The Power of Godliness, Book 3 · Chapter 8
CHAP. VIII. Why Courage and hardiness is to be exercised aright, and wherein the right exercise thereof consists. How faith begets Courage. The things wherein spirituall Courage doth shew it self. The kindes of disordered Courage that must be shunned or corrected. The means whereby spirituall Courage may be encreased.
Question, WHy is Courage and Hardiness to be ordered aright?
A. Hardiness, which is a passion of the soul that doth fortifie it and make it assured against the miseries which are most difficult to avoid,Dan. 1….19. 2 Chro. 32.7. and encourage it to pursue those good things which are most painfull to obtain, notwithstanding all opposition to the contrary, must be rightly moderated; because it is of excellent use in a Christian course. For 1. A godly life is beset with many difficulties from the Devil and the world. Satan rageth, the world raiseth manifold persecutions,1 Cor. 16.13. which cannot be resisted without courage. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Courage is for the warre; but all Christians are the souldiers of Christ Jesus, who have received press-money to fight under his banner.2 Tim 2.3. 2 Sam. 10.12. Thou therefore endure hardness as a good souldier of Jesus Christ. Like as Joab exhorted his souldiers fighting for their countrey, to be valorous and to play the men: so doth the Lord by his servants call upon us to be hardy,Deut. 11.6, 7. Iosh. 1.6. & 10.25 Psal. 27.14. & 31 24. Mat. 4.1, 2, 3. strong and valiant in heart and carriage, Be strong and of go…d courage, fear not. 2. The practice of any publike duty, or the effecting of any common good, shall finde much enmity against it. The Devill will soon (if we set our selves this wayes) cry for clubs, and reach us some knocks: We shall know that these things shall cost the setting on. Thus in Christ, when first he set upon the work of our redemption, Satan set upon him with incredible fury: and after when he was fruitfully teaching, he sent his acquaintance to speak with him,Mat. 12.46. Mat. 20.22, 23 thereby intending to interrupt the work in hand: and when he told his Disciples of his suffering, Satan by Peter sought to turn him from it: Master, save thy self. 1 Thes. 2.8.If Paul purpose to come and visit the Thessalonians for the strengthening of their faith, Satan will lay blocks in the way: If Nehemiah go about to repair the walls of Jerusalem, Neh. 4.1, ….and to reedifie the Temple, Tobiah and Sanballat will turn every stone to dismay him in that work. In this case what can be done without courage? It is not for timorous and faint-hearted men to undertake such enterprises. The fearfull heart and remiss hand are nothing fit to perform any great matters in the house of God. 4 All the duties of Christianity are weighty, some very difficult, yea, seeming altogether impossible, which no man destitute of courage will adventure to begin, much less to finish. He had need to be a man of some spirit and resolution, that must neglect the displeasure and frowns, reject the Letters and suits, contemn the mocks and disgraces of great men and superiours: But this straight is the man that would live godly, thrust upon many times. Had not the brain need to be of a strong constitution, that must dispell and disperse the fumes ascending from a corrupt liver, stomach or spleen? What strength of valour shall we think needfull for him, that must stand out against the flatteries, inticements, tears of friends; the rumours, clamours, slanders of the wicked: that must oppose the current of times and the torrent of vice; hazard the loss of maintenance, liberty and life? But all these miseries doth the sincere practise and pursuit of piety bring upon us. In which respects, some duties in themselves not difficult, do appear very troublesome, from which we are willing to withdraw our shoulder; as namely, to open our mouthes for the poor in the cause of judgment,Prov. 24.11, 12 & 31.8. to deliver them that are unjustly drawn to death, to adventure our credit, reputation and honour, in defence of the innocent that live in disgrace and misery. What, that sometimes we are called forth of God to adventure our selves farre in desperate cases? As Esther must go in to King Aashuerus to speak for the life of the Jews, a people appointed to the sword, by a Decree that could not be reversed. Besides the duties themselves laid upon us, do farre exceed our strength and ability: which is sufficient to daunt and dismay the cowardly and faint-hearted. Many are hindred, not so much with defect of strength, as pusillanimity and sloathfull desparation of mind, that they dare not undertake any thing that is excellent, or having undertaken lay it aside, if any difficulty appear. But if the work indeed be too hard for us, what man of many will attempt any thing therein?2 Chro. 22.13. &. 28.10. 