The Duty of Believers to Oppose the Growth of the Kingdom of Sin, Sermon

The Duty of Believers to Oppose the Growth of the Kingdom of Sin · Sermon

THE Duty of Believers to oppoſe the Growth of the Kingdom of SIN, PRESSED; The Means and Manner of Managing this Oppoſition EXPLAINED; The ways whereby men become guilty of diſcouraging others from vigorous attempts againſt the growth of Vice, and the Carnal Grounds of their ſo doing DETECTED. IN A SERMON Preached before the Honourable ARTILLERY COMPANY in Boſton, on the Day of their ANNIVERSARY ELECTION, in the Year 1708.

By Samuel Danforth, Paſtor of the Church of Chriſt in Taunton.

Ezek. 20. 44. And ye ſhall know that I am the Lord, when I have wrought with you for my Names ſake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your … doings, O ye Houſe of Iſrael ſaith the Lord God.

II Chron. XV. 2, 7.

Boſton: Printed by John Allen, in Pudding-Lane. Sold by Benjamin Eliot, at his Shop under the Weſt-End of the Town-Houſe in Kings-ſtreet. 1708.

p. 3THE Duty of BELIEVERS to oppoſe the Growth of the Kingdom of SIN PRESSED, &c.

Hebrews XII. 4.

Ye have not yet reſiſted unto Blood ſtriving againſt SIN.

IN theſe words is contained a Motive given unto Believers to run with patience the Race ſet before them, notwithſtanding the ſore Trials they met with therein; as the loſs of their Goods, Shame, and the contradiction of Sinners. Chap. 10. 33, 34. The Motive is taken from this conſideration, that the Sufferings they met with were ſmall, in compariſon of thoſe which other Chriſtians had endured, and which they ought willingly to undergo, if God ſhould call them thereto. In theſe words, (1.) Is implied, that in running the Race Chriſt hath ſet before us, we are to reſiſt and ſtrive againſt Sin. Here we may note.

1. That by Sin, which is here declared to be the Enemy we are to reſ…iſt and ſtrive againſt, is meant either,

1. The Sin yet remaining in true Believers themſelves; that Sin which dwelleth in them. Every true Believer ought to make it his conſtant p. 4work to reſiſt and ſtrive againſt Indwelling-ſin in himſelf.

2. Or thoſe Temptations to Sin, which Satan and his Inſtruments make uſe of, whereby they endeavour to draw or drive good men into Sin; The Enemies of our Souls uſe both artifice and force, policy and power, flatteries and threatnings to cauſe good men to apoſtatize from Chriſt. Some by Sin in our Text, underſtand Sinners, ſuch who diſcourage others from Vertue, and encourage others into Vice. But this Term, Sin; which we are to reſiſt and ſtrive againſt as an Enemy to us, may comprehend the whole Kingdom of Sin and Satan; the Kingdom of Darkneſs, in all its parts, members, policies and ſtratagems, deſigns and ….

3. By Sin in this Text, I incline to think, that we ought chiefly to underſtand, that which is the Prevailing Sin of the Age and Place in which each Believer doth live: For it is a non-compliance with, and an oppoſition to the Prevailing Sins of the Time and Generation wherein Believers have liv'd, that hath in all Ages occaſioned the greateſt ſufferings unto good men, in their Names, Eſtates or Lives: when Idolatry was the Sin which was moſt in faſhion in the world, … holy men by reſiſting and ſtriving againſt it, ſuffered the loſs of their lives.

2. The reſiſting and ſtriving againſt this Enemy Sin, is expreſſed by ſuch words in the Original Tongue, as import a reſiſting of it with agony, putting forth all their force and ſtrength againſt it; and the making an offenſive, as well as a defenſive war againſt it.

p. 52. The words of our Text teach us this Leſſon, that Believers ſhould be encouraged to continue in the Exerciſe of patience under all the leſſer ſufferings they meet with, on account of their oppoſition to the prevailing ſins of the Age and Place wherein they live, from this conſideration, that God is as yet ſparing them from ſuch hot ſervice, which he hath in times paſt call'd ſome of his Champions unto, againſt this Enemy Sin, namely, to have their Blood ſhed, and to part with their very lives in this War againſt Sin.

DOCTRINE.

God expects His Own People ſhould reſiſt & ſtrive againſt Sin, in the ſeveral Ranks and Poſts wherein he hath placed them; eſpecially againſt the moſt prevailing Sins of the Age, Place and Generation wherein they Live, putting forth the whole force of their Spiritual Strength, Courage and Wiſdom, in their oppoſition thereto; being prepared and diſpoſed to part with their very Lives in this Spiritual War againſt the Kingdom of Sin, if God ſhould call them thereunto.

Believers ought to ſtrive againſt the prevailing Sins of the Times, both ſingly and joyntly, and in all Conditions, Stations and Capacities wherein they ſtand. Unto this Reſiſting of Sin, Believers are moved, and hold themſelves obliged by ſuch conſiderations as theſe.

1. That Sin is the Enemy of Mankind; their worſt Enemy, their common Enemy; and in ſome ſenſe their only Enemy. More particularly they conſider,

p. 61. That each and every ſingle perſon hath no worſe Enemy then his own ſins; & among all the ſins which he falls into, or is ſubject of, his worſt Enemy is that which is moſt properly his own Iniquity. The Enemy within the walls of our hearts, is more dangerous than the Enemy beſieging of us from without: Indeed we are by Nature unſenſible that we carry our worſt enemy in our own boſoms, and ſhall continue inſenſible hereof, until God by the power and efficacy of his Spirit do convince us thereof: We are naturally much concerned about, and afraid of our ſuppoſed enemies without us; but ignorant of the danger we are in of the real enemy that lodgeth within us. The ſins prevailing in our hearts, as atheiſtical & profane thoughts, pride, worldly-mindedneſs, hypocriſie, malice, and envy, and ſimilia, do us more hurt, and expoſe us to more danger then all the enemies real or ſuppoſed that are without us. The Temptations of Satan, and the ſnares of the World get victory over us, by reaſon of that enemy ſin dwelling in us, which takes part with thoſe enemies from without us. The folly bound up in a mans own heart doth expoſe him to more danger, than all the policies of all other men can do, who ſet themſelves againſt him.

Again; The ſins produced in perſons by the principle of Corruption dwelling in them, whether they be ſins of omiſſion or commiſſion, do hurt the Sinners themſelves more than they can hurt any one elſe beſides themſelves, and more than any one elſe can hurt them. It is true not only of the man who is given p. 7to exceſſive drinking, but of the Adulterer, Thief, diſhoneſt Gainer, the profane Swearer, Sabbath-breaker, and of him that omits the ſecret duties of Religion; ſuch a man is his own worſt enemy.

