A20756:487
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. XVII. Of two other rules to be observed of those who would subdue the flesh.
CHAP. XVII. Of two other rules to bee obserued of those who would subdue the flesh.
1THE third rule in resisting and assaulting of the flesh is, that we withstand it in all occasions which it taketh, and means which it useth to prevail against us, and that we do with equal care avoid and shun them, as we do the sinful lusts themselves, or the wicked actions unto which they do incline a•• tempt us. To which purpose one saith, that this shall be unto us the occasion of the greatest security, if we will not only carefully slay sins, but also the 2means whereby they do supplant us &c. For a• he who goeth upon the edge of a steep and craggy Rock, though he falleth not, yet with fear trembleth, and so falleth through his trembling: so he who leaveth not, sin aloof and far off, but approacheth close to the brink of it hath just, cause to live in fear, seeing he is apt often to slip into it. He that feareth death, if he be wise, he w•ll not drink poison, nor thrust himself into needless and dangerous quarrels, nor expose his person to any other perils, which threaten his destruction. He that would preserve the riches which he loveth, will not entertain occasions of needless expenses much less will he suffer his doors to stand wide open in the night, or invite known thieves to lodge with him; and he who would not have his house burned will not be so foolish to bring and leave fire carelessly in the room where is store of flax gunpowder or such like matter as is combustible. How much greater care therefore becometh it us to use to withstand all means and occasions of sin unto which our corrupt natures are so much inclined? For if we be so frail and weak through our corruption, that of our selves we are prone to fall, when as there is no outward means or occasion to move us thereunto; how much