A20756:46
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.
It is called the inner man, and the (c) hidden man of the heart; because it swayeth & ruleth principally in the soul, mind and 2heart, enlightening the understanding & sanctifying the will and affections, and so making them conformable to the word and will of God; and cannot be discerned outwardly by the sense, but only when it showeth it self in the effects and fruits thereof. It is called a (d) new creature, because it is no relic or remainder of that image of God, according to which we were at the first created, but a new work of Gods holy spirit, by his sole omnipotent power made of nothing, and not of any preexistent matter which it found in us. Finally, it is called the law of the spirit, and the law of the 4mind; because it is engraven and written in our hearts, ruling and governing us, directing and inclining us both in our souls and bodies unto all holy obedience, 5and inciting us to the performance of all Christian duties, wherein this law of the Spirit differeth from the laws of men, for although it be the ⟨p. 14⟩intention of lawgivers to make men good; yet their laws do this only thus far forth, as they give notice unto them what they ought to do and leave undone; but the holy spirit dwelling in us, doth not only, by enlightening our understanding, teach us what is our duty, but also inclineth our hearts and affections unto obedience, causing us to put in practise the things we know. And it is called the Law of the spirit of life. For as the natural spirit or soul is the cause of our natural life; so Gods holy spirit is the cause of the life of Grace; according to the saying of our Saviour. It is the spirit which quickeneth, and the words which I speak unto 6you are spirit and life. The which spirit of life is originally in our Saviour Christ, and from him derived unto us who are united unto him, and to no other. For as the natural spirit extendeth unto no member which hath not connection with the head; so this holy spirit of life is derived unto none who is not joined in communion with Christ our head, according to that