He must strive hard that will enter in at the strait Gate Luk. 13. 24. ordinary seeking will not do it If the Believer put off his Armour lay by his weapons suffer the Swâ—… of Faith to rust in the Scabberd and draw it not forth as there is occasion 〈◊〉 He hang down his Hands in Prayer sink in his Hopes cool in his Courage and stand still in a secure careless manner it will be impossible that he should bâ—…eak through those Legions of Devils those Armies of Temptations and make his way through those Adverse Powers that oppose themselves in his waâ—… to Happiness 4. As the Opposition from at least some of his Enemies is perpetual in this life So the Believer hath no rest but hath work enough every day to contest with them A Believer hath a restless Eâ—…my to contend withal as Hamibal said of Marcellus the Roman Consul 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Plutarch Marcel Let him conquer or be conquered he would never be quiet nor give over neither give rest to his Enemy nor takâ—… it himself he would be at it still and never have done So may we say much more of the Believers Enemies Satan never draws his Forces out of the Field Corruptions one way or other will be stirring and the Christian shall be exercised â—…ill with some Thorn in the Flesh and Bufâ—…etings of Satans Messenger The People in Nehemiab's time when they were Alarmd ' and afraid of their malicious and malignant Neighbours wrought with one hand and held a weapon in the other Nehem. 4. 17. But such is the case of a Christian that he must not only work with a Weapon in the other hand but he must actually use his Weapon whilest he is working â—…ghting with one hand and building or labouring with the other If his Enemies conquer they will be sure to prosecute their victory to the utmost and lose no Advantage if they be worsted and routed in any particular Engagement they will not fail to rally their Forces recruit and reinforce themselves presently and fall on again So that a Christian had need eat and drink and sleep in his Arms. He hath no time to put off his Armour to lay by his Weapons He will be hotly engaged till the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Act. 3. 19. the times of refreshing and cooling shall come He can never be said in this world to be miles emerâ—…us or stipendia confecâ—…sse which were the Roman Phrasâ—…s for them that were discharged from the Wars If a Christian live to threescore years of age or more he is not thereby superannuated nor can he plead Age or any thing else to excuse himself from the duty of a Souldier Verily there is no discharge in this Warfare on this side of the Grave There is no bringing of these Enemies to a composition no cessation to be made no League or Truce to be admitted in this Warfare A Christian must be constantly fighting and contending againstâ—… the Enemies of his peace and happiness Thus much for the second Conclusion Concl. 3. A true Believer is never totally and absolutely conquered in any Engagemenâ—… with the Enemies that War against him To be Conquered sin the â—…se I take it here is to be separated from the Love of God and utterly deprived of the special fruits of it Who shall separate us saith the Apostle Rom. 8. 35 from the love of Christ that is who shall conquer us I am perswaded that neither Death â—…r Life nor Angel c. shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord Rom. 8. 38 39. Importing thus much that a Christian can never be totally conquered notwithstanding all the opposition that is made against him Let Enemies do what they can against him yet if he be not separated from the love of God he is not absolutely Conquered or defeated of his Happiness In this respect a Believer is never Conquered For 1. Nothing befals him in his Warfare notwithstanding what his Enemies attempt against him that turns away the Heart of God utterly from him Though Sin and Satan may prevail very far in some conflicts yet never to such a degree as to provoke the Lord to reject him and cast him out of his favour God may be provoked by the compliances of a Believer at some turns with Sin and Satan and the World to take away the manifestations of his Love to deny him some expressions of his Favour to visit his transgressions with a Rod and his iniquity with Stripes but never to take his loving-kindness utterly from him Psal. 89. 30 33. A Believer may be so foiled and worsted by his Enemies through the neglect of his watch or otherwise that God may be displeased with him that there may be a discontinuance of the sensible expressions of the love of God to him and an interruption of it as to manifestations and yet there is no intercision of the love of God to him as to the being of it His love to him is unchangeable and everlasting 2. Nothing falâ—…s out in his progress or march that absolutely flops him in or diverts him fâ—…om his course of proceeding or moving towards the enjoyment of the sweet fruits of Divine Love A Believer may be wounded Lemed and retarded but not totally checked in his way and turned aside from it He may receive many a blow that staggers him that makes him reel and complain that wounds him in his Graces and comforts David had his Bones broken received deep and dangerous wounds that were long healing that sâ—…ank and were corrupt Psal. 38. 