TheGoodFightofFaith

ByThomasBoston

TableofContents

Fightthegoodfightoffaith.

Doctrine:TheChristianlifeisthegoodfightoffaith,thatmustbefoughtbyallthatwouldseeheaven.

WhatSevenRespectsistheChristianLifeaLifeiftheFightofFaith

HowComefaithhasthepreferenceamongalltherestofthegracesinthisfight?

InwhatRespectsisistGoodFight?

WhyistheChristianLifeMadeaFight?

Whytheirfightiscalledafightoffaith?

WhatareSevenParticularfightsoffaith?

WhatMustWeFightAgainst?How?

Theseweaponsarewieldedtwoways.

Anothersortoffighting

Objection

No Making Head Against This Except in the Soul's Union with JesusChrist

1TIMOTHY6:12,

Fightthegoodfightoffaith.

THEApostle having givenTimothy an exhortation to several particularduties, here gives him an exhortation to the Christian life in general.Whereinwehavetwothings.

1.Adescriptionof theChristian life. It isnotaneasy, idle, inactive life;but,(1.)Afight,acombat,awrestling:fortherearemanyenemiessettokeepusout of thepromised land. (2.)A good fight.There aremany illfightsintheworld.Themenoftheworldhavemanyfightsandsquabblesaboutthisworld,thehonours,advantages,andpleasuresofit,notworththefightingfor.Butitisagoodfight,anobleandworthyfight,whereintrue valour and magnanimity appears. (3.) A fight of faith. Someunderstandthisofthedoctrineoffaith,asthatwhichistobefoughtfor.Iunderstand it rather of the grace of faith, by which the fight is to bemanaged. This comprehends the former; and is more agreeable to thepracticaldirections,ver.11,andthe"layingholdoneternallife,"whichisdoneby the grace of faith. So it is a fight to bemanaged in thewayofbelieving.

2.Thewordofcommandgiven:"Fightthegoodfightoffaith:"Agonize,likeacombatant,wrestler,putingforthyourutmostvigour.Timothywasengagedalreadyinthefight;butstillhewasinthefieldofbattle,andtheenemy not yet off the field: therefore it is said to him, Fight. Paulwasgoingoffthefield,andhesays,"Ihavefoughtagoodfight,Ihavefinishedmycourse,Ihavekept the faith,"2Tim.4:7.Timothywascomeonthefield,andtohimitwassaid,Fight.

Thedoctrinenativelyarisingfromthewords,isthis.

DOCTRINE. TheChristian life is the good fight of faith, thatmust befoughtbyallthatwouldseeheaven.

Indiscoursingthisdoctrine,weshallshew,

I.InwhatrespectstheChristianlifeisthefightoffaith.

II.Inwhatrespectsitisagoodfight.

III.Why theChristian life in thedisposalofholyprovidence, ismadeafight.

IV.Whyafightoffaith.

V.TouchatsomeparticularfightsoffaiththeChristianmayhaveinhiscourseheavenward.

I.WeshallshewinwhatrespectstheChristianlifeisthefightoffaith.Itakeupthisintheseseventhings.

1.Thereareenemiesofoursalvation,andtheremustbefaithinthesoulto set against them.Where there are not two parties, there can be nofight.Thereisnofightinginheaven,fortherearenoenemiesthere,Rev.21:25.Thereisnoneofthisfightingintheunbelievingworldneither;fortheenemieshavealltherealone,andthereisnofaithtosetagainstthem,Luke11:21.Unbeliefcarriesthemanquiteovertotheenemy'sside;itistheevilspy,thatsays,Itisneedlesstothinkonthefight.Thisfightisonlyfoundwhere faith and its oppositesmeet; and that is in theChristian'sheartandlife:Cant.6ult."WhatwillyeseeintheShulamite?asitwerethecompanyoftwoarmies."SothecombatantisonlythemanthathasgivenuphisnametoChrist,andlistedwithhim.

2. The enemywill not be quiet; hewillmake an attack on the believersettingheavenward.Hence is thatexhortation,1.Pet.5:8,"Besober,beviligant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walkethaboutseekingwhomhemaydevour."Satanmayrockhisownchildren,andlabourtokeepallquiet:themoresecuretheylie,theyareinthelesshazard to break away from him. But God's childrenmust not look forsuch treatment; their faces are away-ward from his kingdom; andthereforetheenemy'sfacewillbesetagainstthem,asaprize.

3.God'speoplemustresist:1Pet.5:9,"Whom[Satan]resiststedfast inthe faith." They must set themselves to stand their ground against all

opposition,andgrapplewiththedifficultiesintheirwaytoheaven,Luke13:24.Theymustbedeniedtotheirease,contenttoquittheirsoftbedsofease,andtakethefieldforit,andendurehardness,2Tim2:3.

