Christs Victory Over the Dragon, Text (8 of 15)

Christs Victory Over the Dragon · Text (8 of 15)

p. 4072. Againe, wee learne to beware of such a monster and watch such an adversarie, who is a serpent, 2.therefore subtle to deceive; a serpent, therefore full of poyson and deadly infection; an old serpent, and therefore by his experience, ever since the creation, can espie the least advantage against us, can see all our counsels and consultations in our secret chambers, and will not slip any such advantage, but put it forth to the furthest proofe and extent for our greatest harme.

Furthermore, wee are taught to fence our selves 3.against his wiles and enterprises.

Quest. How may that be done?

Answ. By three sorts of rules.

I. Against the subtiltie of this serpent, wee must labour for true wisedome as a countermine: And that is,

1. By humility, denying our owne wisedome, as insufficient to guide us. The Lord guideth the humble in his way, Psalm. 25.

2. By prayer: go to God for wisedome: If any man want, let him aske it of God. Iam. 1. David prayeth God to turne Achitophels wisedome into foolishnesse, and so it was. God onelyonly can make us wiser then this our enemy: therefore as a child, the weaker it feeles it selfe, the faster hold it layes on the hand of the father; so let us on our heavenly Father.

3. By sticking to the Word. Psalm. 119. 24. make that the man of our counsell, which onelyonly can make p. 408us wise to salvation. By this David was wiser then the ancient, then the counsellers: By this all the serpents stratagems are discovered and diverted.

4. Grow up in the feare of God, which is the beginning of wisedome. This stands not in contemplation, but operation, rectifying the minde, affections, actions, and is nothing but an upright endeavour to please God in all things. A good understanding have all they that do thereafter.

II. Against the sting, poyson, and biting of this serpent.

1. Let us looke to the brazen Serpent, Christ, that wee may be both healed and saved. No other sight Vt san…mur, & salvemur.but this can ease us, not gold, not silver, not lands, nay not heaven it selfe without Christ, nothing but Christs blood. The Israelites must bee cured onelyonly by looking, the Christian by beleeving.

2. A speciall preservative is prayer. The policie of the weesell is, that knowing the serpent will set upon her, and that hee cannot abide the sent of Rue, which wee call herbe-grace, shee runnes and eates of that herbe, and so the sent of it drives off the serpent: so wee being sure to be set upon by the serpent, who is too strong for us, must runne to this herbe-grace, and let our dayly and fervent prayer be as Rue against him. Thus are wee taught to prevent temptation, by praying not to be led into it.

3. Daily apply the vertue and power of Christs death to the cure of thy sinne. The Harts horne burnt Plin. hist. nat. tom. 2. l. 28. c. 9.is of power to drive away the serpent, and a good antidote against his poison: Christ is this Hart or Hinde, his horne is the power of his death, this horne burnt or parched on the crosse with his Fathers wrath is the onelyonly antidote against the malignity of Sathan.

III. Against his satanicall opposition and enmity, p. 409be sure to get God thy friend, if God bee with thee, Jesus Christ for thee, the Spirit of God within thee, who can be against thee? Rom. 8. 31. If God be for us, who can be against us? And if Christ be dead, and risen for thee, who can lay any thing to thy charge, verse 33. 34. Now God is with thee, so long as thou art with him: for hee leaveth not those, who have not left him first.

IV. Against his accusation get,

1. The testimony of thy conscience excusing thee, that no sinne is unrepented. 2. Corin. 11. 12.

2. The testimony of the Spirit, that thou art the Lords, and in Jesus Christ, and then is no condemnation. Rom. 8. 1.

3. The Lords justification of thy uprightnesse, Iob 1. By fearing God, and departing from evill.

This of the names.

The second argument, by which the Dragon is described, is his effect, that hee seduceth or deceiveth the whole world: where foure things for opening the words.

I. What is it to seduce?

Answ. In proper speech it is to mislead or draw a man aside from the right way into some by-way, and is a Metaphor taken from travellers, or passengers, who being ignorant of the right way, are led aside into error, and wrong wayes. Thus the dragon, after the way of God had beene propounded to the world, in the preaching of the Gospell, and Jesus Christ had beene published the onelyonly Way, by whom wee can come to the Father, by all meanes would shut up this way to heaven, and did draw aside the world from the true worship of God, to idolatry, and false worship of idols, and heathen gods, and from the embracing of Christian religion, to Paganisme, and Heathen rites, so as the very p. 410name of Christ should be extinct, if it were possible. This is the seduction of the dragon: which he incessantly labours in, as the participle of the present tense noteth, even a perpetuall action of drawing foreign.men from the way of truth, to errour and false religion.

II. The persons that are seduced, are the whole world; alluding to his generall seduction and surprising of all mankinde in our first parents, as also the generall corrupting of true religion in the daies of Noah, when all flesh had corrupted their wayes, and were destroyed by the deluge. But by the whole world or earth are meant the reprobates or earthly minded men, who intended the world, and minded earthly things, with contempt of heavenly. These were the dragons prey, for their multitude called the whole earth.

For first, it is not possible the elect should bee seduced. Matt. 24. 24.

2. They are onelyonly in the world, but not of the world: they are not the earth, while they are in the earth, nor parts of it, but citizens amongst Saints, and of another corporation.

3. The dragon cannot go beyond his commission, which reacheth not to any elect, but onelyonly to those who by the just decree of God are given up to his seduction and their owne destruction. Rev. 9. 4. The locusts are sent out with a limited commission: they are commanded not to hurt the grasse of the earth, nor any greene thing, that is, the elect, who have any appearance of true grace, these are not to be wounded with the keene stings of their damnable errours, and devillish devises: but onelyonly the reprobate, who have not the seale of God in their foreheads. And Revel. 13. 13. who be they that worship the beast: but they, all they, and onelyonly they that dwell upon p. 411earth, earthly men, who have no part in heaven, whose names are not written in the booke of life.

III. How or by what meanes doth the dragon seduce the whole earth?

Answ. Hee hath many wayes, some without us, and some within us.

Without us, especially three.

1. Hee deceiveth by false doctrines, errours, heresies, and lies: in which sense Antichristianisme is called the deceiuablenesse of unrighteousnesse. 2. Thes. 2. 9. because under pretence of truth and Christianity it fights against Christ and his truth. Thus was Ahab seduced by foure hundred false prophets. Thus Elymas seduced the deputy, and resisted Pauls doctrine, and Paul cals him the child of the devill. Acts 13. 10. and so be all they that disswade others from hearing the truth.

II. He deceiveth the world by impious frauds, diabolicall impostures, and prodigious workes, for the confirmation of error. Reuel. 13. 14. the beast did great wonders to deceive them that dwell on the earth; by signes, as to make fire come downe from heaven, and the like. This beast is Antichrist, and that false prophet, Revel 19. 20. who wrought false miracles, by which he seduced those that received the marke of the beast. Hee shall do great wonders, to confirme a deceivable doctrine, yea even call for fire from heaven. Which though Bellarmine, to free his Pope from this marke of Antichrist, saith, the Pope never did, yet it is truly verified of him, both in mysticall and literall sense.

1. In the true and mysticall sense, (for this booke hath as many mysteries as words) by fire from heaven in Scripture is meant Gods wrathfull vengeance executed upon sinners, called the fire of his wrath: In this sense, the Popes flatterers call them gods of p. 412revenge: Hildebrand in an epistle to the Germanes, having excommunicated Henry the fourth, called him afflatum fulmine, smitten with a thunderbolt. Here wee have the Pope confessing, that hee brings fire from heaven. Did they not vaunt, and Kings, and people feare, that being stricken with the bull of excommunication, they were smitten with a divine revenge, as with fire from heaven?

2. In the literall sense: boast they not of Zachary the Pope, as hee was in his progresse to Ravenna, that in the day he was protected with a cloud from the heat of the Sunne, and in the night armies of fire in the heavens gave him light? What shall I speake of the fiery streames, which they say have reached from heaven to earth to point out the lost host, as was wont to be read on Corpus Christi day? What of the fiery tongues which they fetched from heaven on some of their Saints, to make them equall with the Apostles? or of the fire from heaven, to destroy the enemies of some of their martyrs? Their Legend is full of such fables: but this shall suffice for the pointing of Antichrist of Rome by that wonder in that text: which is true both in the true mysticall sense, and in their false literall.

But these are called lying wonders and collusions.2. Thes. 2. 9.2 Thess 2:9

1 In their originall they proceed from the father of lies, who is a lying Spirit in the mouthes of all false Prophets.

2. Their matter is lies, appearances, juglings, at best wonders not miracles, such as Iannes and Iambres seduced Pharaoh withall.

3. Their end is lying and seduction, confirming lies, idolatry, superstition, and apostasie, so leading and settling men in errour for destruction.

III. The Dragon seduceth numbers by open tyranny and persecution; we see how the apprehension p. 413of Christ drove away all his Disciples for a time, and how the fanne of tribulation blowes away the chaffe from the wheat for ever. And thus the whole world was seduced here in speciall manner, being forced by open tyranny and rage of the Imperiall Dragons to the levell and prescript, to the rites and religion of heathenish and idolatrous Rome.

Thus hee seduceth us outwardly.

Within us he hath many meanes and wayes to seduce us: as,

1. By exciting and stirring our originall sinne: blinding our mindes with clouds of darknesse, and our understanding with mists of errour, working on our wills to embrace things whith corrupt judgement directeth unto: stirring our affections to rebell against right judgement and will. And thus hee seduceth us by our selves, Iam. 1. Every man is seduced by his owne concupiscence.

2. By working on our naturall faculties, both our spirits and senses. Hee knowes how to dull our spirits and make us drowsie, and easily give off in any good meditation or service. And contrarily, hee can refresh and excite them in evill, to make them watchfull, and of long continuance, and constancy in such objects. And for our senses, hee can draw the eye to behold wishingly the forbidden fruit: the eare to set open it selfe to receive lies, and slanders: the tongue to blaspheme, curse, sweare, lie, and revile: the smell to wind a commodity which must be compassed by oppression, wrong, or the like.

3. By finding out our inclinations, and intents, and purposes, that he may suggest according to those inclinations, as it were hanging his weight upon us, to force our owne disordered motions. Thus hee doth, and can out of our owne universall corruption, and from observation of our counsells, speeches, p. 414and gestures, lay fit traines for us; first, receiving true intelligence from our selves, by observing our motions, lusts, affections, and then sits himself down in counsell with us in our secret chambers, in all our consultations of sinne, himselfe being the President of our privy Councell.

