Christians Treated in the Quality of Soldiers, Sermon

Christians Treated in the Quality of Soldiers · Sermon

MILES CHRISTIANUS. OR CHRISTIANS Treated in the Quality OF Souldiers. As it was delivered in a SERMON Preached to, and at the Requeſt of the Honourable Artillery Company of the Maſſachuſetts, At Boſton in New-England, On June 7th. 1703. Being the Day for their Election of Officers.

By Mr. Grindal Rawſon, Paſtor of the Church in Mendon.

1 Cor. 9.26.

So fight I.

2 Tim. 2.4, 5.

No man that warreth entangleth himſelf with the affairs of this life; that he may pleaſe him who hath choſen him to be a Souldier. And if a Man ſtrive for maſteries, yet is he not crowned except he ſtrive Lawfully.

Boſton, Printed by B. Green, & J. Allen, for S. Phillips at the Brick Shop. 1703.

p. 1Chriſtians Treated in the Quality OF Souldiers.

Epheſians VI. 11.

page missingut on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to ſtand againſt the wiles of the Devil.

THE Life of man, both as man, and as Chriſtian, is a continual Warfare. Changes and War are againſt him. Formidapage missinge Armies of Oppoſition are daily bepage missingguering all thoſe who (like the Iſrapage missing of God of old) are Marching out of page missinge Spiritual Egypt of Sin, through the p. 2Wilderneſs of a tempting and Enſnaring World, unto, the heavenly Canaan. And as Iſrael went harnaſſed out of Egypt, ſo is it the duty and intereſt of Chriſtians to be at all times well appointed; and in a Warlike poſture, that ſo they may be able to fight their way through the Helliſh Troops, and Infernal Regiments which endeavour to beat them off from, and hinder them in all thoſe holy and reſolute attempts they are making to ſecure to themſelves, through the Aſſiſtance of Grace, an open entrance and paſſage in… …he Glories of the better Country. There is a good fight of Faith which every Chriſtian muſt fight, or he will never lay hold on that Eternal Life unto which he is called. And as there are many things which if ſeriouſly pondered by Chriſtians, will ſerve to animate them unto, and make them circumſpect in their Chriſtian Warfare, ſo there are two eſpecially which I may not omit the mention of.

1. They have a Compleat armour of Proof provided for them, which duely put on, and skilfully managed; will indubitably render them impregnable, p. 3and ſecure to them ſignal and aſſured Victories over all their Enemies.

2. The Enemies they are to engage and combate with are not only ſtrong and powerful; but marvellouſly politick, ſubtil & crafty, excellently skil'd, and wonderfully improv'd in the Art of War.

Both theſe Conſiderations are in the Words of our Text very pertinently recommended to our notice, by the great Apoſtle of the Gentiles; and an affectionate exhortation to the patting on of the former, is grounded upon the latter, as a reaſon of very great and undeniable Cogency.

In the Words then we may obſerve two things:

1. An Exhortation.

2. The Ground or Reaſon of it.

1. An Exhortation: Put on the whole armour of God. And in this there are three things to be conſidered.

1. The ſubject matter which the Exhortation has a reſpect unto, the foreign. the Panoply, or whole Armour of God. Two things are implyed here.

1. That the Armour, the Spiritual Combatant is to be furniſhed with, is not of his p. 4own providing: No, It is the Armour of God. Kings have their Royal Arſenals, where all their Stores of War are carefully preſerved, from hence their Armies are ſupplyed with Weapons of all ſorts, and put into a Warlike Equipage fit for the field. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords hath his royal Arſenal alſo, from hence Chriſtians receive all that royal furniture which is neceſſary to equip them for, and Arm them to the Spiritual Warfare.

2. That the Armour, the Spiritual Combatant is to put on is not carnal, but Spiritual: The Graces of Gods Spirit, are the Armour here intended. The Apoſtle Expreſſes himſelf in Military terms, and cloaths his exhortation in a Souldier-like garbe. The expreſſion is Metaphorical, Here's an excellent alluſion to the ſeveral ſorts of War-like Weapons, and Armour, which Souldiers are furniſht with when they go out to War. This Metaphor the Apoſtle more largely inſiſts upon in the Subſequent context, where he runs the Analogy, and diſcovers the particular uſe and ſerviceableneſs of the Graces of Gods Spirit, from the reſpect they bear unto the ſeveral pieces and parts p. 5of proper armour there mentioned.

2. We may conſider the Act which the Spiritual Combatant is adviſed to, or that which the Spiritual Souldier is to do with this armour: He muſt put it on. The Apoſtle here alludes to the Cuſtome of Souldiers, making ready to engage their enemies. They repair to their Arms, buckle on their armour, not omitting any one piece of it, which may ſerve either to defend themſelves, or annoy their enemies. They think it not enough to put on their head-piece, and neglect their breaſt-plates, Shields and Swords; No, they will be Armed Cap-a-pee from Head to Foot. It is not enough that the Souldier is well provided with armour; He muſt have it on, and be in a readineſs for the battel. Thus Chriſtians muſt get themſelves furniſhed with Grace, all the Graces of Gods Spirit, & live in the conſtant exerciſe and improvement of them. They muſt be compleatly Armed to the Combat, with the whole Spiritual Armour, no piece of it muſt be wanting, leſt being in any part naked, and void of ſuitable defence, they become unable to make good their ground againſt the formidable inſults of their helliſh adverſaries.

p. 63. We may conſider the Subject Perſons concern'd in the exhortation. All true Chriſtians, All Orders, Ranks and Degrees of Chriſtians, in all Ages and Generations. Altho' the Epheſians to whom the Epiſtle is inſcribed were firſtly concerned in it, yet all Chriſtians are ſecondarily concerned. The Apoſtolical Epiſtles were never deſigned to be of private, but common concernment. To put on the whole armour of God is the duty of all Chriſtians, whatever Station they hold, or Relation they ſuſtain. This particular is excellently illuſtrated from the ſpecial quality thoſe are treated in who are the Subjects of the duty here propounded. The Spirit of God treats them in the quality of Souldiers, or of Perſons ingaged in a Warfare. The Word of Command in our Text is perfectly Military, Put on the whole Armour of God. It is as if the Apoſtle had ſaid, Remember Chriſtians, that in a Spiritual ſence you are Souldiers, and therefore ſee to it, that you be compleat in Arms and Ammunition; ſee to it, that you ſtand furniſhed with the whole of the glorious Armour, God hath provided you with, that you may be able to encounter p. 7with, hew your way through and put your Enemies to a rout, and confuſion.

2. The Reaſon or Ground of the Exhortation; the reaſon why Chriſtians ſhould thus Arm themſelves with, or put on the whole armour of God, viz. That they may be able to ſtand againſt the wiles of the Devil. And here we have three things.