Sin ſets God himſelf againſt a man; now it were better for any man to have all the world adverſaries to him, then that One Great and Glorious God who made him, and who can caſt both Body and Soul into Hell.

Sin expoſes a man to the Curſes of the Law, to Death temporal, ſpiritual and eternal; and in ſhort, nothing could or would hurt any man, were it not for Sin in himſelf, and the guilt of ſin lying upon himſelf; a man ſhould have no other enemy to conflict with, were it not for Sin adhering to, and inherent in himſelf; in which reſpect Sin may be called Mans only enemy; and it is alſo his conſtant enemy, which at no time doth him any good, but at all times is procuring miſchief & miſery unto him.

Therefore every man ought, and every Believer doth, and will reſiſt and ſtrive againſt his own ſin, ſin in himſelf; againſt the whole body of ſin in himſelf, but chiefly againſt the leading, ruling, prevailing and moſt predominant ſin in himſelf; not only by exerciſing repentance and godly ſorrow for thoſe ſins that have prevailed in him, & applying himſelf by faith to the Blood of Chriſt for pardoning mercy & deliverance from the guilt of ſin; but by ſetting upon the work of Mortification of ſin dwelling in him with all his might; & finding his own ſtrength (even that of grace received) to be of it ſelf too weak to encounter p. 8with and ſubdue this enemy in his heart; he doth therefore by earneſt prayer call in, & by the due exerciſe of faith obtain the help of Heaven againſt the mighty ſins that riſe up againſt him.

A true Believer doth alſo reſiſt and ſtrive againſt ſin in himſelf by maintaining a ſtrict watch over his heart, & over his whole man, having learned not to truſt his own deceitful heart.

He doth alſo daily renew the Combate againſt Sin; confeſſing unto God the faults & follies which he diſcerneth in himſelf, and the daily eruptions of ſin that dwelleth in him; complaining of himſelf unto God; O wretched man that I am! who ſhall deliver me from this body of ſin and death? and he maketh his complaint to the right object, the bleſſed Lord Jeſus Chriſt, who came into this world to ſave his people from their ſins; unto him he is conſtantly crying, Jeſus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me, and deliver me from this my worſt Enemy, my ſinful ſelf.

2. Family Sins are the worſt enemies of Families, and do bring all thoſe calamities and diſtreſſes upon them which befal them. Sin deprives Families of that comfort, for the attaining whereof, theſe firſt Societies that ever were erected in the world were appointed. All the Croſſes, Loſſes, Poverty, Sickneſſes, Deaths, Diſtractions and Diſorders that are in Families muſt be placed to the account of ſin. The reaſon why ſome Families flouriſh not in their Perſons, Eſtates, or Intereſts, is not chiefly becauſe their Neighbours do not love them, but becauſe Sin (like the worm at the p. 9root of Jonah's Gourd) makes them wither and decay. Where Family Prayer is neglected, and God is not owned, honoured, worſhipped in a Family, no wonder that Family falls under a blaſt. If men reſolve to be rich without aſking God leave, without begging of God that his preſence may be with them in their employments, and his bleſſing may be upon their lawful Endeavours, it is juſt with God that ſuch ſhould be diſappointed. If the Head of the Family make no conſcience daily & duly to perform Family Prayer, he may thank his own ſinful omiſſion of Duty that his Inferiours prove unto him undutiful, diſobedient, unruly, and altogether diſcomforts to him. Why ſhould we expect that God ſhould I provide for our Families their daily Bread, if we refuſe to pay to God (our great Landlord) his daily Rent and Revenue due unto him from us, namely the morning and evening Sacrifice of Prayer and Praiſes? Can we expect our Inferiours ſhould ſhew unto us Reverence and Obedience, while we our ſelves are diſobedient to God, and undutiful to our Maker and Glorious Redeemer? How can we expect that the bleſſed God by his preventing goodneſs ſhould preſerve us and ours from ſickneſſes, dangers and deaths, and take a fatherly care of us from day to day, while we refuſe to acknowledge him to be our Father, and the Father of our Families, by honouring and obeying of him? Mal. 1. 6.

3. The Sins prevailing in greater Societies of men, (as Towns, Churches, Provinces, Kingdoms and Empires) are the worſt Enemies of thoſe Societies or States. Whence p. 10comes general Poverty, Scarcity, Deaths, unſeaſonable weather, Loſſes by Land & Sea? Whence comes War with all the calamities that are the appendices of it? Whence comes Epidemical Diſeaſes and mortal Diſtempers? only from Sin. Sin provokes God, & then he raiſes up the Heathen and other Adverſaries againſt us. Our Barrenneſs under the means of Grace provokes God to ſmite the Earth with barrenneſs, that it ſhall not yield its encreaſe unto us. We fall ſhort of the duty that we owe unto God, therefore he cuts us ſhort of our outward comforts: We delay & procraſtinate our repentance for Sin, and acceptance of Chriſt offered to us in the Goſpel, therefore God delayes to hear our Prayers, & to ſave us out of our diſtreſſes.

Sin is our Common Enemy; an Enemy to all our Communities and Societies; a publick and open Enemy to us, and an Enemy to the publick intereſts of a People, as well as to the intereſts of private men. Therefore we ought joyntly to reſiſt and ſtrive againſt Sin, by uniting our forces and ſtrength againſt it; yea we ſhould lay by our ſmaller differences among our ſelves, that with one conſent and one heart we may defend our ſelves againſt, and endeavour to ſubdue this common and implacable Enemy, which ſeeks the deſtruction of us all. The people of God ſhould reſiſt and ſtrive againſt ſin from a principle of Self-preſervation, and from Love to the Publick; becauſe ſin reſiſts and oppoſes all their good & comfort, and tends to their ruin, miſery and deſtruction.

To ſuch an uniting of their forces againſt p. 11ſin, their common Enemy, True Believers are further excited by conſidering,

