The Whole Armor of God, Exegesis · Treatise 1 · Part 1
THE FIRST PART.
The Fountaine of Christian Courage.
Epheſ. 6. 10.
Finally my Brethren be ſtrong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
§. 1. The Summe and ſeuerall Heads.
SAint PAVL hauing deliuered ſuch aChap. 1, & 2, & 3.doctrines of faith, andbChap. 4, 5, & 6. precepts of maners (bothcFrom Chap. 4 verſ. 1. to Chap. 5. ver. 22. generall concerning all Chriſtians, anddFrom Chap. 5. verſ. 22. to Chap. 6. v. 10. particular concerning the diſtinct degrees of ſeuerall perſons in a family) as hee thought moſt meete, in the cloſing vp of his Epiſtle, giueth a worthy direction for the better performing of them all; which is, to bee couragious and well furniſhed againſt all thoſe difficulties and dangers, The ſuns.wherewith they are like to meete in their Chriſtian courſe. Wel knew the Apoſtle that the beſt Chriſtians while here they liue in this world, are both prone to faint by reaſon of their own weakneſſe, and alſo in hazard to be foiled by reaſon of their enemies power; therefore he taketh vponupon him the perſon of a wiſe, vigilant, and valiant Captaine; and in ſouldier-like termes animateth the Lords Souldiers, that they neither faint in themſelues, nor be daunted with their enemies.
This Direction is continued from verſe 10. to 21.
The parts of it are two:The Reſolution.
1. That wee bee couragious, verſe 10.
2. That we be well prepared: v. 11. &c.
In the former note
1. The manner
2. The matter
of the Apoſtles exhortation.
The manner is in theſe words, Finally my brethren.
The matter in theſe, Be ſtrong in the Lord, &c.
In the latter note
1. The Meanes, how
2. The Motiue, why
wee muſt be well prepared.
The meanes is to bee well armed, which point is firſt in generall laid downe: and then in particular exemplified.
ThecPut on the whole Armor of God. generall is once declared, verſ. 11. and againe, (becauſe of the neceſſitie thereof) repeated verſ. 13. and in both places amplified by thefThat yee may be able to ſtand, &c. end.
gVerſ. 14, 15, 16, 17.In the particular exemplification there are ſixe ſpirituall graces, fitly reſembled to ſixe pecces of Armour.
Now becauſe of our ſelues we are as children, and no better able to weild this Armour of God, thenh1 Sam. 17. 39 Dauid the armor of Saul, the Apoſtle addeth that heauenly exerciſe ofiVerſ. 18. &c. prayer, teaching them how to pray for themſelues and others: eſpecially for him who was one of their chiefe guides.
The Motiue is taken from the danger, in which wee are by reaſon of our ſpirituall enemies, whom he deſcribeth verſ. 12. EueryEvery word almoſt in this Direction is of weight, and worthy to be ſearched into.
§. 2. The neceſsitie of the point.
THe firſt point in order is the Manner of the Apoſtles exhortation,
Which ſetteth forth,
1. The neceſſitie of the thing vrged, Finally.
2. The affection of him that vrgeth it, my Brethren.
The original world tranſlated finally,foreign ſignifieth, a remainder,Obſer. 1. and implieth that yet remained one neceſſity point to be deliuered before he made an end, The neceſſary of this Direction.as if with more copie of words he had thus ſaid; Though I hauehave ſufficiently inſtructed you in doctrines of faith, and precepts of manners, yet there is one needfull point behinde, which being deliuered, I may conclude all: there is yet (I ſay) a remainder, and the only remainder of all, by which yee may make good vſe of all that hath beene hitherto deliuered, without which, all will bee in vaine.
Vſe Is this Direction ſo needful a point? a point which may not be omitted? a point worthy of the laſt place, as moſt of all to be remembred? thenkHebr. 21. ought we to giuegive the more earnest heed thereunto, leſt at any time we ſhould let it ſlip. In hearing we muſt well heede it: after we hauehave heard it, wee muſt well keepe it, andlforeign not let it ſlip like water put into a colinder or riuen diſh.
§. 3. The Apostles affection.
