A20756:540
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 sixth means to preserve and strengthen the spirit, and to increase in us the graces and gifts thereof, is to keep them in continual exercise; and to cause these habits to show themselves in their functions and operations. For no more necessary is breathing and moving for the preserving the life of our bodies, then fruitful working and holy walking in all Christian duties, is for the preserving and cherishing the life of the spirit; according to that of the Apostle; If we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the 2spirit. And as in natural things, the causes are preserved by producing their effects, and habits and qualities confirmed and strengthened by their functions and operations; so is it also in the spirit and spiritual graces. We find by experience that the sight is bettered by seeing, and much weakened when it is deprived of fit objects. The habitual memory is much strengthened by the practical, and made feeble and unfaithful, when as it hath no exercise or employment; the understanding becometh more intelligent by minding and conceiving, and i• much impaired when it is not used; the strength of the arm, hand, leg and the ⟨p. 392⟩whole body is much strengthened and increased by action and exercise, and decayeth and is greatly enfeebled by sloth and idleness. And thus it is also with the spirit and spiritual graces, let us use them and we shall have them; let these roots of holiness bring forth their boughs and branches, their leaves of profession and their fruits of practise, and they will live and prosper, spread inwardly and spring and sprout outwardly, but if we hinder them from bearing their leaves and roots, and be still cutting and lopping of their boughs and branches, they will in a while dye and perish. Let this fire of the spirit have fit vent to send out its flames of holy and righteous actions, and it will still live, burn and blaze, but if once we begin to stop this vent, it will presently dye and turn to cold embers. Let faith exercise it self in apprehending the promises, in waiting for the performance, in fighting against doubting, and in bearing the fruits of good works, and from a grain of mustard seed it will grow to a great tree, from smoking flax to a burning flame, and from a feeble assent to a firm and full persuasion.