2. That Sin is Gods Enemy as well as theirs. Now all that have ſincerely given up their Souls to Chriſt, and expect Salvation by him, do take Chriſt's Friends to be their Friends, and Chriſt's Enemies to be their Enemies. A true Chriſtian is one that hath Eſpouſed the Intereſt of Chriſt to be his own Intereſt; yea, he prefers the Intereſts of Chriſt his Redeemer, before any other Intereſt that may be call'd his own: He hath ſworn allegiance to Chriſt, and engaged himſelf to be his true & faithful Subject, and Liſted himſelf under Chriſt as his Captain General, to fight againſt all Chriſt's Enemies, & to proſecute & promote all the deſigns of Chriſt. Now the moſt prevailing ſins of the Age and Place wherein he lives, are thoſe very Enemies of Chriſt which in a peculiar manner he accounts himſelf bound to reſiſt and ſtrive againſt; he that doth not moſt vigorouſly reſiſt thoſe ſins which are the prevailing ſins of the Time & Generation wherein he lives, doth want one comfortable mark and character that might evidence the truth and ſincerity of Grace in him. Eph. 5.8.11. A Chriſtian dare do no other then reſiſt and ſtrive againſt ſin, both becauſe God (whom he ſerves) hath obliged and commanded him ſo to do; and becauſe he hath alſo deliberately and voluntarily bound and obliged himſelf by his Covenant with Chriſt to ſtrive againſt and reſiſt this grand Enemy of Chriſt. And all true Believers having one and the ſame▪ living and true God to be their God; the ſame bleſſed Lord Jeſus p. 12Chreſt to be their 'aviour and Redeemer; therefore account themſelves bound, as they have opportunity in their ſeveral ſtations, to joyn their forces together againſt ſin, which is the great enemy of their common Lord & Saviour; knowing that their Lord Jeſus Chriſt hates neutrality in this common cauſe, in this War we are to manage againſt Sin, the common Enemy of Chriſt himſelf as well as of our ſelves.

3. They conſider, that the Sins of other men will hurt them, unleſs they do faithfully, as becomes them in their places, reſiſt and ſtrive againſt them. Believers ſee themſelves to be in danger of faring the worſe for the ſins of other men; they ſee that they are expoſed to ſuffer in thoſe common Calamities which the prevailing ſins of the times bring on the Publick; and Good men know that the leſs oppoſition they make to growing Vice and ſin, the greater ſhare they may expect in the publick Calamities, which the prevailing ſins of the Times bring down upon the World; and therefore Godly men can take no better courſe to ſecure themſelves againſt publick & deſtroying Judgments, than conſtantly & faithfully to reſiſt and ſtrive againſt thoſe prevailing ſins which procure the deſtroying Judgments. Thoſe who partake of other … ſins, may expect to partake of their …: and becauſe for theſe prevailing ſins the wrath of God comes on the children of diſobedience: therefore Good men dare not be partakers with others in them. Eph. 5.5, 6, 7.

4. True Chriſtians are indued from Above with a Publick Spirit, which inclines them p. 13to reſiſt and ſtrive againſt that which hinders the publick good, and brings publick Calamities on their People: They do not therefore content themſelves, to ſeek only after the ſaving of their own Souls; but do what in them lieth to weaken the Kingdom of Darkneſs, by Converting others from their Evil ways; labouring that all perſons, whom they are concerned with, and on whom they may have influence, be made ſenſible of the danger they are in of being drawn into a compliance with, and conformiry unto the prevailing Sins of the Times and Place wherein they live; giving them the beſt advice they can how to defend themſelves from that danger, by a right uſe of that Spiritual Armour which God hath provided for them.

5. Believers are encouraged to reſiſt and ſtrive againſt Sin, eſpecially againſt the moſt publick and prevailing ſins, from this conſideration, that in ſo doing they approve themſelves unto God, and do that which is well pleaſing in his fight, and ſhall be accepted of God, and graciouſly rewarded by the Lord for their fidelity in this their oppoſition unto ſin: Suppoſing that what they do herein, ſhould be ungrateful to carnal men, yet it ſuffices them to know, that every Tear they ſhed before God, becauſe Sin abounds in their times, is bottled up, as precious in Gods ſight; and every Prayer they put up to God, for the putting a ſtop to growing Vice, is entred in a Book of Remembrance before God; and every word they ſpeak for God and againſt Sin, either in a way of Lamentation and Complaint unto God, or to their Fellow p. 14Chriſtians; or in a way of counſel and reproof, or by bearing any other way, a becoming Teſtimony againſt prevailing Evils, ſhall bring back a return of mercy from God upon themſelves; though their labour of love towards others for their reformation, ſhould prove unacceptable and unſucceſsful, yet it is a ſufficient Conſolation unto them to remember, that God doth not forget what they have done for the promoting his Intereſt, and for the weakening and pulling down the Kingdom of Darkneſs in the world. Rev. 2.2.

They conſider alſo, that unleſs they approve themſelves faithful Souldiers of Chriſt in this War againſt Sin, while they are in a militant ſtate here on Earth, they can't expect to be admitted to a triumphant eſtate of Glory in Heaven.

It is needleſs that I ſhould further enlarge, concerning the Gronnds and Reaſons that oblige and excite true Believers to the Reſiſting and Striving againſt Sin.

But it is time to proceed to Conſider,

Secondly, By what means or weapons do Good men reſiſt and ſtrive againſt the growing and prevailing ſins of the Generation & Places wherein they live: Namely,

1. By their Good Works. By an Holy Converſation they bear a teſtimony againſt thoſe ſins which are contrary to Holineſs. A Vertuous Life doth practically reprove and condemn vicious courſes. The Light of a ſober, righteous and religions Life diſcovers & puts to ſhame the filthineſs and foulneſs of intemperance, unrighteouſneſs & impiety: Therefore holy men will moſt carefully abſtain p. 15From Vices that are moſt Predominant and ſpreading in their Age, ſeparating themſelves from Sins and Sinners, that they may have no fellowſhip with them in the unfruitful works of darkneſs, Eph. 5. 11. They chuſe rather to ſuffer Martyrdom, by loſing their eſteem among carnal men, than to partake with them in their immoral, diſhoneſt and profane practices; as Joſeph in Egypt ſuffered Impriſonment for his non-compliance with the temptation laid before him by his Miſtreſs.

2. By their Words. Chriſtians account it their duty to make an Open Profeſſion of Religion, that they have Eſpouſed Chriſt's Intereſt, that they have Liſted themſelves under Chriſt to be his Souldiers in this great and conſtant War which Chriſt hath with the whole Kingdom of Sin in the World.

They eſteem their Tongues to be their Glory, ſo far as they are improved in giving neceſſary advice and reproofs with moſt pathetical exhortations unto Sinners to reform their evil ways, and in warning them of the danger they are in of eternal ruin, unleſs they ſave themſelves from the Degeneracies and Corruptions of the Times.

Not only Miniſters in their Station are thus to do. 1 Tim. 5. 20. But private Chriſtians alſo, if they cannot do it with like authority, yet according to their abilities and opportunities in their more private Capacities, are with zeal and gravity to argue and diſpute againſt ſin, and plead with Sinners to forſake their evil courſes; Thus did righteous Lot; I pray you, brethren, do not ſo wickedly, Gen. 19. 7. Yea, in ſome Caſes, it is a p. 16duty incumbent on Chriſtians to inform and complain of ſuch who are habituated to any groſs Vice, that either by Church Cenſures, or by the penalty of the Law inflicted on them, their healing and reformation may be endeavoured, and the ſpreading of Vice may be prevented; which is of an infectious contagious nature, unleſs curbed and reſtrained, and duly born witneſs againſt; therefore for the publick good it is needful that Paenal Laws be executed, that others may hear and fear, and do no more ſo wickedly, Deut. 13.11.