TO vrge this point yet ſomewhat the more forcibly, the Apoſtle in the next place manifeſteth his affection in theſe words, My brethren, which declare both the humilitie of his minde, and the gentleneſſe of his ſpirit.
Brother is a word of equalitie:Obſer. 2. in calling them Brethren, he maketh himſelfe equall vntounto them,The Apoſtles humilitie. though he himſelfe were one of the principall members of Chriſts body, one of the eyes thereof, a Miniſter of the Word, an extraordinarie Miniſter, an Apoſtle, a ſpirituall Father of many ſoules, a planter of many famous Churches, yea the planter of this Church at Epheſus: and though many of them to whom he wrote, were poore meane men, handicrafts men, ſuch asaChap 4. v. 28 laboured with their hands for their liuing: and many alſobVerſ. 5. 8. ſeruants, and bond-men; yet without exception of any, he termeth and counteth them all his brethren, and ſocRom. 12. 16. maketh himſelf euall to them of the lower ſort. Behold his humilitie: For if to affect titles of ſuperioritie, as Rabbi, Doctor, Father, bee a note of arrogancie (as it is,dMat. 23. 7, &c. and therefore Chriſt in that reſpect taxeth the Scribes and Phariſes) then to take and giuegive titles of equallitie, is a note of humilitie. The like notes of humilitie may be oft noted both in other Epiſtles of this Apoſtle, and in the Epiſtles of other Apoſtles; yea and in all the Prophets alſo.
Well they knew,Reaſon. that notwithſtanding there were diuers offices, places, and outward degrees, among Chriſtians: yet theyeMal. 2. 10. Epheſ. 4. 6. all had one Father, and were fellow members off1 Cor. 12. 12. One and the ſame bodie, and in regard of their ſpirituall eſtategGal. 3. 28. all one in Chriſt Ieſus.
Vſe Take my Brethren the Prophets, take the Apoſtles, yea take Chriſt himſelfe for an example of humilitie.Account all Brethren. For Chriſt, though he were Lord of all, yet for as much ashHeb. 2. 11, 14. he tooke part with vsus, and ſo all were of one, hee was not aſhamed to call vsus Brethren. Who then can diſdaine to call any Saint Brother? This point of humilitie and meekeneſſe Chriſt willeth vsus after an eſpeciall manner toiMatth. 11. 29▪ learne of him. It is a grace which will highly grace vsus before God and man. It maketh vsus amiable in Gods eyes, whokProu. 3. 34. Giueth grace to the lowly: and it maketh our company very acceptable to men. An humble minded man who maketh himſelfe equall to them of the lower ſort, & accounteth all his brethren, will be ſociable and willing to conuerſe with any for their mutual good. But proud and ambitious ſpirits are full of ſcorne and diſdaine, ſo as men cannot well endure their company, andl1 Pet. 5. 5. God will reſiſt them. Wherefore, to conclude this point, whatſoeuer your parts of nature, or gifts of Gods Spirit be, whatſoeuer your place or calling bee, whatſoeuer excellencie or eminencie you hauehave aboue others, remember that all Saints hauehave one Father, all are of one body, all are one in Chriſt, therefore all account one another Brethren. Let Magi ſtrates, Miniſters, and all of all ſorts apply this.
Vſe 2 As for ſuch prophane perſons, who deride the Saints for giuing this title Brethren one to another,This title brother, not to be …corned. doe they not thorow thoſe Saints ſides ſtrike the Prophets, the Apoſtles, yea and Chriſt himſelfe?
Note further the gentle and milde ſpirit of the Apoſtle; Brethren, Obſer. 3. The Apoſtles mildneſſe.is a title of kindneſſe and louelove: My, an attribute which addeth emphaſis thereunto. In other places he vſeth other attributes, which adde greater emphaſis, asm1 Cor. 15. 58. My beloued brethren, nPhil. 4. 1.My brethren beloued and longed for. So like wiſe other phraſes which imply as great meekeneſſe and gentleneſſe, asoGal. 4. 19. My little children, p1 Cor. 4. 1….My beloued children, &c.