1 King. 2.2. If Solomon must build an exceeding magnificent Temple to the Lord, David will call upon him to be strong and of good courage; because no man of weak resolutions would ever undertake a work of that cost, pains and weight, for the glory of God- 4. The conquering and subduing of many boisterous, unruly, deep-rooted passions, is a labour beset with manifold discouragements; both in respect of their strength, which seems unconquerable, and of the many foils we have already received in that battell. The Israelites being now to enter into the Land of Canaan, Numb. 13.28. & 14.2. Deut. 1.28, 29.were so terrified with the height of the walles, and strength of the inhabitants, that casting off all hope of possessing that countrey, they began to think of return into the Land of Egypt. Thus they were affected upon the first report they heard of that Land: what would they have done, if once or twice they had fallen before their enemies? But every Christian must fight with his head-strong lusts, that are fast riveted in his nature, and by long continuance are become a second nature, notwithstanding he hath been often foiled by them. By all this it is manifest, that a Christian must be of a generous spirit and resolution, one that cleaveth unto God with full purpose of heart. 5. He that will live godly must suffer persecution, which is terrible to flesh and blood. Through many tribulations we must enter into the Kingdom of Heaven: Isa. 35.3. Heb. 11.1… Prov. 28.1.but the fearfull-hearted and feeble-handed are unfit for such encounters. The courage of a Lyon is necessary for a Christian, who must not be amazed with any terrors. 2. Passionate courage is very inconstant: We may observe, that many which shew great hardiness and courage to cast themselves into danger, as soon as they find themselves engaged, are often amazed; as we see in those that go valiantly to a charge, but finding resistance, they turn their backs to the enemy: whereof we can give no other reason, but that they are not valiant by judgment, but by the bounty of nature; so as apprehending not the greatness of the danger before they enter, but imagining that they shall vanquish whatsoever opposeth it self against them; when as they find resistance which they did not expect, they are amzaed at the strangeness of this accident, and their hearts grow cold and relent in such sort, as sometimes they flie before their enemies, But the contrary happens to those that are truly valiant, for when as they govern their courages by wisdome, there is no sudden accident that may befall them, that can dismay them; whereas commonly they find less resistance than they expected before they entred the fight, so as their resolution is alwayes fortfied and never deciaes; yea, commonly they shew themselves more cold in the beginning than at the ending; for that it is not the passion that doth animate them, but it is judgement which doth act in their courages.Prov. 30.30, 31. The Law is cal…ed the Royall Law, [as some …hink] Jam 2 8. because it is to be p rformed wi…h a princely, that is, a firme, or val…an…, and constant spirit. Jun par. l. 3. Append. in Jam. 2.8. 3. Good courage is a comely ornament in a Christian. There be three things that order well their going; yea four that are comely in going: A Lyon which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away from any: a Horse which hath his Loyns girt up: an he-Goat, and a King against whom there is no rising▪ In these verses Solomon presents to our view for a pattern of courage, the example of some heroicall creatures, all agreeing in the well ordering of their going: by whose example he incites us to a constant going forward in things well undertaken without fear. As these four do so much prevail by their strength, that they will not be turned or terrified from their enterprises by any terrours: so it becomes us to be of that courage and resolution, that we desist not from things excellent for any fear. So that nothing is more requisite, than that he which undertaketh a good matter should be of good courage, and nothing more fit and decent, than that a good cause be prosecuted with courage and resolution. 4. Inordinate courage is very pernicious; for it thrusteth men into apparent dangers without cause, and stirreth no small troubles in the Church of God.2 Chro. 25. 2 Reg. 23.29. 2 Chro. 35.20, 21, 22. Herein wicked Amaziah offended to the damage of his Kingdom, and good Josiah further to the loss of his life. He that loves danger shall perish in it: Improvident hardiness, through presumption, rusheth upon destruction and apparent danger. 5. Excessive tenderness is a great enemy to a Christian course.D…ut. 30.11, 12, 3, 14. Deut. 1.28. Ma… 11.30. Deut. 20.8. Jud. 7.3. Conceits of difficulty keep under some, that they will not set upon the practise of godliness: Despair of good success drives many to retire in the midway: and one faint-hearted souldier turning his back in battell, doth weaken the hands of those that fought couragiously. As melting mettal cast upon other may make it melt, so a sort of fainting, swooning fellowes may cast all the rest in a syncope.
