A20756:532
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.
For they who have once tasted of these spiritual excellencies, are not satisfied with a small pittance, but rather thereby their desire is enlarged, their appetite sharpened, and their hunger increased after a more full and perfect allowance.
For they who haue once tasted of these spirituall excellencies, are not satisfied vvith a small pittance, but rather thereby their desire is inlarged, their appetite sharpened, and their hunger increased after a more full and perfect allowance.
1Now as we are thus to desire more and more an access of all spiritual grace unto perfection; so in the second ⟨p. 386⟩place, we are to endeavour in the use of all good means appointed by God for the strengthening and increasing of 2them. And first we must be careful and diligent in hearing▪ reading and meditating in the word of God, which is the ministry of grace and salvation, and not only the seed whereby we are regenerate and made new borne babes in Christ, but also the food whereby we are nourished 3and increased in grace and spiritual strength, until we come unto a full age in Christ. Milk for our tender infancy, and more strong and perfect nourishment for our riper age. Now because there may come a dear year, when as this spiritual food will be very scarce, so as we may wander 4from sea to sea, and run to and fro, from the North even unto the East, to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it as he threateneth by the Prophet; therefore we must with Joseph foreseeing this danger in our years of plenty lay up store against the time of scarcity and penury, that our spirit do not loose it strength, nor our souls be famished with this spiritual famine; and not like the foolish Egyptians for want of providence be driven to seek our food with much inconveniency, when as we should feed upon it. Yea we are not only to lay up sufficient store for our own provision, but as Joseph did, for the relief and comfort of all that sue and seek unto us, that their souls may bless us when as they find themselves refreshed and comforted with this spiritual nourishment. And this means of comforting and strengthening the spirit, Cyril commendeth unto us. If (saith he) coming often unto the Church thou givest ear to the holy Scriptures, and conceivest