A20756:72
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.
1AND therefore having showed what is the erroneous conceit of the Papists concerning the flesh, in the next place we will confute it, and prove that by flesh we are to understand, not the body and inferior and sensitive faculties of the soul, nor yet only the corruption of them both; but also the corruption of the whole man, and principally of the reason and will which they magnify with so many praises. And this will appear by the clear evidence of the holy Scriptures, by strong and demonstrative reasons grounded upon them, by the testimony of the Fathers, yea even of the Adversaries themselves. And first in the whole course and current of the Scriptures we may observe that there is much more spoken of the sinful corruption of the soul, then of the body; and in the soul, not only of the inferior, sensitive and animal faculties, but also of the superior and intellectual, as of the corruption and depravation of the mind, understanding, reason, wisdom and will. The Apostle joineth them both together, 2. Cor. 7. 1. Having therefore (saith he) these promises (dearly 2beloved) let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Where he necessarily implieth, that both in himself, & in those beloved Saints to whom he writeth, there was remaining corruption and filthiness of nature, which was to be purged away, not only in the body which here is signified by flesh, but also in the soul, which is here understood by the Spirit. So Ephe. 2. 3. Among whom (saith he) also we all had our ⟨p. 34⟩3conversation in times past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind. And Rom. 8. 8. he telleth 4us, that they, who are in the flesh cannot please God. Where by flesh we cannot understand the body (for then the servants of God could not please him in this life) but the corruption of nature, with which our bodies and souls are defiled, till they be renewed and sanctified by Gods spirit. And thus Chrysostom expoundeth this place. What then (saith he) shall we destroy our own bodies, and so go out of the flesh that we may please God? Doest thou command us to be murderers, when as thou pretendest to draw us unto virtue? Ye see what absurdities do hence arise, if these things be simply and literally understood.