1. The grand Enemy of the Spiritual Combatant detected, the Devil: That ye may be able to ſtand againſt the wiles of the Devil. The Devil is the true Chriſtians principal Enemy. The Apoſtle expreſſes himſelf here in the ſingular number, & that with a peculiar emphaſis; but yet by an uſual Synecdoche, he intends all thoſe vaſt, and (as to us) numberleſs Troops of evil spirits, who are under the conduct of the Prince of the Powers of the Air: And thus he explains himſelf in the 12th. verſe. The General (as is frequent) is here put for the whole Army under his conduct. There may be a farther notion in the expreſſion. God would hereby let us know, that the Powers of Darkneſs are ſtrongly leagued, and banded together; and do all joyn as one in proſecuting the deſigns of Hell p. 8againſt the Children of God. And whilſt Chriſtians reflect upon the vaſt, and hideous numbers of Devils, who are with a united force continually engageing them, how neceſſary is the Spiritual Armour to defend them againſt their wiles! How proper is that exclamation of the Pſalmiſt, Lord, how many are they that riſe up againſt me! Pſal. 3.1.

2. We have the way the Devil takes in managing his War with the Spiritual Combatant diſcovered. His War is managed with Wiles, Policies and Stratagems. He obſerves a Method in fighting: Thus in our Text. That ye may be able to ſtand againſt foreign. i. e. The Methods of the Devil. A method is the artificial or orderly diſpoſition of the ſeveral parts of a matter or ſubject treated upon. And becauſe a good judgment and contrivance are neceſſary to diſpoſe our thoughts, and meditations upon whatſoever ſubject into an orderly conſiſtence, or agreeable frame; therefore the Subtilties, Policies and Stratagems improv'd by Satan in contriving, fore-laying, and managing his deſperate deſigns againſt the Children of God, are ſtiled his Methods. Satan's p. 9greateſt ſtrength lies in the crafty wiles, and politick ſtratagems he makes uſe of; and by his extraordinary dexterity in finding out, and performing his helliſh ſtratagems, we are in greateſt hazzard to be enſnared, and circumvented by him.

3. We have the great Serviceableneſs of the Spiritual Armour demonſtrated. By putting on and managing of this aright, the Spiritual Combatant ſhall be able to Stand, that is, he ſhall not only make good his ground, but obtain a ſignal aſſured, and compleat Victory over all his Spiritual enemies. The Devil by many crafty artifices, and cunning ſtratagems ſeeks to decoy Chriſtians into the toils he hath ſecretly diſpoſed on purpoſe to enſnare and trapan them: But let them put on this armour of God, and reſiſt him ſtedfaſtly in the Faith, he ſhall flee from them, they ſhall ſtand, and be Victorious over him.

Many uſeful and profitable Doctrines might be offered from the Words: I ſhall preſent you with one not altogether unſuitable to, or improper for the preſent Occaſion. From the Words then, this is the

p. 10DOCTRINE. That God in his Word, doth treat Chriſtians in the quality of Souldiers; Or as Perſons engaged in a Warfare.

The true Chriſtian is the Perſon concerned in the exhortation propoſed in our Text; and his being treated in the quality of a Souldier, is that which recommends the Word of Command to him with a more graceful and becoming properneſs. The Spirit of God in addreſſing Chriſtians, doth make uſe of a Military ſtile, and cloaths his expreſſions in a Souldier-like Dialect: And his doing ſo ſufficiently diſcovers to us the quality he treats them in.

In ſpeaking further unto this Doctrine I ſhall give you,

1. The Demonſtration of it, by an induction of various Inſtances.

2. The Reaſons of it.

3. Conclude with a few ſuitable Counſels, or Directions.

1. For the Demonſtration of the Doctrine, theſe Subſequent conſiderations will put it paſt diſpute.

p. 111. The Church Militant is compared to an Army. Of the Church Militant it is ſaid; Thou art beautiful O my Love, as Tirzah, comely as Jeruſalem, terrible as an Army with Banners, Cant. 6.4. The whole Body of the Spiritual Souldiery is ſtiled an Hoſt, Dan. 8.10. And it waxed great (i. e. Antiochus Epiphanes, the little horn mentioned v. 9th.) even to the hoſt of Heaven, and it caſt down ſome of the Hoſt. We have the Spiritual Army introduced as taking the Field, Beating a challenge to her Enemies; and managing her ſelf with an heroick reſolution, after a combat. The Pſalmiſt gives us a marvellous entertaining ſight of this Army, taking the Field with a Martial Bravery, Marching to the deadly conflict, with Enſigns Flying, and the loftieſt expreſſion of a noble courage, and unconquerable Reſolution; enough to ſtrike an intimidating damp into the hearts of her Enemies, Pſal. 20.5. We will rejoyce in thy Salvation, in the Name of our God we will ſet up our Banners. Nor is it a leſs pleaſing proſpect, the Prophet gives us, when he introduceth this Army terrible with Banners, with a ſtately Gallantry, Beating a challenge p. 12to her Enemies, and ſounding forth the amazing Triumphs, & terrifying Shouts of a daring Faith in ſuch lofty Expreſſions as theſe; Aſſociate your ſelves, O ye People, and ye ſhall be broken in pieces, and give ear all ye of far Countries: Gird your ſelves, and ye ſhall be broken in pieces; Gird your ſelves, & ye ſhall be broken in pieces. Take counſel together, and it ſhall come to nought, ſpeak the word and it ſhall not ſtand; for God is with us, Iſa. 8.9, 10. Her Enemies indeed are ſometimes repreſented as preſſing hard upon her, and as gaining no ſmall advantage againſt her; but yet we are told, this will not ſink her into a Cowardly dejection, nor diſpoſſeſs her of a divine fortitude; No, ſhe remains undaunted ſtill, and is confident notwithſtanding to win the Field. Let us hear ſome of her triumphant ſhouts of her unſhaken confidence uttered upon ſuch an occaſion: Rejoyce not againſt me O my Enemy: when I fall I ſhall ariſe, when I ſit in darkneſs (She ſpeaks like a Priſoner of War) the Lord ſhall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, becauſe I have ſinned againſt him, until he plead my cauſe, and execute Judgment for me. He will bring me forth to the light (as a Captive out of the dark Dungeon) p. 13and I ſhall behold his righteouſneſs. Then ſhe that is mine enemy ſhall ſee it, and ſhame ſhall cover her which ſaid unto me, where is the Lord thy God; mine eyes ſhall behold her; now ſhall ſhe be trodden down as mire in the ſtreet, Mich. 7.8, 9, 10. And becauſe the Church Militant is repreſented as acting in all points like an Army, the Spirit of God hath influenced particular Saints, who are a part of, and help to compoſe this Army, to obſerve the decorum, and to ſpeak of themſelves and fellow Saints, as of men at Arms. The Apoſtle Paul repreſents himſelf as an expert Commander, exerciſing his Souldiers in their ſeveral poſtures, and teaching them by his own example to handle their Arms, 1 Cor. 9.26. So fight I. thus and ſo I manage the Spiritual Weapons, and ſo muſt you if you would be Victorious. It is in the quality of a Souldier, he treats his Timothy, 1 Tim. 6.12.