4. By sweetning his allurements, so as no temptation is so bitter or poysonfull against God or man, but hee can guild and sugar it, and then layeth them in secret, and in the darke, so as we easily take, and no sooner take than are taken, by meanes the waters are both stolne and sweet.

IV. The last thing in opening the doctrine, is, the reasons why the dragon seduceth the whole earth; Namely,

1. The just judgement of God upon the world for the contempt of his word, and the unkinde usage of the Gospell, by which the world meriteth to bee seduced; see, 2 Thess. 2. 10, 11.

2. The desperate wickednesse of Satan,

1. Proclaiming open warre against God, and withstanding the word of God, the faith of men, the glory of Jesus Christ.

2. Exercising incessant fury against mankinde, all which he seeketh to bring back into his owne damnation.

3. Advancing himselfe in his horrible pride, to enlarge his owne kingdome, to establish his greatnesse upon earth, and to shew himselfe the Prince of the world.

In the generality of persons, that the whole earth Use. I.is seduced by Satan, wee learne,

First, how false a note of truth a multitude is: the way of the world, is the way of errour, and of seduced persons to destruction; rather conclude with our Saviour, the multitude walkes in the broad way, p. 415but strait is the way that leadeth unto life, and few finde it. The wisedome of a Christian is, not to number voyces, but weigh them, and not to looke who goe in the way, so much, as in what way wee goe; neither to hold it a good plea, I did but as the most did, seeing the whole earth is here seduced and deceived.

Secondly, marvell not that many bee seduced and Use II.carryed away from God and his truth, into so grosse and palpable errours, seeing the dragon seduceth here all the earth.

1. It is a generall, but a righteous judgement of God, to give up them that love seduction, to be willingly blinded and carryed to destruction.

2. Heresies, false doctrines, and delusions are just punishments of the contempt of the Gospell, and word of truth.

3. The world is the Princedome of Satan, he must prevaile and command his subjects, and tyrannize over all earthly and worldly minded men.

Let us not marvell, that Papists are so resolute in such horrible delusions, not onelyonly against the cleare light of the Scripture, but against common sense, as stifly to maintaine transubstantiation, judicial forgivenesse of sinnes by a Priest, purging of sinne by penall workes and satisfactions, salvation by merite of workes, worshipping of Angels, Saints, Images, Crosses, crusts, blocks, stones, and a thousand such senselesse dotages; seeing the Lord hath smitten them with blindnesse, that they cannot see the truth.

Let us not be moved, that Popery doth so prevaile in all Countries, that Princes and people, learned and unlearned joyne to it: For, efficacy of doctrine is no proofe of truth, because there is an efficacy of errour, by which the dragon prevailes against all the earth. But, is the doctrine effectuall to turne men from p. 416the power of Satan to God? then it is true, not else.

Nor yet be much dismaied, that among our selves, after the knowledge and profession of the truth, so many should turne away to Popery, and are seduced by Priests and Jesuites; for how can a carnall doctrine but prevaile among carnall men? what looke they after in their religion, but men on earth, at Princes, lawes, times, persons, and earthly respects? not one of them after God or his word, or rules of direction from it, but hate the Scripture, as a theef the gallows; & their Religion then must needs be good: But none are altogether given up to Antichristianisme, but they they are first given up to Satan to bee seduced: Oh that Papists would heare and lay to heart, that they are pitifully seduced by the chiefe seducer under Satan! which is a plaine signe of perdition; for among whom doth Antichrist raigne, but onelyonly them that perish, Rev. 14. 6? How can they expect to raign in the heavenly Jerusalem with Christ, who stick in mysticall Babylon unto Antichrist? how shall hee triumph in heaven with Christ, that fights on earth for Antichrist?

But well may we with a sea of teares take knowledge of the generall sinne of our land, in the hatred and abuse of the light, and bringers of it, for which the Lord may justly deliver us up to delusion, and efficacy of errour; and if we goe on, resolved to give no better entertainment to the light, the Papists themselves are not more effectually deluded in maine points, than it may please God many among us may bee.

Finally, marvell not that so many great, wise, and learned men in the world oppose & resist the truth, plot & cōtrive against Gods Ordinances & servants, for how can earth but stand in opposition to heaven? p. 417they are but pieces of earth, and of the world delivered up to Satan to deceive; earthly affections, lusts, motions, desires carry them away; earthly policie, dignity, favour, ease, wealth is all they aime at, their way and their end; earth is their portion, and they the dragons, for the dragon seduceth all the earth, and only that: Doth any resist and oppose heavenly doctrine? he is earthly-minded, he savours the earth, some base lust or sinne is the dragons chaine to hold him under delusion, to destruction.

Thirdly, wee learne hereby to beware of seduction, Vse III.and carefully prevent it.

Quest. What meanes may we use thereunto?

Answ 1. Get out of the estate of nature, into the estate of grace, become a beleever, by faith get into the hand of Christ, and none shall pluck thee thence, Iohn 10. Give all diligence to make thine election sure, by adding grace to grace, and bringing forth fruits of faith; the dragons delusions are onelyonly effectuall in them that perish.

2. Get out of the world; answer the voyce of Christ calling thee out of the world; for what is the whole earth but a company of seduced and deluded people? If thou art still in the world, hee that seduceth all the world, cannot but carry thee away from God. Demas embraced the present world, and forsooke the truth: The young man went heavily from Christ, for hee had great possessions, nay, they had him rather. The dragon thought to have seduced Christ himselfe by the profer of the world, All this will I give thee. Oh therefore get thee with all speed out of the world, in affection, in conversation, love it not, live not after it.

3. Avoid persons and places of seduction. Persons are,

1. False teachers, and false Prophets, that come in p. 418sheepes clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves, Mat. 7. 15. not Priests and Jesuites onelyonly, who study the art of deceiving; but sweet-tōgued Prophets, who by libertine doctrine or loosenesse of life, leade the way to wickednesse. They are accursed in the Law, who make the blinde goe out of the way, and all the people must say, Amen, Deut. 27. 18.

2. Perswaders to Popery and false worship, whereof there are not a few at this day, and such as perswade to any schisme or separation from the truth. Let servants be choice what Masters they serve, and bee sure their Masters serve the same Master in heaven with them; but above all beware of a Snake in the bosome; our weaknesse needeth a faithful Counsellor so neare us.

For places.

1. Beware of ignoran tand rude places, which are destitute of instruction and able instructers; where the eye is blinde, that man is misled any whither, and such a people are led away as a prey to the dragon: a wicked Ministery makes a naked people. Where doe the Frogs and Locusts, Priests and Jesuites, sculke and croake, bin ignorant and untaught places, where men are taught no difference betweene the mists of Popery and the shining light of the Gospell, where the watchmen are blinde, the embassadours dumbe, and teachers untaught need teachers themselves in the principles of Religion?

2. Avoid infected places, where abominations are set up and maintained; (no poyson kils more certainly or speedily.) Whether they be Popish Countries, to which the Spirit of God would have us bid farewell, Revel. 18. 4. Goe out of her my people, lest yee partake of her sinnes and plagues; Or Popish houses, where deceivers are harboured, idols and lies set up and worshipped, a little Breaden god adored, true p. 419religion reviled, and the mysterie of iniquity embraced.

Avoid these: This is the third meanes to avoid seduction.

4. Sticke close to the word of God, which onelyonly can hold us upright, Mat. 22. 29 Ye erre, no knowing the Scriptures; Here in cleaving to the word,

First, indeavour to grow up in sound judgement, for the discerning af doctrines and signes, which carry great pretenses of truth, and by which the dragon usually seduceth many; 1 Iohn 4. 1. Beleeve not every spirit, but trie the spirits whether they bee of God, for many false spirits are gone out into the world.

Alas, how doe the body of our people lye open to seduction, and are ready to entertaine any doctrine, any religion, for want of this abilitie? They embrace a religion, because it is established by authority, commauded by the law, professed by the Prince, embraced by the multitude, freest fr ōtrouble; But aske them a reason of their faith, call them to account in Catechisme, you would thinke them speechlesse, you can force no answer savouring of judgement or reason; is there then no need of this exhortation?

Secondly, grow up in sound love to the Word, for else thou canst not but bee given up to beleeve lyes, 2 Thess. 2. 10. it is not learning, knowledge, wisedome, that can arme or fence us from delusion, but love of the truth, as in the instances of Adam, Iudas, Hymeneus, and Philetus, &c. but love of the truth will quench in us love of the world, and selfelove, and carry us through fire and water, through Pikes and perils, through thicke and thin after it.

Thirdly, sticke to the conscionable practice of the Word, and then be sure thou canst not bee deceived; p. 420hold to the rule of that, for it cannot deceive thee; the powerfull practice of it turneth a man from the power of Satan unto God.

V. Pray for the spirit of grace to performe his Office, for thy establishing in grace.

Quest. What is his Office?

Answ. 1. He is that Anoynting, which teacheth all things needfull.

2. Hee is the Spirit of wisedome and counsell, to resolve all doubts; it is his voyce that saith behinde thee, This is the way, walke in it.

3. He is the Spirit of courage and fortitude, to dissolve the fears of flesh, & to arme us against tyrants, enemies, changes, tryals, and persecutions for the truth.

4. He is the Comforter, to sustaine us with assured comfort in our heavinesse, and to cheare us in our wearinesse.

5. Hee is the Perfecter of his owne worke, for he leaveth no work imperfect, which he beginneth for salvation; Col. 1. 28. I strive to be perfect, according to his mighty power that worketh in me.

VI. Add this to the former; sticke to the Ministery, but see that the Spirit be effectuall in that Ministery: for,

1. The Spirit worketh all those comforts, by means of the Word.

2. As the evill spirit is effectuall in such as perish, by false doctrines, and false perswasions, so the Spirit of God is effectuall in the Saints, especially in the preaching and perswasions of the word of truth.

3. It is just, that whosoever suffereth not the Spirit to be effectuall there, shall finde the spirit of error effectuall in strong delusions. If Ahab will not heare Gods Spirit in Micah, hee shall fall by a spirit of errour in the mouthes of his false prophets.

p. 421Now to bee established by an effectuall Ministerie, wee must observe two rules.

1. Receive not every thing hand over head, but search the Scriptures, and trie the things that are delivered, Iohn 5. 39. and the Bereans were commended, for examining the doctrine of the Apostles themselves, by the touchstone of the Prophets, Acts 17. 11. But Papists would not have the Scripture in common mens hands, because they distrust their doctrine.

2. Having tryed all things, resolve to hold all that is good, and continue in the things learned from the Word, which is an assured fence against deceivers, 2 Tim. 3. …4.

