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
Church of God the Woman mentioned Rev. 12. 1. is said to have the Moon that is all these changeable Earthly things under her feet Nay he overcomes Death it self which tramples upon and prevailes over other Conquerours Death stings kills ruines other men but cannot hurt a Christian because it cannot separate him from God Oh Death where is thy sting Oh Grave where is thy Victory 1 Cor. 15 55. Those words which are commonly translated the Gates of Hell 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mat. 16. 18. and are thought to import the Power and Policy of the Devil are rendred by Learned Camero the Gates of the grave or Death alledging that the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth never but once in Scripture signifie Hell but either the Grave or the state and condition of a deceased person And he conceives the mind of our Saviour in that expression to be that though the Faithfull lye dead for a time as well as other men Death exercises a Dominion over them the worm feeds sweetly upon them they are imprisoned in the Grave and lye bound hand and foot with the Cords of death 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…unes vel acerbissimi Cruciatus Mortis Psal. 18. 3. yet that the Power of Death and the Grave shall not finally prevaile over them Si quis saith that Learned man fiâ—…urat a â—…ac Loeutione significatum velit perituram omnem Mortis Sepulchri vim is demùm profecto a Spiritûs sancti mente miniâ—… è aberraverit The Abolition of the destructive Dominion of Death is intended by the Lord Jesus according to this Exposition Christiani saith Cyprian mori possunt vinci non possunt Christians may dye but cannot be overcome Death may kill them but cannot conquer them The victory of Believers over their Enemies is very glorious in this respect Glorious also it is in that a Believer conquers his Enemies by cor quering himself crucifying himself the Flesh with the Affections and Lusts Gal 5. 24. subduing his own Spirit beating down his own Body and bringing it into subjection 1 Cor. 9. 27. plucking out an offending right Eye cutting off an offending right Hand Mat. 5. 29. 30. Doing strange Execution upon himself in a way of Mortification which is both a noble and a strange way of Conquering He overcomes himself and thereby overcomes all his Enemies Moreover glorious it is in that he is so far from being separated from the love of God by the opposition which his Enemies make against him that he is thereby greatly furthered in the way to the perfect enjoyment of the Fruits of it His Enemies whether they will or no help him to a most Glorious Conquest For all things how adverse and opposite soever work for his good Rom. 8. 28. that is for his most Glorious Everlasting Triumph in the highest Heavens As the Afflictions and Troubles which happened to Paul in the course of his Ministerial Warfare fell out to the furtherance of the Gospel Phil. 1. 12. so the Opposition which a Believer meets with from all his Adversaries falls out to the furtherance of his victorious proceedings in the course of his Christian Warfare and of his After-Triumph and Glory Nay this Victory is Glorious in that he gives his Enemies a total Defeat and Overthrow at last He hath a perfect and absoute Victory and Conquest over them so as never to be molested with them more He passes to Heaven through the midst of his Enemies and gets out of the reach of their opposition or molestation and there Triumphs Gloriously to Eternity Concl. 6. Every Believer obâ—…ains this Glorious Victory and Conquest through the Lord Iesus Christ. We are more then Conquerours through him that loved us that is through Jesus Christ or God in Christ which is the same thing The Apostle having discoursed excellently of this Spiritual War with one of the greatest Enemies that a Christian hath to do with namely In-dwelling sin issues all triumphantly in thanks to God through Christ for Deliverance and Victory Rom. 7. ult And having spoken of Dâ—…ath the Grave very formidable Adversaries triumphed over them Thanks God who gives Victory through Christ 1 Cor. 15. 55 56 57. And there is the like Reason as to all the Enemies of a Christian. A Believer obtains this incomparable Victory and Glorious Conquest over all through Christ. For 1. The Lord Iesus Christ hath procured and purchased this Victory and Conquest for Believers Therefore he hath Suffered and Dyed Satisfied and Meâ—…ted that his People might obtain a Glorious Victory over Sin Satan World Death and all their Enemies The Foundation of this Victory hath been laâ—…d by an high hand of Grace in the Death and Mediâ—… of the Lord Jesus Man having revolted from under the Government and â—…inion of Gods revealed Will and Law and thrown off his Obedience 〈◊〉 made Election of Sin and Satan for his Lords and Sovereigns The Holy God in Justice and Righteous Severity delivers him up to the Authority and Soveraignty of Sin and Satan and his Spiritual Enemies even Death it self and they put in their Claim to a Soveraignty yea and actually exercise a Dominion over Him So that man in this Condition is a Captive Prisoner Slave and cannot get his Liberty If He struggle sometimes and rise up to warre against them All his Contendings are vain He is overcome presently and held in bondage The Reason is because his Enemies are in a Sense as strong as the Law and Justice of God The strength of Sin and by paâ—…ity of Reason of other Enemies is the Law I Cor. 15. 56. that is the Law broken and the Iustice of God offended But the Lord Jesus having satisfied and merited when there is an Application of that Redemption which is in Christ to any man Now Sin Satan World have no Right to exercise this Dominion they lose their Claim and Title to such Dominion and this is the Foundation of any manâ—… Conquest of them Hence though Sin may Tyrannise sometimes yet it shall not reign over them not have any of their Enemies any Right to Conquer or prevail as before Nay Christ hath paid 〈◊〉 great price and bought the Victory for them of Him in whose Hand it is to adjudge it unto them They overcome by the Bloud of the Lamb Rev. 12. 11. 2. He hath actually in his own person conquered their enemies for them Be of good Comfort saith our Saviour I have overcome the World Joh. 16. 〈◊〉 That is the Lusts of the world the men of the world the prince of the world the shares temptations terrours and evils of the World He hath bruâ—…sed the Serpents head Gen. 3. 15. destroyed the works of the Devil I Joh. 3. 8. Now saith the Lord Jesus with reference to the time of his sufferings is the judgement of this World now shall the Prince of this World be castout Joh. 12. 31. The Dethroning of Satan and destruction of his Dominion by Jesus Christ is
in the Confliâ—… as long as the Law prescribes and no man is to give over before the Time appointed He that is tired with a first or second Conflict and withdraws himself out of the Field before his Time will lose his Crown â—…erseverance in a Course of Running and Wrestling and Combating with Patience and Submission to the good will of God is the Duty of every Christian. But withall it is the Duty as well as Allowance of the Followers of Christ to have respect to the Recompence of Reward and the joy that is set before the 〈◊〉 and to wait with Hope and Desire all the Dayes of their Appointed 〈◊〉 or of their Warfare as the Original hath it 〈◊〉 thâ—…ir change come Job 〈◊〉 14. that happy great Change when their present Warfare shall be changed into everlasting peace and rest from trouble and their Helmets shâ—…ll be changed into Croâ—…ns of everlasting Ioy upon their Heads and their Swords and Spears not beaten into Flow-shares and Pruning-hooks as Isai. 2. 