2. The Church Militant is repreſented as having moſt puiſſant and mighty Commanders. God himſelf diſdains not to be ſtyled and accounted their General. He wears the Title of the Lord of Hoſts, The God of the Armies of Iſrael. 1 Sam. p. 1417.45. It is worthy obſervation, that thoſe titles, The Lord of Hoſts, The God of Hoſts, The Lord God of Hoſts, are more than an hundred times put upon him in the Scripture. And although it muſt be acknowledged, that he is ſo ſtyled, becauſe all Creatures are ſubject to his power, and ſtand ready preſt as Souldiers under the Command of a General, to execute his will and pleaſure: yet it cannot be denied, but that God hath aſſumed this title in a peculiar manner with reſpect to his Church and People, as an argument to encourage them unto reſolution and hope of victory in all their Conflicts with their Enemies, conſidering themſelves to be Liſted under the Command and Conduct of an All-wiſe, and Almighty Commander. The Lord Jeſus Chriſt hath Military Titles put upon him: He is the Prince of that Hoſt whereof God is Commander. Dan. 8.11. He is Captain of the Lords Hoſts. Joſh. 5.14, 15. He is Captain of Salvation to Believers, Heb. 2.10. The Spirit of God repreſents him as ſtanding at the Head of his glorious Troops, fighting with, and actually engaging the old Dragon p. 15and his Angels. Rev. 12.7. He is introduced as Sitting upon his white Horſe making War in Righteouſneſs, having Eyes like a flame of fire, his Veſture dip't in Blood, a ſharp Sword iſſuing out of his mouth, and all the Armies of Heaven following him, ſubmitting to his Conduct; acknowledging him to be their Glorious Leader. Rev. 19.11. ad. 16.

3. The Holy Angels are Appointed by God for the defence and protection of his Children; and ſuſtain the quality of the Confederate Allies of the Church Militant; They are ſtyled an Hoſt, Luk. 2.13. And ſuddenly there was with the Angel, a multitude of the Heavenly Hoſt. The Services the Holy Angels perform for the Saints of God, whilſt managing their Spiritual Warfare, are very great, and they are expreſſed in the language of the Camp. Pſal. 34.11. The Angel of the Lord (the ſingular number for the plural) encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivers them. It was a glorious appearance the Angels made unto Jacob, when afraid of his Brother Eſau; But behold the form they appear in, was that of two potent Armies, Flanking p. 16him on each Wing, to aſſure him that God would take care of him, and ſecure him from all the dangers he ſuppoſed himſelf expoſed to. Gen. 32.1, 2. When the Army of Syrians had compaſſed about the City Dothan with a deſign to ſurprize the Prophet Eliſha, the inviſible Troops, and Guards of Heaven ſurround him; and the form they are repreſented in is that of a formidable Army: 2 King. 6.17. And behold the Mountain was full of Horſes, and Chariots of fire, round about Eliſha.

4. The Church Militant, & all the Members of it, are repreſented to us as ſtrongly fortified and entrenched. They are ſaid to have a ſtrong Tower of ſafety to repair unto in a time of need. Prov. 18.10. The name of the Lord is a ſtrong Tower, the righteous runneth into it and is ſafe. They have a place of refuge to betake themſelves unto when the Battel grows too ſtrong for them. Deut. 33.27. The Eternal God is thy refuge. Concerning Gods Jeruſalem it is ſaid, God is known in her palaces for a refuge. Pſal. 48.3. They have an hiding place to repair unto, and ſecure themſelves in, when chaſed and purſued by their Enemies. Thus p. 17the Pſalmiſt expreſſeth himſelf, Thou art my hiding place, thou ſhalt preſerve me from trouble. Pſal. 32.7. David makes his boaſt of this, Pſal. 27.5. In the time of trouble he ſhall hide me in his pavilion: in the ſecret of his tabernacle ſhall he hide me; He ſhall ſet me upon a Rock, and now ſhall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me. And hence it is the Children of God are called hidden ones. Pſal. 83.3. They have taken crafty counſel againſt thy People, and conſulted againſt thy hidden ones.

5. They have weapons of war provided for them, by the help of which they may manage their Warfare to good advantage. Each Grace of the Spirit is repreſented by a ſeveral piece of Armour; Sincerity is the Chriſtians Belt, or Military Girdle, Righteouſneſs his Breaſt-plate, Faith his Shield, Hope his Helmet; The Word of God his Sword, far exceeding the Sword of Goliah, there is none like it. Eph. 6.14, 16, 17. The Cenſures of the Church regularly adminiſtred, are weapons mighty through God, to the pulling down of ſtrong holds. 2 Cor. 10.4.

6. Many of the commands and directions given to Chriſtians, are delivered in a Martial p. 18Dialect. Are Souldiers commanded to Stand to their Arms? So are Chriſtians; It is the Apoſtles language, Foraſmuch then as Chriſt hath ſuffered for us in the fleſh, arm your ſelves likewiſe with the ſame mind. 1 Pet. 4.1. Are Souldiers commanded to obſerve an exact Order in their March, to Even their Ranks, and Streighten their Files? So are Chriſtians. Phil. 3.16. Nevertheleſs whereunto we have already attained, let us walk by the ſame Rule. Criticks obſerve the Original word here tranſlated Walk, to be a Military word, importing ſuch an orderly, regular, and graceful walking as Souldiers obſerve in their Marches, and Exerciſes. Is it expected that Souldiers ſhould Watch and Ward, leſt they be ſurprized by their Enemies at unawares? So is it of Chriſtians; 'Tis the Command of their Glorious Leader, Watch ye, 1 Cor. 16.13. This word of Command is of univerſal concernment. Mark 13.37. I ſay unto all Watch. Are Souldiers told, they muſt endure hardneſs? So are Chriſtians; Let us hear the advice, 2 Tim. 2 3. Thou, therefore endure hardneſs as a good Souldier of Jeſus Chriſt. Are Souldiers commanded to follow their p. 19Leaders? So are Chriſtians; 'Tis the Command of their Glorious Captain, If any man will be my Diſciple, let him take up his Croſs and Follow me. Are Souldiers addreſſing themſelves to the Combat, encouraged to behave themſelves couragiouſly, to fight with an undaunted reſolution, rather to dye on the Spot than to give ground, or to loſe the Battel? So are Chriſtians; It is the Apoſtles Exhortation, Quit ye like men, be ſtrong. 1 Cor. 16.13. Fight the good fight of Faith, lay hold on Eternal Life, 1 Tim. 6.12.

