A20756:494
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.
1The fourth rule for the resisting of the flesh is somewhat like the former, namely that we withstand the first beginnings of sin, and labour to quench our fiery lusts when they are first kindled in us. As soon as sin appeareth to be sin, and maketh unto us the least show of evil we must presently flee from it, according to that of the Apostle; Abstain from all appearance of evil. For being the 2spawn of the old wily serpent it resembleth the father in subtlety, pressing first to get in the head, and then easily gliding in with the whole body. So Hierom. The devil (saith he) is a slippery serpent, and if we do not keep out his head, that 3is, his first suggestions, it is not to be doubted, but that he will stealingly slide into the most secrete corners of the heart. Hence it is that the Apostle Jude requireth, that we should be so far off from giving entertainment to this enemy our sinful 4corruption, that we should not suffer his weeds abide ni our sight; and so far from loving the body of sin, that we should hate the garments which are spotted with it. For if we give sin an inch, it will take angel; it knoweth better how not to begin, then having begun to make end; and with more ease may we keep it from entering into the outmost suburbs of our souls, then having come thus far, to stay it from going on into the very hart of the City. At the first perhaps it will seem maidenly and modest, and not come in before it have knocked at the door of our conscience, but if we give way to it and do not shut it out with bolt and bar, it will quickly grow familiar and rush suddenly upon us without giving us any warning. To this purpose one saith, that a man though otherwise wicked, before he hath committed sin, cometh more slowly to the 5work of wickedness; but when he hath done it, he is afterwards more ready for every sinful work. Herein like unto a beast which though he be naturally savage, yet if he be not provoked will ⟨p. 356⟩not easily set upon a man; but having once killed a man or beast, and thereby gotten a taste of his blood, he is now so fleshed, that no sooner doth he see a man but without any delay he presently fleeth upon him.