A20756:480
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 this watch as it must be kept at all times, so also in all things; for even one gate of the City unguarded, is sufficient to let in an whole army of enemies, though all the rest be carefully watched; and therefore following the Apostles exhortation unto Timothy, we must watch in all 2things. For it is not enough that we keep this watch about things, simply and in their own nature evil, that we may avoid them, but even in things indifferent, that we do not abuse our Christian liberty unto sin; yea in those actions which are in their own nature good, that we may do them in a good manner and to a right end, least otherwise they be turned into sin. For example we must keep this watch over our selves when we hear the word, according to that of our Saviour; Take heed how 3you hear; least through our secure recklessness we hear without reverence and attention, without care to treasure it up in our hearts or to practise it in our lives. So we must keep this watch over our selves when we pray, least our minds being carried away with wandering thoughts, we call upon God with deceitful lips, our bodies being present, but our hearts in the mean time far from him. So likewise our Saviour warneth us to take heed when we give alms, because we are in danger to be tainted with pride, and to aim at the applause and praise of men. Now if there be such need of watchfulness, when as we 4are exercised in the duties of Gods service, and in the best actions which we perform, then how much more in the use of things indifferent which become sinful if they be not used with much caution and moderation? how much more when we intermeddle with worldly affairs and earthly things, which like birdlime are apt to defile and entrap us, and are commonly used by Satan, the world and our own ⟨p. 344⟩corruption, as snares and nets to entangle and catch us, and as baits to cover the hooks of sin, which will mortally choke us, if we swallow them down, unless we cast them up again by unfeigned repentance.