It was not want of authority to command that made him thus gently exhort, but rather an earneſt deſire that he had to perſwade, and euen prouoke them to doe that which was their bounden duty and tended to their good. Marke how he dealeth with Philemon, verſ 9, 10, 20, by this meekeneſſe he inſinuateth himſelfe into them, and ſheweth that hee ſeeketh not himſelfe, and his owne good, ſo much as them and their good.
Vſe Learne Miniſters, Maſters, Parents, and all Chriſtians how to enforce your exhortations and perſwaſions:Inforce exhor tations with euidence of louelove. euen with euidences of louelove, with all mildneſſe and gentlenes. (f2 Tim. 2. 24. The ſeruants of the Lord must not ſtriue, but bee gentle toward all men.) Thus ſhall you giuegive them a pleaſant ſauour and ſweete relliſh, yea though the things whereunto yee exhort be vnpleaſing to mens naturall taſte, and carnall appetite.Simil. When ful ſome potions or bitter pills are ſweetned with ſugar, they will the ſooner be ſwallowed, and better digeſted: ſo exhottations ſeaſoned with termes of mildneſſe and gentleneſſe.
Thus much for the manner of the Apoſtles direction.
§. 4. The need of Chriſtian courage.
THe matter followeth, the firſt part whereof is in theſe words, Bee ſtrong in the Lord, and in the power of his might: wherenote, firſt, what is required, ſecondly, how that which is required may be performed.
The thing required is to be ſtrong, the Apoſtle heere ſpeaketh of an inward ſpirituall ſtrength, the ſtrength of the inward and new man, and his meaning is that wee ſhould bee valorous and couragious in the performance of thoſe Chriſtian duties which we take in hand.
Chriſtian valour and ſpirituall courage is a needfull grace. Doct. 1.Note with what varietie of phraſe the Apoſtle doth exhort hereunto,Spirituall valour needfull. 1. Cor. 16. 13. Stand faſt, quit you like men, be ſtrong: hereuntogIoſ. 1. 6. 7. God perſwadeth his ſeruant Ioſhuah, andh1 Chr. 18. 10. Dauid, his ſonne Salomon. i1 Sam. 17. 45Dauid had in him this holy valour and courage, when hee went againſt Goliah, andkActs 21. 13. Paul when he was going to Ieruſalem. But moſt valorous and ſtrong did Chriſt our Captaine ſhew himſelf, when he was going vp to Ieruſalem to ſuffer,lLuke 9. 51. The Euangeliſt ſaith, he ſtedfaſtly ſet his face, he ſetled himſelfe fully to go: though it were to drink a moſt bitter cup, he would not be drawne from it. Becauſe Peter labored to diſſwade him,mMat. 16. 23. he ſharpely rebuked him, and called him Satan.
The reaſons why this ſpirituall valour is ſo needfull, are ſpecially two.
Firſt,Reaſon 1. becauſe of our owne indiſpoſition, timerouſnes, dulneſſe, and back wardneſſe to all holy and good duties. What Chriſtian findeth not this by woefull experience in himſelfe? when he would pray, heare Gods word, partake of the Sacraments, ſanctifie the Sabbath, or performe any other like Chriſtian dutie, there is I know not what fearefulneſſe in him, his fleſh hangeth backe, as a Beare when he is drawne to the ſtake.nRom. 7. 18. … &c. This the holy Apoſtle found in himſelfe: ſo that for the rowſing vp of our own dulneſſe we hauehave need of valour.
Secondly,Reaſon 2. becauſe of thoſe many oppoſitions which we are like to meet withal. We heard before how the fleſh would hang back, and ſo labour to hinder vsus. The world wil like wiſe do what it can, either by vaine inticements to ſeduce vsus (as it drew away Demas,) or elſe by reproach, trouble, and perſecution, to terrifie vsus, (as thoſe who forſooke Paul) But aboue all the Diuell will be readie to reſiſt vsus, (asaZach. 3. 1. hee reſiſted Iehoſhuah) and to hinder vsus (b1 Theſ. 2. 18. as hee hindred Paul) yea to buffet vsus (asc2. Cor. 12. 7. hee buffeted the ſame Paul.) To omit other inſtances, moſt liuely is this ſet foorth in our Head and Generall Chriſt Ieſus. So ſoone as hee was ſet apart to his publike Miniſterie,dMatth. 4. 1. the Tempter came to him: after he began to execute it, Satan ſtirred vp the Rulers, Prieſts, Scribes, Phariſes, and many other to hinder him; yea he moouedeMat. 16. 22. Peter to diſſwade him, and when Chriſt was about to offer vp himſelfe a ſacrifice, then againfJohn 14. 30. came the Prince of this world to diſcourage him. The like oppoſitions are all Chriſts members to looke for; ſo as there is no hope, no poſſibilitie of holding out and enduring to the end without this Chriſtian valour and magnanimitie heere ſpoken of.