5. 7 8. Because he did not apply a timely Remedy unto them they were not presently searched and looked after He was knock'd down and lay in a swoon for a great while that those about him might be ready to fear he would never come to himself again but he revived and recovered at last Satan prevailed with him to commit Folly with Bâ—…hsheba to murder and imbrue his hands in the Blood of Vriah to vent his pride and vain glorious humor in the numbring of the People and to incuâ—…re the displeasure of God thereby but all this did not exâ—…uss and expel the Love of God out of his heart or divert him totally from prosecuting the enjoyment of it Take a Believer in his lowest condition when he is most worsted and prevailed upon by his Enemies yet at that time there is the Seed of God remaining in him 1 Ioh. 3. 9. that inclines 〈◊〉 carries him Godâ—…ard There is a power of Grace and a work of the Spirâ—… upon his Heart that gives him an inclination bent tendency Godward contâ—…ually and though temptations may turn him out of the way for a time and he may meet with many Rubs and Impediments in his Christian race yet there is the strong Byas of Grace the poize and impression of Gods spirit upon his heart that inclines and carries him Godward so that he will come
necessity of that Brotherly union to which the Lord hath entailed the blessing by way of command even life for evermore might â—…ause a retreat to it in all quarters of the spiritual Camp sounded from those hazardous and wâ—…ful pursuits shall the Sword devour for ever will it not be bitterness in the latter end how will the uncircumeised rejoyce The most Warlike Christian Souldier will see one day that he had not any Military skill strength courage or weapon to spare wherewith to sight against Christ in waging any unbrotherly War against any of the called thosen and faithful followers of that Lamb. As for those of Christs Enemies sinful self the Devil and this evil World all Antichristianism fight againsâ—… them we should and not spare them the severeâ—… encounters cannot be too sharp no quarter must either be given or taken here for ever The Enemy is discovered and those Stratagems of Faith in the Blood of Christ proposed by the Reverend Author of the following Sermon whose praise is in the Gates as that bâ—… our right taking the Word not only victory may be gained but what is 〈◊〉 transeendent Thou hast here by one of the Lords Auxiliaries expert in warring the warfare of the service of the Congregation for such will the service of the Ministry be found Numb 8. 24 25. sent else from asar upon the relief to us and in such a day graphically represented to thy view the Church even Triumphant here on Earth more then conquering while it is in inâ—…ate Militant And though their ancient Triumphs were appointed for the General of the Army not for the common Souldiers yet in this Spirituâ—… War the meanest of Christs followers shall Triumph with him and divide the Spoils an earnest and specimen whereof they that are sincere are not seldome acquainted with in this life whence there are erected in heart and life Trophies of the lesser victories gained and all to the Glory of him in whom when they are weak they are strong through the power of his might and may conclude before hand that they are more then Conquerers and shall abide sâ—… superlatively for ever roceiving those dona militaria which are to â—…e distributeâ—… to all such as are faithful unto death I will give thee saith the Lord Rev. 2. â—…0 the Crown of life There is the corona triumphalis not for Paul only a primipilar Champion But 2 Tim. 4. 7 8. which shall be given by the 〈◊〉 Iudge 〈◊〉 them also even to all them that fight the good fight finish their course and keep the faith and that love his appearing and that be would so come quickly O come quickly is the Prayer of The least of thy Fellow Souldiers desirous to serve under the Royal Standard of the Lord Jesus Thomas Shepard ROM 8. 37â—… Nay in all these Things we are more then Conquerers through him that loved us IN these Words we have the Apostle Pauls not Ovation but Triumph not Triumph only but Something I know not how to word it Exhibited in the Name and on the Behalf of Himself and all true Believers Indigitating and Importing a more then ordinary Tryumph over all those Enemies that oppose themselves against the Progress and Advance of a Christian in his way to the Fruition of the sweet Fruits of the Everlasting Love of God in Jesus Christ. Having perspicuously copiously and demonstratively asserted and vindicated the illustrious Doctrine of Justification in a way of Free Grace by Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in the beginning of this excellent Epistle which is ingeniously stiled by the great Melancthâ—…n the Confession of the Reformed Churches he proceeds in