4 but changed into Palms in their hands in token of assured Victory and Triumph O therefore let all Christian Sâ—…uldiers love and long for the â—…orious Appearance of Christ And when you are beset and encumbred and engaged in any hot dispute with your Enemies Look upwards and Sigh to Heaven as for present Assistance and Enablement so also for after perfect Deliverance Victory and Triumph which shall be brought to you at the Appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ. With this word I shou'd have concluded and issued the whole Discouâ—… and put an End to the present Engagement but that I conceive it may â—…e rationally expected that I should address my self in the close in a word â—…r two at least to the Military men the worthy and much Honoured Genâ—…men that have pressed and called me forth to the Service of this Day I need not tell you that I am no Souldier Possibly mine ineâ—…t Usage of some Military and Marâ—…ial phrases in the past Discourse may but too plainly â—…ll you that I am but little acquainted with the Military Science or Faculty I am no Friend to warre but an unseigned lover of Peace I long for an End of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Bloud-sheds the Destructions and Desâ—…lations that the poor world â—…lled withal O when will thâ—…s Irâ—…n-Age expire â—…nd that glorious Morn appear that Lightsome Day dawn wherein the Nations shall beâ—…t their Swords into â—…lough-Shears and tâ—…eir Speaâ—…s into Pruning-Hooks 〈◊〉 shall Nation lâ—…ft up Sword against Nation â—…or tâ—…e Soâ—…s of men learn 〈◊〉 any more The God of Peace will certainly put an end unto these 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In the mean time it is the wisdom and duty of the people of God â—…o improve all Advantages that are providentially put into their Hands to secure their peace and precious Enjoyments and to put themselves into a Posture and Condition of disputing it with those that may invade or assault them Military Skâ—…ll is necessary in Military times and Martial Dayes and these Military exercises are not only Lawful and Allowable but Iaudable yea and necessary also and the persons by whom they are supporâ—…ed and carried on deserve singular Commendation and Encouragement Davids Marâ—…l mighty men are Cataloguised in holy writ as men of Renowâ—… and worthy to be had in Honourable Remembrance And surely the Gentlemen among us that are men of Skill and Conduct and expertness in Military affairs should not be sâ—…ghted or discouraged We live in times of great Commotions and doubâ—…ful Eâ—…pectations How long we may sit under our Vines and Fig-trees and have none to make us afraâ—…d The God of our Peaâ—…e our great Protector only knows The Day may come upon us when we may wish there were many more worthy men of Martial Spirits and Military Accompleshments then yet appear among us True it is that I have not directed my Discourse to the Souldiers this Day Considering that I was not unless I mistook my Summons to make a Military Oration which is more proper for some Gentleman of that Profession but to preach a Sermon on a Military occasion that might be of Use if the Lord please to the whole Assembly I have weakly but designedly endeavoured to imitate and tread in the steps of our Blessed Saviour the Caâ—…ain of our Salvation Heb. 2 10. with whom it was usual and Customaâ—…y in the Days of his Commoration and Converse upon Earâ—…h to take the least Hint to make a Spâ—…ritual Uâ—…e and Advantage of Common Things and to improve obvious Occasions and Occurrences in a Paâ—…abelical Alleg-rical and Spiritual way In like manner I have taken Rise and Advantage from the Military occasions of this Day to discourse as the Lord haâ—…h enabled of the Spiritual and â—…stian Warfare Souldiers love to hear of Battels at Land or Sea of Victories and Triumphs and the Consâ—…quents thereof the Spâ—…ils the Plunder the Booty the Reâ—…ds of Gallantry and good Behaviour in such â—…ngagements And I have been acquainting you with such Thâ—…ngs in a Spritual way And I hope none of you will judge this wholly impertinent unless you have so sarre put on the Artillery man this morning that you have also put off the Christian Souldier I shall say further by way of Defence and Apology that what I have discâ—…sed may be of great Use unto the Gentlâ—…men I am speaking to in their Mâ—…tary Caâ—…ity That which condâ—…ces â—…o the making of men good Coriâ—…ns hath a general Influence into the due department of men in all Capacitâ—…es and 〈◊〉 That man that â—…th Conquered and Subdued Himself will know how to command how to obey much better then One that is a slâ—…ve to Himself and his own perverse will and in Bondage to his own Lusts and Corruptions Such a â—…an will give serious and conscionable Attendance to the Improvement of all means affoarded him that may accomplish Him in a Military way and furnish Him with Skill and Deâ—…terity whereby He may be enabled to fight the Lords â—…attels against Iâ—…jurious and malignant Adversariâ—…s He will depend on that God that teacheth his Hâ—…s to warre and his Fingers to sight Psal. 144. 1. and umpires or determines the successâ—…s and Events of all Military Engagements according to the Counsel of his own will sometimes contrary to the Law and Common Rule of second Causes So that the Battel is not alwayes to the strong but Time and Chanâ—…e some interveniâ—… providential Occurrences happen to this as well as other Affairs Eccâ—…es 9. 11. He will go forth when God calls to the Defence of Civil and Religious Liberties in the strength of the Lord and not in his own might or Sufficiency having had such sensible and instructing Experience that all his Spiritual and greaâ—…er Conquests are acquired through him that loved Him He will be one of the Legio Fulmina tâ—… the thundring Legion that by their powerful and princely Prayers will obtain signal Victories over their Enemies He will be one of the Called and Faithful and Chosen that will follow the Lamb whithe soever he leads them He that through the Grace and stâ—…ength of Christ hath conquered Sin and Self and Satan and an evil World and is sure to conquer his last Enemy Death which is the happy Condition of a Christian Souldier will not fear the Face of any man in a Righteous Cause but have the Spirit and Courage and undaunted Resolution of a Souldier indeed He will say as Nehemiah in his Case Nehem. 6. 11. Should such a man a 〈◊〉 flee well may He be above Fear and Frights and Coward se and acquiâ—… Hâ—…mself in all respects as a Magnaâ—…imous Person who hath Deliverance from the fear of Death to the Bondage whereof all men are naturally Subject Hâ—…b 2. 15. He that expects to gain by dying as that Champion Paul did Pâ—…l 1 21. and therefore Hâ—…es rather then Fears to dy will not be afraid of the â—…oint of the Swâ—…d or mouth of the Canon or any other Instruments of Death when God caâ—…s Hâ—…m to adventure Himself If Alexandeâ—… Iulius Caesar and others iccâ—…hed such great Things by their natural Courage and Valour walt wilâ—… not that man do that hath the Spirit and Valour of a Christian Soâ—…ldier He will not be actâ—…d oâ—… the pride and Ambition and vain glorious Hamâ—…r or mercenary Spirit that other Souldiers are carâ—…ied with but will bear upon the Greaâ—…ness of his God and the Goodnese of his Caâ—…s and so jeoâ—…ard Himself in the Hâ—…gh plaâ—…es of the Field These and the lâ—…ke Thingâ—… considered my Discourse may not seem to be wholly Forreigâ—… or unaccommodable to the affairs of this day Whether it hath been pertsâ—…at and proper to the Design and Business of the Day is lest to the judgement of my 〈◊〉 But sure I am that I have discoursed of the Best and 〈◊〉 Important Warfare and the most desireable and glorious Victory and 〈◊〉 And though I cannot but approve and commend and wish the prosperous Continuance of your Trainings and Artillery-Exercises Yet behold as Paul speaks in another Case 1 Cor. 12. 31. I have been shewing you a more excellent way Of all Souldiers the Christian Souldier is the best No Warre nor Victory nor Triumph can be comparable to His. He is more than a Souldier more then a Conqueror And happy will that man be that at the end of his Race and when he is marching out of the Field shall be able to say as that great Apostle and Renowned Souldier of Jesus Christ 2 Tim. 4. 7 8. I have fought a good fight I have finished the Course of my Warfare and henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness which the Lord the Righteous Iudge shall give me at the Blessed Day of his Glorious Appearing FINIS This Sermon was Preached when the General Court was sitting and in the Audience of the much Honoured Members of it