3. By their Tears. They mourn before God for thoſe ſins which prevail in their Land, which they ſee no way for the reformation of; all their endeavours for that end proving unſucceſsful. Lots righteous ſoul was grieved every day to ſee the conſtancy, obſtinacy and impudence of the Sodomites in ſinning againſt God. 2 Pet. 2.7, 8. David ſhed even rivers of tears, becauſe men kept not Gods Law. Pſal. 119. 136.

4. By the Prayer of Faith, they wreſtle with God day and night, that the growing Vices of the Times may be reformed. This weapon of faith in Prayer they eſteem as moſt effectual for battering down the Kingdom of Sin & Vice; it works wonders for the Emendation of the Time and Generation wherein they Live, & procures ſucceſs to other means they make uſe of: Hereby they call in the help of God; and of Chriſt to aſſiſt and work in a more immediate and extraordinary way of working for the ſuppreſſing of ſin; and obtain of God that the Means of Grace ſhall have more efficacy than uſually they have for the pulling p. 17down the ſtrong holds of ſin and Satan in the hearts of men; and that by the effectual and wonder-working Providence of God ſome that are Ring-leaders in ſin, and moſt inſtrumental in cauſing others to ſin, ſhall either be Converted, or be removed out of a Place, or out of the World; that ſo way may be made for the flouriſhing of Religion and Vertue among a People; ſo that Incorrigible Sinners were in leſs danger by an Army of ten thouſand men fighting againſt them, then by ten true ſincere Chriſtians praying againſt them: By faith in Prayer they obtain from their God, that Satan ſhall fall down from his throne with ſpeed, much ſooner than they expected, even like Lightning before them, Luk. 10. 18. and that the mountains of impediments and obſtructions that ſtand in the way of thoſe Zorobabels, whom God improves for the building up of his Temple in the World, ſhall become a Plain, Zech. 4. 7. and that the Work of Chriſt ſhall flouriſh even in the midſt of oppoſitions. Dan. 9. 25.

Alſo by the daily renewed exerciſe of faith in Prayer, Chriſt's Souldiers derive; from him new ſupply of Strength for their maintaining and holding out in this War againſt ſin. A true Chriſtian is ſenſible of his own weakneſs and inſufficiency, that he daily ſtands in need of new ſupplies of the Spirit to furniſh him with wiſdom, courage and grace; that he ſtands in need of new manifeſtations of the preſence of Chriſt with him every day, to uphold him, aſſiſt him, and ſucceed him in this War. He endeavours therefore to reſiſt and ſtrive againſt ſin in Chriſt's ſtrength, p. 18and not in his own: He watcheth againſt all up-riſings of ſelf-confidence, and ſelf-ſufficiency, (which would expoſe him to be overpowred by this Enemy) and gets out of himſelf unto Chriſt to enable him to fight the good fight, and to withſtand and overcome this Enemy, Sin.

5. By their patient continuance in their oppoſition unto Sin, notwithſtanding all the wounds and ſcars which they meet with in this War. They expect to meet with blows and ſeratches in their ſtriving againſt, and reſiſting of growing Vices; and arm themſelves before-hand with holy reſolution not to be diſcouraged thereby; Do they meet with the contradiction of Sinners? They conſider it is no more than Chriſt himſelf met with, and patiently endured; therefore it becomes the members and followers of Chriſt to be patient under ſuch Tryals. Do they meet with ſhame and diſgrace? They remember Chriſt deſpiſed the ſhame; therefore Chriſt's followers ſhould not too deeply lay to heart that ſhame which is put upon them by the carnal World. Thoſe Sinners them ſelves will at the Laſt Day be filled with everlaſting ſhame and contempt, who while they were on Earth did hate to be reformed, and perſiſted in oppoſing Vertue, decrying of Religion, and practicing of Vice. If Chriſtians in this Life be accounted as the offſcouring of all things, and be trampled on as Mire in the Streets, yet they have peace in their own conſciences while on Earth, and the diſgrace which they meet with here for well-doing, ſhall in the next life be compenſated with a Crown of Glory that fadeth not away.

p. 196. They joyn readily with others, and call upon others to joyn with them in this great work of ſtriving againſt, and reſiſting thoſe ſins of the Times, which like a Flood are ready to bear down all before them. Doctor Sibbs in his Excellent Treatiſe of the Souls conflict, p. 290. ſaith, It is a courſe which will have a bleſſing attending it, for friends to joyn in league, one to watch over another, & obſerve each others ways. It is an uſual courſe for Chriſtians to joyn together in other holy duties, as Hearing, Receiving the Sacrament, Prayer, &c. But this fruit of holy communion, which ariſeth from a mutual obſerving one another, is much wanting. Let me add, for Chriſtians to improve an hour or two at ſtated times in ſuch a communion, extending their thoughts and cares, ſo far as to conſider wherein they might in their Stations, be inſtrumental to ſtop the progreſs of Vice, and to promote Vertue, might be of ſingular uſe and advantage: Nay, did Chriſtians meet together ſometimes, were it only to mourn before the Lord for the prevalency of ſins which they ſee no likelihood of any reformation of, it would be more pleaſing and acceptable to God, than the meetings of carnal perſons for ſinful mirth & jollity, & only ſo … worldly Intereſts: But at ſuch times they might ſtrengthen and encourage each other to do their utmoſt in ſtriving againſt ſin, and direct each other wherein they might be moſt ſerviceable in their ſeveral Poſts to promote Religion, and to ſave their people and their Generation from Deſolating Judgments. It was an heart ſinking diſcouragement to Elijah, to think that he was left alone in Iſrael p. 20to ſtrive againſt, and reſiſt Idolatry; God condeſcended to comfort him, by that information, that there were ſome thouſands beſides himſelf, that were ſtriving againſt the ſins of thoſe Times, by their prayers & practices, tho' they had not the courage, or had not the opportunity, or had not the Office and Extraordinary Call to appear ſo openly againſt it, as Elijah himſelf did. It is a great Encouragement to thoſe who by Office are placed in the Front of the Battel againſt ſin, to know that there are many whoſe hearts are with them, and their prayers daily put up to God for their ſucceſs in their ſincere endeavours againſt the Kingdom of Sin: But if ſuch as they take to be their Fellow Souldiers, thro' ſcar, ſloth, or for ſome carnal intereſt will not diſcover that their hearts are with them, but rather blame them for their forwardneſs in oppoſing Vice, it ſinks their ſpirits, and makes them ſend up ſuch a groan to Heaven as Paul did, when no man ſtood by him while he pleaded the Cauſe of Chriſt and of the Goſpel; I pray God lay it not to their charge, 2 Tim. 4. 16.

