A20756:529
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. XX. Of the means for the comforting, cheering and strengthening of the spirit unto the Conflict.
CHAP. XX. Of the meanes for the comforting, choaring and strengthening of the spirit vnto the Conflict.
1THE second thing required is, that we use all means for the comforting and cheering, the strengthening and enabling of the spirit unto this spiritual Conflict. And first we must earnestly desire to have the spirit more strengthened, and the gifts and graces thereof enlarged and and multiplied in us; For as we have Gods promise, that if wanting the spirit, we do desire and pray for it, he will give him unto us, so also when having it, we desire to have it, and 2the graces thereof increased in us, the Lord will satisfy our 3desires, and bring this work of grace begun to accomplishment ⟨p. 385⟩4and perfection. For therefore doth the Lord enlarge our hearts with these longing desires, that he may satisfy them, therefore doth he make us to hunger after grace, and to find and feel our own emptiness, that he may fill and replenish us with them. We must not therefore rest contented and satisfied with that measure of grace which we have received, or that portion of the spirit wherewith we are already endued, but we must hunger after more perfection, and grow from grace to grace, from strength to strength, and from one degree of spiritual stature unto another, until we come unto a perfect age in Christ. And this is an inseparable and infallible sign and property of the faithful & regenerate, who are said to be 5trees of righteousness of Gods own planting, which bring forth more plenty of fruit in their old age, and are not doted