the sixth Chapter to Discourse of the Fruits and Consequents thereof namely Sanctification and Obedience the Mortification of indwelling sin in Believers and the renovation or rather infusion of a new Principle of Spiritual Life and Holiness Now because this work is but inchoate and imperfect and in part only transacted in this World and there are remainders of sin in this life in the best of Saints and because Grace and Corruption are vigorous active operative Principles dwelling so near together under the same Roof in the same Soul yea in the very same Faculties there must needs arise a sharp and severe War in the Soul between these two Neighbouring and Opposite Natures the particular eventâ—… and successes whereof are various and uncertain but the Victory is infallibly determined in the issue on the side of Grace Grace indeed iâ—… greatly beset hardly bestead much incumbred and almost overthrown at some reasons but it will certainly eluctari wrestle and recover it self out of all the dangers that threaten it Now there is a double War which is commenced and waged by Believers in this Life A War with the evil of sin and a War with the evil of suffrings or afflictions so far as they would impâ—…e or do oppose them in their March to Heaven Of the War with sin indwelling sin thâ—… in-bred home-bred Enemy that Mother of all the Aâ—…ominations that are brought forth in the lives of Men that Adversary that is ever molesting the peace disturbing the quiet and endangering the condition of the People of God the Apostle discourseth feelingly and at large in the seventh chapter of this Epistle where he finally adjudges the victory to Grace in the last verse of that and in the beginning of the eight Chapter also Of the War with Afflictions or the evil of sufferings from Satan or the World from what hand of what kind and howsoever conditioned and circumstanced he Discourseth Admirably at the seventeenth verse of this Chapter and â—…o forwards and he comes in the procedure of his Discourse to give unquestionable Assurance to the good Souldiers of Jesus Christ of the full and final decision of this grand Controversie and the happy issuing of all these hazardous conflicts whether with sin or sufferings in a glorious and absolute victory Insomuch as having made sure of God on the side of himself and Believers he doth in his own and their Name make an open Challenge and bid defiance to all opposite and adverse powers ver 31. If God befor us who then can be against us He â—…ids Sin Satan and an evil World do their worst against Believers that are thus entrenched in and walled about with the Love of God thus fortified and defended aided and assisted by the Almighty one the Lord of Hosts And having laid his foundation in Gods Predestination and Christs Mediation he superstructs upon it and plainly asserts the invincibleness of every sound Believer notwithstanding the Relicks of sin that incumber him the Temptations of Satan that molest him and the afflictions and evils of the World that set themselves in Battel aray against Him He represents to us the Christian as a person that may be opposed combated and contended withal but never routed run down totally defeated or overthrown in any Engagement Now this invincibleness of the Christian
finds enough in the best of Believers that found nothng in our Saviour Satans sparks easily eâ—…me us because he finds so much Tinder in us The Lusts within us are ready to take fire at every injection There is a Traitour in our own Bowels that is ready to open our Ports and let in the Adversary Now of the War which a Christian wages with this home-bred intestine Enemy the seventh Chapter of this Epistle to the Romans gives us a clear account where the Apostle raises an Out-cry and makes Doleful Complaints of the remainders of sin the Law in the Members the body of Sin and Death and Discourseth of the Nature Power and Prevalency of in-dwelling sin as to some engagements The Apostle Iames speaks of the Lusts that War in our Members Jam. 4. 1. And Peter of fleshly Lusts that war against the Soul 1 Pet. 2. 11. these make up that opposite party within a Christian that would intercept and stop him in his way to Glory a secret subtle treacherous designing party that creates him a world of trouble and danger in his journey towards Heaven 2. From the World which is another Enemy that would obviate and intercept the People of God in their Travels Hence the World was a part of Christ his glorious Conquest Be of good chear I have overcome the World Joh. 16. 33. And the Believer that is born of God by Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ overcomes it too 1 Iohn 5. 4. which plainly implies that the World is an Enemy Considerable are the Expressions of the Apostle to this purpose Iam. 4. 