A20756:437
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.
1And thus we have showed what graces of the spirit, both in respect of their kind and quality may be lost and quenched, namely common gifts in all men, and seeming saving graces in the unregenerate. Now let us consider a little further of this question, and examine whether in this spiritual conflict, true sanctifying and saving graces in the elect and regenerate may be utterly killed, or for a time quenched or no. For the answer whereof we are to know, first that as seeming graces in the unregenerate may be truly lost, so true graces in the faithful may be lost seemingly, though not in deed, for our Saviour hath promised, that to those that have shall be given, and they shall 2have abundance; and that every branch that beareth fruit shall be purged that it may bring forth more fruit. How be it they may (as I have said) seemingly loose those graces which they keep in trueth. For example they may seemingly loose their illumination and saving knowledge, when as through the relics of ignorance remaining in them, they fall sometimes into gross errors, and when through the subtle sophistry of the world and the flesh, they are already fallen or ready to fall into Schisms or heresies. They may also seemingly loose their faith, when as being violently assaulted with the temptations of their spiritual enemies, it receiveth grievous foils, and lieth hid and covered with doubting and incredulity, like fire under the ashes, or the Sun beams under a dark cloud. So they may seem to have lost the grace of repentance, when as they are overtaken afresh with their old sins; and when their corruptions after they have received a deadly wound, do seem to revive again, and to recover some strength, by exercising their vigour in their earthly members; especially when as after they are cleansed, they relapse and fall into the same gross sins, not only ignorantly and through infirmity, but also wittingly and willingly against their own knowledge and conscience. ⟨p. 312⟩Finally, when as they are grown cold or lukewarm in their love and zeal, and slack and negligent in the performance of all Christian duties, because they do not stir up Gods graces in them, or do overwhelm them with fleshly cares, or the eager pursuit of worldly vanities. And yet all this while these saving graces are not lost, but only hid and covered;