4.Theymustresistbyfaith,1Pet.5:9.above-cited.Faithisthemouthofthe soul, thatmust give the shout in this battle, the hands themen ofmight must find in it, the weapon they must wield in it, both in theoffensiveanddefensivepartofit:Eph.6:16,"Aboveall,takingtheshieldof faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of thewicked."Soonemustnotonlyhavethegraceoffaith,buthemusthaveitinexercise.

5. Theymust continue in that resistance, and hold on in it: Eph. 6:13,"Take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able towithstandintheevilday,andhavingdonealltostand."TheChristianlifeisafight,andthatdenotesacontinuance.Manythinktheyshouldhaveno more ado, but whenever an enemy starts up, to lay at him with astroke,andstrikehimdown;andsobeeasyagain:andso theyperplexthemselveswithdoubts,fears,andjealousiesoftheloveofGod,becauseit is otherwisewith them, the enemy being still fresh and vigorous, Is.26:18.Butalas!Sirs,yeshouldconsider,thatthatmaybestrikingindeed,butnotafight,beingofnocontinuance.

6. Theymust lay their account with ups and downs, getting as well asgivingwoundsintheencounter.HencesaysDavid,Psal.30:7,"Lord,bythyfavourthouhastmademymountaintostandstrong:thoudidsthidethy face,andIwas troubled."PrevailingJacobhalted inhis thigh,afterhis struggle of faith with the angel. To be absolute masters over theenemy,wouldnotbethefightoffaith,butthetriumphoffaith,whichisreservedforheaven.lnthefightoffaith,theChristianmaybesettohisknees,butmustnotgiveover:yea,thoughtheenemyshouldlayhimonhisback,hemust say, "Rejoicenot againstme,Omine enemy:when Ifall, I shall arise;when I sit in darkness, theLord shall be a light untome,"Mic.7:8,andsobendtohisfeetagain.

7.Lastly,Faithhasthechief interest inthis fight.In it therewillbeusefor all the graces, the doing and suffering graces: yet the fight has itsnamefromfaith,asthatwhichhasthechiefhandinit.For,

1st, It is faith's possession that the plea is about. Life and salvation inChrist Jesus is held forth, offered, and exhibited in the gospel to thesinner; and the sinner believing in Christ, appropriates and takespossessionofitbyfaith:Cant.2:16,"Mybelovedismine,andIamhis."John 20:28, "Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and myGod." 1 John 5:11, 12, "This is the record, that God hath given to useternallife;andthislifeisinhisSon.HethathaththeSon,hathlife;andhethathathnottheSonofGod,hathnotlife."Thereisthegroundofthequarreltheenemyhas.IfthemanwillquithispleaforlifeandsalvationbyChrist,thefightisatanend;theenemyhashisdesign.butifnot,thealarmissounded,andthefightbeginstoforcehimfromit.

2dly, It is faith that holds fast the possession which the enemy wouldforce from theman. For it is the bond of union betwixtChrist and thesoul,anditisthatwhichistheholdofChristandeternallife:Heb.10:35,38, "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath greatrecompense of reward. Now the just shall live by faith." Therefore,believing,wearesaidtocleavetotheLord,toholdfastwhatwehave,&c.The securities and rights to the heavenly inheritance are the promises;faithgripesthem,andsokeepspossession.

3dly,Itisfaiththat,ofallthegraces,isthemainactorinthisfight.ThoseworthiesinHeb.11exercisedandhadneedofallthegracesoftheSpirit.There wasmuch love, humility,meekness, patience, &c. in their doingandsufferingsogreatthings:butall isascribedtofaith.Forfaithisthecaptainofall thegraces; it leads themout,putsanedgeuponthemforthe fight, andmakes themactive.And therefore, in this fight, thewordthat is given from heaven, is, "Be not afraid, only believe,"Mark 5:36,"Aboveall,takingtheshieldoffaith,wherewithyeshallbeabletoquenchallthefierydartsofthewicked,"Eph.6:16.

QUESTION.Howcomesitthatfaithhasthepreferenceamongall the rest of the graces in this fight? ANSWER. On theseaccounts,

(1.)Itisthegracethatisfirstonthefieldofbattle,andalltherestfollowit.ItisthefirstlinkofthechainofthegracesoftheSpirit,thatdrawsallthe rest after it, 1 Tim. 1:5. It is themother-grace, out ofwhosewomb

theyallcomeforth;becauseit istheunitinggracethatknitsthesoultoChrist, the fountain of fulness. So the way to get love, repentance,patience, &c. is to believe, thus it furnishes the field of battle, withfightersonChrist'sside.

(2.)Itstrengthensthemall,accordingtoitsmeasure;forthatistheruleof the dispensation of grace, "According to thy faith, be it unto thee."According as it is weak or strong, so are they: for it is not only themother-grace but the nursing grace. Faith lies as it were nearest thefountain,andisthechannelofconveyanceofsupply:soasitgetsin,theygetoutfortheirnourishment.