4. know ye not that the friendship of the World is enmâ—…ty with God whosoever therefore will be a Friend of the World is the Enemy of God And doth it not follow hence that he that is a Friend of God is an Enemy to the World as it lies in opposition to God and the World in that respect an Enemy to him The World is one of the Associates of that false party within a Christian and under the conduct of Satan militates against a Believer Particularly 1. The Snares Allurements of the World which would 〈◊〉 away and seduce a Chrâ—…stian from following after God These make war upon a Child of God and are dangerous Enemies As they say 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Fight with Silver or Gold weapons and never doubt of Victory Some Enemies have bought great Victories which they could never have won otherwise All these things wiâ—… give thâ—…e this profit pleasure Honour saith the flattering World 〈◊〉 Believer if thou wilt fall down or surrender to me These ensnaring and alluring Objects which the world presents the Sons of Men with have such a close and intimate correspondence with the Lusts in their Hearts and what is carnal in them that they fight against their Souls with great Advantage and Success The Apostle having dehorted from the love of the World and the things that are in the World sums up all that is in the World in those three particulars the Iust of the Flesh the Iust of the Eyes and the pride of Life 1 Ioh. 2. â—…5 16. The Apostle speaks as if there were nothing else in the world but Lusting because there is such a curse come upon all Creature-enjoyments with reference to man that so farre as He is of the world they are Objects of Lust to Him exciting drawing forth invigorating and improving that Lust and Corruption that is in him By these Lusts the Apostle means the several respective Objects and puts the Lust which is in us for the things themselves lusted after Carnal Pleasures Profits and Preferments He saith not sensual Pleasures Riches Honour though he speaks of them but the Lusts of the Flesh and Eye â—…nd pride of Life because our Lusts render them evil to us how lawful soever in themselves the Objects are and make them Objects of Temptation and Seduction from the Lord putting a painted Whorish Beauty and tempting Lustre upon them varnishing them 〈◊〉 and making false representations of them Yea it is evident as the 〈◊〉 Dr. Owen observes Treatise of Temptat pag. 68. That all thâ—…se things the Lust of the Flesh c. are principally in the Subject not in the Object in the Heart not in the World But they are said to be in the World bâ—…cause the World gets into them mixes it self with them unites incorporates As Faith and the promises are said to be mixed Heb. 4 2. So are Lust and Temptation from worldly Objects mixed they twine together 〈◊〉 mutual improvement one from anâ—…ther grow each of them higher and higher by the mutual strength they administer to one another From this mixture Union and Incorporation of the Objects in the World with the Lusts in the Hearts of Men and their firm and close combination together it comes to pass that the enticing tempting World is a very potent and prevailing Adversary to the Souls of Men And that Believers themselves â—…n whom the Lusts mentioned are but in part mortified and subdued have hard work sometimes to stand their Ground against the snares and allurements and bewitching insinuations of a dâ—…ceitful World To this Head reduce sinful Examples in the World Counsels of Carnal Friends the Friendship of the World which is Eâ—…mity â—…o God and good men Jam 4 4 False Doctrines which are spoâ—… out of the Woâ—…ld 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Ioh. 4 5. calculated to the corrupt Humors Inclinations and Interests of the mâ—… of the World and therefore of a very grateful resentment with them In a word all Worldly Lusts as the Apostle calls them Tit. 2. 12 that are so many baits and snares to entangle and entice the People of God to desert the Holy and good wayes of the Lord those Golden 〈◊〉 that are thrown down before a Christian to invite him to gâ—…ze upon them and stoop to take them up that so he may be retarded and stopt in his course and lose the prize he runs for 2. The Troubles and Affrightments of the World Thâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the formidable fâ—…ightful Afflictions and persecutions that would imâ—…e or retaâ—…d and hinder the people of God in their Travels towards that Hâ—…enly Country where the sweet Fruits of Divine Love are to be enjoyed in the greatest maturity and perfection of them That Tribulation in the World against which the Lord Jesus layes in great encouragement from the consideration of his own Corquest of the World Ioh. 16. 33. Of this ill 〈◊〉 and Entertainment in the world the Afflictions that the Children of God must expect to contest withal the Apostle discourseth here Rom. 8. 35 36 37. Tribulation Distress Persecution Famine Nakedness Peril Sword and such like formidable things to Nature oppose the Faithful in their way and make warre upon them A Christian lies open to many sharp and fiery Tryals 1 Pet. 4. 12. and must look to endure 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a great fight or Concertation of Afflictions