Q. Wherein stands the right exercise of Courage?
A. In this, that it be universall, uniform and constant, being moved, quickned, directed,Psal 60.12. Psal. 18.32. Psal 27.14. & …1.24. Eph .10. Col. 1.11. I…a. …0.15. Phil. 4.…4. 1 Pet. 1.5. moderated by a lively faith. The Authour of Christian resolution is the Lord of Hosts, It is God that compasseth me with strength; it is he that stablisheth the heart. The ground is, the wisdome, grace, mercy and goodness, but especially the might and power of God. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Gods almighty power is it, on which our courage must be builded. Thus saith the Lord God, In quietness and rest shall ye be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be your strength. I can do all things through Christ that strengtheneth me. We are kept by the power of God unto salvation: for no strength but his can prevail against the strong one in the world.Psal. 42.5, 6. The mover and quickner of Christian hardiness is faith in the Promises: Faith is the hand apprehending, the faithfulness, wisdom, mercy, (for all these do strengthen us) and power of God,Heb. 11.23. the matter apprehended. By faith Moses when he was borne, was hid three Moneths of his Parents, because they saw he was a proper Child, and they not afraid of the Kings Commandement.H…b. 11.27. Psal. …0 7. Psal 56 11. By faith Moses forsooke Aegypt, not fearing the wrath of the King. Some trust in Chariots, and some in Horses: but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. Thus sound Faith is the root of Christian valour, which being guided in all things according to the Rules and Directions of Faith, is rightly exercised.
Q. How doth Faith beget Courage?
A. 1. Faith in the Blood of Christ doth quiet and appease the conscience. A guilty conscience is the greatest cause of darstardliness,Prov. 28.1. which being purged by Faith in the death of Christ, causeth boldness and resolution in the midst of all dangers that compass us about. 2. It subdueth boisterous passions which are the ulcers of mind, dis-inabling it to bear any burden, and increasing the smart of any affliction manifold to that it is in it self. Sound flesh will endure to be handled, and a sound spirit, that is, an intire, well-confirmed heart,Prov. 18.14. will beare out his infirmities. 3. By Faith we receive the Spirit of Courage, and Power,Isa. 1….2. 2 Tim. 1.7. Vincenti…, Rage, and do the worst that the spirit of malignity can set thee on work to do. Thou shalt see Gods Spirit strengthen the tormented, more then the Devill can do t e tormentor. Rom. 8.31. Heb. 11.27. See Par. Psal. 25.15. Numb. 14.9. Deut. 1.29.30. & 31.8. Jud. 1.19. Psal. 63.8. Psal. 138.7. 2 Chro. 16.9. Polycarpe to him that would have ti d him to the Stake. Let me alone (I pray you) for he that gave me strength to come to this fire, will also give me patience to abide in the same without your tying. John Rogers to one that told him he would ch nge his note at the fire; If I sh…uld trust in my self, I should do so, but I have determined to die, and God is able to enable me. Psal. 60.12. Psal. 23.3. Psal. 118.6. Psal. 3.6. & 56.4. Psal. 25 4. Prov. 28.1. Psal. 112.8. Iud. 1.19. of love and a sound mind, which constantly sharpens and whets on to despise every high thing, that exalts it self against Jesus Christ. By nature we are as timerous as the Hart, ready to fly at the very noise or cracking of trouble: but being endued from above with the Spirit of fortitude, we lift up our heads in the times of adversity, and put forth our selves with undaunted magnanimity to withstand encounters, and overcome difficulties. The least blast is sufficient to overturn us, leaning upon our selves, but the greatest stormes are not able to shake us, being sustained by the divine power of the Spirit. 