We are further admonished, to take notice of the Vse IIII.markes and signes of a person that is seduced by the Markes of one seduced by the serpent.Serpent, to the end we may avoid them.

One is, in the dayes of light not to perceive the glorious light of the Gospell, 2 Cor. 4. 3. If our Gospell be now hid, it is hid to them that perish, in 1.whom the god of this world hath blinded their mindes, that the light of the Gospell should not shine unto them. Hee is a blinde man that seeth not the Sunne shining, nor such objects as the Sunne discovereth; so hee is blinded by Satan, who cannot, or will not see his estate to bee damnable and miserable, but is alive and happy without repentance and conversion; that by the same light cannot see that a sinne in himselfe, which hee seeth so to bee in another; that by the light cannot be convinced, but that some sins are good and commodious; as profitable lies and oathes, some breach of the Sabbath, some usury, some idle company, and perhaps esteeme it vertue or wisedome; that by so cleare a light cannot be perswaded, but that there is more ease and pleasure in following lusts and sinnes, than in observing Gods law: here is p. 422one led away, and deceived of the serpent.

2. Another mark of such a one is, not to beleeve the truth, but to esteeme the Word as a fable, unworthy of our credit. Eve was not seduced, till her faith in the word was shaken. Thou that beleevest not the promises, as not expecting salvation by them: that turnest away the thoughts from thinking earnestly of the threatnings and punishments due to thy sinnes, that walkest in thine owne way, and refusest the counsell of the word; why seest thou not thy selfe seduced and led away by Sathan in great part already?

3. A third marke of such a one is, a departing from the doctrine of faith received, from the religion and divine worship, planted by the Prophets and Apostles, and prescribed in the word of God: a giving way and willing eares to Priests, Jesuites, and croaking locusts. Eve should not have lent her eare to the serpent against the truth of God. Hee easily seduceth those that are willing to bee seduced.

4. The fourth marke is, to withstand the power of grace and religion, accounting the practise of holinesse a needlesse precisenesse, esteeming the care of pleasing God to be hypocrisie, zeale to be rashnesse and distemper. Who seeth not but the dragon hath led these away at his will? For, what other way doth the Dragon himselfe walke in, but in a perpetuall hatred of grace?

5. The fift marke is noted wickednesse of life, and living in lusts; for the more wicked a man is, the more subject hee is to be delivered up by God to be seduced: and who be they that are given up to the efficacie of Antichrist, but such as have pleasure in unrighteousnesse, that is, such as take felicity in sinne, and rather then they will forsake it, trample under foot all the hopes of the Gospell. 2. Thess. 2. 12. p. 423Who be they that are, or may be noted at this day, carryed away into the delusion of popery, and are a prey to Jesuites, Priests and deceivers, but such as must have liberty and indulgence to live in some sin or other? first they resolve upon a beastly life, and then fall to such a deluding doctrine, as may skinne over the gall of their consciences; Of many such Apostates wee may say, it were pitty they should professe any other religion then popery: for no other would befit the wickednesse of their lives so well.

6 The last marke is, when sinne is revenged with sinne, with hardnesse of heart, with brawne of conscience, deadnesse of spirit, dedolency & impenitencie. This man is fearefully left by God, and seised on by the dragon: when neither Law nor Gospell, neither piping nor mourning prevailes with him. Instance whereof we see in many Apostates and temporizers, who having made some shewes of goodnesse in themselves and good affections to others, falling to the world and selfe-seeking, have slacked in their love to the truth; and that sinne revenged with hatred, and persecuting of goodnesse, and that sinne further revenged with hardnesse of heart, and a dead conscience, not suffering them to looke either behinde them or before them, till they have outrunne themselves in so fearfull violence against the grace of God, as commonly godlinesse meets not with such enemies any where as those that once made shew of it; And as the dragon most desirously assaulteth these, so Gods revenge sheweth it selfe most dreadfull and severe against such revolters.

Was cast out]

The second thing to be observed in the overthrow p. 424of the dragon, is the manner of it, namely Sathans dejection, or rather ejection out of the Church.

Quest. What ejection is here meant?

Answ. 1. Not that after his fall, for that was not by warre▪ as this, but a just sentence and punishment; that was, because hee stood not in the truth: this because heestood against it.

2. Nor that finall ejection in the day of judgement: for after that hee never assaults the woman, but after this hee doth, after that he is cast into hell, but here into the earth.

3. Therefore Satan is cast out of heaven these two wayes.

1. By the head of the Church.

2. By the members.

Christ our head hath obtained a perfect victory over him two wayes:

1. By the power and merit of his death, by which he encountred the devills, and conquered them, spoiling principalities and powers. Col. 2. 15. So as the Dragons erecting a crosse for Christ, set up a gibbet for themselves, as Haman, and for Christ a chariot of tryumph.

2. By the vertue and efficacie of it, daily applyed to the elect, through the power of his resurrection, ascention, and sending of the holy Ghost into the hearts of the faithfull, by whose grace, as by a stronger then himselfe, Sathan the strong man is ejected, and can keepe possession no longer. This is when faith apprehends the merit of his death, and the efficacie both of his resurrection, ascension, and sitting at the right hand of God, whence hee sendeth the Spirit.

But this ejection by the head is not properly meant, for it was done before Iohns prophecie, but p. 425this was after. This ejection of Sathan then is properly by the members, three wayes.

1. By casting out and resisting Paganisme, idolatry, blasphemie, impiety, and all injustice, and immanity against God and man, in which the Dragon ruled and raigned as the god of the world.

2. By the preaching and promulgation of the Gospell, which is the hammer of the dragons kingdome, and the utter overthrow and eversion of his whole power. Luk. 10. 18. The Disciples in their The preaching of the Gospell is as lightning, quick, piercing and unresistable.ministery saw Satan fall downe like lightening.

3. By open profession and maintenance of the faith, and truth of the Gospell, and lifting up the name and glory of Christ there where formerly Satans throne was.

This secondary ejection here meant and aimed at, seemeth to be, when after the daies of the Romish tyranny by the heathen Emperours, the great and unlimited power of the old Roman Monarchie (in which the Dragon had ruled and overspread the earth with all idolatry and blasphemie, and had poisoned and corrupted the whole knowne world) was now broken and throwne downe, the maintenance of Christian faith and profession was restored, and liberty given unto Christians by the manchild afore-mentioned. Now was the devill cast out, his idolatries detected, the deceivablenesse of heathenish error discovered, and his whole power so broken, as hee could no longer either hinder the preaching of the Gospell, or the propagation of Christian religion, nor keepe the nations longer from the truth of the Gospell, as he had long before done by his tyranny. This I take to be the ejection of the dragon out of the Church, aimed at in this text.

The note is: that till Christ and his Gospell came, Doct.the Dragon was not ejected. Wheresoever Christ is p. 426not, there the dragon stands in full state and strength. Matt. 12. 29. the strong man keepes the house, till a stronger come to dispossesse him. This house is the uncleane world, the whole world that lyeth in wickednesse, 1. Iohn 5. 19. Whole mankinde in the first Adam, all unregenerate men: for so the world is taken. Rom. 5. 12. By one man sinne entred into the world. that is, the whole world out of Christ, or the whole world not chosen out of the world. 2. Tim. 2. ult. Before men come to the knowledge of the truth, namely of Christ, they are all in the divels snare, taken of him at his will. These snares are errours of judgment, lusts of life, depravation of manners, or some raigning sinne or sinnes, by which Satan holds them under his vassallage, as a fowler can hold the bird by one foot, or by one twig and snare, as well as by the whole body, or net.

For first, as sinne hath given him possession of all Reas. 1.mankinde, as in Iudas his heart, so hee never goeth out of himselfe, nay hee is loath to be cast out, and when he is, it is not without extraordinary reluctation & molestation. Mark. 1. 26. The uncleane spirit departs not without tearing and vexing and throwing him in the midst of them, saith Luke; all signes of extreme impatience.

Secondly, none can cast him out but Christ: for onelyonly Christ is stronger then hee: men cannot cast 2.him out, no not holy men, as that man said, Master, wee came to thy Disciples, but they could not cast him out. Angels cannot cast him out: for they cannot satisfie sinne: onelyonly the seed of the woman breakes the serpents head, Gen. 3. 15. Christ onelyonly is that Angell which Iohn saw (Revel. 10. 1.) descending Claves sunt symbolum potestatis.from heaven. by his incarnation, having the key of the bottomlesse pit, that is, power over hell and death: as Revel. 1. 18. and a great chaine in his p. 427hand, the strong chaine of his omnipotence, which chaine hath many linkes.

1. The strong linke of his passion and death upon the crosse, which had more strength in it then the lives of all men and Angels.

2. That invincible linke of his resurrection: for it was impossible for him to bee held under death. The Jewes could devise to put him to death, but not to hold him in the grave, but by his mighty power hee opened his owne grave, and all the graves of the Saints.

3. That mighty linke of his ascension, by which he opened heaven for his Church, when the devill would for ever have barred it up against us.

4. That mighty linke of sending out the holy Ghost, and sending out the Apostles and Pastors, with a mighty and unresistable commission for the conversion of the world.

But what was the end of this mighty chaine of so many strong linkes? Even to binde up Satan: the Dragon described here, and there, in the same words, a thousand yeares. The power of Christs death, published in the ministery of the Gospell, bound up the devill, by destroying Paganisme, and converting the nations to the faith, as fast as ever any Conquerer bound his enemy in chaines, and restraines him from the execution of his mischievous will against him: for had not the Dragon beene bound, Christianity could not have conquered the world as it did: but now, saith Christ, Iohn 12. 22. speaking of his death, is the prince of See also Ioh. 16. 11.John 16:11this world cast out, though not wholly and fully, as in the last day.

Thirdly, the wicked world is so farre from impeaching 3.the state and power of the Dragon, that it strengtheneth and establisheth it, by maintaining p. 428whatsoever may enlarge the Dragons state and kingdome, and resisting whatsoever might weaken or impaire it.

1. This appeares, in that every wicked man gives up himselfe willingly to Satans rule, who raignes like a lyon in every unbeleeving heart: there hee enacts lawes of evill, there he raignes by sinne, there is his seat, his court, his chaire of estate: as for Jesus Christ, hee casts off his rule, his lawes, hee breakes asunder his yokes, and disclaimes his person, and titles, saying, Wee will not have this man to rule over us.