Heb. 10. 32. The World can put on two Faces and change its Countenance as occasion servs If feigned flattering smiles will not do then killing Frowns shall if it be possible The World hath Terrours to affright as well as Allurements to entice Believers out of the way of Happiness The men of the world are usually pricks in the eyes and Thorns or Scourges in the sides of Believers Briers and Tâ—…orns are with them in the world as the Lord tells the Prophet Ezek. 2. 6 that will scratch the Face of their Reputation wound them in their outward Concernments and tear thâ—…ir Flesh yea they dwell among Scorpions that will put them to great torment and sting them to Death Aelian reports concerning the Lybians ocreatos dormire solere that they were wont to sleep with their Boots on lest the Scorpions their Country was infested with should sting them I am sure a Christian had need walk Booted and have his Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace yea to be defended and â—…med in all respects or He will be in much danger of tâ—…â—…any scorpions in â—…is way vid. Greenhil on Ezek. 2. 6. As beleivers have bodies of flesh and mortality that keep open House for sicknesses pains Disâ—…ses and give Entertainment to them So they are exposed to the Rage and 〈◊〉 of uâ—…reasonable men They pass through an Enemie Country where they have many Affronts and Indignities offered them If lies and Calumnies Scoffs and Scorns angry looks and cruel threatnings opprobrious and injurious dealings or any kind of Cruelty may be likely to scare a Believer out of his way or force Him to a dishonourable Retreat or to run from his Colours by quitting his profession the malignant angry world will be sure if the Lord permit to prove Him in that kind In both the respects mentioned the world is an Enemy and makes Opposition to Believers in their way to Glory Furthermore a Believer meets with Opposition 3. From Satan the Prince and God of the World Eph. 6. 11 12. If a Christian were to try Masteries and contest only with Flesh and bloud whether we understand thereby his own Corruptions or Opposition from men like Himself He would have hot and hard service of it But this is his Case and Lot to meet with Opposition from Principalities and Powers the Rulers of the Darkness of this World and spiritual wickedness in High places He fights at great Disadvantage with Enemies that have the Hill and upper-Ground He combates hand to Hand with the God of the World as well as his Creatures the men of the world Satan is one of the Allies of In-dwelling sin and of Confâ—…deracy with our own Hearts which are ready every moment if there be not a strict watch kept upon them to betray us into his Hands and deliver us up to Him A Christian had need look to Himself considering that Satan goes about daiâ—…y seeking to devour 1 Pet. 5. 8. A Believer will be sure to meet with this Lion in his way And our Flesh and Hearts as was intimated before are Satans Correspondents and Confederates against the Spiritual Life and Comfort and Happiness of our Souls ready to open to Him make a Surrender of all and comport with him in all his dangerous and destructive Applications of Himself unto us This Spiritual Leviathan is a pâ—…ercing Serpent and a crooked Serpent Isai. 27. 1. Sometimes he opposes the People of God by Force and then he is a pâ—…ercing Serpent Sometimes he circumvents them by craft and then He is a crooked Serpent Vel rectus venit vel tortuosus Satan opposes the people of God in a way of Fraud He playes the Dragon and deceivs them He is a Serpent yea an old Serpent Rev. 12. 9. and hath his Wiles Eph. 6. 11. and advantagious Devices t Cor. 2. 11. his methods of Deceit and hâ—…s Depths or deep Contrivances Rev 2. 24. and in a way of force and violence He acts the part of a Lion and rageth and he hath his venemous Arrows his fiery Darts Eph. 6. 16. and makes many violent On-sets upon the Children or God The Church of God or the Body of Saints and Called Ones in the world have the Gates of Hell Math. 16. 18. that is as it is commonly expounded the Power and Policy of the Devil and his Instruments and Under-Agents to oppose them in their way to Heaven though they shâ—…ll not prevail in that Opposition Lastly 4. From Death it self which is the last Enemy 1 Cor. 15. 26. When all the rest are beaten cut of the field and a Christian is marching off and 〈◊〉 ready to make his Triumphant Entrance into Heaven Death encounteâ—… him This comes in by the Curse and the natural or direct tendency of it is to separate a Son of Adam from God for ever It is the great and gâ—… Executioner of the vindictive justice of God Here men enjoy some Fruits of at least the general and common goodness of God but when Death comes it pushes them away from God makes an everlasting separation between them and all the fruits of the goodness of God turns them into Hell where they must feed upon the bitter Fruit of their own wayes for ever When Death hath done its Executâ—…on upon the Condemned Sons and Daughters of Adam God will then carry away all his goodness from them and never afford them so much as one drop of Water to cool their Tongues to Eternity That which makes Death so terrible is that in the ordinary course of it it makes a perfect and perpetual separation between the Sons and Daughters of men and all the Fruits of the Love and Goodness and Patience of the blessed God Death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Rom. 5. 