A20756:478
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. XVI. Of other means whereby the flesh may be subdued and overcome.
CHAP. XVI. Of other meanes whereby the flesh may bee subdued and ouercome.
1Now having thus far proceeded in the withdrawing of all means whereby the flesh is nourished and strengthened, we must not rest here, but in the next place use all good means whereby it may be subdued and overcome. And first of all we must keep a narrow and diligent watch over our selves, and over our enemy, not only to prevent all occasions whereby it may circumvent and surprise us at unawares, but also that we may take the fittest opportunities, and best advantages for the killing and crucifying of all our fleshly lusts. And this careful watch is most necessary, for in this life we get not a full conquest over the flesh, but after we have gotten the better in many conflicts, have put it to shameful flight, wounded, weakened it, and brought it in subjection, as a captive and bondslave, yet still it is plotting and practising new treasons. For the achieving whereof it hath great advantages; for it not only lieth about our City walls, but even in every secrete corner of our streets, and no sooner do our foreign enemies the devil and the world besiege and assault us, but presently this lurkling traitor is ready to open the gates of our souls, and letting them in, to join with them to work our overthrow. In which regard who would not appoint a continual sentinel, and keep a very narrow watch? who would give any place to carnal security, and carelessly sleep in the middest of these dangers? who can walk securely among serpents and scorpions, and rest quietly in his bed when the envious man watcheth about his house with a purpose to fire and burn it? Here in this world is no place or safety, and therefore let there be no time for security. We shall be only safe in heaven ⟨p. 343⟩when as we shall have a full and final victory over all our enemies; and therefore let us not be reckless on earth, 2