2. Hee rules not all by himselfe, but by his confederates, which he convocates at his pleasure, and they readily obey the summons. Hee can presently gather wicked Councels, Synods, Conclaves, & Convocations, to act and decree whatsoever pleaseth him against the word of God, and the truth of religion, onelyonly devising in them, what may gall the truth and its professors and uphold superstition and corruption; hee hath in store numbers of hereticks, false teachers, libertine doctors, to spread and maintaine doctrines of devils. And by these agents he hath in all ages especially upheld his state and power in blinding and seducing the world willing to bee blinded.

3. Hee hath the secular arme and civill states of the world at an houres warning to set up, and hold up Psal. 2. 1.Ps 2:1his state, in erecting idolatry and false worship in all corners of the world, both Heathen, Jewish, and Popish, and this is the ground of all the tumults in this part of the world, the thrusting out of the truth, and bringing in idolatry, whereby the Dragon stands in greater state then in any other ordinary sinnes against the Gospell; for first this sinne is most directly against the high Majesty of God: secondly, as the p. 429God of heaven is present, and honoured when hee is purely worshipped, so is the god of the world when hee is served: and as Gods glory is set up in and by true worshippers, so is the devils honour in and by idolaters, who are therefore said to offer to devils, and not unto God: Thirdly, as the throne of God is upheld by his subjects; so is the devills throne by his chiefe subjects, who are idolaters. Revel. 2. 13. The Angell of Pergamus is said to dwell where the devills throne was: the reason is, because that city was most idolatrous, and fierce against Christ and his religion: Satans throne was set up in Court, in Country, in Churches, in Palaces, he ruled all.

Now this is a rule of tryall of religion, of persons, of places.Use I.

1. That religion in which Christ is not exalted, in and by that the devill keepes his hold: which is true, not in the Heathenish onelyonly, which knowes not Christ, or Jewish which acknowledgeth no Messias come in the flesh, but in the naturall religion of Popery, which thrusteth downe the Scriptures to set up traditions, and setteth up many mediators for one Mediator, and maketh every man a Saviour of himselfe by his merits: besides their formall idolatry, which is a worship of devills. And shall wee looke backe to a religion where the devill rules, where Christ is banished, and Christianity under a pretext of Christ persecuted to death?

2. For persons: Naturall men are still in the power of the devill, very slaves, because Christ is not yet entred. Sure wee are, hee held up his power in us all once, not one of our hearts, but was his throne: if hee be not cast out, hee is still in his former state. This is the forlorne estate of all of us by nature, and if we be not converted, and brought to Jesus Christ p. 430by faith and obedience to the Gospell, the devill acteth, mooveth, and ruleth us at his pleasure. This shewes the necessity of conversion, unlesse wee would willingly harbour such a Dragon.

3. See wee any place set open for drunkennesse, whoredome, cursing, blaspheming, scorning of goodnesse, or of such hellish resort, where sinne is maintained and upheld, and Christ with the mention of godlinesse barred out? Be sure Sathans throne is there, his signe is on every such doore, his armes on every post, there is a house swept for the devill, at least a suburbes of hell, there is the devill present in prevailing manner with strength of temptation & absolute command over his slaves, whom hee drawes to the height of wickednesse. As Salomon giveth counsell to goe by the house of the harlot, and not to come neare the doore of her house. Prov. 5. 8. So let all godly men avoid all such persons, places, and practises, in which the devill sits in his chaire of estate. Sundry places are permitted to Satan by God to possesse, where hee domineireth, and sheweth himselfe in strange noises, & frightfull apparitions, & is powerfull in such houses to hurt & destroy, & he that knows the danger of such haūted places will not enter into them: But in such places as wickednesse dwels, although Sathan be not sensibly present, yet he is more powerfull; if not more dreadfull, yet more dangerous: no wise Christian that hath not a desire to be acquainted with hell beforehand, would come into houses so haunted & stuffed with yong Dragons and devills incarnate: how miserable to live where Satan dwells: how difficult to serve Christ where Satan raigneth?Use II.

This also teacheth us to examine our selves, whether the dragon bee cast out, or keepe his state and command in us: where consider, 1. The necessity of this tryall. 2. The rules of tryall.

p. 431The former appeares,

1. Because the greatest part of the world, even in places where the Gospel is preached, are not brought to Jesus Christ, but are voluntary slaves to Satan, renouncing obedience to God, and professe obedience to the dragon; & what a severe, but just judgment of God is it, that they that will not be ruled nor submitted to Gods will, should become slaves to the Devill, that being delivered by Gods justice unto Satan, their whole course should tend to uphold the state of the dragō, with the final ruine of their own?

2. As it is not the presence of the Gospell, so neither the profession of the Gospell that puts Satan out of state. What a great Professor was Ananias, that seemed to give away all his lands to the use of the Church? and yet Satan filled his heart, Act. 5. who was a greater Professor than Iudas, the steward of Christ? yet the devil kept the hold of his heart; there is much more then profession required to dispossesse him, yea, muchmore than preaching of Christ, for Iudas did both.

3. He is certainly concluded a wicked man, under the power of the devill, that is carelesse in this examination, whether Christ bee in him; 2 Corinth. 13. 5. Prove your selves, know yee not that Christ is in you, unlesse yee be reprobates? as also who by examination, findes not the Spirit of God, & of Christ to dwell in him, Rom. 8. 9. If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, the same is none of his.

Now the rules of this triall are reduced to two heads: The former are such as demonstrate the presence of the strong man: The latter, such as shew the presence of a stronger than he.

Of the former sort are five.

First, supine carelesnesse in religion is a signe of the dragons rule; the Apostle in Eph. 2. 2. and 12. sets it p. 432downe for a note of a man in whom the Prince of the ayre ruleth, that he is as an heathen, or alien without God in the world, an Atheist, that cares for no religion or covenant, cares not for Christ and his grace, contemnes preaching, praying, Ministery, Ministers; prefers pigs before Christ, as the Gadarens; prefers pottage before the blessing, as Esau; this man is ruled by the Prince of the ayre: and much more if thou seest a despiser of religion, a scorner of goodnesse, one that turnes his backe on the Ministery, or gives it his presence, but is a sonne of Beliall, and will not indure the yoakes of God and Christ; this man is apparently under the power of the devill: and this cannot but bee a sure signe, for,

1. Where Christ can have no command, the dragon must rule and command

2. Where the Scepter of Christ is resisted, which onelyonly casts out the dragon, there the dragon is not cast out: Were not hee a traytor in an high degree, that should wrest the rod or Scepter out of the Kings hand, breake it to pieces, and tread it under his feet, in contempt of his high authority? yet so doth every wicked man with the Word, the rod of Christs power.

3. Where Christ is come, hee makes communion with God, and a serious seeking after him; and therefore where is no seeking after God, no fellowship with him, Christ never came there.

A second note of the presence and power of the strong man is, blindnesse of minde in meanes of knowledge; so saith the Apostle; 2 Cor. 4. 3, 4. If our Gospell bee now hid, it is hid to them that perish; in whom the god of this world hath blinded the mindes of them that beleeve not; and, 1 Cor. 2. 14. The naturall man perceiveth not the things that are of GOD, &c. When a man can discerne nothing of the things p. 433of God, and seeth nothing in the Kingdome of Christ desirable or admirable, he is in the state of nature, under the power of the dragon. The reason is, because the kingdome of the dragon is a kingdome of darknesse, and nothing casts out his power, but the entertainment of the light and grace of the Gospell. If a man sit in darknesse till this houre, that hee shuts out the light, offering to shine upon him, and contents himselfe with ignorance of minde, with hatred and resistance of the light, this man sets up and upholds the devils power in his owne heart; and here the dragon is not cast out.

Th… third note of a man in whom the devill is not cast out, is, generall disobedience; for, He ruleth in the sonnes of disobedience, Ephes. 2. 2. where sinne raignes, the dragon raignes; Hee that committeth sin is of the devill, 1 Iohn 3. 8. the devill and sinne are cast out together: For as a tyrant shewes his power and strength by forcing men to fulfill his lawes and Edicts, so this strong man sheweth and upholdeth his state, in speciall maner, by prevailing temptations and alluremēts, by which men fulfill the lusts & wil of the flesh, and wicked men are carryed, as the swine, into the lake of sinne. Now the dragon stands in his state.

The fourth note of such a one, is, ripenesse in sinne, when men are not punies in sinne, but old sinners; not bunglers, but active and nimble servants of corruption, 2 Pet. 2. 19. This ripenesse discovers it selfe in many unhappy men, in whom the dragon beares sway, foure wayes;

1. By diligence.

2. Hight.

3. Chearfulnesse.

4. Constancy in sinne.

1. By diligence, following sinne as a trade; when a man is at all the appointments and services of sin, p. 434approving and promoting all that is nought, but disallowing and opposing all that is good, so farre as he can; Diligent servants will breake their sleepe to doe their Masters worke, and so will these, Prov. 4. 16. see Chap. 1. 15.

2. By the height of sinne; for as the Spirit of God drawes the Saints forward in the degrees of grace, so the dragon drawes wicked men to the height of wickednesse, called (Rom. 1.) fulnesse of unrighteousnesse; and this without reluctation or restraint of the Spirit: Thus the devill entred into Iudas, and filled his heart with mischiefe; whence is it that the foulest sinnes come not amisse to many men, but from the power of the dragon, who bids his slave resist the Gospell, as Elimas, and he must doe it, commit murder upon his owne brother, as Cain, scoffe his owne father, as Cham, sweare and blaspheme as many devils incarnate, they must and will doe it?

3. By chearfulnesse and delight in sinne; our proverbe is, Hee must needs runne whom the Devill drives; so captaine-sinners make haste to evill, and set their delight on it: how doe graceles persons rejoyce to promote and compasse sinne in themselves, (eating it as bread, and a sweet morsell, Iob 20. and drinking it as a fish drinkes in water) and provoke Iob 20.Job 20others to sinne, to sweare, to bee drunken, to gaming and playes, &c? were there a drop of grace in them, it would disallow such horrible sinnes, and stand against them; but the stampe of the devill is upon them who rejoyceth in evill, and draweth as many as hee can into his owne damnation.

4. By constancy and incorrigiblenesse in sinne; He that is filthy will bee filthy still, as the dragons and devils be; and men, as devils, are loath to be tormented before their time, by the doctrine of repentance, conversion, mortification or holy life.

p. 435This is a sure note of one, from whom the dragon is not cast out.

The fist is; strife to keepe out, or cast out the Spirit of God, resisting the grace of God, fighting against good conscience in ones selfe and others, when men aredespisers and evill speakers of the way of God, can contend with his Saints, and haunt with wicked persons; how can this but be a sure signe of the dragons holding possession? for what other is his worke in the world, but to fight against the whole kingdome and glory of God? or what is a more manifest proofe of the power and state of a Prince, then to command his subjects to fight for his title in all his quarrels?

