A20756:448
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 second thing to be considered in the success of this conflict, is the assured victory which the Spirit always obtaineth over the flesh; for though it be often weakened and wearied, yet it can never be utterly vanquished, but still recovereth strength and courage, whereby again it prevaileth and putteth the flesh to flight; though it receive many wounds, foils and falls in the combat, yet the wounds are recurred by applying of the precious balsam of Christs blood, by the hand of faith, and it recovereth of the soils and falls through the power and promises of God apprehended by the same means, and through the gracious assistance of Gods spirit which supporteth our weakness, and when we are ready to faint and sink, sendeth fresh supplies of renewed graces which re-enforcing our decayed bands, encourageth us to give fierce assaults, against the flesh and the lusts thereof and enableth us to obtain the ⟨p. 319⟩victory. Neither is it possible that the flesh or the Devil himself should finally prevail against the man regenerate, not because he is mightier then they, or is superior in power or policy, (for herein even the stoutest champion cometh far short of our spiritual enemies) but because God hath in many places of holy scripture promised unto them victory, and that if they will resist and fight, their enemies shall flee and be discomfited, and therefore the issue of the battle resteth not upon their strength, but upon the infallible 2truth of God which can never fail. Secondly, because we sight not with our own weapons, but with the sword of the spirit which nothing can withstand; we stand in the field not in our own armour, but in the complete armour of God, which being o• his making, must needs be high proof, and will not by its weakness and insufficiency discredit the workman;
1The second thing to bee considered in the successe of this conflict, is the assured victorie which the Spirit alwaies obtaineth ouer the flesh; for though it be often weakened and wearied, yet it can neuer be vtterly vanquished, but still recouereth strength and courage, whereby againe it preuaileth and putteth the flesh to flight; though it receiue many wounds, foiles and fals in the combate, yet the wounds are recured by applying of the precious balsum of Christs bloud, by the hand of faith, and it recouereth of the soiles and fals through the power and promises of God apprehended by the same meanes, and through the gracious assistance of Gods spirit which supporteth our weakenesse, and when wee are ready to faint and sinke, sendeth fresh supplies of renewed graces which re-enforcing our decayed bands, encourageth vs to giue fierce assaults, against the flesh and the lusts thereof and enableth vs to obtaine the