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
Combatant the Believing Champion that in the Name of the Lord defies all the Hosts and Armies of Earth and Hell that come against him notwithstanding the Remainders of sin the greatness and unavoidableness of his Afflictions and Sufferings is expressed 1. Negatively â—…er 35. Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ The Argument stands thus if nothing can separate a Christian from the Love of God in Christ then nothing can conquer him but he is invincible But nothing can make that woful destructive separation which he proves by an enumeration or induction of particulars shall tribulation or distress or persecution c. therefore he is invincible This negation is clearly imported in the interrogation For though it may be a stale yet it is a true and useful observation that interrogations affirmatively exprest in Scripture are wont to â—…arry in them the force and signification of vehement negations The meaning of the Apostle in plain terms is that neither Tribulation nor Distress nor Persecution nor Famine nor Nakedness nor Peril nor Sword nor any thing else of an â—…imical nature can possibly separate a true Believer from the dear love of Jesus Christ. 2. Affirmatively in the Words of the Text Nay in all thâ—…se things we are more then Conquerours through him that loved us Aâ—… if he should sayâ—… we are so farre from being worsted and prevailed over by the Enemies of our Salvation that warre against us from succumbing under the Lâ—…d they are laying upon us and losing our Interest in the Fruits of the Everlasting Love of God in Christ by Reason of the opposition that is made 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in our way that we carry the Day and are sure of a very glorious victory In this Verse we may remark these two things 1. A singular Priviledge And that is Uictory Conquest which is illustrated amplified 1. From the Extent and Vniversality of it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in all these things such as he had mentioned before or what else can be mentioned and imagined by us 2. From the transcendent incomparable Excellency of it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we are more then Conquâ—…rours or do more then overcome It is a Victory with Surplusage and Advantage a Victory and somewhat more then a Victory a Superlative and incomparable Conquâ—…st and Victory that is obtained 3. From the Foundation of this glorious Victory oâ—… the great and only means of acquiring and obtaining it And that is Thâ—… Lord Jesus Christ. Through him that loved us saith the Apostle mâ—…ning Christ or God in Christ Iesus 4. From the first grand impulsive â—…use of it the proegumenical Cause of this glorious Victory which iâ—… infallibly obtained and that is the Love of God in Christ. The special love of God in his Son Jesus Christ is the first Cause of these victorious Atchievmenâ—… More then Conquerours through Him that loved us 2. The Persons that are thus Priviledged or invested in this great privâ—…ledge that have Victory Triumph ascertained to them We are more theâ—… Conquerours Not only the great Apostle Paul himself that renowned Warriour and brave Champion of the Lord Jesus Christ But all true Believers also universally He ranks Himself with and discourseth of Believerâ—… in general that walk not after the Flesh but after the Spirit Believing Justified and Sanctified men and women They are not exempted or Secured from violent Onsets furious Assaults hazardous and desperatâ—… Conflictâ—… with their mortal Enemies that warre against their Souls But they have this admirable Advantage above all other men that they are assured of a glorious Victory The Intendment of the Apostle in the words is Obvious and may be drawn into this Observation Doct. That all true Believers have a transcendent and incomparably glorious Conquest and Victory in all their severe â—…agements with the Enemies of their Peace and Happiness through the Love of God in Christ Iesus Believing Justified persons through the Love of God in Christ have the better by many Degrees of the Enemies of their Salvation and are mâ—…h too hard for them in all their sharp Disputes and Encounters with them All theâ—… hâ—…ve believed through Grace and are admitted into a stâ—…te of Justification and Accepration with the Lord a. c ' more then Conquerours successful and victorious beyond Expression or Comparison in their Combates and Coâ—…flicts with their Enemies those adverse powers that warre against thâ—…m through Dâ—…vine Love in Jesus Christâ—… This Proposition which we have laid down as the Subject of our present Exâ—…rcise and which is evidently founded and comprized in the words of the Text hath a large Compass and a very great Circumference as you will readily apprehend We are now entring into a very large Field and might traverse a great deal of Ground if Time and strength would allow us to pace it over We have many Things before us to be discoursed for the due Explication and Confirmation of this observation The way of quickest dispatch and greatest Expedition as well as Clearness and Demonstration will be to cast all we have â—…o say to the Doctrinal part into Six or Seven grand Conclusions Concl. 1. Eveâ—…y true Believer is a Souldier and engaged in a Warfare I â—…ould it were reciprocally true that every Souldier amongst us is a true Bellâ—…â—…am suee every Souldier ought to be a Believer and of all men Miâ—… men when they are commanded out upon real Service to look Death and Danger in the Face and carry their Lives in their Hands had need of Faith and Grace and Interest in the Lord Jesus Christ and thereby the Conâ—…ition of their Souls well secured for Eternity But it is Infallibly and Universally â—…ue that every Believer is a Souldier in a spiritual Consideration The whole Body of Christians that walk by Faith in this lower World the â—…lace of Sin and Sorrow and Temptation and Absence from the Lord is aptâ—… and â—…uly called the Church Militant in Contra-Distinction from that â—…hich is Triumphant in the highest Heavens Those that are arrived at a â—…te of Glory have fought their fight and finished the Course of their Watâ—…are and are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out of puâ—…h of Pike or Gunshot farre enough â—…moved out of the Reach of their Adversaries They are marched out of the Field and discharged from any further Service and enjoying their Reward But the people of God in this world are in a warfaring state and Condition The first moment that any man is effectually called and converted and saâ—…ingly wrought upon He is engaged on Christs side against the world the Flesh and the Devil taken into Christs pay puts on his Armour and is prepared for the Battel For the Graces of Gods Spirit which are infused at a Christians Conversion are a Believers spiritual Armour Eph. 6. 13 14 c. Eveâ—…y Chrisâ—…ian when he is new Born is born a Souldier It is said of Goliah the Philistine Champion that he was a Man of warre from his
