiritual care to keep the whole armour of God fast buckled unto us. Of which foils there follow two notable effects; the first is unfeigned and bitter grief and sorrow for our slips and falls; the other an earnest and fervent desire to rise again, to be delivered from the bondage of the flesh, and having regained the victory to subdue and keep it under for the time to come. Of the former we have an example in the Church, which finding her failings and falls into sin, pitifully complaineth and crieth out unto God for help; O Lord, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways? And hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.