(3.) It brings the healing they get to their wounds. Many a time theChristian'sloveisfounderedinthisfight,andisliketobleedtodeath,byan arrow of jealousy of God shot into their breast. Faith gives thecombatantasightofthegloryofGodinthefaceofJesus;andsopullsoutthe arrow, John 2:4. Their patience is wounded, that it can no longerstand; faith brings the promise, Heb. 2:3, "For the vision is yet for anappointedtime,butattheenditshallspeak,andnotlie:thoughittarry,wait for it, because it will surely come, it will not tarry," and it setspatience to its feet again. It brings the leavesof the treeof life, appliesthemtothewounds,andhealsthem;sothefightisrenewed.

(4.) It carries on the fight, and obtains the victory: 1 Pet. 5:9, "Whomresist, stedfast in the faith." 1 John 5:4, "This is the victory thatovercomeththeworld,evenourfaith."It isbyfaiththeenemyisputtoflight,thatpartialvictoriesareobtainedduringthislife,andthatthetotalvictory is obtained at death, 2 Tim. 4:7, 8. Thus by faith the martyrsswimmedthroughaseaofbloodtotheotherside.Andhence,

4thly,Thegreatdesignof theenemy is toweaken faith,and towrest itawayoutofthecombatantshand.Itwasbyunbeliefofthethreateningofthefirstcovenant,thatSatanruinedtheworldatfirst:andnowhisgreatbusiness is, to keep men from believing the promise of the secondcovenant.Heknowsfullwelltheirstrengthliesthere;andtakeawaythat,theyshallbeasothermen,thathemaydowiththemwhathewill.

Lastly,Thegreatdesignof aholyGod, in that fight is the trial of faith.

Hencesaystheapostle,1Pet.1:6,7,"Whereinyegreatlyrejoice,thoughnow for a season (if need be) ye are in heaviness through manifoldtemptations:thatthetrialofyourfaithbeingmuchmorepreciousthanofgold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found untopraise, and honour, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ." FaithactsintrustinganunseenGod,believinghisword,livinguponthecreditof the promise. Thus the Lord will have his people to go through thewildernessofthisworld,"walkingbyfaith,notbysight."Whentheycometoheaventhetrialoffaithisover:sothereisnomorefight.

II. The second thing is, to shew inwhat respects it is a goodfight.

1.Thecauseisgood.Manyfighttocarrytheirillcausebyforce,andtheirfightingsproceedfromaneagerdesiretosatisfytheirlusts,James4:1,2.Buthere is agood fight foragoodcause, cleaving to theLordover thebellyofalldifficulties;layinghold,andkeepinghold,ofeternallife.Itisthe cause of God, the cause of Christ, the cause of the sinner's eternalsalvation, which cannot be but a good cause, to endeavour themaintenanceofagainstallopposers.

2. It is an honourable fight, worthy of a man of true valour andmagnanimity, 1Cor. 9:25–27;Prov. 16:32. Themenof theworld boastthemselves of their strength in making their part good against weakwormslikethemselves.Inthemeantimetheyareslavestothedevilandtheirlusts,andhaveneitherheartnorhandtoresistthem,butarecaptiveat pleasure. But the believer in his fight encounters more formidableenemies:Eph.6:12,"Wewrestlenotagainstfleshandblood,butagainstprincipalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of thisworld,againstspiritualwickednessinhighplaces."

3. There is a good captain in this fight, the Lord Jesus Christ, underwhosestandardthebelieverfights,Heb.2:10.Hewentontheheadofallthefightingcompanyandovercame;andhecallshispeopletomaketheirway through an armywhichhehas alreadybroken:Rev. 3:21, "Tohimthatovercomethwill Igrant tositwithme inmythrone,evenas Ialsoovercame,andamsetdownwithmyFatherinhisthrone."Heiseverattheirhand,andthecauseishis;itmustthereforeneedsbeagoodfight.

4. In regard of the good that is got even of the partial victories; thebelieversbeinghelpedtostandshocks,andgetoverthem,thoughthewarbe not ended. Hence says the apostle, Rom. 5:3, 4, 5, "We glory intribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience,experience;andexperience,hope:andhopemakethnotashamed."Thesharptrialsoffaitharehardinthetime:butareviewofbypastdangers,of the Lord's working for the soul in the time of the combat, gives anexquisite pleasure: so that theman comes to say, It is good that Iwasafflicted.