4. Faith looketh unto God, and gleweth the soul close unto him by supernaturall power, whereby the heart is mightily encouraged. For if God be on our side who can be against us? Moses was couragious, as he that saw him, that is invisible. Mine eyes are ever towards the Lord: for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. The Exhortations in Scripture runne thus; Be strong, be of good courage, for the Lord is with thee, he will not leave thee nor forsake thee. David assured himself that he should be upholden by the right hand of God, when his soul did stick fast unto him. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me, thou wilt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies; and thy right hand shall save me. For seeing there is no wisdom, nor counsell, nor strength against the Lord, Oh how should he be affrighted with danger or difficulty, that is assured of Gods help, assistance, presence and protection? To be resolved of Gods presence with us, and providence over us, is the best remedy of all inordinate fears. In Warre men use the sound of the Drumme and Trumpet to raise the courage of the Souldier, and it must be granted they be good incitements and provocations unto Battell: but when it comes to the point of danger, to know that God stands at our right hand, is the only thing that puts heart into us. He that with his bodily armour brings the Shield of Faith, whereby his heart is assured that God hath called him to that fight, and that he is present with him to cover his head in the day of Battell; he is truly valorous, though by nature weak and timerous. Though I walk through the Valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. The Lord is on my si…e, I will not fear what man can do unto me. 5. Faith informeth of the manner of Gods dealing with his people, how he corrects them in love, as may be for their profit, and sends deliverance, when it may be for their good: whereby the heart is much confirmed to bear calamities more equally, and to seek help from the Lord alone. David prayeth in faith, Shew me thy waies, O Lord, teach me thy paths. 6. By faith we are assured of good success, which doth not a little incourage and confirme the heart against all lets and impediments. Why is the righteous as bold as a Lyon? because his heart is established, he shall not be afraid, untill he see his desire upon his enemies. Distrust causeth sloth and dastardliness; as it is noted of the Israelites, that they went not about to drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in the Valleys, because they had iron Chariots: but he that hopes to see a good issue of his labours, will proceed with valour and resolution.1 Sam. 17.37, 46, 48. Let David be assured of Victory, he will go forth against Goliah, that Gyant of the Philistins, that trusting in his might defied the Hoast of Israel, at whose words all Israel was dismaied and greatly afraid. 7. No recompense is to be compared to the joys of Heaven, nor any loss to the torments of Hell, which faith represents as the reward promised to them that continue in well-doing, and the punishment of them that fall away, or withhold the truth in unrighteousness.Heb. 11.35. Through faith the Saints of God have been inabled to endure maine, terrible and exquisite torments, that they might receive a better resurrection. 2 Cor 4.17. Ignatius, I am the Wheate of Christ, to beg round with the teeth of Beasts, that I may be pure Bread for my Masters tooth. Let fire, racks, pullies, yea all the torments of Hell come on me, so I m…y winne Christ. Gordius to the Tyrant offering promotion; Have you any thing equall or more worthy then the Kingdom of Heaven?For all the sufferings of this life are but light and momaintany, if they be weighed with that superabundant glory that we look for in Heaven. Men are contented to labour hard all day in sore work, for a small piece of silver; What will he refuse to do that he might obtain salvation, who hath certainly, though but obscurely, seen the Glory of it? 8. Faith worketh by love: and what will not love do and indure, if hot and fervent? The timerous Ewe, in love, will put forth her self and defend her Lamb: so will the Hen for her Chickins.