More particularly, That Miniſters ſhould meet at ſtated times, either in leſſer Conventions, or more general Aſſemblies, is a thing very beneficial for the upholding Religion, preſerving the peace and purity of Churches, and propagating of Religion to other Places and Generations. The Lord by his Servants aſſembled in a Synod, Anno 1679. in this Land, ſet before us both what the prevailing Sins of New-England are (and which therefore it is not needful for me to Enumerate in p. 21this Diſcourſe, being ſo fully done already) and what is to be done in order to the Reformation of them: Our thankfulneſs to God for the light at that time by thoſe our Eminent Divines held forth unto us, ſhould be expreſſed, not only by a reiterated peruſal of each Article of their Reſult; but by meeting together ſometimes, to conſult how the directions therein given us may more effectually in every Church and Plantation be put in practice, and to watch over each other, & excite each other to a more ſerious and univerſal attendance to the directions therein given us from the Word of God, in order to the reforming of Evils prevailing among us, and for the Reviving of Religion in the Land.

But I haſten to another Head: Namely,

Thirdly, To conſider, in what manner Good men ſhould reſiſt and ſtrive againſt growing Vice and Impiety. Now if we take the words of our Text to be an alluſion to thoſe Conflicts and Combats among the Heathen in old Time; which were ſeldom determined without blood, and manag'd by expert Artiſts, who Encountred each other in thoſe Conflicts before many Spectators; we may infer from this alluſion theſe following directions for a Chriſtian to obſerve in his reſiſting and ſtriving againſt growing Vice.

1. That this ſtriving againſt ſin is to be managed with Holy Affections: Particularly;

(1.) With holy zeal, earnestneſs and fervour of ſpirit, even with agony of ſoul. A Chriſtian is not to act with faint heartedneſs and fear, when God calls him to lift up his Voice like a Trumpet againſt crying Sins; but to be, p. 22when the caſe ſo requires, like a Lyon in God's Cauſe, tho' like a Lamb in his own Cauſe; knowing that Lukewarmneſs in this caſe is as odious to God, as to ſit ſtill and do nothing.

(2.) With love and pity towards Sinners, and towards the Land, which by prevailing ſins are ripened for ruin, and expoſed to destruction. A true Believer foreſeeing a Storm of Divine Wrath and Vengeance coming on a People, (which he can readily and rationally infer from the growth of Vice and Profaneſs) from a compaſſionate ſpirit thruſts himſelf into the Gap (opened for Judgments to enter in at) endeavouring by his Prayers, Tears, Warnings, Counſels, &c. to keep off the Judgments which the Sins of a Land expoſe a people unto; and is ſo much the more earneſt and vigorous herein, as he ſees the day of wrath approaching and haſtening towards them. Heb. 10. 25.

2. This reſiſting and ſtriving againſt ſin is to be managed with holy diſcretion. As a Fencer ſhews his Skill and Art as well as Courage; ſo doth a Chriſtian Souldier in his conflicts with prevailing and growing vices. He knows that zeal without diſcretion is but wild fire, and diſſerves that good intereſt which he heartily deſires to promote. His diſcretion teaches him, while he is vigorouſly active againſt the Kingdom of Sin, carefully to avoid the ſins forbidden in the Second Table; namely, damnifying his Neighbour in his Honour and Reputation, in his Eſtate or Life, or any of his lawful intereſts.

Again, Diſcretion teaches him to obſerve p. 23the Times and Seaſons wherein he may ſtrike the greateſt blow againſt the Kingdom of Sin. A wiſe mans heart diſcerneth both time and judgment. There are times wherein Sinners are more capable of an inſtruction or reproof for their Emendation, than they are at other times; ſuch opportunity he waits for and improves to the beſt advantage. As for inſtance, when a Sinner is under outward affliction, or inward diſtreſs of mind, at ſuch a time will he endeavour to ſpeak a word in ſeaſon that may put him upon it to conſider his ways, to repent of his ſins, and to ſet about the reformation of his life. Thus Chriſtians muſt watch and wait for opportunities and ſeaſons when they may have eaſieſt acceſs into men, and redeem ſuch times for the doing good to the ſouls of others.

Again, Diſcretion teaches him to wrap up his needful reproofs and hard arguments in ſoft words, expreſſive of his affection & compaſſion to the Sinner himſelf. If it be needful that any Sinner be laid under puniſhment by the Civil Law, or under Cenſure in the Church for his reformation; yet tenderneſs and meekneſs, grief and pity, expreſſed towards him are moſt likely to affect him with remorſe for his ſins committed, and reſolution to avoid them for the future; while (e contra) Scoffs and Diviſions do but tend to harden Sinners, and render them the more deſperately wicked.

Again, Diſcretion teaches him to avoid the danger of Sinful Indulgence, of winking and conniving at ſin: the Judgments … on the Poſterity of Eli for his fault in that p. 24matter, is a ſtanding warning to him to avoid the like.

In all theſe & ſuch other like inſtances, he believes that ſaying of Solomon to hold as a truth; Diſcretion ſhall preſerve thee, Prov. 2.11.

3. Tho' in ſome places and times (thro' the great mercy of God) the Chriſtian Souldier is not expoſed to ſhed his Blood (in a proper ſenſe) by his reſiſting and ſtriving againſt Sin, yet in ſome ſenſe he may ſay with the Apoſtle, that he is in deaths often, 2 Cor. 11. 23. while he is managing this Combat; tho' he find the ſtrength of his body & mind decaying, waſting and conſuming in the hot ſervice he is called unto, of oppoſing Vice & Prophaneſs, yet perſeveres therein, and is willing to ſpend and be ſpent in this Service againſt. Chriſt's Enemies, and reſolveth by Gods help to continue fighting the good fight, till Death in a proper ſenſe, gives him a diſcharge from this War. Tho' he find that to be in good earneſt an oppoſer of ſin & vice is not the way to popular Applauſe, though he meet with ſuch Tryals on that account, which are more bitter than death it ſelf unto him; yet the righteous man holds on his way, & grows stronger and ſtronger (Job 17. 9.) in making reſiſtance to the growth of the Kingdom of Sin and Satan; the wounds he receiveth, make him fight with the greater courage and vigour; and ſeeing his life muſt be ſpent in this Service, be reſolveth to do as much execution as poſſibly he can upon the Enemy, before Death overtakes him.