5. Lastly, In regard the final and complete victory in the end, is sure.Hencesaystheapostle,Rom.16:20,"TheGodofpeaceshallbruiseSatanunderyourfeetshortly."Manyabattlethebelievermayloseinthecourseofthewar;hemaybeshamefullyfoiled:butthoughtheenemyprevailsofar,yetthebelievershallalwaysbetheconquerorattheend.ThemenofAigotanadvantageagainstJoshua'smen:butitdidnotlast;theygotacompletevictoryatlengthoverthemenofAi.

III.WhyistheChristianlife,inthedisposalofholyprovidence,madeafight?NodoubttheLordcouldhavegivenhispeopleaconstant sunshine as well on this side as the other side ofdeath,andclearedthewayofthosearmedadversariesthatarereadytoattackthem.

1. That themembersmay be conformed to their head in their passagethroughtheworld.The life thatourLordJesushad intheworld,wasafightinglifeallalong,tillhelefttheworld,andenteredintohisglory.Itisvery agreeable then, that his followers should find it so, and so beconformedtotheirheadinsufferingaswellasinreigning:Rom.8:17,"Ifsobethatwesufferwithhim,thatwemaybealsoglorifiedtogether."2Tim.2:12,"Ifwesuffer,weshallalsoreignwithhim,"

2.Thatthenothingness,andutterunworthinessofthecreature,whichistowearthecrownofgloryforever,mayconvincinglyappear;soastheythemselvesandallothersmayseeitisowingpurelytofreegrace,nottothem,Deut.8:2.WefindtheLordusually laid thosevery lowwhomhemindedtoraiseuponhigh;asinthecaseofJoseph,Moses,andDavid:and this to stain the pride of all glory, that they might see their own

unworthiness,andthatitwaswhollyoffreegrace,andowingtonomeritof theirs.TheLord accordinglyminding tobring a select company intoheavenatlength,inthefirstplacebringsthemintothewilderness.Therethey are stung with serpents, scorched with thirst, &c. whereby muchcorruptionandweaknessappearedinthem,&c.andafterwardstheyarebroughtuntoawealthyplace.

3.Forthegreaterconfusionofthegrandadversary,who,attackedhiminperson in the world, and whom he causeth poor weak creatures totriumphover after theyhavemaintained a fightwithhim,Rom. 16:20,"TheGodofpeaceshallbruiseSatanunderyourfeetshortly."OurLordJesus overcame and baffled Satan's temptations in the wilderness. Hetriumphedoverhimonthecross,wheretheheatof thebattlewas:Col.2:15,"Havingspoiledprincipalitiesandpowers,hemadeashewofthemopenly, triumphingover them in it." Satan renews thebattle againthismembersonearth:andwhat is the issue?Thestrippling,withhis slingand stone, lays Goliath on the green. The weak believer through faithconfoundstheunitedwitandforceofmenanddevils,Luke10:19,whichtendstothegreaterconfusionoftheenemy.

4. For the greater glory of the captain of their salvation, themore fulldisplayofthefreedomofgrace,andtheefficucyofhisbloodandSpirit.(1.) Every wound the believer gets in this fight, puts a new jewel inChrist'scrown.ForeverynewwoundrequiresanewplaisterfromChrist.Thatisanewitemforthebelieverinthedebt-bookoffreegrace,andsoputshimmoreinfreegrace'sdebt.(2.)Everywoundthebelievergivesinthis fight, considering his weakness and fecklessness, and the strengthandsubtilityoftheenemy,doesthesame.

5. For that they may have a greater variety of experiences: Rom. 5:4,"Patience worketh experience; and experience, hope." The exercisedChristian is the man of most experience. There is a great variety ofpromisesinthecovenant,forthevariouscasesthechildrenofGodmaybe in: and that his people may have experience of the relish of thesepromises, he brings them into the cases to which these promises areadapted.Who finds the sap of that promise, Is. 33:16, "Bread shall begivenhim,hiswatersshallbesure," like those thatareput toa fightoffaith for their daily bread; or of that, Deut. 32:36, "For the Lord shall

judgehispeople,andrepenthimselfforhisservants;whenheseeththattheirpowerisgone,andthereisnoneshutup,orleft,like"thosewhosecaseisbroughttoanextremityinpointofhopelessness?

6.Lastly,Thatheavenmaybethemoresweettothem,whentheycometoit.Itisinthisrespectthatheaveniscalledaplaceofcomfort,Luke16:25,wipingawayof tears, rest from labours.Nonewill find rest so sweetastheweariedman.AchildofGodcome tohis journey's end,aftermanyfallsandrisings,aftermanyupsanddowns;setashoreafteradangerousvoyage,will sing thesongofMosesandof theLamb inahigher strain,thanifhehadneverbeenindangerfromhisfirstsettingout.

IV.Thefourththingis,toshewwhytheirfightiscalledafightof faith. The reason is, because by that means all the glory of thevictoriesobtainedredoundstofreegrace,nottothesinnerhimself:Rom.4:16,"It isoffaith,thatitmightbebygrace."TheLordisjealousofhisown glory, and sinfulman is very apt to ascribe something to himself;thereforefaithispitchedupon;foritsactivityliesinthesetwo.