Q. In what things doth Spirituall Courage shew it self?
A. It must be remembred, that spirituall courage doth ever keep it self within the compass of the Word, and will not move without the guidance and direction of the truth: and then it doth shew it self in these things. First, It doth expell the fear of cowardize, when we see great enemies against us. Should such a man as I flie? Neh. 6.11. & 4.14. Deut. 20.3.Who is there that being as I am would go into the Temple to save his life? Let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified, because of your enemies. Though a man see an hideous mass of corruption, yet shall it not affright him; though Satan oppose him with incredible fury, yet will he not forsake his standing. 2. It makes us not to be dismaied at the difficulties that meet with us, either in respect of the duties to be done, or the opposition that is made against us. Though passions be strong, and the duties hard, and a man may come by knocks, yet he maketh not dainties of them. Nehemiah was not daunted with all the assaults that were made against him, to hinder the repairing of Jerusalem, and the building of the Temple. 3. It ties a man with constant, stedfast, and well-advised resolution, to set upon all known duties, seem they never so difficult, or the case never so desperate. 4. It represseth the fear of torment and death, whereby many are kept under that they dare not profess the faith of Christ, and shew themselves in the maintenance of the truth. Therefore it is an act of Courage, to remove the impediment whereby the will is drawn back from hard and dangerous things which ought not to be shunned, and to defend the will that it be not drawn back from the good of reason,John Ardley, If every ha…re of my head were a man, it should suffer death in the faith I now stand in. Psal. 27.14. & 31.24. Neh. 6.9. Iud. 20.22. through fear of corporall evil. Courage doth fortifie the will of man, and keep it strongly to the good that God commandeth against all evils of body, amongst which death is most terrible. 5. It carrieth us to set upon the work of God earnestly without fear, and maketh us immoveably to persist untill all perils and labours be overcome, although they continue for a long season. When the hands are weakened, the work falleth down: but if the heart be confirmed, it will not cease from the enterprize. 6. It doth shew it self in this, that after we are foyled, it maketh us renew our battell, and valiantly charge our enemies with fresh assaults. The men of Israel plucked up their hearts, (there is courage) and renewed the Battell. So Paul, though the Devill did buffet him again and again, yet being couragious, he did renew his strength against it by often Prayer. 7. It scornes all contentments of the world, whereby the heart should be withdrawn from God.
Q. What are the Kinds of disordered Courage that must be shunned or corrected?
A. 1. There is an evil and wicked Courage,Ier. 9.3. when men bend their tongues like bowes for lies, but are not valiant for the truth. If a Bear or Lyon be in the way, they will not shrinke; they will encounter the greatest difficulties; if one course prove not, they will turn every stone. 2. Carnall courage is evil and to be reformed, which ariseth from confidence in the meanes,2 Sam. 2.20, 21, 22, 2. 2 Reg. 1.9, 10. but is not grounded upon the Promises of God. This confidence may grow from the opinion we have, that the evil which threatneth us is farre from us; or from our belief, that if it should present it self, we should be able to surmount it. As when a City hath a conceit that no man will attempt any thing against the peace of her Citizens, and if they should, they were able to repell the injury, and to endure the attempts of their enemies; this belief makes them hardy and assured. It may grow also, for that we find our selves weak, and unable to resist our enemies, yet we believe that we shall be powerfully assisted by our Allies, with whose aide we hold our selves invincible. Again, this may grow, for that we believe, we have neither received nor done injury to any man, which should make us apprehend revenge; Or for that we think we have no enemies, or else that they are so feeble and weak as they cannot annoy; Or for that they who have power to hurt us, are our friends, and live in good correspondency with us, and have assisted us in our occurrents, as for our part we have endeavoured to bind them unto us by all occasions which have been offered. Moreover, it may grow from an imagination that all things shall succeed happily in regard of former felicities. So Alexander undertaking the Conquest of India, apprehended nothing, by reason of the happy Victories and Triumphs which he had gotten over the Persians. So Caesar being overtaken with a cruell storme, and in a small barke, feared nothing, but to confirme the resolution of his Pilot whom the storme had amazed, he wisht him not to fear, seeing he carried Caesar and his fortunes. And so they are hardy, who having been ingaged in great dangers, have yet escaped; for they imagine that good fortune which hath been so favourable unto them in many other occasions full of despair, will not abandon them in that present danger. There be many other occasions of carnall valour; as want of experience, when we know not the greatness of the danger we are to encounter; fury and anger, with abundant furniture with all things which may make us fearfull to our enemies, as store of coyne, disposition of body, greatness of mind, extent of Empire, support of friends, the power of Armies, and such like: And to this Head may be referred, the confidence that men have in the goodness of their cause, when they look not to the Promises of God, nor take care to reforme themselves according to the Law of God. 3. Partiall, slight, inconstant courage is to be corrected, when at some time, in some things we shew courage, but at other times, and in other duties, we give way to slackness, and suffer sloth and timerousness to bear sway. The Tribe of Judah believed the Lord and his Promises in one thing,Iudg. 1 19. and did valiantly in expelling the Canaanites, that dwelt in the Hill Countries: but in another they did not believe, namely, that God would expell the enemies that dwelt in the Valleys, and therefore they went not about it, neither did they obtain any such thing of God. Our courage is but weak, when at one time, in a matter of less difficulty, and wherein we have more experience, we can shew some heart. but are striken dead in another which appeares more difficu…t, wherein we have not been exercised. But most imperfect is their valour, who making profession of great boldness before the conflict, do shrinke in the weting, and deceive the expectation conceived of them. If thou faint in the day of adversity, Mat. 2….33, 34 Iob. 4.3, 4, 5. Prov. 24, 10.thy strength is small. 4. Boisterous resolution is to be amended, when men unadvisedly thrust themselves into danger. Passionate courage ends in faintness, endures with disquietness.