7. They are heartned to the Combat with the encouraging aſſurances of protection, aſſiſtance, victory and glorious rewards; And all this in the language of the Camp. Do their Enemies at any time appear ſo ſtrong & powerful as to ſurprize them with fear, and cauſe them to dread the Combat; they are encouraged to ſtand their ground, from a ſence of the Divine protection. Pſal. 91.4. He ſhall cover thee with his Feathers, and under his wings ſhalt thou truſt, his truth ſhall be thy ſhield and Buckler. They have the Aſſurance of Divine Aſſiſtance. Iſa. 41.10. Fear thou not for I am with thee, be not diſmayed, p. 20for I am thy God; I will Strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee, with the right-hand of my righteouſneſs. However it may fall in ſome particular Skirmiſhes, yet the Victory at laſt ſhall go on their ſide. The Apoſtle ſpeaks of, and triumphs in this as a ruled caſe. 1 Cor. 15.57. Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jeſus Chriſt. Whatever oppoſitions lye in their way, they are aſſured to win the Field, and to be more than Conquerors. Rom. 8.35, 37. Who ſhall ſeparate us from the love of Chriſt? Shall tribulation, or diſtreſs, or perſecution, or famine, or nakedneſs, or peril, or ſword? Nay in all theſe things we are more than conquerours through him that loved us. And although it may coſt them many a ſore conflict, and terrible ſhock to manage their Conflicts unto victory, yet the toils and labours, watchings and fightings they undergo, ſhall at laſt be well rewarded; And with a proſpect, and promiſe of this they are encouraged to maintain the fight. Rev. 2.10. Fear none of theſe things which thou ſhalt ſuffer: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a Crown of life. Rev. 3.21. To him p. 21that overcometh will I grant to ſit with me in my Throne, even as I alſo overcame, and am ſet down with my Father in his Throne.

This may ſuffice for the Demonſtration of the Doctrine. The Reaſons of it follow. I ſhall take notice but of Two.

1. God treats Chriſtians in his Word, in the quality of Souldiers, that he may inſtruct them more fully, in thoſe things he would inform them about. The Information of men is one great end the Scripture ſcopes at. It is in this reſpect, the Commandment is a lamp, and the Law a light. Prov. 6.23. Men are very dull, and ſlow of underſtanding in things of a ſpiritual nature; and therefore God is pleaſed to call in the help of apt ſimilitudes, and curious metaphorical alluſions to aſſiſt their underſtandings in the purſuit of Duty. Theſe have a ſingular aptitude to convey the knowledge of truth more fully to our Underſtandings, and to ſet them before us in a clearer light. It is a gracious effect of the Infinite Condeſcendency of God, that he attempers his phraſe to our Capacities and Apprehenſions; p. 22and illuſtrates Spiritual Truths to us, by ſimilitudes and alluſions, that are plain, and obvious to us. God himſelf puts us in mind of the favour he does us in this reſpect. Hoſ. 12.10. I have multiplied Viſions, and uſed Similitudes by the Miniſtry of the Prophets.

2. God in his Word treats Chriſtians in the Quality of Souldiers, as a means to faſten Inſtructions more powerfully upon them. Scripture Alluſions and Similitudes have a double advantage to effect this.

For,

1. They exceedingly delight men, and engage their affections, and ſo make the deeper impreſſions upon their Memories. That which the Pſalmiſt affirms concerning the Word and Law of God in general, is true concerning the metaphorical alluſions contained in it. They are ſweeter than the Honey and the Honey-comb. Pſal. 19.10. The Souls of men are ſurprizingly tranſported with raviſhing delight, whilſt they are digging and delving after the precious Oar of Divine Inſtructions, that lye hid in the rich and inexhauſtible Mines of Scripture Alluſions; and the deep impreſſions upon their engaged affections, p. 23give advantage to their being more faithfully ſecured, and treaſured up in their Memories. The more men love and admire any thing, the better they remember it.

2. The Objects the Spirit of God makes uſe of as a Stock to graff Spiritual Inſtructions on, are for the moſt part in our daily view; and by the ſight of them we are aſſiſted unto a freſh remembrance of, and fruitful reflections upon thoſe inſtructions they readily afford us. We cannot look either upward or downward, on our right hand, or left, but ſome object or other comes in view which God hath ſet apart to do the office of a Monitor, or faithful remembrancer, to aſſiſt our reflections on Spiritual things. To forbear the mention of other Inſtances; The very ſight of a Souldier in Arms is enough to Muſter up an intire Regiment of holy thoughts, and profitable meditations in the Soul of a Chriſtian. If he looks upon the dazling brightneſs of his glittering armour, behold! here is a monitor to put him in mind of the out-ſhining Splendour of thoſe glorious Robes of Righteouſneſs, which every Saint is Arrayed with. Each piece of p. 24his Armour repreſents to him a ſeveral Grace of Gods Holy Spirit. Whilſt he ſeeth with what a ſtately grandeur he Marcheth after his Leader, diſdaining to caſt an eye upon the little trifling diverſions that lye in his way; will not this tell him that he muſt be a follower of the Lamb whitherſoever he goes? That he muſt preſs toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling in Chriſt Jeſus? Doth he obſerve the remarkable Silence of the Souldier, whilſt he awaits the Orders of his Commander, and will not this engage him to entertain the Pſalmiſts reſolution, I will hear what God the Lord will ſpeak, Pſal. 85.8. Will not this diſpoſe him to take notice of the wiſe mans advice, Eccl. 5.1. Be more ready to hear than to offer the Sacrifice of fools. But I forbear to inſiſt further on this Head, and paſs to the Application.

The ſhort time allotted for this Diſcourſe will not allow me an Opportunity to Charge through the vaſt Field of Meditations this Doctrine has laid open before us▪ I ſhall therefore briefly Select ſome few of thoſe many Councels or Directions I might offer to p. 25you, and put a cloſe to the preſent Exerciſe.

I USE.