4. As thoſe who ſought among the Heathen openly before many Spectators, may be ſuppoſed p. 25to fight in good earneſt, knowing the Blood of one of the Combatants muſt be ſpilt before they left the Stage. So the Chriſtian Souldier in his ſtriving againſt Sin acts with intenſeneſs of mind, and integrity of heart. Chriſt hath in every Age, had ſome ſincere Souldiers, who in the uprightneſs of their hearts have reſiſted and ſtriven againſt ſin. Indeed, many have there been in former and later Ages, who have pretended and profeſſed themſelves to be of the number of the reformed, and to be forward reformers of others alſo, who have ſoon diſcovered themſelves to have acted only for their own ſelf ends; for, not obtaining their By-ends thereby, they have laid aſide their profeſſion of Religion, and have turned Enemies to, and Oppoſers of the intereſt of Religion in the power of it.

As there is as much danger of the Baniſhment of Learning by ſome that have a little ſmattering of it, which only puffs them up to deſpiſe thoſe who excel themſelves therein, as there is from thoſe who are more ignorant; and as much danger of the overthrow of the Civil State by ſuch who (tho' they are acted only by ſelf intereſt) have a little ſmattering in the Law and in Politicks, which only fills them with ſelf conceitedneſs, and cauſes them to deſpiſe and oppoſe thoſe who are thorow-paced in thoſe Sciences, and are indued with ſincere love to the Publick Good▪ So the work of Reformation is very much diſſerved by the formal boaſting and ſelf-conceited Profeſſor, whoſe knowledge only tends to puff him up, and makes him contemn and oppoſe whatever is contrived or acted tho' with integrity of heart by any other of his Fellow-Souldiers in carrying on this Conflict againſt the Kingdom of Sin. We had need therefore to put up ſuch a Petition as David did▪ Pſal. 25. 21. Let integrity and uprightneſs preſerve me?

p. 26The only USE I ſhall make of this Doctrine is this: It being our duty to reſiſt & ſtrive againſt the whole Kingdom of Sin; it may hence be inferred, that it is a great ſin to diſcourage good men from endeavouring to ſuppreſs Vice, Immorality and Impiety. Numb. 32. 7, 8, 10. Wherefore diſcourage ye the heart of the Children of Iſrael from going over; thus did your Fathers, and God's Anger was kindled againſt them. God's Anger was kindled both againſt thoſe who diſcouraged the hearts of their brethren from going over to fight againſt the Canaanites, and againſt thoſe who were diſcouraged by them, v. 9, 10. which appears by God's threatning with an Oath, that none of thoſe who came out of Egypt ſhould ſee the promiſed Land, v. 11. which threatning was fulfilled; for thoſe men who diſcouraged their brethren dyed of the plague before the Lord. Numb. 14. 37. and thoſe alſo who were diſcouraged by them did bear their iniquities forty years, in that ſpace were all of them conſumed gradually. Numb. 14. 34, 35.

But on the other hand, Caleb and Joſhua, who wholly followed the Lord, Numb. 32. 12. who made an excellent ſpeech to encourage their brethren to go up againſt the Canaanites. Numb. 14. 6. 9. & preſſed them thereunto with ſuch zeal & earneſtneſs, that the multitude being provoked, bade ſtone them with ſtones, v. 10. Theſe two were remarkably reſcued out of the hands of the Multitude by an immediate appearance of the Glory of the Lord. Numb. 14. 10. & were remarkably bleſſed of God with the preſervation of their health and ſtrength, and with admittance into the promiſed Land, Joſh, 14. 6, 11.

The ſame Methods which thoſe Spies took to diſcourage their brethren from Encountring with the Canaanites, are ſtill in practice in the world, to diſcourage any brave attempt againſt the Kingdom of Sin: For inſtance.

p. 271. Thoſe Spies raiſed falſe Reports of the promiſed Land: Inſtead of ſaying the truth (as did Caleb and Joſhua) that it was a Land of Milk & Honey, they gave a contrary account, namely, that it was a Land that eat up the Inhabitants thereof, Numb. 13. 32.

What falſe Reports and Miſrepreſentations are there made concerning the work of Reformation, the inſtruments of it, and methods of it? True ſerious Godlineſs is miſrepreſented to be an unpleaſant and burdenſome life; and that there is not ſuch need of reſtraining, curbing and ſubduing the Kingdom of Sin as ſome preciſe perſons imagine; what is acted by Good men with utmoſt caution, prudence, affection and moderation is repreſented to be the effect of pride, cenſoriouſneſs and pragmaticalneſs. Tho' David were … by an heroical faith, yet his Eldeſt Brother Elijah could tell him to his face, I know thy pride and the naughtineſs of thy heart, 1 Sam, 17. 28. The holy Apoſtles were cryed out againſt in thoſe Terms, thoſe that have turned the world apſide down are come hither alſo, Acts. 17. 6. How diminutively will ſome ſpeak of reformation work, as if they ſaw no beauty or glory therein?

And inſtead of moderating, qualifying and regulating the zeal of good men (which thro' the remainders of Corruption in them, ſometimes vents it ſelf unſeaſonably or intemperately) men are too apt to uſe methods wholly to Extinguiſh zeal againſt ſin in them, & to reduce them either to ſuch a Lukewarm frame of ſpirit as themſelves are in, or to ſuch a Timerouſneſs of Spirit, that they dare not expreſs their zeal againſt Vice any more; or ſo to prejudice others againſt them, as that they ſhall find themſelves thereby incapacitated from any further ſucceſsful attempts againſt the Kingdom of Sin.

2. Thoſe Spies reported that there were inſuperable p. 28difficulties in their way; ſo that there was no hope of making a Conqueſt of the Canaanites, Deut. 1.28. Whither ſhould we go up? our brethren have diſcouraged our hearts, ſaying, The people are greater and taller than we; the City is great and walled up to Heaven, and moreover we have ſeen the ſons of the Anakims there.

In like manner, how apt are men to diſcourage each other from any attempts againſt the weakning of the kingdom of ſin, and putting a ſtop to the growth of profaneſs? How many Lions are ſuppoſed to be in the way? One looks on it as a thing unattainable and impoſſible to be effected; that the Goſpel in the Miniſtry and Ordinances thereof ſhould be ſet up in ſuch places where ignorance, Errors & Profaneſs have had their kingdom. Another Good man is afraid that purging the Temple, or ſweeping ſome dirt out of it by Eccleſiaſtical Cenſures, will make the Temple it ſelf fall down, or at leaſt ſome of the carved work of it.

But a Chriſtian Souldier ſhould conſider, that what is impoſſible to be done by men or outward means in themſelves conſidered, may with the help, preſence & aſſiſtance of God be accompliſhed; ſo that in the way of dependance on God for his preſence and bleſſing, according to the promiſes made to us thereof, the Chriſtian Souldier may fall on and move forwards in the path of his duty, with ſuch an encouraged ſpirit as Paul had, Phil. 4. 13. I can do all things thro' Chriſt ſtrengthning of me. He knoweth that when God is pleaſed to work with mean & weak inſtruments, then wonders ſhall be wrought, Mark 16. 20. Ezek. 20.44.