12. And where it Reigns and Triumphs and is Victorious over any man and fastens its Sting in him as I may allude to 1 Cor. 15. 55. it destroyes him utterly by putting him into a condition of everlasting separation from God Now this is the last Adversary that the Believing Christian Souldier contends withal though upon more advantagious Terms then other men Thus much for the second Particular under the second Conclusion Every Believer meets with great opposition in his way 3. A Believer cannot possibly make his way through all these Enemies and â—…ar down all this opposition without fighting He skirmishes with these Enemies yea fights many a pitch'd Battel against them He must put on the whole Armour of God Eph. 6. 11. and keep it on and make use of the weapons of his Christian Warfare and his Faith and other Graces will be soundly put to it It costs him many a Bickering He runs and Wrestles and labeurs and strives and fights the good fight of Faith as we might demonstrate by many Scripture Instances By Fighting I mean a vigorous contending and conflicting with the Enemies of his Soul which is exprest variously by the Holy Ghost in Scripture
that which is intended in that expression Hence the Apostle saith that be spoiled Principalities and Powers and and made a shew of them openly triumphing over them in it that is his Cross or in himself Col. 2. 15. The Lord Jesus took away the Prey or Booâ—…y of Souls which Satan had gotten and led away the Devil and his Angels as Prisoners of War He divested Principalities and Powers that is the Apostate Angels of all that Title they had got to the World by the sin of man yea he triumphed over them as sawful Captives to be disposed of at his pleasure He hath bound the strong man armed spoiled his Goods Thus Christ is said to wound the Head for so is it in the Original not Heads over many Countries Psal. 110 6. By the Head 〈◊〉 the large Earth Some understand Satan that ruleth as Head over 〈◊〉 the Children of disobedience every where though I judge it better to â—…pound it to the most comprehensive sense and then the meaning is that Christ breaks in pieces the Head that is the counsel and power of Satan and all â—…is Instruments crushing and conquering all the Enemies of his People He hath conquered Death is self and having grapled and fought with that Serpent he hath pulled out the Sting and he hath disarmed that King of Terrours that it may be in no condition to hurt and ruine his People Death can be no longer a Curse to them but a Blessing An Out let as to Miseryâ—… and an In-let to all Happiness He hath Conquered and triumphed over all the Enemies of Believers vertually on his Crosse but actually and effectually in his Exaltation when he ascended up on high he led Captivity Captive Eph. 4. 8. Psal. 6â—… 18. And he hath Conquered and Triumphed over all out Enemies not for himself but on our behalf and for our behoof and advantage Victoria Domini est Servorum Triumphus Hieron The Victory of the Lord is the Triumph of the Servants Well may the Army of Believers be assured of Victory and Triumph when as they fight with a conquered Enemy and their General alone in his own person hath routed their Adversaries 3. He puts them into a Conquering-capacity He sends his Spirit to make the Application of his Redemption to all his Redeemed ones by working â—…aith in their Hearts drawing them to himself giving them an actual Interest in himself and his Benefits and putting them into a State of Justification which is a State of Victory and Triumpâ—… A justified person is in a Conquering-capacity and condition He is under Grace and not under the Law therefore neither Sin nor any other Enemy shall have dominion over him Rom. 6. 14. Take an Elect person that was given to Christ by the Father from Eternity and Redeemed by Christ in the fulness of time yet before his effectual vocation he is under the feet of his Enemies in no better condition to fight it out with them then other men Sin and Satan and World are much too hard for him But when once the Spirit of Christ hath wrought an effectual work of Grace in his Soul by uniting him to the Lord Jesus hath brought him into a state of Justification now he is in a condition to dispute it out to the last with all his Enemies and to get the day also 〈◊〉 Justified person is invincible he cannot be Conquered and he is victorious none of his Enemies can stand before him Victory Triumph are adjudged by the Lord to a state of Justification and are infallible consequents thereof Hence Paul's comfortable perswasion and Triumphant Expressions Rom. 8. 38 39. Now all the People of God are admitted into this state of Iustification and â—…ested in the Glorious Priviledges of it through the Lord Iesus Christ. 