Yield Conſtant Obedience then to the Commands, & Directions of your Great & Glorious Commander. To be Subject to Command is the Duty and Glory of a Souldier. The Law of the Camp enjoyns the Souldier to be perfectly at the Command of his General. He muſt obey, and not diſpute the Command of his Officers, and go at their bidding, tho' it be upon the Mouth of the roaring Canon. He muſt not decline the greateſt Perils and Dangers, if Commanded to encounter them: Nothing muſt be attempted by the Souldier without particular Order; he neither advances, nor retires without direction. Souldiery therefore is well defined to be, Obedientia quaedam fortis, et invicti animi arbitrio carente ſuo: The Obediences of a ſtout and reſolute perſon, out of his own diſpoſe. The Spiritual Souldier muſt be a man of the ſame Character; He muſt be able to ſay with the Pſalmiſt, I have enclined my Heart to perform thy Statutes alway, p. 26Pſal. 119.12. God's treating of Chriſtians in the Quality of Souldiers tells them, what a juſt and reaſonable thing it is, they ſhould pay an univerſal deference to the holy and righteous Commands of the Lord of Hoſts. Obedience to the Commands and Directions of Heaven, is both the Property, and the Glory of the Spiritual Souldier. And diſobedience to any of them, doth not only reflect a diſhonour upon thoſe who have Liſted themſelves under the Glorious Banner of the Captain of Salvation; but will (without Repentance) aſſuredly iſſue in the utter Deſtruction of thoſe who are guilty of it. Saul's diſobedience to Gods Command coſt him his Kingdom, and Life alſo. Thus we read, 1 Chron. 10.13. So Saul died for his Tranſgreſſion againſt the word of the Lord. Was it Motive enough to Abſoloms Servants, to kill Amnon, that their Maſter had ſaid, When I ſay unto you Smite Amnon, then kill him; Will you not? Since I have Commanded you? 2 Sam. 13.28. And ſhall not the Command of God, who is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, have a more powerful and determining Influence p. 27upon all Chriſtians to diſpoſe them to a ready compliance with his Will and Pleaſure?

II USE.

This Doctrine aſſures Chriſtians that a Noble Courage, and Fortitude of Soul ſhould animate them unto an undountedneſs of Reſolution in their Spiritual Warfare, whatever Oppoſitions, Dangers, or Deaths may lye in their way of Duty. A Souldier muſt be able to look dangers and difficulties in the face. He muſt rather chuſe an Honourable and Glorious Death, than be willing to Save his Life by an Ignominious & Cowardly flight. Such was the Invincible courage of our Richard the Firſt, that he acquired the Sirname of Coeur-de-Lion, or Lyon's-Heart. And it is no ſmall part of the true Chriſtians commendation, that he is as bold as a Lyon, Prov. 28.1. The Righteous are bold as a Lyon. How well does it become thoſe, who are under the Conduct of him, that is the Lyon of the Tribe of Judah, to be bold as a Lyon! The Spiritual Souldier muſt not be of ſuch an Hare-hearted Temper p. 28as to be frighted from a purſuit of Duty, by the moſt menacing threats, and vigorous Oppoſitions of his boldeſt Adverſaries. It is one of the Commands the Spiritual Souldiery is entertained with, In nothing be terrified by your Adverſaries, Phil. 1.28. There is nothing the Spiritual Combatant can reflect upon, but it hath a Tendency to encreaſe his Courage and Reſolution. If he look to his Cauſe, is it poſſible to engage in a better? He is unworthy the Name of a Chriſtian, that will not ſay with Luther, Mallem ruere cum Chriſto, quam regnare cum Caeſare. I had rather periſh with Chriſt than reign with Caeſar. Or with the glorious Martyr, If all the hairs of my head were men, they ſhould all ſuffer in the cauſe of Chriſt. Is not his Call clear? Are not the rewards propoſed for his encouragement great? Muſt he not either fight or dye? Is it poſſible to come off upon other terms? are there not more for him than againſt him? cannot God Save by few as well as many? Is he not well provided for the Battel? and ſhall not Victory await his Valour? Have not his fellow-Souldiers ennobled themſelves by their p. 29Heroick Atchievements, and led him along in the path of eternal Honour and Renown? The three Children Scorned the Inſulting and terrible threats of an Inraged Monarch; Paul accounted not his Life dear to him; Chriſoſtome when menaced by the Empreſs Eudoxia, feared nothing but Sin. Luther when Summoned by the Emperour Charles the Fifth to give an account of his Faith, notwithſtanding all diſcouragements, fearleſly reſolves to go to Wormes though there were as many Devils there as Tyles on the Houſes. What ſhall I more ſay? For the time would fail me to relate the notable inſtances of the Saints Reſolution in all Ages! Let us look off then unto Jeſus; our Glorious Captain hath left us an Unparallel'd inſtance of matchleſs reſolution. The croſs he endured, the Shame of it, he deſpiſed, and having conquered, and triumpht over all the powers of hell and darkneſs, ſat down at the right hand of the Throne of God, and from the lofty Battelments of Heaven looks down upon and Commands the Spiritual Combatants, to conſider him that endured ſuch contradiction of p. 30Sinners againſt himſelf, leſt they be weary and faint in their minds, he encourageth them to the Combat, commands them to be fearleſs, promiſeth to reward their unwearied Services, Rev. 2.10. Fear none of thoſe things which thou ſhalt ſuffer; be thou faithful unto Death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life. O what a charming influence ſhould theſe things have upon Chriſtians to diſpoſe them to courage and reſolution? What tho' they encounter death, and ſeem to fall, the bloody victims of the wrath and rage of their accurſed enemies, will not Heaven and Happineſs pay for all? Is it not a truth beyond exception, If we ſuffer, we ſhall alſo reign with him, 2 Tim. 2.12.

III USE.

Chriſtians, Doth God treat you in the Quality of Souldiers? Bring not then a ſtain upon your own Honour and Reputation, or the Honour and Reputation of Religion, by any little, low, baſe or unworthy action. The Honour of a Souldier is dearer to him than his life. He will readily expoſe his life to hazard, for the maintenance p. 31and ſupport of it. The Spiritual Souldier ſhould be a man of like temper, whilſt he conſiders the Quality he is treated in; it ſhould quicken him to an accuracy of critical circumſpection in all his Converſation; And teach him a compliance with that Apoſtolical Advice, Only let your Converſation be, as it becometh the Goſpel of Chriſt, Phil. 1.27. The Wiſe man has told him, A Good name is better than precious ointment, Eccl. 7.1. David, that Martial Heroe was of this opinion, and therefore put his Life and Honour into the ſame Scale. Pſal. 7.5. Let the Enemy perſecute my ſoul and take it, yea, let him tread down my life upon the Earth, and lay my Honour in the Duſt. His Honour you ſee brings up the Rear in this gradation, as Jacob ranked Rachel and Joſeph, to teſtify his greater regards to them. How very careful then ſhould Chriſtians be, that they do not expoſe their own Honour, or the Reputation of Religion, by a careleſs, uncircumſpect, unagreeable Life and Converſation? How happy would it be there were no juſt reaſon to take up the complaint of Tertulian. O … nos qui Chriſtiani h…c …, p. 32Gentes agimus ſub nomine Chriſti. O miſerable ones that we are, who at this time are called Chriſtians, we act the part of Heathen under the name of Chriſt. The lax and looſe lives of thoſe who make a profeſſion of Religion, their ſinful and ſhameful compliances with the irreligious, Heaven-offending, and daring practices of the times we live in, what diſgrace do they bring to Profeſſors themſelves, how greatly do they diſſerve, and expoſe Religion? Whilſt the true Spiritual Souldier reflects on ſuch things as theſe, Rivers of tears will run down his Eyes, and with a generous reſentment, he'll command his Soul, (in the words of dying Jacob) O my Soul come not thou into their Secrets, unto their Aſſembly, mine honour, be not thou united, Gen. 49.6. The conſideration of this, will powerfully diſpoſe him to be more ſerious, holy, careful and circumſpect in his whole Converſation; for this he knows ſhall exalt his born in honour, this will give to his Head an ornament of grace, and compaſs him about with a crown of Glory, Prov. 4.9.