1. In carrying the sinner quite out of himself, and from off his ownbottom. Hence believers are said to have no confidence in the flesh,Philip.3:3.Theunbeliever'sgreatstrengthliesinsummoningtogetherallthe power of his natural abilities, and in confidence thereof trying thebattle.Butfaithmakesamantobedeniedtoallhisownabilities,andnottoleantohimself,hislight,strength,&c.Andthereforeasthefireburnskeenestinthesharpfrost,sofaithactsmostvigorously,whensentenceofdeathispassedonallprobablemeans,asAbraham'sfaith.

2.InleaningupontheLordforall.HencebelieversarealsosaidtorejoiceinChristJesus,Philip.3:3.FaithgoesouttothebattleinthenameoftheLord,holdingbyhispromise,trustingthathewillmakeitout:andsoitisthemouth of the soul that sucks the sap of the promise, by a fiducialapplicationofit,andtrustinginit.

V.Iwill touchatsomeparticularfightsof faith, theChristianmayhaveinhiscourseheavenward,suchas,

1.Inacalltosomemorethanordinaryworkorduty.

2.Indesertion.

3.IntemptationsfromSatan.

4.Inafflictions.

5.Withthispresentevilworld.

6.Withsin.

7.Withdeath.

First,Thereisafightoffaith,inacalltosomemorethanordinaryworkorduty.SometimestheLordtakestrialofhispeoplebycallingthemtosomeextraordinarypieceofduty.ThusAbrahamwas calledout to thisfield,Gen.22:1;MosestobringthechildrenofIsraeloutofEgypt,Exod.3;andJonah,topreachtotheNinevites.

Here the believer gets his hands full, asmuch as he is able to wrestlewith;yea,andsometimesasmuchaslayshimby,hisfaithfailing.ThusJonahwassoputtoitinthisfight,thathegoestoflytowardsTarshish,toshifttheduty.

Now,whatmakesthedifficultyhere,are,(1.)Thehardnessoftheworkinitself,asinAbraham'scase.(2.)Adeepsenseofourinabilityforit,asinthecaseofMoses,whencommandedtobringthechildrenofIsraeloutofEgypt,Exod.4:10.ForsometimesitisthatwhichtheChristianseemsofallthingstobemostunfitfor.(3.)Thegreatdangertheremaybeinit,sothattheChristianmustrunariskinsettingaboutit.Sometimeshemustriskhisreputation,as inJonah'scase;sometimeshemustriskevenhissafety or life.Here there is a particular fight of faith to be fought.Andthereinfaithistobeexerted,

1.IncomplyingwithGod'scallinthefaithofthepromiseofstrengthforit.Hencesaystheapostle,Philip.4:13,"IcandoallthingsthroughChristwhich strengtheneth me." God never calls his people to any duty, butwhattheyhavegroundtoexpectfurnitureforfromhimselfinthewayofbelieving: "No man goeth a warfare on his own charges." God's callimplies a promise of furniture: "Theway of the Lord is strength to the

upright." And God suits the back to the burden. It is much alike thenwhether itbe littleworkand littlestrength,orgreatworkandstrengthconform.

2.Infollowingtheduty,inthefaithofdivineprotection,asfarasheseesgood.FaithtrustsGodwithone'ssafetyinthewayofduty,accordingtoth e promise, Psal. 91:11, "He shall give his angels charge over thee, tokeeptheeinallthyways."AslongasoneisfoundinthewaywhereGodbidshimgo,hemaybesureGodwillsetahedgeabouthim,andmakeallworktogetherforhisgood.

Secondly,Thereisafightoffaithindesertion.Herethebelieverisonthedarkmountains in a specialmanner, theLord in the depth of soverignwisdomwithdr awing fromhim.And in this case theremay be severalthingsveryheavy.

1. Darkness covering the believer's spirit, Is. 50:10, where! he goesmourningwithoutthesun.Theirformerlightistakaway,andcloudsandmistsarise,sotheycannotknowtheirwa

2. Indisposition for duty, proceeding sometimes from a list Lastless tocommunion with God, Cant. 5:2, sometimes from the extremity oftrouble,Psal,77:4.Sothatthesoulisnotmoreunfitforduty,thanwhenthereismostneed.

3.Anarmyofdoubtsandfearsattackingthem,doubtingoftheirlovetoGod,andGod'slovetothem,Psal.77:7,downwards.

4. The terrors of God set in battle-array against them, Job. 6:4. They"rememberGod,andaretroubled,"Psal.77:3,ThemaniscarriedcaptivefromSiontoSinai;thedischargeislost,andthelawbendsupaprocessagainsthim.Godappearsanenemy,Psal.88:15.