youth I Sam. 17 33. But it may be truly said of the Christian Champion that He is a Man of warre from his Birth Neither is He a poor naked Creature as it is with the Children of the first Birth but He comes into the new world in his Suit of Armour armed Cap apé with compleat Armour of Proof bâ—… vested with the Graces of the Spirit of Christ. He hath his excellent and invincible General the Lord Jesus Christ and hath taken his Sacrâ—… 〈◊〉 militare his Oath of Fidelity and Obedience to his great Lord Generaâ—… He hath also if there be opportunity and he walk orderly his Comâ—… that he is listed into the Church I mean He walks in Fellowship with 〈◊〉 at least He is inrolled among the Members of the Church-Militant in general He hath his Banner to fight under even the love of Christ displayed for a Defence to his Souldiers and Followers and a Flag of Defiance â—…o their Adversaries Cant. 3. 4. He hath his Arms and Weapons offensive and defensive to fight withal He hath his Souldierly Qualifications and military Accomplishments Courage Skill Patience Hope of victory Faithfulness to and Confidence in his General Orderliness Disposiâ—…ion to 〈◊〉 Hardship or whatever else may be mentioned Every wickedâ—…â—…dead is a Souldier but he fights against God strengthens himself and â—…ratches out his hand against the Almighty and runneth on his Neck and upon the thick bosses of his Bucklers Job 15. 25 26. He fights against himsâ—… and his own Soul keeping those Lusts in pay that warre against the Soâ—… 〈◊〉 2. 〈◊〉 He puts on the whole Armour of the Devil that He may be able to stand against all the Shocks of Conscience or encounters of the Word and Spirit of God and fight it out to the last with the Infinite Majesty to the evâ—… lasting Ruine of his Immortal Soul But he is neither engaged in â—…vided and accomplished for the Holy Warre we are discoursing of 〈◊〉 that is not a Believer is a conquered disarmed slave that men 〈◊〉 in the Service of the Enemies of his Soul and is in no Condition of sightâ—… with them If He begin to bestir himself through the Convictions awakâ—… ings and Alarms of Conscience and to hold up his Hand or make any â—…sistance He is knock'd down and overcome presently and maâ—… 〈◊〉 thâ—… a Captive as the Believer is said to be more then a Conquerour 〈◊〉 more a Vassal and Drudge to his Lusts and other Enemies then before But a Believer is a man of Warre a Souldier well appointed in a good 〈◊〉 pacity and Condition to dispute it out with any of his Adversaries Concl. 2. Every true Believer hath constant fighting work before 〈◊〉 There is no End of his warre in this world not any time wherein He any give over fighting Nunquam Bella piis nunquam Certamina desunt â—…t quocum certet mens pia semper habet It is not so with other Souldiers There is a Time when Kings go 〈◊〉 to Batiel 2 Sam. 1. 1. 1. And there is a Time when they disband their 〈◊〉 or draw them into their winter Quarters or make a Cessation of â—…ll 〈◊〉 of Hostility by Leagues or Truces There is a Time of Warre saith 〈◊〉 3. 8. and a Time of peace Other Souldiers are not alwayes â—…ting but a Christians Duty and Employment is to fight continually He cannot assure himself of any Respite or Intermission in the Course of his warfare This may be convincingly made out in three or four Particulars 1. Every Believer reacheth after marchâ—…th towards the perfect enjoyment of the blessed Fruits of the everlasting Love of God This is the prize He runs for the Crown he sights for the Recompence of reâ—…ard He hath respect unto the End and Aim of his Race and wrestling He is in his Journey or upon his March towards that City which hath Foundations Heb. 11. 10. that better Country where He may enjoy the glorious Fruits of the peculiar Love of God in perfection Every Christian is in a wayfaring state and declares plainly by the course he shapes and steers that he is a Stranger â—…ere and seeking a Country Heb. 11. 14. travelling towards the Heavenly Canâ—…an and the face of his soul is set towards that Ierusalem whichis above He hath Grace and Glory in his Eye and is engaged in a close and eager pursuit of Happiness The end of his Faith and Holy Conversation is the Salvation of his Soul and the perfect and perpetual Fruition of the Love of God in the brightest discoveries and richest effusions of it 2. Every Believer meets with great opposition in his March and way to the God aforesaid from Enemies that make Head against Him and do what they 〈◊〉 â—…o separate Him from the Love of God in Christ Iesus He meets with numerous Adversaries that design and drive at this to hinder Himself and the Rest of Gods people in their Travels to Canaan to divert and turn them out of the Road of Holiness and Obedience which leads to Happiness to pluck them if it were possible out of Gods Hand to tear them out of his loving Embraces to cut them short of the blessed Fruition of the Love of God in Christ. God leads every Believer as it were through the Land of the Philistines where they must see Warre and brings Him to the Heavenly Canaan that way And he meets with this Opposition 1. From Himself and that sin that dwells in Him From his own Heart and Nature as it is depraved and vitiated from his natural corruption or that sin that is inlaid and radicated in his Nature This is the principal the Capital the Grand Enemy that is bred in his Bowels raising intestine civil Warrs without which his forreign Enemies the Rest of his Adversaries could do Him no Hurt nor make any considerable Head against Him â—…t was the great Advantage of the Captain of our Salvation as our Saviour is called Heb. 2. 10. in all his Engagements with Satan and his Instruments that He was Holy Harmless undefiled and separate from Sinners Heb. 7. â—…6 â—…hat He know no sin 2 Cor. 5. 21. that He had no sin in Him Hence it was that just before his last and greatest Encounter with Satan He tells his â—…isciples The Prince of this world cometh and hath nothing in me Joâ—… 14. 30. There was nothing in our Lord Jesus that complied with or was â—…itable to the temptations of the God of this World nothing to close with his suggestions or entertain his Terrours the Enemy without had no correspondents within him Satan could not lay hands or fasten a Temptation upon him Christ threw him off with ease in this respect Hence he was tempted indeed in all points like as we are yet wiâ—…hout sin Heb. 4. 15. Temptation to Christ was like throwing a But upon a Chrystal Glasse which will not stick but glides off But alas the sin of our Natures is Satans strength and aduantage He
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
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
in again though he may be turned off for a while That general Bent Inclination of his heart towards God as his last end greatest good towards his Commandments as the only best Rules of living and walking is ever preserved in the Believer by the mighty power of God according to his Covenant-engagement even then when his Enemies have gotten him down and laid him at their Feet So that if the Lord never take away his loving-kindness utterly from the Believer nor the Believer totally lose his love to God what follows but that there can be no separation of a true Believer from the love of God in Christ Jesus and by consequence that he cannot be absolutely conquered in any though he may be worsted in some Engagements Concl. 4. Every true Believer manageth a successful War and is sure of Conquest My meaning is not that every Christian hath a certainty of perswasion that he shall prevail or overcome for many an one is ready to say sometimes that he shall one day fall by the hand of this or that Saul but there is a certainty of the thing in it self I speak of the certainty of the object or the truth of this Proposition Every Believer shall certainly conquer the Enemies of his Soul not of the certainty of the Subject the certioration of the Believer or his perswasion and assurance that he shall be victorious at last A Believer shall certainly win the day and conquer all Opposers whatever his unbelieving heart may at any time suggest to the contrary Hence Paul speaks of it as a thing done we do more then overcome This may be made out thus 1. A Believer in this life gets many signal Victories He is not able indeed utterly to drive out the Canaanites they will abide in his Land Heart I mean and be rebelling and vexing him frequently but the Lord gives him many remarkable victories over them There are some memorable dayes and happy times wherein the People of God come out of the Field victorious and triumph over their spiritual Enemies They set their feet in the neck of their Lusts and lay their Corruptions bleeding at their feet and do so resist Satan as to rout him and put him to flight 2. If he be for a time overcome yet he recovers himself at last and gets the Day He may be overcome and carried Captive as the Apostle intimates Rom. 7. 