4. He furnisheth Believers with skill and Strength and Courage and Weapons and all War-like Furniture and Military Qualifications and Accomplishments They are in all respects well appointed for the â—…ar and it is the Lord Jesus that sets them fortâ—… and furnisheth them with Aâ—…s and Weapons for the Battel The Lord Jesus Christ is the Christians Magazin All those Armâ—… and Weapons which a Believer useth in his spiritual conflicts of which you have an enumeration Eph. s. 6. 13 14 c. are such as come out of Christs Armory As he puts the Believer into a conquering state in his Justification so he gives him conquering Abilities in his Sanctification He gives them Skill and Valour and Resolution and all other Qualifications and Endowments that a Militant condition calls for 5. He Administors seasonable supplies and recruits of Grace and Strength unto them He sends them Auxiliary Forces and gives them such Assistance as they need for every Conflict He giveth Power to them when they are faint and when they hâ—…ve no might encreaseth their strength Isai. 40. 29. He gives them a sufficiency of Grace and his Power rests on them Hence when they are weâ—…k yet then they are strong 2 Cor. 12. 9 10. Because habitual inhevent Grace will not carry them through their difficult Engagements therefore he affords actual and occasional Assistance as their necessities require All that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that seasonable help which is Admininistred to Believers from the Throne of Grace Heb. 4. 16. comes from the Lord Jesus Christ. They have the immutable Assistance of the Spirit of Christ that dwells in them They must needs overcome in this respect because greater it be that is in them then he that is in the World 〈◊〉 Joh. 4. 4. Hence the Apostle that had low thoughts of himself and was as much nothing in his own eyes as any man yet attributes a kind of Omnipotency to himself I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me Phil. 4. 13. He strengtheneth them with all might Col. 1. 11. Concl. 7. The Love of God in Christ is the absolute first cause of those â—…torious proceedings and this infallible conquest of Believers For 1. The Everlasting love of God determines that the Victory shall fall on the side of Believers The will of God is that all Believers shall conquer Hence the Apostle layes the Foundation of this Triumph in Divine Predestination and in Gods being for us Rom. 8. 30 31. Those that are appointed to obtain Salvation by Jesus Christ as it may be concluded of all Believers â—…ving Faith being a special fruit of Election may meet with many Enemies in their way but shall infallibly break throughall opposition gâ—…t to Heaven at last The Love of God hath Decreed them Victory 2. The everlasting Love of God layes in suitable provision of means for an infallible conquest Divine Love concluded upon the mission of Christ into the World to purchase it for his People and obtain the victory in his own person as a common person representing all Believers This Love gives them a Leoâ—… and General the Lord Jesus Christ that is invincible the Captainâ—… the Host
Glorious Victory Possibly O Believer thou hast been sleeping in the Lap of some Daliloh and hast lost thy strength and art â—…en into the Hands of the Philistineâ—… that have bound thee with Pettâ—…s and made thee to Grinde which is the sad condition which some Christian Souldiers through Security reduce themselves unto yet let me tell thâ—… for thy Encouragement that though thy Locks are shaven off yet 〈◊〉 Grace the Locks of thy Strength will grow again and thou shalt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of those Phâ—…stines Let all the Followers of Christ be warned by the Falls and Surprizes of themselves and others to stand upon their Guard and continue in a vigilant fighting Posture that they may not give up themselves to the Will of their Adversaries that ly in Ambush and watch all Advantages against them Watch ye stana fest in the Faith quit you like men be strong 1 Cor. 16. 13. Yet a little while and you shall triumph over all your Enemies The Lord will shortly deliver you from Sin and Sorrow and the Sâ—…res of an evil World and bruise Satan under your Feet Rom. 16. 20. The God of peace shall do it for you when the time of your Warfare shall be accomâ—…shed Thus much for the first Branch of the Exhortation The Second is 2. Learn and Labour to improve the Lord Iesus Christin all your Spiritual Conflicts and Engagements For want of this Holy skill Men do but 〈◊〉 the Air and make a vain flourish and contend to no purpose at all with the Enemies that War against their-Souls Here all the false Religions in the World and that of the Papists in special fail Exceedingly They are wholly unacquainted with the Mystery of the Gospel the Efficacy of the Performances of Jesus Christ the orderly way of improving the Satisfaction Merit and Intercession or the Humiliation and Exaltation of the Mediatour and what course do they fix upon Truly they think to Vanquish their Corruptions in