The combat of the flesh and the spirit. Galatians 5:17. The flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary, the one to the other; so that you cannot do those things that you should.
Faith only puts an end to that lifeless, faint, and unprofitable conflict under the law; not of the combat between the flesh and the spirit. The last, rather begins on our believing in Christ; for till then we have not the spirit of God, which is only given by the gospel.
What different powers of grace and sin
Attend our mortal state?
I hate the thoughts that work within,
And do the works I hate.
Now I complain, and groan, and die,
While sin and Satan reign:
Now raise my songs of triumph high,
For grace prevails again.
So darkness struggles with the light,
Till perfect day arise:
Water and fire maintain the fight,
Until the weaker dies.
Thus will the flesh and spirit strive,
And vex and break my peace:
But I shall quit this mortal life.
And sin for ever cease.