23. he may be remarkably worsted in some particular conflicts and taken Prisoner but he cannot be detained alwayes a Prisoner all the power and policy of his Adversaries cannot hold him he will make an escape from them sooner or later and obtain rescue and deliverance If he be foiled and laid on his back for a time yet it is not long before he recovers himself and gets up again by godly sorrow Humiliation and Repentance and renew the Combat and is too hard for his Enemies Iâ—… he be routed he rallies again and never leaves fighting till he carries the day and go out of the Field a Conquerour 3. His Enemies lose Ground by all their partial Conquests of Him A Child of God gets Good by his Foils and Falls yea gets Ground insensibly of his Corruptions and other Enemies thereby His Enemies by winning the Day lose it and by Conquering are conquered Every victory that Sin and Satan obtain makes a gracious Heart more humble more sensible of his own weakness and absolute need of the strength of Christ more watchful against Sin and Temptation more Cautious for time to come of admitting Parlyes and Compliances with his Adversares and so turne through the â—…ver-ruling Hand of Grace to the singular Advantage of a Christian in many respects Lay these things together and it will be manifest that a Believer manages a very successful warre and is sure at last of an absolute Conquest Concl. 5. A Believers Victory and Conquest is incomparably Glorious His Conquest is most exceeding Glorious Thence Paul saith we are more then Conquerours We do not only Conquer but triumph we have a triumphant Victory we are much too hard for our Enemies we do more then overcome 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 supervineimus we do over-overcome It is Grâ—…tius his Observation Amat Paulus componere verba cum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Paul loves thâ—… Composition of words with the Preposition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and He gives many other Instances besides this in the Text of such Compositions in Pauls Epistles When He speaks of the Rich Grace of God or of the great and glorious priviledges of his Children He thinks He cannot over-speak They are such things that as Luther said of God and Heaven non patiuntur Hyperbolen do not admit are not capable of an Hyperbole No Expression is so high or Superlative as to transcend and exceed the measure of the Excellency of such Things Now the Greatness and Gloriousness of a Believers Uictory appears in many Things which we shall but glance at as we pass along Glorious it is in that the Believer conquers in Suffering when He is in appearance conquered overcome and destroyed When He â—…sslain with the Sword devoured by Lions burnt to Ashes aâ—… a Stake sawn asunder or any way violently put to death yet in all these things he conquers as the Martyrs have done They overcome by the Bloud of the Lamb the word of their Testimony and not loving their lives unto the Death Gualther takes this to bâ—… the sense of the Apostle In all these Things we are more then Conquerours He doth not say we overcome all these things so as that they shall be no more or cease to oppose us But in all these things we Conquer For afflictions remain and will remain as long as the World lasts nor will 〈◊〉 secutâ—…ons ever cease which beget Banishment Famine Nakedness anâ—… the Sword to the Godly but in these things and among all these peâ—…ils and evilâ—… of Suffering the Faithfull do more then overcome And this is admirable that they overâ—…me when suecub uisse omnino Victi aut Oppressi esse videntur when they are slain or burnt or destroyed any other-way They are killed all the day long accounted and used as â—…eep for the slaughter as in the verse before the Text And yet more then Conquerours Humane Carnal Reason cannot comprehend this It is indeed Mysterious and glorious Again Glorious it is in that he conquers such Enemies as conquer all but Himself and such as He is The great Conquerours of the World have been slaves to their own Pride Ambition vain-glory Covetousness and other base Lusts which a Christian subdues and Conquers Many of them have been Satans Slaves when they have been Masters of the world But the Believer resists the Devil and puts Him to flight He overcomes Himself which is a nobler Exploit then to evercome and Conquer Nations sets his Foot upon Satan tramples and crushes that Serpent Rom. 16. 20. treads the World under his Feet as the
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
of the Lord that appeared to Ioshuae Josh. 5. 13 14. It armâ—… them with invincible Graces offensive and defensive and orders them the insuperable and invincible Assistance of the Spirit of Christ and the needful supplies and recruits of Assisting Grace The Love of God in Christ furnisheth the Christian Souldier compleatly every way with all that he needs in order to the Conquest of his Enemies so that he is better provided for the Combate and hath more Assistance in the Combate and more assurance consequently of success then any other Conquerours have The Christian Souldier is well appointed and set forth for the War Recruited and Assisted in it at the cost and charges of the Love of God in Jesus Christ. 3. The Everlasting Love of God adjudges them Triumph at last and Crowns them with it Divine Love sets the Glorious Crown upon the Head of the persevering victorious all-conquering Believer There is a Glorious Day coming wherein the Believer shall receive the reward of all his Labours and Travels and Combatings with the Flesh the World and the Devil And this reward will be adjudged to him that overcometh and actually conferred upon him by the Grace and Love of God in Jesus Christ. Not his Merit but Gods Mercy and Love will then Crown him His present sufferings in the time of his Warfare are not worthy to be compared with the Glory that shall be revealed in him Rom. 8. 18. When Paul had fought his good fight and finished the couâ—…se of his warfare he expected his Triumphâ—… Crown from the Lord the Righteous Iudge 2 Tim. 4. 7 8 A Crown of Mercy and Grace it is and also a Crown of Righteousness there being a sweet concurrence of the Remunerative Iustice of God with his Infinite Mercy Grace and Love in that Glorious work of Crowning a persevering Christian Souldier with everlasting Triumph and Glory Divine Love adjudges and bestows upon Believers at last the Heavenly Prize they run for and the incorruptible Crown they fight for in this World That they Triumph Eternally is from the Love of God in Christ. Thus much for the Doctrinal part Use 1. We might improve this Observation To crush that Erroneous conceit of the Arminians concerning the possibility of a Regenerate man's total and final Apostacy For to assert this is to say that a Believer may be totally defeated and overcome and Sin Satan and World may prevaile over him to his utter Ruine The Truth we have discoursed is ready prest to militate against the men of that Heteredox perswasion and is alone without the Levy of any other forceâ—… of strength sufficient to fight that Enemy and beat him out of the field This Text of the Apostle and the Observation we have deduced from it smites those Adversaries of the Doctrine of Perseverance under the fifth Rib or rather stabs their fifth Article concerning the Apostacy of Saints to the Heart This one Weapâ—… if it be well managed and weilded will do real and through Execution For if â—…re may be a total final defection of Believers or falling from