p. 33IV USE.

Stand upon your Guard, and be alwayes upon your Watch. Watching and Warding are Services, that Souldiers are conſtantly put upon. The neglect of this would be of deſtructive conſequence to an Army. A culpable remiſſneſs in point of holy Watchfulneſs, puts many an opportunity into the hands of our Spiritual Adverſaries to do us a miſchief. The great Reaſon why Chriſtians do ſo frequently fall into temptation, is becauſe they are not ſo watchful over, and do not ſet ſo ſtrict a Guard upon themſelves as they ought. Our Glorious Commander knew very well by what means temptations might be beſt warded off. It is his Command therefore, Watch and Pray that ye enter not into temptation. Mat. 26.41. It is his charge, Be watchful, Rev. 3.2. Had David been upon his Watch, he had never fallen into thoſe horrible ſins of Adultery and Murder. Careful Watching is an excellent help unto a ſure ſtanding. Hence the Advice runs thus, Watch ye, p. 34ſtand faſt in the truth. 1 Cor. 16.13. Two things amongſt many others may ſerve to put an edge upon this Direction.

1. Remember Chriſtian, Thou art in thine Enemies Countrey. The Souldier has need of watching at all times, but more eſpecially when he is in his Enemies Country, environed on all ſides with mortal foes who watch all opportunities of ſetting upon him, and doing him a miſchief. Chriſtian, Art thou not in thine Enemies Country, ſurrounded with innumerable Troops of ſubtil and malicious Adverſaries, who are watching opportunities to ruin, and deſtroy thee? And will not this quicken thee to watchfulneſs? Shake off then all carnal Security, entrench thy ſelf ſtrongly, double thy Guards, and keep out wakeful Eſpials, leſt at unawares thou giveſt advantage to him who goeth about like a roaring Lyon, ſeeking whom he may devour.

2. Thine Enemies (Chriſtian) are not Tyro's and Novices in the School of War; p. 35No, they are old, cunning and veterane Commanders, perfectly acquainted with all the crafty devices, and politick ſtratagems of War. And hereby they have great advantage over incautelous, and foolhardy Sinners, who are therefore ſaid to be taken Captive by Satan at his will. 2 Tim. 2.26. Such are with eaſe trepan'd and decoy'd into his enſnaring ambuſhments; ſhould not this then influence Chriſtians to care and watchfulneſs in their Chriſtian Warfare, and awaken them to ſtand alway upon their Guard? The Simple indeed paſs on and are puniſhed, but as for the prudent he foreſeeth the evil, and hideth himſelf, Prov. 22.3. But when all is ſaid and done, our own watchfulneſs will not ſerve the Turn, we muſt call in the aſſiſtance of Grace, and ſhrowd our ſelves under the protection of him, who is the keeper of Iſrael, aſſuredly knowing that ſecurity from, and victory over the cunning Artifices of Hell, are deſigned to be, the peculiar Triumphs of ſovereign and free Grace. The conſideration of this ſhould doubtleſs ſway our hearts unto earneſtneſs p. 36of prayer for divine protection, and diſpoſe them unto ſuch thankful acknowledgments as we find the Church enlarging her ſelf upon. Pſal. 124.6, 7, 8. Bleſſed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth; Our Soul is eſcaped as a bird out of the ſnare of the flowlers; the ſnare is broken, and we are eſcaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth.

V USE.

Be Expert in the uſe of your Spiritual Armour. 'Tis the Souldiers commendation and glory to be exactly practiſed, and dexterous in the uſe of his Weapons. God hath provided the Spiritual Souldier with an approved Artillery, and 'tis his duty and intereſt to know how to improve and manage it to the beſt advantage. Two things will contribute much towards this.

1. An unwearied ſtudy of Gods Word. This is the Magizine of all Spiritual Inſtruction. The Souldier hath his Books to inſtruct him how to manage p. 37his Weapons well, and ſo hath the Spiritual Souldier. But whatever direction the Word of God affords him in this affair, let him take care to apply unto God for the teaching and aſſiſtances of his Spirit, without which whatever of the Theory he may attain to, he'll prove but a bungler in the practick part. It is God alone can teach his hands to war, and his fingers to fight, Pſal. 144.1.

2. A dayly practice and exerciſe of the Spiritual Armour. Uſe makes perfect. It is the Souldiers daily practice of Arms that makes him expert in the uſe of them. The daily improvement of Grace, which is the Chriſtian Armour, will render the Spiritual Souldier exquiſitely dexterous in the uſe of the Spiritual Tacticks.

VI USE.

Expect to Conflict with many dangers, and great oppoſitions in your Warfaring State. The Life of a Souldier is a Life of continual hazard and danger; he p. 38always carrieth his Life in his Hand; and there is many times but a ſtep between him and death. His Enemies are always dogging him at the heels, ſeeking an opportunity to ſurprize and deſtroy him. God would hereby awaken Chriſtians to ſee, that ſo they might be ſenſible of the dangers they lye open to in their March unto Glory. The Souldiers danger hears a proportion to the numbers and ſtrength of his Enemies. And thus the Caſe ſtands with the Spiritual Souldier: He may exclaim with David, How are they encreaſed that trouble me! Pſal. 3.1. Conſider mine enemies for they are many, and they hate me with an hatred of violence. Pſal. 25.19. Numberleſs Troops of infernal Spirits are perpetually making their Batteries againſt him. The World with all its enſnaring vanities, charming allurements, and cruel oppoſitions, encreaſeth the number of his ſworn Adverſaries. He has a Corrupt Heart, a Body of Sin and Death to wage War with. The conſideration of this alone made the great Apoſtle in a diſtreſſing agony to cry out with a bitter cry, p. 39O wretched man that I am, who ſhall deliver me from the body of this death! Rom. 7.24. And that which aggravates the danger is, that his Internal Foes are in league with, and are upon every occaſion ready to betray him into the hands of his external Adverſaries. His outward ſences make head againſt him, are Traitors to him, and conſpire his deſtruction. The Sentinels poſted at the Cinque Ports of his Soul which ſhould carefully ſpy and give notice of danger, are either overcome with a culpable ſlumber, or open their Windows to let in ſinful objects. His Ears ſet open their Door to the bittereſt enemies of his Soul. His Smelling, Touch and Taſte, are up in rebellion againſt him; by Intelligence with theſe, his Adverſaries are advantaged in every Attack they make upon him, and how is it poſſible (amidſt ſo many dangers) he ſhould eſcape unleſs God in a way of Sovereign Grace ſtrengthen him with ſtrength in his Soul; and make him ſtrong in the power of his might.

p. 40VII USE.