Nowfaith'sparthereinthisfightis,

1st, To justify God in the dispensation, Psal. 22:3, and to submit tosovereignty,Job2:9,10,believinghedothallthingswell.Themanhastodowithhimwhosewillisthesupremelaw,andsomustnotadventureto

callhimtoanaccount.

2dly,TocleavetoGodinChristbyafaithofadherence;sayingwithJob,"Thoughheslayme,yetwillItrustinhim,Job13:15.Hemustresolutelyadhere,overthebellyofdiscouragements.

3dly,Tobelieveanoutgateinduetime;sayingwiththechurch,Mic.7:8,"WhenIfall,Ishallarise;whenIsitindarkness,theLordshallbealightuntome."Hence is thatexhortation,Is.50:10,"Whoisamongyouthatfeareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, thatwalketh indarkness,andhathno light? lethimtrust in thenameof theLord,andstayuponhisGod."

4thly, To hold the conclusion of our interest, notwithstanding theargumentsdrawnfromthedivinedispensationtoproveusnaught.HencesaysJobchap.27:5,6,"TillIdie,Iwillnotremovemyintegrityfromme.My righteousness I hold fast, andwill not let it go:my heart shall notreproachmesolongasIlive."

5thly,Continuing in thewayofdutynotwithstanding;asJobdid,chap.1:20,21,who,notwithstandingall the catamites thatbefelhim,blessedGod.

Thirdly, There is a fight of faith in temptations from Satan. He is thedeclaredenemyofGodandmankind.Naturalmenhe tempts to sin, toget themkept the surer inhis gripes; the godly, that hemaymar theircommunion with God, their comfort and growth, and may make theirlivesbitter,ifhecannotgetthembackentirelytohisservice;boththathemay get God dishonoured by them. The temptations of Satan are toomanytobereckonedupparticularly;butIshalltakenoticeoftheseeightthings following, in which ye would set yourselves to fight the fight offaith.

1.Temptationstosin,aftersomeseemingorrealenjoymentofGodinordinancesorprovidences.Nothingismoreordinarythanasubtileorfurionsattackofthedevilonapersonbroughtintoabettercasethan ordinary, Cant. 5:1, 2. Thus after solemn ordinances. So afterChrist'sbaptism,Matth.4:1;andthedisciplesafterthefirstcommunion.

Satan is a proud, envious Spirit. The better it is with a soul, themorelikelyisthehonourofGodtobeadvanced,andtheirownsalvation.Andneitherof thesecan thatmaliciousspiritendure. In thiscase faith is tomanageafight,by,

1st, Believing the Scripturewarnings and instances of this: Luke 22:31,"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to haveyou, that hemay sift you aswheat." 2 Cor. 12:7. "And lest I should beexalted abovemeasure through the abundance of the revelations, therewasgiventomeathornintheflesh,themessengerofSatantobuffetme,lest I should be exalted abovemeasure."Hereby the soulwill be set towatchbefore the temptation come, and sobe inbetter case to resist it;andwhen it iscome,will see that it isnomore thanwhatGod'speoplehavemetwith.

2dly,Resisting,notinconfidenceofvows,purposes,andresolutions,thepresentframeoftheheart,orgracealreadyreceived;butinconfidenceofthe grace that is inChrist, and thenew supplies of it: 2Cor. 12:9, "Mygraceissufficientforthee:formystrengthismadeperfectinweakness."2 Tim. 2:1, "Thou there fore,my son, be strong in the grace that is inChristJesus."Itisconfidenceinwhatwehaveinourselvesthatmarsall.

2.Temptationstothesinthatoneismosteasilylaidasideunto:Heb.12:1,"Letuslayasideeveryweight,andthesinwhichdothsoeasilybesetus."Satanwillbesuretoattackyouontheweakside,whereheismostlikelytoprevail.Heknowswhatisthesinofone'sconstitution,age,calling,andthelike,andtheretosetonwherethewallisweakest.Buthethat minds for heaven, must resist, and fight against him, and that infaith.

1st,Believingthenecessityofovercoming,eveninthatparticular:Matth.5:29,30,"Ifthyrighteyeoffendthee,pluckitout,andcastitfromthee:foritisprofitablefortheethatoneofthymembersshouldperish,andnotthatthywholebodyshouldbecastintohell,Andifthyrighthandoffendthee,cutitoff,andcastitfromthee:foritisprofitablefortheethatoneofthymembersshouldperish,andnotthatthywholebodyshouldbecastinto hell." Men would do well to remember that there the one thinglacking,whichruinsall,maylie,Mark10:21.Andifthedevilcangetthe

mankeptunderthedominionofanyonelust,itwillservehispurposeforthat man's eternal ruin, though he have otherwise many good thingsabouthim.