Grace ouâ—… of the favour of God then there is a possibility that a Believer may be totally finally separated from the love of God so totally conquered which is diametrally opposite to the Strain and Genius and Intendment of the Apostles Discourse what we have been regularly superstructing upon it But let it be enough to have thus Faced that Grand Enemy the Arminian without engaging further on this occasion in any pitch'd confutation of him Use 2. This makes it appear who are the bravest Souldiers the most Renowned Warriours Persons of the greatest Bravery and Gallantry in the World They are Believing Men and Women A Christian Man or Woman is by many degrees a better Souldier then Caesar or Alexander Sincere Believers of all degrees and conditions are persons of eminency this way Among the victorious Worthies whose Famous Exploits and Atchievements are Recorded Hib. 11. The Apostle doth not leave Believing Women out of the Catalogue We read of great Exploits that have been performed even by those of the weaker Seu both in Sacred and Common History but none to be compared with those which Believing Women through Faith have enterprized and accomplished O Woman great is thy Faith saith our Saviour Mat. 15 28. Why then it might be said also O Woman great is thy Victory For this is the Victory that overcometh the World even our Faith 1 Joh. 5. 4. True Faith though it be but as a Grain of Mustard Seed will overcome and bear down all that opposition the World can make against it As to this Christian Warfare Victory and Triumph Believers of all sorts share in it there is no difference in this matter but Iew and Greek Bond and Free Male and Female are all one in this respect through Jesus Christ. The weakest Believer will be too hard for the strongest Adversary This is a clear Consequence from what we have discoursed that a Believer is the bravest and most victorious Souldier in the World Use 3. A word of singular Encouragement and Comfort unto all that â—…ourn for the sorrowful state and Condition of Jerusalem Know it and Believe it that the Church of God however affâ—…icted and oppressed in the world shall certainly prevail and get the Day at last The Victories Triumphs that God hath decreed and determined shall certainly be awarded and given to the conflicting Militant-Church in the Season thereof How might we expostulate the Case with the mightiest of the Churches Adversaries with the High and Low Great and Small ones of the Earth in this respect why do the Nations rage and People imagine a vain Thing vain it is and will be found so in the Issue to oppose the Lord Jesus to fight against his Mâ—…mbers to plot and prâ—…ct design and endeavour the Ruine of the Interâ—…st of Christ in the Wâ—… For the Lord Jesus and his called and Faithful Chosen shall certaiâ—… 〈◊〉 more then overcame at last The Lamb and his Followers shall be Illustâ—…ious so queroâ—…s The Beast may arise out of the Bottomless pit and raise the Posse Inferni or Inferorum come with Legions of Dâ—…vile and their Instruments and set their Hellish Armies in Aray and make warre upon the Witnesses and overcome them for a while but they shall overcome at last in a glorious manner Verily no Weapon that is formed against the Church shall prosper Christ laughs at all the Confederacies and Complotments and mad Rage of the world against his Interest and Members Psal. 2. 4. And his People that are at present in a sad and sorrowful Condition in the Heat of the Engagement shall laugh too and Triumph over all Excellent were the Expressions of that man of Faith Martin Luther to this purpose That the Kings and Princes People do so rage against the Lord and his Christ I account faith he an Happy Omen and much better then if they
fawned and flattered For it follows in the second Psalm He that sitteth in the Heavens shall laugh at them Hoc autem principe nostro illos ridente non video cur nobis fleâ—…dum sit a facie illorum As long as our King laughs at them I see no Reuson why we should cry for them They that make Christ laugh by their ridiculous Opposition should not make his People cry Verily every Believer hath that in his Heart I mean the Victorious all-conquering Grace of Faith whose Prerogative it is to laugh to scorn all the foolish plots and ill contrived Designs and feeble Attempts of men against Christ and his Church For indeed their wiseâ—… Contrivances are Foolishness and their strongest Endeavours against the impregnable and invincible Interest of Christ and his Church are weakness it self and will appear so at last And if Christ laughs at them why should not his Friends and Followers also For he laughs as Luther goes on not for his own but for our sake that we also through Faith may laugh at the vain Counsels of Men Sâ—… much need there is of Faith that the Cause of Faith may not be managed without Faith Ne Causa Fidei sit sine Fide He that is sure of Victory may well laugh in the Face of his Enemies Now though wicked men are plowing and making long Furrows on the Backs of the Righteous yet the Lord will certainly cut their Traces The blessed Lord Jesus leads and assists his People and the Shout of a King and General is among them Numb 23. 21 And that is assurance enough of Victory What an invincible Army must the Body of Saints and Believers needs be whereof not only the General but every private Souldier is Invincible They shall say at last Lo this is our God we have waited for him And he hath saved us this is the Lord we have waited for him and nâ—…w we will be glad and rejoyce in his Salvation when all Moabs shall be trodden down as Straw for the Dunghil Isâ—…â—…5 9 10. O Beloved Lift up your Heads and Hands and be encouraged Though it is a day of Trouble and perplenity and of doubâ—…ful Exâ—…ectations in maâ—…y respects yet in the eye of Faith it is an hopeful Time and a promising Seaseâ—… when the world this blind and mad world is in a Tumult and Uproâ—… against the Church of Christ. The great and glorious Things that are to be fulfilled the faithful and true sayings of God cannot be accomplished by the Quietness and sitting still of the Nations When the world rageth against the Church and is up in Arms to make havock of it then Christ Jesus and those Veteran Legions the glorious Angels the Lord Iesus the Man upon the Red Horse among the Myrtle Trees attended with Red speckled and white Horses Angels deputed to several Offices and Administrations Zech. 1. 8. are in a posture of readiness to charge the Enemy and bring off the people of God with Safety and Honour that are hotly engaged in the Conflict with their Adversaries The Witnesses may be overcome and killed but they shall live again They that mourn for Ierusalem shall have a Time to rejoyce for Her and with Her Isai. 66. 10. men that wage warre against Heaven and bid open defiance to the great Interest of the Lord Jesus who is Faithful and True and in Righteousness doth judge and make warre who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords Rev. 19. 11 c. shall be confounded and Ierusalem shall be a Burdensome Stone and a Cup of trembling to the Adversaries thereof Indeed we must wait Christs Time for the exerting of his Power and the Lighting down of his Omnipotent Arâ—… the Day of his power and wrath when He shall gird his Sword on his Thigh and his Arrows shall be sharp in the Heart of his Enemies and he shall Smite through the Loines of them that rise up against him and of them that hate Him that they rise not again There is a Day coming when the Right Hand of Christ shall teach Him terrible Things Psal. 45. 