3. Thoſe Spies diſcouraged Iſrael from going up againſt the Canaanites, by their own backwardneſs; their bad example ſet before their brethren, diſcouraged them from their duty

When thoſe who ſhould be File-leaders do fall p. 29back, and draw off in this War againſt Vice and Profaneſs, it diſanimates others from falling on and preſſing forwards againſt this Enemy? Numb. 32. Moſes knew that if the two tribes and half abſented themſelves, the Army of Iſrael would not only be weakned as to number, but their Spirits & Courage would be weakned alſo: therefore Moſes placed them in the Front of the Army, to lead on the reſt in that Expedition. When Leading men abſent themſelves, and will not afford their preſence and company to their brethren, nor contribute their advice to them how they ſhould proceed in the affairs of Chriſt's Kingdom, and againſt the Kingdom of Sin, it is a very great diſcouragement unto them.

4. Thoſe Spies who diſcouraged their brethren from going up againſt the Canaanites, were the majority in number. There were only Caleb and Joſhua, who ſtood on the Lord's ſide; theſe two were oppoſed by the other ten; ſo that theſe two were in imminent danger of being ſto…ed by the Mobile; who are ſometimes led more by number of voices, then by weight of arguments. The Kingdom of Sin and Vice is much upheld by plurality of voices, by noiſe and tumults. The Phariſees ſet the multitude againſt Chriſt, to cry out, Let him be Crucified, which was all the anſwer Pilot could get to that pertinent queſtion, What hath he done? Mark 15. 14. It's a rare thing to hear of popular clamours againſt popular prevailing Vices and Profaneſs, but not very rare to hear tumultuous noiſe againſt thoſe who ſtrive againſt, and reſiſt ſin, whereby they are diſheartned, and ready to ſay, I will ſpeak no more in the name of the Lord; I will refrain my ſelf even from that which is good, while ſuch and ſuch are before me.

Furthermore, As thoſe Spies were acted by ſinful and carnal principles (& Moſes ſuſpected the p. 30two tribes and half whom he treats with, in Numb. 32. to be acting from like evil principles) ſo from the ſame or like principles are men ſtill acted, who diſcourage others from making a vigorous oppoſition to the Kingdom of Sin in the world. Take a few inſtances.

1. Thoſe Spies were overcome with carnal fear. Numb. 13. 21. We are not able to go up againſt this people, for they are ſtronger than we; all the people we ſaw in the land are men of great ſtature, we were in their ſight as graſhoppers, &c. And being affrighted themſelves, they became ready inſtruments to diſcourage their brethren: So in the Spiritual War againſt the Kingdom of Sin, Cowardiſe doth great hurt. The fear of man is a ſnare, Prov. 29.25. Hence it is that many become partakers of other mens ſins, becauſe they are afraid to offend them by giving them a ſeaſonable reproof, or uſing proper means to reſtrain & reform them; and by ſuch fearfulneſs and faint-heartedneſs they diſcourage others, who juſtly expect that men of Eminency in Gifts, Offices, in Age, and in Grace, ſhould be moſt forward Witneſſes for Chriſt againſt growing vice.

2. The ground of that fear in thoſe Spies was this; They lookt on the work before them with an eye of carnal ſence, & not with an eye of faith. The unbelieving Spies could tell what they ſaw with their bodily eyes; whereas believing Caleb & Joſhua did put their brethren in mind of God's promiſe. Numb. 14.9. that all thoſe people ſhould be bread for Iſrael, for their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us; and therefore exhorted their brethren not to fear them: The true reaſon why that Generation did not enter into the Land of Reſt, was becauſe of their unbelief, Heb. 4.6. The Victory which the Chriſtian Souldier hath over the ſlaviſh fear of man is his faith: He that puts his truſt in the Lord, ſhall be p. 31ſafe, Prov. 29. 25. When faith is weak, then the hands hang down and the knees grow feeble, & men are unfit to do any great matter in this combate againſt ſin; and very ready then to weaken the hands of others that would be active therein; whereas thoſe who have faith in due exerciſe in their own hearts will be ſtrengthning others in their Chriſtian Warfare, as Jonathan did David; he went into the wilderneſs to him, & encouraged him, & ſtrengthned his hand in God, 1Sa 23.16.

3. Moſes ſuſpected the two Tribes and half to be acted by a ſlothful flame of ſpirit: that they were loth to take the pains to make a further conqueſt of Canaan, Numb. 32. that therefore they rather choſe to content themſelves with leſs Land, being already conquered, than to undergo the difficulties of conquering more.

A ſlothful frame of ſpirit, and love of eaſe makes many ſit ſtill and do nothing for the reſtraining of Vice, and curbing of it; and ſuch are apt to diſcourage others from ſuch attempts wherein they foreſee dangers and difficulties, will encounter them.

4. Moſes ſuſpected the two Tribes and half that petitioned for the Land on this ſide Jordan for their Inheritance, to be acted by a covetous & earthly mind; for that was ſome of the beſt Land in all Canaan which was then conquered, therefore they made great haſte to put in their Petition for that Land; and tho' they purged themſelves to Moſes at this time, yet ſome think their hearts might be too much ſet upon the Soil granted unto them, and that therefore they were of the firſt that were afterwards carried into Captivity.

Many having obtained a good portion in this world, will not expoſe themſelves to any difficulty in reſiſting the kingdom of ſin, not trouble themſelves which of thoſe two Kingdom; proſper p. 32moſt in the world, whether the Kingdom of Heaven, or the Kingdom of Sin. Such whoſe Hearts are ſet on Earthly things, have been wont to make great oppoſition to the progreſs of the Goſpel. Acts 19. 24, 29. So thoſe that love the world better than they love their Souls, are content to live without a Goſpel Miniſtry and means of Grace, on this account, becauſe they think it will ſave charges.

5. Poſſibly Moſes might ſuſpect thoſe two Tribes and half to act from a principle of direct Rebellion againſt the poſitive Command of God. Numb. 32. 10. Thus did your Fore-fathers, faith Moſes: Now their Fore-fathers were guilty of plain rebellion againſt God. Numb. 14. 4. 9. Only rebel not ye againſt the Lord. Moſes ſuſpected the ſame rebellious frame of ſpirit to be in them he now treated with, which mightly hid under the cloak of their fair and ſpecious pretences; He was afraid left there lay rooted in their hearts a principle of prevailing Enmity againſt God's poſitive Commands.