Q. By what meanes is spirituall Courage to be stirred up in us?
A. 1. Hardiness is alwaies accompanied with a certain hope, to be able to vanquish and disperse those fearfull things which present themselves to the understanding; whatsoever therefore is availeable to confirme hope in the gracious Promises of God, that is effectuall to beget and stirre up holy resolution; namely serious meditation upon the faithfull and never-failing Promises of God, the former experiences of Gods favour, the manner of his dealing with others that cast their care upon him, and attentive consideration of that glory that is reserved in Heaven for them that fight the good fight of Faith. 2. This consideration, that we are spirituall Souldiers, chosen to fight under the banner, in the cause, and by the strength of Christ Jesus, ministers many Arguments of courage.Lauren e Saunders, I was in Prison, till I got into Prison, and now saith he, kissing the the Stake, Welcome the Cross of Christ, welcome everlasting li…e: my Saviour began to me in a bitter Cup, and shall I not p…edge him? Cou…age is a mans Glory. Great is the renown of valour in defence of our Countrey; much greater to fight valiantly for the Glory of God, the salvation of our souls. Ambrose to Calligon, Valentinians Eunuch threatning dea…h, Well do you that which becomes an Eunuch, I will suffer that which becomes a Bish…p. John Mallot a Souldier, Often have we hazarded our lives for the Emperour Charles the fift, and shall, we now shrinke to die for the King of Kings? Let us follow our Captain. Neh 6.9. For Christ our Captain hath overcome for us, goeth forth with us to Battell, will minister strength unto us abundantly. But he is a bad Souldier that followeth his Captain sighing. In temporall warre, the Souldier will adventure to fight in the mouth of the Cannon, in hope of glory or perferment: What should we do in expectation of eternall happiness? In earthly conflicts, the victory is uncertain, the reward transitory, the booty insufficient to countervaile the charges: but in this warfare, he that fights manfully shall Triumph, and winne a never-fading Crown of Glory. And as the Victory is certain, and the reward perpetuall, so is the fight easie to the resolute and couragious, that relyeth not upon himself, but upon the power and might of the Lord. For Courage daunts the enemy, as cowardize doth encourage him. He hath more then half wonne the Field, that is resolved to enter into the lists. 3. To preserve Courage, we must labour against all conceits of self-sufficiency, endeavour the subduing of inordinate passions, and digge out of the heart the desire of earthly things. Why do men faint? but either they trust in themselves, or affect inordinately the base things of this world, or be poysoned with self-love; either they be unsound, or build upon a sandy foundation. 4. We must duly consider what difficulties and dangers do beset us, and what strength and protection we have against them. For all the adverse powers of godliness, the more we truly consider of them, the less terrible they are: and the more we weigh what encouragements we have to proceed, the more forcible they seem. Suddain accidents most amaze, whereas foresight and preparation diminish the apprehension of present miseries. It is most commonly seen, that they never faint, who have wisely cast their accounts, and foreseen the dangers that may befall them. 5. Courage descends from above, and must be craved by earnest supplication. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands. 6. Valour proceedeth from love, which must be stirred up by all holy meanes, if we would continue our resolution to godliness.
Q. Doth Courage altogether expell fear?
A. No: he is fool-hardy not couragious, who doth not fear. As love and hatred, so Courage and fear do well agree, though they seem opposite one to another.