4. In the mean while our work is to wait and pray and exercise Faith and Patience For here or in this matter is the Faith and Patience of the Saints proved and exercised and when the Day comes which God hath determined your very General alone can win the Field and turn the Battel to the Gateâ—… and give you a signal Victory and will do it right-early for his Suffering Servants that shall need to do nothing then but stand still and see the Salvation of the Lord and what Destructions He will make among their Adversaries If one Saint be thus Victorious as you have heard never question but the whole Body of them shall in Gods Time and way prevail and Conquer in a glorious manner Use 4. Of Exhortation to such as have Believed through Grace in several Branches 1. Be Encouraged then to fight this good Fight where there is so much Hope nay such Assurance to Believers of a Glorious victory They must needs Câ—…quer that fight on such Termes as we have mentioned and have such â—…rovision laid in for Victory and Triumph They must needs Conquer whose very General alone is able to Conquer all their Enemies Well may the Christian Souldier be hardy daring venturous couragious resolute in his way to see upon his Enemies that hath such Assurance of being Triumphantly successfull in all his Engagements Here is encouragement enough one would think to make any Coward valiant in fight Never despair nor give in then but fight this good fight of Faith Therefore for Direction 1. Let all Believers know and consider well that they are Souldiers and have fighting work before them That they have many Foes to deal withal and that they are in the Field deeply engâ—…ged in a sharp contest about the things of their Peace And that there is no retreating or drawing off or looking back without shame and misery That they are waging a War that is of greatest importance of everlasting Consequence and of infinite concernment to them Do not rest in slight Apprehensions transient and overly Thoughts of your State and Condition in this respect left you fall into a Laish like frame Judg. 18. 27. and dwell securely and carelesly in the World and expose your selves to the inrodes and inculsions of your Enemies Know that you do not dwell far from evil Neighbours you have Mortal Enemies bordering upon you that will make all Advantage of your Security You have a Troublesome Quarrelsome In-mate one that was bred and born with you and hath grown up with you and is a constant Lodger in your House and Companion at home and abroad Indwelling sin I mean with its Confederates that hold exact intelligence one 〈◊〉 another and watch all Advantages against you 2. Labour to get accurate Intelligence of the Policies and Designs of your Adversaries Acquaint your selves with the deceitfulness of sin the Frauds
dangerous 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Army Christ your Centeral is as apprehensive and jealous of such things among his People Woâ—…ul was the case of Ierusalem when besieged by the Romans on this account of divided parties and Factions Wiâ—…hin which hastened their ruine and facilitated the Roman Conquest And do you think that Divisions in and among Churches are not of threatning Consequence to such societies The Lord be merciful to us in this respect Must the Sword devour for ever Do you not know that it will be bitterness in the latter end I hope you do not wage here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 An irreconcileable War If the Sons of men shou'd be implacable yet one would think the Sons of God should put on as the Elect of God Holy and Beloved Bowels of Mercies Kindness Humbleness of Mind Meekness Long-Suffering Forbearing one another aâ—…d Forgiving if any Man have a Quarrel against any as they expect Forgiveness from the Lord Iesus putting on Charity which is the Bond of perfectnâ—…ss Col. 3. 12. 13 14. Shall that of the Apostle speaking of the worst of the Heathen Rom. 1. 31. be verified in any of the Professorâ—… among us that they are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Implacable God forbid They are your Enemies yea common Enemies to the Interest of Christ and his people that will go about to Foment these Divisions or advise to the perpetuating of these Differences If I were not well assured that Christs Name and Interest and your own Souls suffer unspeakably hereby I should not have opened my Mouth in this manner However I hope none here are so much in love with Contention as to be angry with Counsels of Peace It is a matter of great Consequence O les us not turn our Swords into one anothers Bowels as the Midianites Judg. 7. 22. Philistines 1 Sam. 14 15 20. Moab tes Ammonites and the Inhabitants of Mount Seir a Chron. 20. 23. as well as others have done to their own Destruction I believâ—… really that it is with these Churches or Companies of Christian Souldiers in this place so far as there is any Contention among them as it is with Souldiers now then in the Heat of Battel Sometimes through mistake in the Hurry and Consusion of Battel one Regâ—…ment or Company chargeth another of the same Army slaughtering and destroying their own dear Friends engaged on the same side and for the same cause instead of their Enemies This hath occasioned great Mischief So through Darkness Confusions Mis understandings and Mis-representations of Persons and Actions in an Hour of Temptation it comes to pass that Brethren contend and quarrel and wound one another with the wound of an Enemy and of a cruel One. Mistakes and Mis-apprehensions are the usual sad occasions of great Divisions We had need watch and Pray that we enter not into Temptation in this respect and to exercise Charity towards such as differ from us in Circumstantiaâ—… 〈◊〉 in matters of Doubtful Disputation only lest we blâ—…ndly and prâ—…pitately run over and ruine hack and hew down ouâ—… Friends and Brotâ—… under the notion of Enemies Oh make and Maintain Peace among your selves you Souldâ—…ers and Military Companies of Jâ—…sus Christ A Cessation of Arms for the Present is not enough It is a League of Amity and Friendship and Brotherly Communion that I contend for O that is might be speedily effected lest a Common Enemy prove the only effectual Mediatour between the Brethren at variance and a pacification be made at last by such Instruments and Means as neither Party will have any joy or pleasure in And the Blessing of the Peace-maker be upon the heads of those persons that shall be graciously instrumental in Gods way to settle a good and lasting Peace and Correspondence among these Churches or sincerely and vigorously endeavour it 7. Make it your chief care and business all the time of your Warfare to please your Great General the Lord of Hosts the Lord Iesus Christ in all things That is the property of a good Souldier 2 Tim. 2. 4. He designâ—… to please his Commander in chief by a ready Obedience This was the singular commendation of the Centurions Souldiers Mat. 8. 9. Luk. 7. 8. No Men are under more absolute Command then Souldiers that must not dispute but obey the Orders of their General In like manner do you observe all the Orders of the Lord Jesus obey all his Words of Command adventure upon the hottest and hardest pieces of Service when he requires it hold no Intelligence or Treacherous close Correspondence with his Enemies In every Motion or Action consider with your selves whether this or that course and carriage and Posture will please Christ. And in particular please him by a ready and cheerful Obedience to Inferiour Commissioned Officers for his sake Obey them that have the Rule over you is one great word of Command which our Lord Saviour gives Heb. 13. 7 17. Though I am as truly heartily opposite to the Presbyterian Perswasion with due respect to the Piety and Learning and Orthodexy and Excellent Abilities and Accomplishments of those our Fellow-Brethren and Souldiers that march on that side of the way be it spoken wherein it lies in direct Opposition to the Substantials of the Congregational-way as any of you and though I am remote enough from the intention of improving the Text but now mentioned to the establishing of such an Absolute and Arbitrary Rule in the Presbytery as is really inconsistent and incomportable with the due priviledge and liberty of the People yet I am sure that all are not Guides Overseers and Rulers but that there are Rulers and Ruled the Governours and the Governed in all particular Churches according the Sovereign Institution of Jesus Christ there are Officers and Private Souldiers according to the appointment of our Lord General And I must say freely that that way of Church-Government that allows not the Rule and Government truely and properly so called to Church Officers is not the way of Christs Institution Obey therefore such as the Lord Jesus hath set over you in the Lord if you mean to please him Otherwise you may be sure that your General will severely punish the undue contempt of the meanest Officer in the Christian Army 8. Be willing to endure Hardship This is another Qualification of a Souldier 2 Tim. 2. 