Vſe 1 Iuſtly may they be taxed, who either too timerouſly, or too ſecurely and careieſly enter into a Chriſtian courſe,Timerouſnes taxed. and vndertake ſuch Chriſtian duties as are required at their hands. Hence it commeth to paſſe that many duties are cleane omitted of them, other intermitted and broken off before they are halfe done: and as for thoſe which are done, ſo vntowardly are they done, that little or no comfort can be found in doing of them. Lamentable experience ſheweth how ſmall matters doe diſcourage many who know the right way, and are oft in conſcience moued to walke therein.
Such as want this Chriſtian courage, were better not giuegive vp their names to bee Chriſts Souldiers, or profeſſe that they intend to fight the Lords battailes: for by their timerouſneſſe and cowardlineſſe they diſcourage other Souldiers of the Lord, and hearten the enemie. The Lord would not ſuffer any that weregDeut 21. 8. Judges 7. 3. fearefull and faint hearted to fight his battailes on earth againſt earthly enemies, leſt they made others faint like themſelues. Can wee thinke that he will entertaine faint hearted ſouldiers in his ſpirituall battailes againſt ſpirituall enemies, in which combates his owne honor, and his childrens ſaluation are ſo deepely ingaged?
As for the Enemie he is like a Wolfe, if ſtrongly he be reſiſted,aIames 4. 7. he will flie; if timerouſly he be yeelded vntounto, he will more eagerly purſue and inſult.
Vſe 2 Indeauour we therefore to get vntounto our ſelues an holy courage and ſpirituall valour, ſhaking off our naturall fearefulneſſe,bPhil. 1. 28. that in nothing we feare our aduerſaries, but (as Chriſt our General did)cHeb. 12. 2. endure the croſſe, and deſpiſe the ſhame.) We that will be Chriſts ſouldiers muſt duely conſider the aduice which our Lord giueth, Luke 14 13. which is, to obſerue what kinde of enemies, how many, how mightie, we are to encounter withall. We ſhaldOn verſe 12. hereafter heare how hard a battaile we are to vndertake, how many, mightie, malicious, ſubtill our enemies be: if notwithſtanding al this we be minded to fight vnderunder Chriſts banner, then be we ſtrong and couragious, bold aseProu. 30. 30. Lions; ſo are thefProu. 28. 1. righteous.
§. 5. All ſtrength from God.
BVt alaſſe,Obiect. what are we weake fleſh and bloud? What ſtrength can there bee in vsus to fight againſt ſuch enemies as will ſet on vsus?
For remouing this ſcruple,Anſwere. the Apoſtle addeth this clauſe, in the Lord, &c. whereby he ſheweth how we come to be ſtrong, not by any ſtrength in our ſelues, but by ſeeking ſtrength in the Lord, caſting our ſelues wholly and onelyonly on him, and on his power.
The ſtrength and valour whereby wee are enabled to fight the Lords battaile,Doct. 2. Our ſtrength is in the Lord. is hid in the Lord, and to be had from him. For a2 Cor. 3. 5.all our ſufficiencie is of God,bIohn. 15. 5. without Chriſt we can doe nothing. Hence is it that Dauid ſaith vntounto God, cPſal. 18. 1, 2.I louelove thee dearely, O Lord my ſtrength: The Lord is my rock and fortreſſe, &c.
It is more euident then needs be proued, that this our Apoſtle was a ſtrong and valiant champion of the Lord; but whence had he this ſtrength?dPhil. 4. 13. I am able (ſaith he) to doe all things through the helpe of Chriſt which ſtrengtheneth mee. That which in particular he ſaith of himſelfe, he alſo affirmeth of other Saints, whoeCol. 1. 11. were ſtrengthned with all might through Gods glorious power.