Now if these be sure notes of the state and raigne of the dragon, many may discerne their woefull condition, who thinke well enough of themselves, and will defie the Devill in word, while in deed and truth he upholds his full power in them.

1. How many Christians by profession are no better than Atheists, who love not the presence of God, neither in their thoughts, but abhorre all thoughts Psal. 10.Ps 10of God, and barre them out by weekes and months, as most unpleasant; nor in their soules, which cannot endure the presence of Gods Spirit in his motions, but resist and quench them; nor in Gods house, the Church, which they care not for, though God bee there specially present; nor in their servants and friends, who have the promise of his presence, if two or three consent in any good thing; but hate them and all that love God, or speake of his name; least of all can they abide his presence, comming to judgement.

2. How many in so great light walke in the dark, worse than the Gentiles, most of whom were more just in their dealings, more respective of their oaths, p. 436more sober, more temperate, more chaste than thousands of deboiste drunkards, filthy whore-masters, and foule swines, whose damnation will be heavier than the heathens? it shall be easier for them than for these in the day of the Lord.

3. What a number stand out against Christ? as,

First, they that stand not with him, Matth. 12. 30. Those that gather not with him doe scatter, as our neutrals, mungrils, lookers on, who thinke they can bee of neither part; which is impossible; thou that art not the Kings friend, art his enemie: Doest thou not promote the Gospell, and therein the state and right of Jesus Christ? thou art then against it; If being called thereunto thou imployest not thy gifts to win men out of their sinnes, and to gaine them to the faith, thou standest against Christ, and manifestly upholdest the state of the dragon.

Secondly, those that stand against him, being opposite to the Ministerie, to the pure worship of God, &c. resisters of the graces of his servants, strong limbs and supporters of Antichrist, Masse-mongers, Antichristian Captaines, and savage persecutors of true religion.

This is the first sort of rules.

The second is, of such as shew the presence of a stronger than the dragon, which is Michael onelyonly.

One tryall is repentance, onelyonly that looseth the snare of the devill, 2 Tim. 2. 26 It is true, that so long as sinne is present in us, Satan shall never be cast out of all power in us; but if once sinne by repentance be deposed from the raigne of it, though not from all presence, then is Satan cast out of his full power, and, as sinne can never get the dominion againe, no more can the devill.

Another sure note is faith, which is our victory, and casts out the dragon, as also brings Christ into the p. 4371 Iohn 5. 4.1 John 5:4soule, who dwelleth in our hearts by faith, Eph 3. 17. Get assurance of faith, and the dragon is cast out; and get increase of faith, for the Disciples of Christ could not cast out devils, Mat. 17. 20. not for want of faith, but for the weaknesse of it.

Cast into the earth.]

The third thing in the overthrow of the dragon, assigneth the place into which he was cast, namely, into the earth; and that for two reasons.

1. To manifest and clear the certainty of his overthrow, and the Churches victory; as Goliah was seene to be overthrowne, when David threw him downe to the ground.

2. And more specially to shew, who they bee whom the devill now tyrannizeth over; Hee was thrown out of the boūds of the true Church, & now he exerciseth his rage in the earth, that is, among reprobates, carnall, and earthly minded men; whether heathens, without the pale of the Church, or carnall Gospellers, who are within her lappe, but, rejecting the power of grace, sticke to earthly profits, courses, & affections; amongst all these the dragon still domineereth, and ruleth them all at his wil, who reject the rule of God, and his Sonne Jesus Christ.

Quest. Why was he cast into the earth, and not into hell? if the Lord could doe it, why did hee leave his worke imperfect

Answ. 1. Our Lord Jesus Christ wanted then no power, nor now doth lacke might to doe it, but can tread downe Satan every moment to nothing: Neither did Christ leave his worke imperfect, but on the Crosse performed all that was required, either for the full delivery of his Chosen, or for the finall victory over all his enemies; but his heavenly wisedome p. 438putteth forth this power, not all at once, but by degrees, and in some measure of time, which at length is to take full and perfect effect; for Christ must tread all his enemies under his feet, and they must become his footstoole, 1 Cor. 15.

2. This place speaketh not of an absolute ejection out of the Church, for Satan was afterward let loose for a thousand yeares; but of a limited restraint of him;

First, to a certaine time and place, that hee could not oppresse the young and tender Virgin of Christ, either by upholding heathenish Idolatry, or by hindring the free course of the Gospell, and religion of Jesus Christ; and,

Secondly, to a certaine measure, for he was not so cast out of the Church, as that hee ceased to molest and tempt the godly, or that he spared to doe what he could to hinder and disgrace the Christian Religion, but he was so farre cast out as that hee could not exercise his whole and former power, either in violence of temptation, or recover so soveraigne authority among the heathens, as a little before hee had exercised.

Quest. But had it not been better for the Church, that the Lord Jesus had cast him downe into hell, and confined him there?

Answ. 1. Satan is already cast into hell, and there reserved in chaines of darkenesse to the judgment of the last day, 2 Pet. 2. and Iude 6. But that is by the generall sentence of God upon him for his first Apostasie, which our Text aymeth not at, which is a speciall sentence and judgement in one particular. Again, that generall sentence is now in execution upon him, but not fully and perfectly till the day of judgement: till which time for the revenge of the wicked world, God suffers the evill spirits to range as Lyons, to the hurt of men.

p. 4392. It is not prejudiciall, but profitable to the godly, that Sathan is cast into the earth, and not shut up in hell.

Not prejudiciall to the elect: for hee prevaileth onelyonly against the wicked called here the earth, into which he is cast. It is not denyed, but that hee may and doth molest the godly, but his molestation hinders them not, but hasteneth them to their happinesse.

It is profitable for the Church sundry wayes, that God still permitteth Sathan some power in the earth.

1. That wee might see how strong and furious our adversary is, and what need wee have of Gods power to restraine him.

2. To manifest the glory of God, both in the admirable confusion of this strong enemy, and in the no lesse powerfull defence and protection of the Elect.

3. To shake us out of pride, security and forgetfulnesse of our selves and our estate, who are in daily encounter against the Dragon.

4. To quicken and excite our prayers, faith, watchfulnesse, which wee would easily give over if we had no tempter or enemy.

Note from this, that the devill exerciseth no dominion, Doct. I.but in and among wicked men. For hee is cast out of the Church into the earth, and there among earthly and carnall men holdeth his power still. Ephes. 2. 2. The Prince that ruleth in the aire, worketh among the sonnes of disobedience. 2 Thes. 2. 9. Sathan worketh in Antichrist by all deceiveablenesse of unrighteousnesse, in them that perish. 2 Cor. 4. 4. The god of this world blindeth the mindes of infidels, or unbeleevers.

And why? 1. Sathans raigne is in the reigne of sin, p. 440Reas. 1.that is his scepter: a wicked heart, in which sinne raigneth, is his chaire of estate. But sinne raignes not in the elect that are under grace. Rom. 6. 14.

2. Sathan being the Prince of darknesse, rules in the kingdome of darknesse, whence wicked spirits 2.are called rulers of the darknesse of this world. Ephes. 6. 12. The devill is the father of all spirituall darknesse, of lies, heresies, false doctrines, false worship, and all workes of darknesse. This is the world of darknesse, in which hee ruleth as a king in his Kingdome. But the godly are gotten out of this Egypt, out of the reach of this hellish Pharaoh, and are gotten into Goshen, the Church, where light is: Ephes. 5. 8. Ye were once darknesse, but now are light in the Lord.

3. Sathan is the father of sinne, and sinne is the mother of death, by which necessary connexion appeares 3.who are his subjects, over whom hee holdeth his full and absolute power, to weet, a world of dead men, dead in trespasses and sinnes, destitute of the Ephes. 2. 1.Eph 2:1life and Spirit of God, and as dead men, laid and buryed in the earth: among these hee ruleth. As the demoniake in our Saviours time lived among the graves and there tyrannized, so doth Sathan, being cast out into the earth, which is as another Golgatha. But the godly are quickned by Christ, being formerly dead in trespasses, and live now the life of the Sonne of God, and have part in the first resurrection, Gal. 2. 20. And so are exempted from the power of Sathan.

Which is a ground of comfort to all true hearted Vse 1.Christians that stand in the spirituall combate.

1. Thou fightest against a conquered and bound enemy, who is cast out of all thy Lords dominions.

2. Hee is cast into the earth, and keepeth state in the world, as the god of the world: but thou art p. 441called out of the world, and brought from the earth.

Object. If hee be cast out, how comes it to passe that I am so afflicted with horrible, hellish, and violent temptations?

Answ. 1. The Dragon is not cast out of all power, till hee bee cast into hell, but hee is cast out of full power in the godly.

2. There is a reserved wrigling power of the Dragon which may assault thee, but hee shall never hurt thee that art one of Gods chosen, neither by his temptation, nor persecution. For first, though they may afflict and exercise thee, yet all the gates of hell cannot overcome or extinguish thy faith. Secondly, though they may trouble thee, and hinder thee in the way, as the Moabites did Israel by their wiles, yet can they not in the end of it, which is life and glory. Thirdly, though they may hinder the sense and comfort and joy of thy salvation, yet can they not the right, nor assured hope of thy happinesse.

Object. I finde these temptations prevai…e in mee, and if the devill raigne in sinne, I feare he is not cast out of mee.

Answ. There is the least feare of that sinne that is most feared. The feare of sinne keepes downe the raigne of it. But for the strengthening of such as are in combate, we must know, that the best have sinne, but sinne hath not them, the best slip and fall, but lye not in falls, the best do the acts of sinne, but not habitually: they trade not, nor walke in sinnes, at least with delight, as men in a pleasant way: the best have flesh, but walke not according to flesh. And therefore, although thou findest sinne present with thee, yet if thou canst finde the power of it weakened, if thou sometimes sinnest, but art so farre from tumbling and trading in sinne, as that thou hatest what thou doest, all is safe, the dragon is cast out for all that.

p. 4422. Here is a rule of tryall, to know our estate, Use II.whether wee belong to heaven, or are yet in the earth under the dominion of Sathan. If Sathan uphold his power and state in sinne and unrighteousnesse within thy heart, thou art apparently in the earth, and of the earth, Christ hath no part in thee, nor thou in him. Art thou an enemy to grace, to the doctrine of grace? Art thou a stubborne and obstinate sinner, an enemy to the perswasions of the Word and Spirit? a sonne of disobedience, a rebell against all thou hearest? Art thou a lover of thy sinnes, an hater of them that hate and discover them? Art thou of the Dragons trade, and walkest in fraud, lying, accusing, and envying Gods children? Dost thou cast thy selfe out of the Church, and wilfully excommunicate and separate thy selfe from God, from his house, and worship, from his Saints and people? Now this doctrine tells thee, that for these accursed qualities the devill himselfe was cast out by Christs victory, and so shalt thou as an enemy of Christ: shall Christ cast him out, and keepe thee in, who resemblest him? no, confounded shall ye be together, and eternally excommunicate from God and his Church.