Make good your particular Poſts, and Quit you like men. Every Officer and private Centinel in an Army, in a time of actual Service in the Field, have proper Poſt aſſigned them, and it is expected they ſhould make it good and defend it. The Great and Glorious Commander of the Spiritual Army has diſtinguiſhed it into various Orders, Ranks and Degrees; ſome are in places of greater, others in places of leſſer Command; and ſome are but private Centinels, yet every one has his proper Poſt to make good, and defend againſt the Common Enemy. This Word of Command therefore Chargeth through, and through the Spiritual Army. It is expected by the Captain of our Salvation, that Chriſtians in their reſpective Capacities, and Relations ſhould do all they can to promote the Kingdom of God, and deſtroy the Kingdom of Satan. Some indeed have greater Advantages, and Opportunities to Subſerve the Intereſt of Holineſs, and to p. 41ſuppreſs Sin than others have: Yet there is no Chriſtian but may be able to do ſomething toward this; and tis expected from all that they Do what they can.

God has put great Advantages who are in places of Command in the Spiritual Army, (that is Civil and Religious Rulers) of doing great Service for him in their Generations. It ſhould be their Care to purſue thoſe Advantages to the uttermoſt. As for thoſe who are perſons of ſuch a Figure amongſt our ſelves, I ſhall take the Liberty of ſaying, That New-England never yet ſaw the Time wherein thoſe at the Helm of Civil or Sacred Rule, had greater Reaſon to beſtir, and Quit themſelves like men. Do not Sins of all ſorts abound? Are not provocations multiplied in the midſt of us? Have not Aſtoniſhing Inundations of Profaneneſs, Senſuality, and Debauchery, broken in upon us? Is not Religion under Bleeding, Gaſping, Dying Circumſtances? Are not men generally fallen into an unaccountable drouſineſs, and ſleepineſs? Do not the Heavens p. 42put on an angry Countenance, and gather Blackneſs? Are not the Judgments of God upon us Inconteſtible evidences of our being in ill Terms with Heaven? Have not all Eſſayes toward Reformation been very feeble, languid, and fruitleſs? And if ſuch as are the Healers of this People ſhall not Now ſignalize their skill, courage, and care in making good their Poſt, it is eaſy to foreſee, without a ſpirit of Propheſy, that they have a Ruin under their hands. Deus avertat Omen!

The private Centinels in the Spiritual Army, (Heads of Families, & private Chriſtians I mean,) have their proper Poſts too, and they muſt endeavour to make good. Such have great Opportunities and Advantages in their hands to promote Holineſs, & ſuppreſs Sin, by an holy, exemplary, inoffenſive Walk, by Charging, Curbing & Reſtraining all under their Care. If Heads of Families in New-England would but generally take up Joſhua's Reſolution, that, They and their Families ſhould Serve the Lord, This would be an hopeful Symptome that God would not leave our Houſe p. 43deſolate, nor give us up to periſh in thoſe tranſgreſſions which ſorely threaten us with an haſtning Ruin.

VIII USE.

Take not up your Reſt in, ſet not your Affections on this World. This will prove an unhappy Snare to you, and tempt you to forſake the Service of your Glorious Commander. Souldiers are frequently upon their March, from one place to another, they ſeldom tarry long in a place, but ſoon diſlodge and draw off. Chriſtians, this World is but thy Camp, Thou haſt here no continuing City. Let others dig and delve, burrough, and for themſelves here, Do thou alway remember thou art a Souldier. Truſs up thy Baggage therefore, and be ready to diſlodge at an Hours Warning. The Apoſtle deſcribes a Souldier to be a perſon that Intangleth not himſelf with the Affairs of this Life, that he may pleaſe him who hath choſen him to be a Souldier, 2 Tim. 2.4. And it is the Expreſs Command of thy Glorious Captain, Set your p. 44Affections on things above, not on things on the Earth, Coloſ. 3.2. Diſobedience to this Command is of very dangerous Conſequence. It was this that tripped up the heels of Demas, once a forward Officer in the Spiritual Army, 2 Tim. 4.10. Demas hath forſaken me, having loved this preſent World. Take heed therefore leſt this prove an unhappy Occaſion of thy relinquiſhing that glorious Service thou haſt liſted thy ſelf into; and cauſe thee to make a woful Shipwrack of thy Faith, and diſpoil thee of the glorious Rewards thoſe ſhall be ſharers in who embrace the Promiſes, confeſs themſelves Strangers & Pilgrims here on earth, and declare plainly they look for a City which hath foundations whoſe builder and maker is God, Heb. 11.10, 13, 14.

IX USE.

Raiſe no Contentions, Feuds or Diſcords in the Army. This will be of fatal Conſequence. Peace in an Army is an Abſolutely neceſſary mean to the preſervation of it, and will render it p. 45at once both Formidable and Victorious. As a Kingdom ſo an Army divided againſt it ſelf cannot ſtand. Chriſtians therefore are Commanded to promote Peace to the outſide of their Abilities. Rom. 12.18. If it be poſſible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. The Contentions of thoſe who are in places of Command in the Spiritual Army (the Civil Rulers, and Sacred Guides of a People) will have a ruining aſpect upon every thing wherein the beſt Intereſts of a People are concerned. No good Succeſs will ever attend the Counſels of thoſe who ſhould with one Heart, and Shoulder proſecute all Affairs of common Concernment. Where a ſpirit of Diviſion hath rendred them Jealous of, ſuſpected by, and diſaffected to each other. The Caſe of a People muſt needs be ſad, when a perverſe Spirit is mingled amongſt thoſe who are the Stay of the Tribes of it. What loſt the Engliſh acquiſitions in France but by the unhappy Variances of thoſe who bare chief Command over the Victorious Armies deſigned to maintain them? p. 46The Chinks and Chaps in a Council board may do more diſſervice to an Army, and more terribly boade its deſtruction, than an Army of an Hundred Thouſand men. Let not any think that this Article of Advice, can be too preſſingly enforced upon us, or that we are but little concerned in it. Doubtleſs we have had our Maſſah's, and our Meribahs (O tell it not in Gath, publiſh it not in the ſtreets of Askelon.) And if no other inconveniencies have derived to us from hence but this only, that many perſons who in more reſpects than one, have deſerved well at our hands, have met with undue and▪ undeſerved treatments from us, (from whence hath ariſen too much contempt and wrath) it will ſuggeſt to us an argument ſufficient to diſpoſe us▪ unto a being peaceable in our Iſrael; and to prepare us unto a ready Compliance with the Apoſtolical Counſel, Let all bitterneſs and wrath, and Anger, and Clamour, and evil ſpeaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Chriſt's ſake hath forgiven you, Eph. 4.31, 32.