The Lord hath thus reſerued all ſtrength in himſelfe,Reaſons. and would hauehave vsus ſtrong in him: partly for his owne glorie, and partly for our comfort.
For his glory, that in time of need we might flye vntounto him,2. Cor. 12. 9. and in all ſtreights caſt our ſelues on him: and being preſerued and deliuered, acknowledge him our Sauiour, and accordingly giuegive him the whole praiſe.
For our comfort, that in all diſtreſſes wee might bee the more confident. Much more bold may wee bee in the Lord, then in our ſelues. Gods power being infinite, it is impoſſible that it ſhould bee mated by any aduerſe power, which at the greateſt is finite: were our ſtrength in our ſelues, though for a time it might ſeeme ſomewhat ſufficient, yet would there be feare of decay: but being in God, we reſt vponupon an omnipotencie, and ſo hauehave a farre ſurer proppe vntounto our faith, as we ſhall heare in the next Doctrine.
Vſe 1 Learne wee to renounce all confidence in our ſelues, and to acknowledge our owne inabilitie and weakneſſe.Renounce all confidence in the ſelfe. Thus ſhall wee bee brought to ſeeke for helpe out of our ſelues. They who ouer weene themſelues, and conceit that they are ſufficiently able to helpe themſelues, will bee ſo farre from ſeeking ſtrength, that they will foully ſcorne it, when it is offered vntounto them Marke what is ſaid of the wicked man, who is proud in his owne conceit,aPſal. 10. 3. He contemneth the Lord: asbProu. 27. 7. he that is full deſpiſeth an hony combe, ſo he that is confident in his owne ſtrength, deſpiſeth help from any other.
Vſe 2 Hauing ſeene our owne weakneſſe, and thereupon renounced all confidence in our ſelues,Reſt on a ſure ground. our care muſt be to flye to a ſure ground, and reſt thereon: ſo ſhall we be ſafe and ſure, yea ſo may wee bee quiet and ſecure. This ſure ground, and ſafe rocke is onelyonly the Lord: ſtrong he is in himſelfe, and can both ſtrengthen vsus, and weaken our enemies. In this confidence didc1 Sam. 17. 45 Dauid come againſt Goliah, and preuailed Thus may wee be ſure of victorie: dRom. 8. 37.Through God we are more then conquerours.
Vſe 3 But vaine is the confidence of ſuch as truſting to themſelues and their owne ſtrength, defie all their enemies. Proud crakers they are,It is vaine to truſt in ones ſelfe. whoſe pride at length ſhall hauehave a fall. Such in regard of outward power weree1 Sam. 17. 8. Goliah, andfIſa. 36. & 37 Senache…ib. Intollerable is this preſumption, euen in outward ſtrength: note their end, 1. Sam. 17. 50. & Iſa. 37. 36, 37, 38. But more then moſt intollerable in ſpirituall ſtrength, whereof we hauehave not one dramme in our ſelues, but in that reſpect are asg2 Sam. 14. 14 water ſpilt vponupon the ground. hMat. 26. 35.Peter was too confident therein: had hee not ſeene his preſumption after he began to be puffed vp, and ſpeedily humbled himſelfe, fearefull had beene the iſſue thereof: for nothing more prouoketh God then ſpirituall aIames 4. 6. Or in any other creature.pride, becauſe nothing is more derogatory to his glory.
Vaine alſo is their confidence who goe from weake to weake, from themſelues to other creatures; like thebIſa. 30. 2, 3. Iſraelites, who went to the Egyptians for helpe. Fitly doth thecEzec. 29. 6. 7 Gregory 7. ſurnamed Heldebrand (a very brand of h…) a Necromancer & a bloodie tyrant. Prophet compare them to a reede, whereupon if one leane,Boniface 7. & 8. cruell oppreſſors, and ſacrilegious robbers. it breaketh and renteth his arme. Such are the ſi…ly Papiſts, among whom ſome thinke to bee ſtrong in Pope Gregorie, Alexander 6. compa…ed with the diuel… to bee Pope, an inceſtuous, vn…aciable adulterer.Pope Boniface, Pope Alexander, and ſuch others, whom without breach of charitie wee may thinke to bee very feenes in hell: other in Saint George, Saint Chriſtopher, and ſuch other who neuer were: the Hiſtories of them are meere fictions: other (who thinke they hauehave a far ſurer ground of confidence) in Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and ſuch like holy and worthy Saints: but the beſt Saints that euer were, had no ſtrength to helpe others; they only had a ſufficiencie for themſelues. Thus it commeth to paſſe, that in their greateſt need, when they ſeeke and looke for beſt help, they are all like thoſedIer. 14. 3. who came to the wels and found no water: they returned with their veſſels emptie: they were aſhamed, and confounded, and couered their heads.