3. This is a ground of instruction; if Sathan bee once cast out, to keepe him out, and let him enter no Use III.more. When Christ cast out a devill he said, Go out of him, and enter into him no more. So hee never recovereth his power against the Church againe, being once cast into the earth. Apostasie and revolt from the truth once received, gives him a stronger and surer possession then before. For he never comes againe, but hee brings seaven worse spirits then himselfe.

And now seeing that Sathan is cast out of our Church into the earth, let us not turne to worldly p. 443rudiments, and that earthly religion and doctrine of Popery and Antichristian idolatry, which is from earth, set up and upheld by earthly power and policie, thrusting it selfe on the world by serpentine craft, lying, pretenses of miracles, martyrdome, concord of doctors, perpetuall succession from the Apostles, &c. But let the Dragon rage and dominere in the earth whither hee is cast, and in that fleshly doctrine which carrieth away earthly and unstable men. Let him make spoile in his owne dominion, amongst Papists, and Idolaters, and hypocrites, and atheists. Let us keepe that pretious truth, which is committed to us, and hold fast that which Michael hath wonne for us; shall wee runne after the dragon cast into the earth?

Consider hereunto: 1. How can that be a religion of God, that openeth a wide gate to all manner of hatefull and unnaturall sinnes, by licenses, pardons, before and after, sanctuaries, &c. that exempts subjects from lawes, obedience, oathes, and allegiance to Princes: that under pretence of Christ is a Catholique heresie against the whole foundation?

2. There is but one way to eternall life, by Jesus Christ: stray out of this way, and you runne most assuredly to perdition.

3. Esteeme the truth above wealth, peace, or life it selfe, because God hath magnified it above all things.

4. Consider the force of errour, as the secret working of poison, and who they be that are given up to Antichristian lies and delusions. 2. Thess. 2. 10.

5. Considering the danger of the times, and the businesse of the limbes and agents of Antichrist, beware of three things.

1. Of false prophets, who come in sheepes cloathing, and call themselves Catholique Doctors: p. 444Know them by their fruits, their seditions, warres, treasons, massacres, stabbing of Princes, powderplots, arming of subjects against their undoubted Soveraignes, &c. They are locusts, spoiling, invading, and eating up kingdomes.

2. Beware of the leven of popery, of their impudent and lying bookes which they spred boldly, and busily, of curious and alluring pictures, and all false arts to deceive us.

3. Beware of conversing with such too much, out of desire to please some. Touch no pitch. In a word, Remember what yee have beene taught concerning the whore of Babylon, how you have beene called out of her, what destructions they have provided for us, and what plagues God hath provided for them.

This of the first point.

2. Note this, that wheresoever Jesus Christ, the great Michael, commeth, there the Dragon Doct. II. where Christ comes the devill is cast out.is throwne to the ground, and cast from his state and power. This seed of the woman breakes the serpents head. This lyon of the tribe of Judah conquers and casts downe the roaring lyon, both in himselfe and his members. This Michael is hee that sits on a white horse, and hath a bow in his hand, Revel. 6. 2. that is, the word of the Law, and Gospell, whence hee shoots deadly arrows to wound his enemies, Psal. 45. 6. And to him is given a triumphant crowne, beeing the King of glory, and he goeth out conquering that hee may overcome.

The proofe hereof appeares, by considering the two wayes of Michaels comming. Hee comes,Two wayes of Christs comming.

1. In person.

2. In Spirit.

1. Michael, in the dayes of his flesh, and infirmity p. 4451.in his owne person encountred all the devils hand to hand, subdued all the devills he met withall, and healed all that were oppressed with the devill Yea if there were a legion in one man, hee made them come running, and couching, and begging forbearance. Hee imposed them silence by a word, and by the same cast them out of their hold.

2. Hee comes in spirit, by the powerfull preaching of the Gospell, by which Sathan was so bound up, and cast out of his rule, that the exorcists could no longer practise their devillish arts. Act. 8. 8. when the Gospell was preached in Samaria, the great power of Simon Magus, which had madded the people, vanished and came to nothing. Act. 16. 16. The spirit of the Pythonisse was driven away at Philippi by the Gospell preached by Paul, Act. 19. 18. After the Ephesians had received the Gospell, they burnt their magicall bookes, and had no more Puer Hebraeus jubet me, diis beatis imperans, hanc sedem relinquere, & in orcum redire: jam abito tacitus ab aris nostris. Nunc mirantur, si tam mult…s annos civitas peste vexetur, cum & Aesculapius & alij dij longè absunt ab ea. Postea enim quam Iesus colitur, nihil utilitatis á dijs consequi possumus.to do with those devillish arts. That is famous, which Suidas reporteth of the oracle of Apollo, when Augustus Cesar under whom Christ was borne, asked, who should rule after him, no answer was given but this: The Hebrew child who is King over the gods, commands mee to leave this Temple, and get mee to hell: now therefore go quietly from these our altars. To which wee will adde that of Porphyrie, a deadly enemy of Christ, and a scoffer of Christian religion, who (as Eusebius cites him) hath these words: Nowadaies men marvell that our city is so many yeares together annoyed with the pestilence; whereas Esculapius and the other gods are farre gone away from it: For since this Iesus is worshipped, we can get no benefit by the gods.

One reason of the point is taken from the end of Christs comming, which was, to dissolve the works Reas. 1.of the devill, 1. Ioh. 3. 8. to shake downe his kingdome, p. 446and destroy his power. All the worke and office of Christ is but to cast out the Dragon. The strong man had bound all mankinde hand and foot,

1. From doing good.

2. Unto punishment for doing evill.

3. From helping our selves. Now a stronger then hee commeth and looseth the prisoners that were bound: his office being, partly to preach liberty to Esa. 61. 1. 2.Isa 61:1Isa 61:2the captives by his doctrine, and partly to open the prison doores by his merit and obedience.2.

Another reason is taken from the power of his person, who is God and man: as God he hath absolute power and soveraigne command over all creatures, even the same joint power with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, infinite, uncreated, omnipotent. As mediator (foreign, God and man) hee is by his office exalted at the right hand of God above all names, and principalities, to whom the Father hath committed, and by whom hee executeth all power in heaven and earth: for the Father ruleth all by the Sonne. Hence is his title, Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, Revel. 17. 14. The Angell said, Hee shall be great, Luke 1. 32. And so hee was, for hee is the greatest in respect,

1. Of his person.

2. Of his office.

3. Of his kingdome and command over all.

Hence must it follow, that the power, armory, and skill of the dragon is but impotency, folly and weaknesse, compared to Michael, and must be hopelesse to prevaile, unlesse hee could bring also into the field divine power, and eternall majesty.

The third reason is taken from the powerfull 3.meanes with which Christ commeth armed, and furnished against the Dragon: and these are five,

1. A powerfull death, which is of more strength p. 447than the lives of all men and Angels; Hebr. 2. 14. By death he destroyed him that had the power of death, that is, the Devill; Iohn 12. 31. Now is the Prince of the world cast out; But how? by Christs lifting up upon the Crosse, for he saith, If I be lifted up. This Michael hath spoyled principalities and powers upon his Crosse, That is the Charriot of triumph; there hee tormented the devils, while they tormented him; there they crucified themselves more than him, and, as Haman, there they reared a Gibbet for their owne execution.

2. A powerfull resurrection, wherein he mightily declared himselfe the Sonne of God, Rom. 1. 4. a worke passing all created power, either to doe, or hinder from being done; for whereas his powerfull death was properly the death of sinne, wherein the dragon ruled, so his powerfull resurrection overcomes the world, hell, the grave, in all which the dragon before tyrannized; for hereby hee applyeth that salvation, which by his death he merited; hee maintaineth that salvation, which he had formerly procured, and hereby raiseth up all his members to eternall life at the last, and great day of his appearing.

3. A powerfull Ministery for the conversion of persons and nations, and casting the dragon out of his holds.

I. In his owne person, preaching most divine and effectuall doctrine, with such authority and power, as never man spake so; For Michael carryeth a two edged sword in his mouth, so sharpe as that it pearceth and cutteth Leviathan in peeces: And this doctrine was confirmed, partly with a most holy and innocent life; so as when the dragon came he found nothing in him, Iohn 14. 30, no power, no right, no matter to fasten any temptation upon; being pure from all sinne, both in nature and act; partly with most powerfull p. 448miracles, evidences of his divine person, because they were performed by his owne power, and such, as the dragon could neither resist, falsifie or imitate.

II. In the persons of his servants, whether Prophets, Apostles, or Pastors. When the Disciples were sent out into Judea to preach, they returned to Christ rejoycing, because the devils were subdued, and Christ said, he saw Satan fall downe like lightning, Luke 10. 18. How suddenly the sound of the Gospell was carried into all nations by the Apostles, and the world conquered unto Christ, appeareth in the Epistles of Paul? Then went downe Paganisme, Idolatry, Atheisme, and the walls of hellish Iericho were soone throwne downe by the sound of these rammes-hornes. And at this day, how doe the faithfull Pastors hold forth the shining light of truth, to destroy and cast out heretikes, and the numberlesse droves of false teachers and seducers, out of the Church? for as the devils were not able to withstand one word of Christs mouth in his flesh and infirmity, so the same word is no lesse powerfull in the mouths of his Ministers, with whom himselfe is present to the end of the world.

4. He comes with a powerfull Spirit, a Spirit of fortitude and unresistable strength, by which, as hee upholds the whole frame of the world in the estate of nature, so also the whole frame of the Church, and the whole state of grace in the world renewed, and called out of the world: This Spirit is not powerfull onelyonly in the Head, to foyle the dragon, but in every member also, who cast him out, and tread him under their feet, Rom. 16. 20.

5. He comes with a powerfull arme of justice, to revenge and confound all enmities spirituall and corporall; this our Ioshua hath set his feet on the neckes p. 449of five Kings at once, and daily casteth out the dragon by the miserable destruction of tyrants and enemies, Neroes, Domitians, Dioclesians, Trajans, Valences, &c. and at last shall make all his enemies his footstoole.