p. 47The Variances of thoſe who are but Private Centinels in the Spiritual Army, may do a World of Miſchief; and are frequently attended with deſtructive Conſequences. Hereby the Spirits of Chriſtians are ruffled with unſanctified Paſſions, their Charity one toward another miſerably enfeebled; unreaſonable Suſpicions fomented, Unwarrantable … encreaſed: their Pride …, their Communion with Heaven ſhamefully obſtructed; their Souls put into ſuch intollerable Paroxyſms, and Fermentations, as do many times throw Families, Towns, and Churches, into terrible Convulſions, and miſerable Confuſions. And how melodious are the interlacings of ſuch diſcords amongſt Chriſtians to the Infernal Spirits? This fills the Territories of Hell and Darkneſs with Mirth and Triumphs, and theſe doubtleſs are ſome of the Shouts they make upon it, Aha! ſo would we have it. Will not theſe things influence us to dread the fatal Conſequences of Diviſion and Diſcord? The Apoſtle has told us what may be expected from it, Gal. 5.15. p. 48But if ye bite and devour … another, take heed ye be not … one of another.

X USE.

Thankfully accept of, and he exceedingly Comforted from the happy Tidings this Doctrine brings you the Infallible Aſſurances of. But three things here, and I have done.

1. You may expect Aſſiſtance from God in all your Spiritual conflects. Take Heart then, and hope aſſuredly for Victory; though your Enemies are never ſo high, ſubtil and powerful, and have perhaps in ſome particular Combates prov'd too hard for you. Whatever Service the Souldier is ſent upon, he expects to be aſſiſted, and relieved by his Commander. It is the Policy of a General to keep freſh ſupplies in Reſerve, on purpoſe to ſtrengthen any part of the engaged Army that may … open to be overlaid by the Enemy. Take Courage, Chriſtian, from hence, Thou art a Souldier, and doſt into thy Glorious Commander will Retire from thee, and leave thee engaged p. 49without relief? No, No, He has promiſed he will never leave thee nor forſake thee, Heb. 13.5. Art thou ready to faint in time of Battel? Doſt thou at any time ſay with him, I ſhall one day periſh by the hand of Saul? Here's an Effectual Cordial to revive thy drooping, and fainting Soul. The Almighty himſelf calls to thee, Fear not, for I am with thee; be not diſmayed, for I am thy God: I will ſtrengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my Righteouſneſs, Iſa. 41.10. He aſſures thee, that it is He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might, He encreaſeth ſtrength. And withal has promiſed, That they that wait upon the Lord ſhall renew their ſtrength: They ſhall mount up with Wings as Eagles, they ſhall run and not be weary, they ſhall walk and not faint, Iſa. 40.29, 31. This thou mayſt ſafely lot upon, (thou haſt the word of him who is faithful and true for it,) that thou ſhalt never be tempted above that thou art able to bear, and with the Temptation a way of Eſcape ſhall be made, 1 Cor. 10.13.

p. 502. Plentiful Proviſion ſhall be made for you, whilſt you are kept in the Field, managing your Warfare. When Armies are drawn into the Field, there is ſufficient care taken to Victual the Camp, and Furniſh it with neceſſaries. The Souldier is diſengaged from all care about ſuch things, and is wholly maintain'd at the Charge of thoſe that employ him. This may aſſure the Spiritual Souldier, that God will take care of, and make ſufficient Proviſion for him, whilſt he continues in the Field of War. Nothing ſhall be lacking to him, that is neceſſary for him in his Warfaring State and Condition; he ſhall want no good thing, Pſal. 34.9, 10. He need not to diſquiet himſelf with any diſcompoſing ſollicitude: whateever his cares may be, let him caſt them upon the Lord, and reſt aſſured he ſhall be cared for. This is according to the Apoſtolical advice. 2 Pet. 5.7. Caſting all your care upon him, for he careth for you. To what end ſhould the Spiritual Souldier then vex himſelf with thoſe perplexing enquiries, p. 51What ſhall I Eat? What ſhall I Drink? Where withal ſhall I be Cloathed? His Heavenly Commander knows he hath need of theſe things, and will therefore take care they be added to him, Mat. 6.31, 32, 33.

3. The Time draws on space when you ſhall be disbanded, and receive the Glorious Recompence of all your Hot and Hard Services in the Field. When the War is at an End, the Souldier is disbanded, and paid off▪ E're long, Chriſtian, thou ſhalt hear the joyful Tydings the Prophet was commanded to comfort Jeruſalem with: It ſhall be cried to thee, Thy Warfare is accompliſhed, Iſa. 40.2. Hold out a little longer, reſolutely continue the Conflict; It will not be long but thou ſhalt hear thy Glorious Captain Command you to Lay down and Quit thy Arms: And then he'll call thee home to reap the glorious rewards which he recompenceth thoſe with, who fight the good fight of Faith, and lay hold on Eternal Life. E're long an Eternal Victory ſhall be given thee over all thine Enemies, Sin, p. 52Satan and the World, yea, and Death it ſelf the laſt Enemy ſhall prove an happy Pedeſtal from whence thou ſhalt mount up into thy Chariot of Triumph, in which the Glorious Guards, and Convoys of Heaven ſhall tranſport thee through the Conquered Territories, and broken Troops of thy vanquiſhed Foes, into the Manſions of Eternal Glory; where the Crowns of Righteouſneſs ſhall be put upon thy Head, and Garlands of Eternal Honour Wreath thy Brows: And now to thy Eternal Joy thou ſhalt experience, that the light Afflictions thou didſt grapple with whilſt managing thy Warfare in a Sinful and Troubleſome World, have wrought out for thee a far more Exceeding and Eternal Weight of Glory.

FINIS.

End of the text · Grindal Rawson, Christians Treated in the Quality of Soldiers (1703)