§. 6. Gods power moſt mightie.
THat wee may bee the rather mooued to renounce all vaine confidence in our ſelues or other creatures, and be bold, valiant, and ſtrong in the Lord, caſting our whole confidence in him alone, the Apoſtle addeth theſe next words (in the power of his might) which are a very forceable amplificatiō of this former point. Some diſtinguiſh theſe two words, power and might, as the cauſe and effect, attributing might to God, and power to the Saints, & ſo make Gods might the cauſe of their power, as if hee had ſaid, bee ſtrong in that power which yee receiue from the might of God. But I take this diſtinction heere to bee, Firſt too curious, and without good ground. Secondly, impertinent, becauſe that which the Apoſtle aimeth at, is to raiſe vp our faith to God, and to ſettle it firme in him, and therefore he ſetteth foorth the power of God, as it is in God himſelfe. Thirdly, not agreeable to the phraſe, which is the ſame in this clauſe as in the former, in the Lord, & in the power, &c. which implieth that the power heere ſpoken of, is a power in the Lord, and that as the Lord himſelfe is without vsus, and aboue vsus, ſo is this power. The phraſe therfore which the Apoſtle heere vſeth, I take to be an Hebraiſme, which ſome for perſpicuitie ſake tranſlate thus, in his mightie power, and not vnfitly. This very phraſe is vſedaChap. 1. verſ. 19. before, and by moſt tranſlated his mightie power: this Hebraiſme power of might, addeth great emphaſis, and implieth, that might by an excellencie and propriety belongeth to Gods power onelyonly; and that all other power in compariſon of it, is meere weakneſſe.
The point hence to be noted is this, that
The power of God whereunto wee are to truſt, Doct. 3. Gods power is a moſt mightie power.is a moſt mighty and ſtrong power, a power able to protect vsus againſt the might of al aduerſe power whatſoeuer. In this reſpect the Apoſtle calleth Gods power,b…Chap. 1. …. 19. an exceeding greatneſſe of power. Hee ſearcheth after rare and high phraſes to ſet foorth this power of God,foreign. becauſe of the infinite greatneſſe thereof, which cannot by ordinary and vſuall phraſes be expreſſed.
According to Gods greatneſſe is his power,Reaſon. infinite, incomprehenſible, inutterable, vnconceiueable: as a mighty winde which driueth all before it: as a ſwift and ſtrong ſtreame againſt which none can ſwimme: as a burning flaming fire which conſumeth and deuoureth all; ſo is Gods power. Whatſoeuer ſtandeth before it, and is oppoſed againſt it, is but as chaffe before a ſtrong winde, or bulruſhes before a ſwift current, or ſtubble before a flaming fire; for all aduerſe power, though to our weakneſſe it ſeeme neuer ſo mightie, yet can it be but finite, being the power of creatures, and ſo a limited power, yea, a dependant power, ſubordinate to this power of might, of his might, who is Almightie, and ſo no proportion betwixt them.