Now seeing onelyonly the power of Jesus Christ can Vse I.cast out the dragon, let us make much of the presence of Christ, and rejoyce in it: Magicians have devised many wayes of casting out devils, as Amulets, Words, Characters, but all diabolicall; Papists have devised holy-bread, holy-water, salt, herbes, lights, Crosses, the word Jesus, or some part of the Gospell to charme or ex…rcise devils; of the same diabolicall invention, and intention with the former; but Christ is present with no such sorceries, neither doe they cast downe the dragon, but hold him up: Satan is not cast out by Beelzebub, except by compact and collusion; but the Lord hath appointed the holy Ministerie, and in it hath promised his presence, and in that hee commeth to cast out Satan; the way to keep Satan downe, is to embrace, and rejoyce in an holy and powerfull Ministery: This is the hammer of heresies, the sword against his temptations, the touchstone of errour, the whetstone of grace, the rule of prayer, and a whole armory against all the enterprises of the dragon. He that findes the power of the Ministery casting downe the dragons power in his owne soule, will sticke to it, as to the arme of God, nothing shall be of power to plucke him from it, being the power of God, and the wisedome of God. Every man saith, hee will cleave to Christ, and the power of Christ, for he onelyonly can foile the dragon, but renouncing the Ministery, thou renouncest Christ, who hath said, Hee that receiveth you, receiveth mee; and hee that refuseth you, refuseth mee, Luke 10. 16.

p. 450Againe, note hence the reason, why the powerfull Vse II.preaching of Gods Word is so generally resisted in the world, namely, because all wicked men (whatever they professe) are friends with the dragon, and chuse to be under his power; as for the power of Christ, they renounce it, and say plainly, We will not have this man to rule over us, nor endure his yoakes; as for example.

1. Why doth Satan so oppose the true preaching of the Word, but because hee feeles the power of Christ in it hāmering downe his kingdome of darknesse? hee stormes not at frothy and foolish preaching; onelyonly faithfull Preachers beare the burden of his rage: Christ and his Apostles, and all faithfull Pastors, he opposeth, he slandereth, because Christ is powerfull in them against his Kingdome, and not in others,

2. What is the cause that Antichrist cannot indure the Scriptures, but disgraceth them with vile terms? or that he doth preferre fables and devises of men before them, shut them up and imprison them in Cloysters and unknown tongues, punish the reading of them in the Mother-tongue with death, &c? but because, being an enemie to the power of Christ, hee findes it the weapon which hath wounded him, and must slay him, and the rod that Christuseth to smite him downe; no winde can so blast herbes, as this breath of Christ blasteth him. The Arke cannot stand up, but Dagon goeth downe; Christ and Antichrist cannot stand together.

3. Why doe the Idolatrous countries of Spaine, Italy, France, and the rest sticke so fast to the support of Antichrist, and keepe life in him, and cast him not out as other Countries have done, but because Christ is not come among them? they resist his power, and the rod of his power, they suffer not the p. 451breath of Christs mouth, the preaching of the Word among them; and where doe Papists increase at home, but in rude and untaught countries, where Christ is not come in the power of his Word?

4. Why doe our Papists, both Recusants and Church Papists, most resist and disgrace painfull and diligent Preachers? these cannot be indured, preach damnation, are authors of faction, enemies to authoritie, &c. but the very reason is, because these comming in the power of Christ, are the greatest enemies of Antichrist, their good father and friend; for if there bee idle or corrupt Preachers, they like well, because they know these are speciall friends to their friend; for if the Spirit of Christ breath not in him, who stands in the roome of a Minister, Antichrist may, and doth stand in full state and strength for all him.

5. Why doe many formall Protestants, that say they wil be saved by Christ, so directly and manifestly resist the power of Christ to salvation, and doe the dragon so good service, as none more? as,

First, by spurning against wholesome doctrine, and turning the backe contemptuously and professedly on the house of GOD: This man plainely speaketh, that he will not suffer the dragon to be wronged, or dispossessed out of his hold and heart; but, like an old Gadaren, hee had rather have a Legion of devils nestled in him, than indure the presence of Jesus Christ.

2. By resisting the holy Ordinances of Christ, & indeavouring to cast out Christ in his Gospell; proclaiming hereby, not onelyonly that the devill is not cast out of his own soule, but that himself is an open enemy to the power of Christ; for hee that would hinder or stop the breath of Christs mouth in the mouths of his Ministers, or that furthereth not the Gospell p. 452by all his power, is an open enemy to the Kingdome and Scepter of Jesus Christ.

3. By making the Preachers of the Gospell (by whom the Lord Jesus casteth out the dragon) their Buts and markes to shoot their poysoned arrowes of despight and bitternesse: Well may they know, that the strong man keepes the hold of their hearts, and that Christ, a stronger than hee, is not yet come to dispossesse him; for therefore hate they the servants, because they hate the Master, which is the very same office that the dragon injoynes them, and the very proper worke of the dragon.

This being so, let so many as would shew themselves friends of Michael, submit to his power, holding it a singular priviledge, that wee may bee employed in upholding the power of Christs Kingdome, and the rod of it. One of the chiefe priviledges of the Church of the Jewes, was, to keepe Gods Oracles in the letter, Rom. 3. 2. but it will bee our preheminence above them, to locke up the true sense of the word in our hearts, by which Christs power puts forth it selfe in our hearts; so wee shall provide for our selves (with Mary) that good part, which, when the outward Ministery may bee taken from us, or we from it, shall never be taken from us, nor we from it.

3. We learne hereby, not to despaire of any mans Vse III.finall estate, bee hee never so wicked; for though the strong man have him never so fast, a stronger than hee may come, and rescue him out of his hands: the Demoniacke, whom none could tame, but in his fiercenesse and fury brake all bands and chaines, as Sampson did the greene cords, yet Christ by one word tamed him, and brought him suppliant to him; so men that are possessed with lusts, as with so many devils, that breake through all lawes and yoakes of p. 453Christ, as if they were Spiders Webs; the threats of the Word are as the flaxe on Sampsons armes, the promises of the Gospell are tastelesse and despised, as the blessing was by prophane Esau; yet time may come that Christ may meet with these, his powerful Word may tame them, and bring such out of their fury and madnesse.

They are then impudent and shamelesse in their slanders and false assertions, who say, Wee say they are damned, or they are reprobates, &c. Wee say, hee that is an Idolater in his heart, or is an hinderer of Gods Word, a slanderer of the faithfull Preachers of it, a scorner of godly persons or exercises, a defier of the duties of holy religion, a persecutor, to his power, of innocent men; this man is for the present a wicked man, and in the way of destruction, and all Gods curses hang over his head, and, if hee repent not, hee shall bee surely damned: But doe wee therefore exclude him from repentance? doe we shorten the arme of God, or stint his mercy, that hee may not recall such a one at his pleasure? may not this man, who is a Saul to day, breathing out nothing but slaughter, threatning, scorne, and slander against the Saints, become a Paul to morrow? Who can intercept Christ in his way, but hee may meet with such a man, and unhorse him, and strike him downe and tame him, and make his Scales fall off his eyes, and bring him to say, O Lord, what wouldest thou have mee to doe? Can hee tame and cast out the dragons and devils, and cannot hee tame and subdue wicked men at his pleasure? Farre he goeth (we say) that never returneth, but wee know not who it is that goeth so farre.

Whosoever therfore casts such scandalous and reproachfull falshoods against godly Preachers, bewrayeth, either want of understanding of that hee p. 454heareth, or desires maliciously to accuse; a fearefull guiltinesse of conscience, which it will bee time to looke unto, lest, while it accuseth it selfe for want of other accusers, the Lord say one day, Evill servant, out of thine owne mouth thou shalt bee judged.

4. As Christ, where-ever hee commeth, destroyeth the worke of the devill, so every Christian, Vse IIII.where-ever hee commeth, must stand with Christ in this great worke, and every where according to his calling and gifts, cast out the workes of the devill: for why?

First, every souldier must stand with his Captaine and Generall in his warres; and our very name of Christians sheweth, with whom, and under whom we must take part.

Secondly, the promise of our Baptisme, and our vow openly and solemnely made, bindes us to stand out against Satan; for therein wee have taken our Presse-money, and are ledd into the field.

Thirdly, wee are furnished with power, and covered with the armour of God from Christ, that we might share in his victory, that as he did tread Satan under his feet, so must wee.

Fourthly, wee are annointed, as Kings, to maintaine warre, and to conquer Satan, and plant our battery against the wals of hellish Iericho.

Fiftly, the same Spirit that is in the head, is in the members, the head and members have but one spirit, Gal. 4. 6. Christ breatheth the same spirit on all his members, Ioh. 20 22. & the same spirit worketh the same things in the head and members, being the spirit of courage and fortitude in them both.

Sixtly, we never want just cause to bee at defiance with the dragon, being the greatest enemie of God, and of us, continually seeking to cast downe his glory, and us from our happinesse.

p. 455Now the duty being inforced by so many reasons, it will be asked, But how may wee be most fruitfully conversant in this service? whereto I answer.

1. If we cast him out of our owne soules.

And 2. If wee destroy his workes without us, in our severall places, according to the power and calling that God hath given us.

Within us we shall cast him out, first, by getting Christ to come into us: for it is Christs presence that 1.casts out the Dragon.

And how may I get Christ into mee?

Answ. 1. Heare him knocking in the ministery, attend to his words of promise, of threatning and direction, for these are his knocks (by which hee knocks at many a deafe mans dore) Revel. 3. 20.

2. Open the dore unto him, to receive him in. We open our hearts to Christ by faith. As hee dwelleth in the heart by faith, so also by faith he is received in. Ioh. 1. 12.

3. Receive him by humility: Hee dwells in an humble and contrite spirit, Esay, 66. 2. Thou must therefore confesse with that Ruler, that thou art unworthy hee should come under thy roofe. Mat. 8. 8.

4. By purging away sinne, by sweeping and sweetening the roomes of our hearts for him. Thinke not now that Christ will lodge any more among the beasts in a foule stable: Prepare him therefore a roome in the Inne of thine heart.

5. By loving obedience to his Commandements: On this condition Christ comes in, as hee promised, Ioh. 14. 23. If any man love mee and keepe my word, my Father and I will come in and dwell with him.

Secondly, wee cast the Dragon out of our selves by proclaiming warre against our owne corrupt nature, and ruling over affections. Wee can never p. 456overcome him within us, till wee have conquered our selves. As this is the greatest, so it is the first victory, to get under feet our owne uncleane lusts, motions, thoughts, and actions, which are the harbours and burrowes of wicked spirits, (these serpents lie in these thickets;) to cast out envy, malice, drunkennesse, uncleanenesse, to ruinate and batter downe these holds of the dragon, and bring every thought into the subjection of Christ, that when hee comes, hee may finde nothing in us.

