A20756:521
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.
With which kind of obstinate rebellion the spirit is so wearied and tired, that it will no longer contend with us to bring us unto goodness, but will leave us to our own vile lusts, and a reprobate mind to go on in sin with greediness to our perdition. So the Lord professeth that when the old world resisted the motions of his spirit in the preaching of just Noah, it should no longer 1contend with them, but seeing this pure water of his spirit, would not quench their fiery lusts, he would quench them by ⟨p. 377⟩other means, even the universal flood which drowned the whole earth. Thus he complaineth, that he was pressed under 2their sins as a cart is pressed that is full of sheaves, and therefore threateneth that he will press them down with his heavy judgements. And thus because the Gentiles sinned against the common gift and illumination of the spirit, and so against knowledge and conscience, therefore the Lord gave them up to their own vile affections and to a reprobate 3mind, to commit with greediness all manner of abominable wickedness. And therefore if we would not have the spirit to be so weakened and wearied, that it will leave, and forsake us; we must not (as the Apostle exhorteth us) 4quench it, and the good motions thereof by continuing in those sins from which it dissuadeth us; nor by making his lodging loathsome with the noisome filth of sin, grieve the good spirit of God, whereby we are sealed unto the 5day of redemption. To which end let us consider, that if we give good entertainment to this holy guest, he will sup with us and with his company make all our cheer comfortable, yea rather he will feast us, and make us a most pleasant banquet of all spiritual delicacies; he will bear part with us in all our griefs; and as the Prophet speaketh, he will by sympathy and compassion be afflicted in our afflictions. Yea he will comfort us in all our sorrows, and therefore let us 6