This is one chief cauſe why men diſcourage one another from vigorous eſſays and attempts to batter down the kingdom of ſin, becauſe there is in their hearts a ſecret enmity againſt Religion in the power of it, and againſt the ways of Holineſs, and a ſecret love to the ways and works of darkneſs; when ſuch enmity appears in the viſible & vileſt expreſſions and effects of it, it deſerves ſuch treatment as Paul gave to Elymas, Acts 13. 8, 10. But where if lies hid and latent, we had need take pains to examine our hearts & find it out and mortify it; for doubtleſs we have more ſin lurking in our hearts than we our ſelves are apt to be aware of.

Let us examine our ſelves, how far each of us have been guilty of diſcouraging others from uſing their beſt endeavours to ſuppreſs Vice, and p. 33to reſtrain Immorality and Profaneſs, Let's mourn for our own ſlothfulneſs, backwardneſs, unbelief and earthly-mindedneſs, and the ſecret enmity in our hearts againſt ſerious Religion. Let us fear and tremble leſt we ſhould be any way guilty for time to come of diſcouraging others from a vigorous diſcharge of their duty: Let's think of that awful word which Moſes adds, Numb. 32. 15. And ye ſhall deſtroy all this people. One Sinner deſtroys much good, Eccl. 9. 18. A few perſons who diſcourage others from walking in ways of Obedience to God's Commands, may be juſtly charged by God as the authors of the ruin and deſtruction of the whole Generation, whereof they themſelves are a part. Tho' that whole Generation that were diſcouraged by thoſe ten Spies were themſelves deſtroyed in the Wilderneſs, Numb. 32. 13. yet the ten Spies were made the peculiar Monuments of Divine Vengeance: So were Korah and his Company, who led the Congregation into rebellion againſt God. Numb. 16. So the Sons of Eli, that were wicked, and were inſtruments of leading others into ſin, and cauſing the ways of God's Worſhip to be abhorred, they were remarkably puniſhed by the Lord. Let us fear then leſt this Indictment ſhould be drawn up againſt us; ye have deſtroyed all this people by diſcouraging them from a thorow ſerious and effectual oppoſition to the Kingdom of Sin.

I ſhall conclude with a very few words to the Honourable GENTLEMEN of the ARTILLERY COMPANY, who obliged me to appear before them this day.

I doubt not of their Ingenuity to accept of this diſcourſe, as not wholly diſagreeable to the preſent Occaſion; ſeeing they have been accuſtom'd to have a Religious Improvement made of the Military Art and Terms on ſuch Opportunities p. 34as this is: and are pleaſed to preface and ſeaſon the work of the day with Hearing the Word of God and Prayer, as an evidence of their being Chriſtian Souldiers. Their Expertneſs and Eminency in the Art Military, as well as their Dignity which by their Offices, in Civil or Military Concerns they do ſuſtain; in the executing whereof they bear a part of the burden of Directing, Guiding and Leading the preſent Generation in the Land, is ſufficiently known; and gives me Ground to ſay, MUCH HONOURED!

It having pleaſed God now to call your ſelves to act on the Stage of this World, and to place you in ſuch Stations and Offices, and to qualify you with ſuch Gifts, Eſtates, and Intereſts, whereby you may very much influence the preſent Generation, and lead them forward unto vigorous endeavours for the promoting and propagating of Religion, & reforming of what is diſpleaſing unto God in our Land. I would humbly therefore Entreat you to put on Courage and play the men in this great and neceſſary War againſt this our common, open, conſtant and irreconciſeable Enemy, namely Sin. Particularly,

1. Be Entreated to make good your Leaders ground. There have been men of the former Generation in this Land, not only Eminent in their ſkill in the Art Military, but alſo Eminent Souldiers of Chriſt; But they are removed from off the Stage, very few of the former Generation are now ſurviving: While they Lived, they Served not meerly their own ſelf-intereſts, but they ſerved their Generation; and did with Zeal, Courage, Wiſdom and Diſcretion endeavour, in their ſeveral Poſts and Stations to lead that Generation whereof they were a part) to the Heavenly Canaan. They were true Calebs and Joſhua's, who did wholly follow the Lord.

p. 35Your ſelves are now Riſen up in their ſtead, to be leading and influencing men in the preſent Generation, May the God of Heaven, who hath the reſidue of the Spirit, pour it out abundantly on your ſelves, that you may by your Works and Words, and Tears, and Faith, and Prayers, both ſeverally and joyntly, with affection and diſcretion, with patience and integrity of heart, proſecute the War of our Lord Meſſiah againſt the Kingdom of Sin: That we may ſtill have reaſon to bleſs God, that tho' the Old Generation of Chriſtian Souldiers are removed from us, to inherit a Crown of Glory; yet the God of our Fore-fathers is ſtill with us and among us, influencing the hearts of our Leading Men of all Ranks and Orders, to Lead us towards Heaven.

2. Be Entreated to Conſider, That the Body of this People in New-England being ſo remarkably multiplied and encreaſed in number; and moſt of the aged and experienced Chriſtians being removed out of the World, who were wont to Counſel, Exhort, Direct & Steady others into the right path of Holineſs: Unleſs God be pleaſed to ſpirit ſome younger Chriſtians (and many of them too) to be forward and zealous in Exhorting others to their duty, and in dehorting and reſtraining others from Vice; The preſent Standing and Riſing Generation of young perſons will be in a miſerable Condition, for want of help. The Kingdom of Sin will get head very faſt among us, and will overtop Vertue; Ignorance, Error and Vice will prevail; yea, the very form of Religion will be laid aſide, unleſs God do ſpirit ſome of the younger Chriſtians, and qualify them to ſtand in the front of the Battel againſt Vice; to march forward and put forth themſelves with their utmoſt force and influence, for the curbing and reſtraining of Vice, and encouraging of Vertue and Piety.

p. 363. Conſider that God having made a gracious promiſe that he will yet new form and reform a Degenerate People for himſelf, and they ſhall ſhew forth his praiſe, Iſa. 43. 21. It will be your Glory and Comfort, to be any way ſubſervient to the promoting of this great and glorious work; and thoſe that approve themſelves faithful Servants of Chriſt in their Stations and Generations, ſhall not fail of that Crown of Glory which fadeth not away, which Chriſt hath prepared for, and promiſed to thoſe that fight the good fight, and keep the faith.

And notwithſtanding all the diſcouragements which lie in the way to weaken the Hearts, the Carriage, the force and activity of Good men in oppoſing the Kingdom of Sin; yet we may boldly ſay to them as Azariah did to Aſa, and to all Judah and Benjamin. 2 Chr. 15. 2, 7. The Lord is with you while you be with him; (i. e. in purſuing the work of Reformation, which they were then Enterpriſing) if ye ſeek him he will be found of you. Be you ſtrong therefore, and let not your hands be weak, for your work ſhall be rewarded.

FINIS.

End of the text · Samuel Danforth, The Duty of Believers to Oppose the Growth of the Kingdom of Sin (1708)