A20756:450
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.
1Now whereas it may be objected that there are many Christians, who by themselves and others are reputed members of Christ, that yet quite fall away from him, and become limbs of Satan; to this I answer that the members of Christ generally so called are of two sorts: First such lively members as are inseparably united unto him by his holy spirit and a lively faith, the which neither the Devil, nor the flesh, nor all the power of hell can pluck away from him. Secondly such as are improperly called Christs members, being dead and fruitless, and only so in their outward profession; the which they making only for worldly respects, must necessarily fail when they fail, and be quite severed from Christ, when their outward profession which is the only bond of their union is taken away; even as a wooden leg which is tied to a living body with strings and points, must needs fall from it, when they are cut in sunder; the which separation doth not prove that the true members of Christ may perish, but rather that these who have thus perished, were never the true members of his body. As for the lively members of Christs body, they can never be parted from him in respect of their spiritual union, because the spirit of God which is the chief band of it can never fail. It is true that there may be a temporary separation between our bridegroom Christ, and the Christian soul espoused unto him, but not 2in respect of their spiritual union, for he betrotheth her unto himself for ever, in righteousness, judgement, loving kindness, ⟨p. 321⟩mercy and faithfulness, as the Prophet speaketh; and not sin it self can separate them, for it is one branch of the marriage covenant, that he will forgive her sins and remember 3them no more; nor death, for they are both immortal: Only they may be parted for a time in respect of communion, and fellowship, & of that sweet influence of his spiritual graces, at least in her feeling & apprehension. Even as the wise and loving husband may for the heinous faults of his wife, cease for a time to communicate unto her his person in respect of sweet society, & delightful familiarity, and yet the union of marriage remaining firm, he may receive her again upon her repentance into his wonted favour, and communicate unto her himself with all testimonies of his love.