3. Church-Officers are called to this in a special manner but it is the duty also of every Christian Soulders that must expect to wrestle with many Difficulties A man must never think to be a Souldier that is nice and delicate and loves to favour himself and indulgeth to pleasure and ease Nimiâ—… delicatus es Christiano qui voluptatem hec seculo concupiscis Tertull. Every Souldier must resolve upon enduring Hunger and Thirst and Cold and Wet and Weariness and lying upon the Ground many Hardships and Inconveniences in the course of his Militery Imployment As Aâ—…cas the Scythian said to Philip of Macedon
the Issues of your Counsels in the Birth or to overlay them and devout them as soon as they are born Now the word of the Lord to you is as sometimes to Ioshua Josh. 1. 9 Be strong and of a good Courage be not afraid neither be you dismayed For the Lord your God is with you O take Courage and acquit your selves as the good Souldiers of Christ and â—…aliant Worthies in your Warfare You have growing Sins in a growing Common-wealth to grapple withal O be Couragious and fight your Fight against such Enormities Do not draw your Sword meerly to flourish and beat the Air but strike home And if you have not Swords that are sharp enough or long enough to reach to do thorough Execution upon the Enemies of our peace the God-provoking State disturbing Sins evils among us Be sure you get such as may do it I mean such Laws as may be keen and comprehensive enough to reach them And the Lord bless you with the Honoured â—…puties at your great Councii of Warre as I would take Liberty thâ—…â—…ay â—…o stile your General Assembly where you are considering whâ—… to do dâ—… bâ—…lare to conquer and beat down the Sins and Disorders that lift up the Head amongst us and are the great Enemies of the Prosperity of our Common-wealth and Churches I might also particularly apply this word of Encouragement to the pious an laborious Servants of the Lord in the work of the Ministry O my Brethren and Fathers you are the good Souldiers of Jesus Christ in a peculiar manner 2 Tim. 2. 3. Paul calls Epaphroditus the Pastor of the Church of the Philippians his Fellow-Souldier Phil. 2. 25. Both Eâ—…raordinary and ordinary Church-Officers are Souldiers Your Life is a Warfare in a way of Specialty Besides the Enemies you have to Engage with as you are Christians you have Enemies also to conflict with as you are Ministers I speak not of the persons of men which are to be pitied and tendered but of their Vices which must be opposed and combated withal You have Unruliness Disorderly Behaviour Prejudices Reproaches base Nick-names hard Usage and injurious dealings among men the Pride Ignorance Obstinacy Unfruitfulness and Ingratitude of some you have to do with besides your particular Temptations from Satan who maligns the Ministers of Christ more then other men to conflict and combate withal Some of you may be in Pauls Case Fears within and Fightings without and Trouble on evâ—…ry side 2 Cor. 7 5. You are Souldiers and must expect Knocks and Blows in your Warfare but you may be assured of a most Glorious Victory We live in â—…imes of great Degeneracy and in special of great Disaffection to the Ministers of Christ Times wherein Satan industriously instills and infuses endless Jealousies and prejudices into the Heads and Hearts of People concerning the Faithful Ministers of the Gospel As the King of Syria said to his Captains Fight neither with small nor Great save only wiâ—…h the King of Israel 1 King 22. 31. So doth Satan seem to say to his Followerâ—… at this Day Do you fight neither with one or other so much as with the Ministers of Christ. This is the Ball that Satan hath 〈◊〉 his Foot the great Game that He is playing up and down to asperse and vilifie and bring down the price and esteem of Christs Messengers as well knowing then how to destroy the Souls of Men and Women Heaps upon Heaps as it were Well you are Souldiers and must not be discouraged You are well appointed you have Arms to fight withal Prayers and Tears and Ministerial Auâ—…horitative Dispensation of the word and Ordinances of Christ with Courage And undaunted Resolution are the VVeapons of your Warfare which are not Carnal but Spâ—…ritual and mighty througâ—… God assisting 2 Cor. 10 4. And if it would not sound too much like the Word of a Commander if it were not too much Boldness and Arrogance I would say to my Reverend Fathers and Brethren Fellow Souldiers Stand to your Arms. The Day is your own and the Victory will be finally determined on your side Your Sighs and Groans and Prayers and Tears and Mâ—…nilleria Conflict shall not be in vain but the Lord will shortly give you the Victory Take heed of Short-spiritedness of Impatience of Fainting in the Contest though it may be sharp and severe for a time The Illâ—… terarian Spirit the Antiministerial Spirit the Heretical evil Spirit the â—…velling and Disorderly Spirit or whatever else it is that you combate withal shall be routed run down put to flight And the solly of such Things and persons will be made manifest to all men Nothing will abide but what is built noâ—… on the variable and uncertain Fancies and Affections of men but on the Everlasting Foundations of Scripture and Reason Reason and Truth will stand their Ground and keep the Field when all that is opposite thereunto will be put to flight and totally discomfited I shall say no more to you but in the words of the Lord to the Propheâ—… â—…er 1. 18 19. The Lord hath made you Defenced Cities Iron Pillars and Brazen Walls and though men fight against you they shall not prevail For the Lord is with you Nay further If I could but get into the Hearts of any of the People of God in this Assembly and make discovery of the particular Corruptions and Temptations that this or that Believing Man or Woman is Conflicting and Combating with I would say to them Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might As the Priesis were ordered by the Lord to give a Word of Encouragement to the People of Israel when they were approaching to Batrel aganst their Enemies Deut. 20 3 4. So give me leave at the Head of this Christian Camp here Assembled before the Lord to bespeak the Israel of God and to say Let not your Hearts Faint Fear not and do not tremble neither here terrified because of your Enemies For the Lord your God even your great Lord General the Lord Iesus Christ is he that goeth with you to sight for you against your Enemies and to save you What should I do but say to them that are of a fearful Heart Be strong fear not strengthen ye the weak Hands and confirm the feeble Knâ—…es Isai 35. 3 4. You are it may be Buffeted with Satans Messenger pained with the Thorn in the Flesh Molested and Tortured as persons held upon the Rack with Temptations to Atheism and Unbelief with Blasphemons Injections and Amazing Suggestions Tormented with the poysonous fiery Dares and Arrows of that evil one Combated with â—…shly VVorldly Lusts and Corruptions that give you no rest Oh Courage Courage Dear Hearts Fight it out to the last And if you are Foiled get up again by Repentance and renew the Combat in the strength of Christ and never ask Quarter or make a Surrender of your selves to the Will of your Enemies for you shall obtain a
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