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
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
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
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
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
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
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