the strength of their Voâ—…s and Fastings and Peâ—…nances and self-devised self-â—…acerating Austerities which may possibly kill the Natural Man but will never destroy the Corrupt Old Man and to fright away Satan the tame and timerous Devil with their Crossings and Holy-Water and such like Foppericâ—… That which lies at the bottome of all their Miscarriages in this business is that they know not how to improve the Lord Jesus in order to the Defeat and Overthrow of their Spiritual Adveâ—…saries without which Divine skill Men may Scuffle and Skirmish witâ—… their Foes raise much Dust and make a great noise and bustle as if they would do great Exploits and yet all end in Shame and Disappointment 〈◊〉 you see that all the Victories and Conquests which Believers obtain are through him that loved them even the Lord Iesus Christ. O therefore 〈◊〉 that Spiritual Art of improving the Lord Jesus in all your Combateâ—… 〈◊〉 do nothing Much should have been said here about that sulneâ—… of Provision that is laid up in Jesus Christ for the support Relief and Assistance of Believers in their Conflicts and their Enablement to make a Conqueâ—… of their Enemies and about the Actings of Faith upon the Lord Jesus and fâ—…tehing in all suitable and seasonable supplies of Strength and Grace from his store Time and Strength would fail me if I should enter upon so large and spacious a Subject and I had rather say nothing then speak generally superficiarily and slightily to a matter of such importance therefore I shall thus pass it with a brief mention of it The thiâ—…d Branch is 3. Acknowledge the Love of God in Christ and bless the God and Father 〈◊〉 our Lord â—…esus Christ for all your partial and present Victories and Conquesâ—… 〈◊〉 any of your Engagements with the Enemies of your Souls Doth the Lord help you â—…o asquit your selves like Men 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or like Christians rather the Souldiers of Jesus Christ in any Conflicts with your own Corruptions or Satans Temptations Oh remember that it is through the Love of God in Christ that you Prevail and Conquer And therefore bless God and be thankful to him for all your Victorious Atchievements and offer him the Sacrifice of Praise and Thankâ—…giving When 〈◊〉 and his People went forth against that great Multitude of Moabites Ammonites and the Inhabitants of Mâ—…unt Seir with full assurance from the Lord of Victory Singers to the Lord were appointed that should praise the Beauty of Holiâ—… 〈◊〉 they went out before the Army and say Praise the Lord for his mâ—…cy eâ—…dureth for ever 2 Chron. 20 21. They met the Enemy with Thanksgiving in their Mouths for promised and assured Victory And when their Enemies were overthrown in a wonderful manner they Assembled in the Volley of Berachâ—…h so called because they blessed the Lord there and they returned to Ierusalem with Psalteries and Haâ—…ps and Trumpets unto the House of the Lord ver 26 28. In like manner Believers have Assurance from the Lord of the utter Defeat and Overthrow and of the absolute Conquest of their Foâ—…s through the love of God in Christ and may well go forth against their Enemies in the strength of the Lord with the High praises of God in their Mouth and a two edged Sword in their hand even the Sâ—…ord of the Spirit the Word of God that is sharper then a two edged Sword and will not fall if it be rightly managed to do notable Execution And when they obtained any signal Victory in this or that particular Engagement with their Spiritual Enemies what should they do but give the name of Beracâ—… 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 and Places of Retirement and bless the Lord and his Holy Name in which they are to set up their Banners Psal. 20 5. and through which they have done valiantly and trodden down all their Enemiâ—…s Psal. â—…8 〈◊〉 with their Souls and all that is within them Though you cannot 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Life hope for the total Defeat and overthrow of the Enemies of your Souls yet be sure to erect a Trophy and rear up a Monumental Pillar of thankful Acknowledgement and Remembrance to the Power and Grace and Love of God in Christ upon every partial and particular Victory you obtaiâ—… in the Field against them 4. Lastly Wait aâ—…d Pray and Look and Long for that Glorious Day when your Warfare shall be ended and you shall go out of the Field Victorious and Priâ—…mphant yâ—… absolute Conquerours I perswade not to any Impatience during the neat of your present Engagements Take heed of tiring and fainting in your Conflicts and in the laborious course of your Warfare Though your General pâ—…t you upon hard Duty and Service Hâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…eth for Mastery is not Crowned excâ—…pt he sâ—…ve lawfully 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 gitime cerâ—…are saith Iudicious Calvin est proâ—… qui certamen quantâ—… 〈◊〉 quoad Lex praescribit â—…quis sibi modum ante tempus definiat To 〈◊〉 â—…awfully is to hola on the Contest or continue and persevere