2dly, Believing, that such temptations may be overcome and gotmastered:Luke17:6,"Ifyehadfaithasagrainofmustardseed,yemightsayuntothissycamine-tree,Bethoupluckedupbytheroot,andbethouplantedinthesea;anditshouldobeyyou."Thesetemptationsmendosonaturallyinclinetocomplywith,thattheyarereadytothink,itisinvaintooffertoresistthem,foritwillnotdo,Jer.2:25,"Thousaidst,Thereisnohope.No,forIhavelovedstrangers,andafterthemwillIgo."Thisisthelanguageofunbelief,whichfaithmustcontradict,ifonewouldstand.

3dly,Believing, that, in theuseofappointedmeans,heshallovercome,through grace and strength from the Lord: Mark 11:24, "What thingssoeveryedesirewhenyepray,believethatyereceivethem,andyeshallhavethem."This faithmakesthesoul inthiscase likeagiantrefreshedwithwine,opposingChrist'spromisedstrengthtoitsownweakness,andtheforceofthetemptation;andsobringsitoffvictorious,Is.40ult.and45:24.

3. Temptations to the grossest sins. Nobody is out of hazard ofthese, while in this world, 1 Cor. 10:12, "Let him that thinketh hestandeth,takeheedlesthefall."Satanmakesgreathellishgainbythese;hewastesanddefilestheconscience,getsGodgreatlydishonoured,andreligionexposedtoreproachbythem.Hegetsthemaskpulledoffmanyhypocrites by them; and gets sincere Christians sometimesmade to gohalting to the grave by them, Prov. 7:26. They that would see heavenmustresist,andresistinfaith,

1st, Believing that they are snares for soul-ruin, according to theword,Prov.6:27,28,"Canamantakefireinhisbosom,andhisclothesnotbeburnt?Canonegouponhotcoals,andhisfeetnotbeburnt?"andchap.1:17, "Surely invain thenet is spread in thesightofanybird." It is theworkoffaithtodiscern,bytheglassoftheword,Satan'sdevices,andartsof destruction; that the soul, seeing them so,may conceive a horror ofthem.Hencesaystheapostle,Rom.12:9,"Abhorthatwhichisevil."

2dly,Believingthatitisnotthetemptation,buttheyieldingtoit,thatwillprovokeGodagainstyou.Iown,thatsuchtemptationsareoftensentasapunishment forother sins, as Judas' covetousnesswaspunishedwith atemptation to betray Christ for money: and by such means God oftenshakeshimselflooseofhypocrites,asinJudas'case,andspuesthemoutofhismouth,leavingthemtoyieldtothem,Rev.3:16.Anditisoftenthethoughtofserioussouls,thattemptationstosinssoverygrossareasignoftheLord'shatredagainstthem:yetthatisaplainmistake;forwhatsinis there so gross but a child of Godmay be tempted to it? Asaph wastemptedtodenyaprovidence,Psal.73:13.AgursawhimselfinhazardofatheisticalcontemptofGod,Prov.30:9.Jobwas tempted toblasphemeandcurseGod,Job1:11,12.toself-murder,chap.7:15.Christhimselfwastemptedtodistrust,self-murder,andworshippingofthedevil,Matth.4.The faith of these things will be strengthening under such horridtemptations.

3dly,Believing theword condemningand forbidding these sins, and soopposing Heaven's word of command and threatening unto thetemptation.ThusourLordresistedallhistemptationsinfaith,Matth.4.Thisisfaith'swieldingtheswordoftheSpiritagainstthetempter,whichis fitted to awe the heart with the authority of God, and fill it withabhorrence of the temptation.Whenever the temptation is given, thereshouldpresentlybesomeaptScripturetoopposetoitinfaith;andasoftas thetemptation isrepeated,doyerepeat theword in faith,andSatanwillflyatlength.SoinsuchcasesyeshouldhavesuchScripturesastheseready,Deut.28:58,59;Psal.14:1;1John3:15;Eph.5:5,6.

4thly,Believing thepromises suited to thecase.There isno temptationanycanbein,butthereisapromisesuitedforitintheword,whichisthearmour faith must wield in order to overcome: 1 Cor. 10:13, God isfaithful,whowillnotsufferyoutobetemptedabovethatyeareable;butwillwiththetemptationalsomakeawaytoescape,thatyemaybeabletobear it."James4:7,"Resist thedevil,andhewill flee fromyou."Andinthe faith of the promise make resistance, not doubting but it shall beaccomplishedinyourcase:andaccordingtoyourfaithofthepromiseintheuseofmeans,soshallitbe;aswithPeteronthewater,andthearmyagainstAmalekwithMoses'handsliftup.