Vſe 1 A ſtrong prop is this vntounto our faith, Gods mighty power a prop to faith.and a good motiue to make vsusa1 Pet. 1. 13. perfectly truſt vntounto the power of God without wauering or doubting, notwithſtanding our owne weaknes, or our aduerſaries power: thoughb2 Chr. 20. 12. there bee no ſtrength in vsus, yet is there power in God: though wee bee on eueryevery ſide enuironed with ſtrong and fierce enemies, our fleſh and the violent luſts thereof, as headſtrong rebels and traytors within vsus; the furious world, with the potent and raging perſecutors thereof, on one ſide; that fierce Lion and cruell Dragon the Diuell, with all his helliſh hoaſt, on the otherſide; yea all theſe banding their forces together continually in armes againſt vsus, yet is there in God a power of might, in compariſon whereof all the power of all our aduerſaries is but weakneſſe. When we know not what to doe, then may wee, then muſt wee with faithfull Iehoſaphat turne our eyes to God,2 Chron. 20. 12. and to the power of his might. When we ſee potent enemies againſt vsus, and no outward meanes to defend vsus againſt them, we are ready to crie,a2. King 6. 15. Alas how ſhall we do? and with thebPſal. 78. 19, 20. Iſraelites to doubt of the power of God, and ſay, Can God helpe in ſuch ſtraits? can hee ſupport ſuch weaklings as we are? can he ſubdue ſuch and ſuch enemies as aſſault vsus? Againſt ſuch doubts we are to meditate of this mightie power of God. Gods power being a power of might, he needeth nothing to helpe him. The weaker we are, the more is his power manifeſted: for it isc2 Cor. 12. 9. made perfect in weakeneſſe: neither can Gods power be weakned or hindred by any aduerſe power.d1 Sam. 14. 6. Many and mighty enemies are to him a few and weake ones:2 Chr. 34. 11. ſo that the more mightie his enemies be,eIudges 7. 2, &c. the more honor redoundeth to him in ſubduing them. Wherefore for ſtrengthning our faith, that we may be ſtrong in the Lord, pray wee thatf2 King 6. 17. God would open our eyes, that we maygChap. 1. v. 19. ſee what is the exceeding greatnes of his power to vsus-ward who beleeue: ſo ſhal we neither feare becauſe of our enemies power, nor faint becauſe of our owne weakneſſe, buthExod. 14. 13. ſtand ſtill and behold the ſaluation of God.
Vſe 2 It is no matter of preſumption to be ſure of victory, being ſtrong in this mightie power. It is no preſumption to be confident in Gods mightie power.Indeed, if the ground of our aſſurance reſted in, and on our ſelues, it might iuſtly be counted preſumption; but the Lord, and the power of his might being the ground thereof, they either know not what is the might of his power, or elſe too too lightly eſteeme it, who account aſſured confidence thereon, preſumption. No doubt but many ſo deemed of Dauids cō fidence, when he vndertooke the combate with Goliah: yea it is manifeſt thati1 Sam. 17. 28. 33. his eldeſt brother Eliah, and alſo Saul ſo iudged: but Dauids eye was lifted vp to God, hee was ſtrong in the power of Gods might, k1 Sam. 17. 37.which made him ſo bold and confident. Thus wee with like confidence and aſſurance may truſt vntounto the ſame mighty power, though all the world count vsus preſumptuous for it. The truth is that our aduerſaries might well obiect this againſt vsus, if our confidence were in our owne power, or rather weakneſſe: but being in the power of Gods might, vniuſtly they ſlander vsus, and moſt iniuriouſly impeach Gods mightie power.
§. 7. The benefit of confidence in God.
TO conclude this firſt general point of Chriſtian courage and confidence in the Lord,The benefit of truſting to Gods power. and in the power of his might, great is the benefit thereof, and that in three reſpects eſpecially;
1. It will remooue cauſeleſſe feare,aNeh. 6. 11. as in Nehemiah. bProu. 22. 13.Salomon ſaith, that a ſlothfull timerous man is loath to ſtep out of doores, fearing that there is a Lion without, when he hath no cauſe ſo to feare: and thatcProu. 28. 1. The wicked flie when none purſue. But he that is ſtrong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, will make the vttermoſt triall.
2. It will make bold in apparent danger. Inſtance the example ofdPſal. 3. 6. Dauid. In this reſpecteProu. 28. 1. are the righteous reſembled to a Lion.
3. It will recouer a mans ſpirit, though hee ſhould by any occaſion be wounded, ſtrucken downe and foiled, ſo as at firſt hee preuaile not, yet it will make him riſe vp againe and renew the battaile, like to thefIoſ. …. 3. &c. Iſraelites:
Thus at length ſhall we come to be Conquerours.Judg 20. 30.