Thirdly, wee cast out the Dragon by carefull fencing, and watching our strongest forts and faculties. The Dragon keepes hold especially in ignorance of minde, in rebellion of the will, in corruption of the conscience, and having these forts, hee can command the whole man at pleasure. Now to cast him out of these our most inward and highest forts, wee must deliver them up to Jesus Christ to bee informed, strengthened, commanded, and defended by him. Hee onelyonly is able to keepe what wee commit unto him.

Fourthly, wee shall cast out the Dragon by suffering Christ still to draw us to himselfe by the power of the Gospell, and to fashion us daily unto holinesse, Ioh. 12. 32 The prince of this world cannot be cast out, till Christ draw us unto himselfe: who as he draweth by his word which is called the arme of God, and by his spirit moving in those meanes, so must wee give up our selves to be ruled, and moved by his Word and Spirit. These motions and directions cast out, and keepe out Satanicall motions and temptations, by which hee holds up his rule and state.

Without a mans selfe, every godly man must strive II.to cast downe the power of Sathan every where: both by Christian profession, and Christian conversation.

p. 457By Christian profession, manifesting it selfe in foure maine practises.

1. Upholding to his power wholsome doctrine, which is the rod and scepter of Christ, and by the zealous maintaining an holy Ministery in which Christ casteth downe the Dragon. Shall Jesus Christ seeke in the ministerie to cast out the Dragon? then wo to those that oppose ministery. Shall Jesus Christ striue by holy and sound doctrine to subdue the power of the devill, whose kingdome stands in lies and errors? Wo then unto those unhappy men that shall seeke to bring in the Dragon againe, by broaching or defending false doctrine, heresie, popery, idolatry, or Antichristian delusions: who instead of the ministers of Christ would bring in the vassals of Antichrist, Priests, Jesuites, locusts, and impostors

2. In promoting piety and the reigne of Christ by grace in others. For true religion practised, promoted, encouraged, propagated, casteth out the Dragon, and onelyonly that. What unhappy men are they, and apparent limbes of the Dragon, who disgrace and discourage godlinesse every where? who plot to cast out piety, religion and all godly men? Is this to joyne with Michael in casting out the Dragon.

3. In forwardnesse in doing good, which glorifieth God, and honoureth our profession. The Dragon would set up his kingdome by pretenses of great workes of mercy, charity, building of Churches, and Hospitalls, &c. And Antichrist is bold to outboast all professions in such pretenses. But wee must bestirre our selves, that neither papists nor hypocrites put us downe in workes of mercy, love, or charity: that wee may honour our profession, by a readinesse to every good worke.

4. In readinesse constantly to suffer for the truth, and fearlesly to sticke to the Gospell: that, as our p. 458Lord subdued the Dragon by giving witnesse to the truth, so should wee by maintaining the same truth to the utmost of our power, and the last drop of our blood Ler Ephraim divide his heart betweene two Hos 10. 2. Ephes. 2. 5.Hos 10:2Eph 2:5religions: let the fickle Galathian change his judgement in maine points: let the Ephesian fall from his first love: let profane dogs, and swine fall backe to generall revolt and apostasie, 2. Pet. 2. 2. As none are more serviceable to the Dragon then these, so none give him a greater blow then constant witnesses and martyrs, none so much cast him downe.

By Christian conversation also must every Christian joyne with Michael in casting out the Dragon: and this, partly at home, and partly abroad.

I. A man can never bee good abroad, that promotes not piety at home. Hee that hath cast the dragon out of his heart, will also cast him out of his house: which is done,

1. By setting up the service and worship of God in his family, that hee and his house may serve the Lord. Hee whose heart is a Temple of God, his house shall bee a Church and a little Bethel: there shall be no roome for swearers, drunkards, riotous persons, scorners, nor sonnes of Belial: for these are the brood of the Dragon.

2. By preventing and wisely resisting the speciall sinnes of the calling; all crafts and deceitfull mysteries, by which the Dragon over-reacheth most men in the carrying of their speciall calling. A godly Christian in these will not, as others, do what others do, but what himselfe hath warrant to do: hee will not make his calling a service of the Dragon, but subordinateth it to his generall calling, wherein hee acknowledgeth himselfe a servant to Jesus Christ.

3. By waching narrowly those lusts, in which the Dragon thrusts himselfe on to disturbe and throw p. 459downe Gods worship in the family, as anger, and wrath, which hinder prayer; worldlinesse or unfruitfull 1. Pet. 3.1 Pet 3employments, which thrust out or ingrosse the times of family-duties. When the Dragon had drawne David from his watches, it was easie to imploy him in strange services of sinne.

II. Abroad a Christian must take his Lords part against the Dragon: Both in respect of good men, walking fruitfully, and watching good occasion in the communion of Saints, instructing some, comforting others, guiding others in the way, lovingly counselling, reproving, encouraging, &c. And in respect of evill men:

1. If corrigible, and hopefull, helping them out of the snare and power of Sathan: saving some with meeknesse, and pulling others out of the fire.

2. If wilfull, or scornfull, either avoid their company and all needlesse society with them, because the Dragon mightily prevailes in infectious society: and it is an unequall yoking, 2. Cor. 6. 14. 15. 16. Or if thou beest cast into their company, bee undaunted in good causes, and give them no place, nor feare their forces in thy Lords quarrell; nor basely stoope to honour ungodly persons for private ends: nor shew a willing minde to repent of any thing well done. This daunts the Dragon and wicked men, and brings much honour to our honourable profession,

And his angels were cast out with him.]

The fourth generall in this verse is, what company was cast out with the Dragon, namely his angels. By the angels of the Dragon wee understand:

1. All those wicked persons by whom the devill putteth forth his power against the Church, as wicked p. 460angels, wicked tyrants, wicked teachers, and all wicked men and agents.

2. All wicked meanes and instruments, by which hee had executed his malice against the woman, as the power of his Cesars, the policy and counsell of his prudent Senators, the sophistry of his hereticall teachers, the sorcery of his idolatrous priests, and oracles. All these and the like meanes, by which the Dragon set up, and held up his rule in earth, were cast into the earth whence they were taken.

And by casting out of them, wee meane not a totall ejection from all molestation of the Church, but such a breaking of their power as they could never prevaile against the salvation of any member of the Church, neither against the happy proceedings of the Christian religion in the infancy of the Church, at which age our text aimeth.

Where the Dragon is cast out, all his angels are Doct.cast out with him. 1. Ioh. 4. 4. Little children, yee are of God and have overcome them: whom? every spirit that confesseth not Christ, every enemy of Christ.

1. If the head be cast out, how can the members Reas. 1,thinke to stay? If the Generall of the field be cast to the earth, how can the confused and stragling army hope to prevaile? When David overcame Goliah, hee foiled the whole host of the Philistines, so as Israel fell upon them, and slew them: so this sonne of David, overthrowing the hellish Goliah, chased all his angels and forces with him.

2. The same justice layeth hold on principals and accessaries. In the Dragons angels were, first the 2same enmity against the woman that was in the Dragon, Gen. 3. 15 I will put enmity betweene thy seed and her seed, as betweene thy selfe and her. Secondly, p. 461the same desert and merit: for the angels fought against the woman, as well as the Dragon, vers. 7. The messengers of Sathan cease not to buffet the Saints. as Paul. Thirdly, the same sentence and execution against the angels, as against their head, the Dragon Matt 25. 41. —prepared for the devill and his angels, both issuing from the justice of God, who spares not the Angels that sinned. 2. Pet. 2. 4.

3. The perfection of Michaels power cannot but 3encounter and conquer as well the angels and agents of the Dragon, as the Dragon himselfe. The power of his God-head is a full store-house to minister unto him all fitnesse and furniture to encounter all the agents and angels of the Dragon. The truth whereof wee shall easily discerne, if we cast our eyes upon the chiefe organs and instruments of the dragon, called his angels, whom our Michael hath cast out and made his footstoole.

The first are heretickes, and false teachers, and these angels of the dragon transforme themselves as if they were Angels of light: but Michael the true 2. Cor. 11.2 Cor 11Doctor of his Church casteth them out, and raiseth up Pastors according to his owne heart in their stead, so that the elect shall not bee seduced by them. This is a fruit of his powerfull ascension, Ephes. 4. 10. 11.

The second sort of the dragons angels are tyrants and wretced persecutors of the truth, and these stoutly and incessantly fight against Michael. But Christ the true King of his Church resisteth and confoundeth them by the rod of his power, and instead of them raiseth us Kings and Princes to bee nursing fathers and mothers to the Church.

Thirdly, wicked men and hypocrites are angels of the dragon, and under the name and colours of Christ fight against Christ, but cannot prevaile, for Michael is the true Sampson, who with the jaw p. 462bone of his owne mouth smites them downe, heapes upon heapes.

Fourthly, the great angell of all under the dragon is that great Antichrist, who now sits at Rome, and hath many yeares furiously fought against the whole Kingdome of Christ: but our Michael is well appointed against him: for hee blasteth him with the breath of his mouth, and will consume him with the brightnesse of his comming, and the time hasteneth wherein hee shall be cast out of the Church, as dung of the earth.

4. The perfection of Michaels victory argueth all the angels of the dragon to bee cast out, as well as 4himselfe. For first, otherwise the little stone had not broken to pieces all the kingdomes opposite to it selfe, as the prophesie is. Dan. 2. 45. But it hath broken the whole kingdome of the dragon, by setting up, and upholding a kingdome of grace, the least, lowest, and weakest of whose subjects are too strong for the whole gates of hell to prevaile against. Secondly Michael had not perfected our salvation, had he not perfected his owne victory in the totall abolition of his enemies, and in leaving no hurtfull thing in all the mountaine of his holinesse.

But do we not see many angels of the dragon unconquered, many false teachers, tyrants, persecutors, Object.haters of the truth, papists, and the great Antichrist, that scarce afford the Church any good day, nor never cease her v…xation? how then are all the angels cast out with him?

I answer, 1. They are all cast out already in respect of our head, whom they cannot reach now sitting Answ.at his Fathers right hand: and as to him actually, so to us the members virtually, and potentially, who must needs partake of his victory and tryumph over them all: but wee must for the time rest in his p. 463most gracious ordination, who so communicateth his victory unto us, as wee must receive it, first, by faith, and then by fruition, first in hope, and then by sense; first in part, and then in perfection.