4.Temptationsartfullysuitedtoone'scircumstances.Satanhasahellishartofframinghistemptationsuponhisobservationofpeople'scircumstances, wherein they are most likely to take with them. ThusChristbeinganhungered,thedeviltemptedhimtodistrust,Matth.4:3.Jobwas tempted toblasphemeanddespairunderhisafflictions.Achanwas tempted to steal, a fair opportunity offering. Thus he has histemptationssuited to theageand theyoung, thepoorand therich, thejovial and those of a sorrowfulheart.Heknows, that in such a caseherowswiththestream,andismostlikelytoprevail.Butresistyeinfaith,

1st, Believing, according to the word, that Satan watcheth allopportunitiesagainstyou,1Pet.5:8."Besober,bevigilant;becauseyouradversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom hemaydevour."Thiswillmakeyoutowatchagainsthim,whentheenemyhassuchanadvantageagainstyouthathewillnotletslip.Theyhadnotneedtosleepwhoarewithintheenemy'sgunshot.

2dly,BelievingthatGod'seyeisonyou,andtheLordhasyouuponyourtrials inthatparticular,towhichyearesotempted.HencesaysJoseph,Gen. 39:9, "How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?Men'scorruptheartsareapttothink,whenafairoccasionofsinningliesbeforethem,thatnowisthetimetogratifythelust;buthappyweretheycouldtheythink,now,hereisatrialforme,andGodislookingontoseehowIwillbehave.

3dly,Believingthatasthedevilsuitshistemptations,soChristsuitshishelp and assistance, to the circumstances of poor sinners: so thatresolvingtoresist,youmaysay,Therearemorewithusthanagainstus,1Cor.10:13,forecited.Whateverwaythestreamrunsforyourcompliancewiththetemptation,stretchoutyourwitheredhandstoswimagainstit,infaithofyourthroughbearinguponthegroundofGod'sfaithfulness,Is.40:28–30.

5.Temptationsfromonesintoanother.Satanknows,thatonesinmakeswayforanother;andthattogetinhisfingeronce,isthewaytogetinhiswholehandafter.SoEve'slustfullooktotheforbiddenfruit,madewayforhertaking,takingforeating,thatforgivingtoherhusbandandhiseating:andsothewholeworld'sruinwascompleted,Gen.3:6.Thusit

isusual forSatan toprevailwith those thathaveyielded tohim inonetemptation, to lie for covering it again. And some sins natively lead toothers;as inthewellknownstoryofthethreesinsonewastemptedto.Thusdrunkennessmakesmenaneasypreytouncleanness,Prov.23:33.Andsomewhenoncethedevilhasgotthemtobeharlots,thetemptationfrom that, and from their credit, has made them murderers: somemurderingtheirchildrenaftertheyareborn,somebeforetheyareborn,goingabouttodestroytheirconceptions;thelatteraswellastheformermurderers,andguiltyof innocentblood inadegreebeyondOnan,Gen.38:9,whomtheLordhimselfslewasamurderer.Butyemustresist,andthatinfaith.HappytheyWhoresistthebeginningsofsin,whocrushtheviperinthebud:butwhenyearefallenintothesnare,fightagainstthetemptationtoaddsintosin,ortocoveronesinwithanother.

1st,Believing,thatthereismercyforpenitents,butnoneforthoseWhohardenthemselvesintheirwickedness:Prov.28:13,"Hethatcoverethhissins, shallnotprosper:butwhoso confessethand forsaketh them, shallhavemercy."Nay,thereisnotamorereadywayunderheaventoexposesinnerstothearrowsofGod'swrath,thantobehardenedinwickedness,Deut29:19,20.

2dly,Believing,thatthedesignofthetemptationtoonesinfromanother,isplainlytheruinofthesoul,thatthedevilmaygetthepersonsodeepintothemire,thathemayneverwinoutagain.ThushedroveJudasfromthebetrayingofChrist, intoanattackagainsthisown life.For thus theonesinbecomesaneed-nailtotheother,shuttingupthesoulundertheguiltofit,nottoberemovedbutbyamiracleofmercy.

3dly,Believing,thatalltheshame,andpain,andmiserythatcanfollowintheworld,upononesin,isnottobelaidinthebalancewiththewrathof God, that is kindled against the sinner by running into another sinbecausehehasbeenguiltyofone,Matth.16:26.Thisallsuchassodowillfind, either in thisworld,or inhell,whenGodshallmakeall their sinstogetherlieontheirownheads.Forsoonerorlatersinwill findouttheguilty,Numb.32:23.

4thly, Believing the promise of pardon through the Redeemer's blood,howeveratrociousandheinousthesinis:1John1:7,"ThebloodofJesus

ChristhisSoncleansethusfromallsin."Someareledonfromonesintoanother, because they haveno sense of the ill anddanger of it to theirsouls:thefaithofGod'stestimonyoftheirsinwouldcurethis,andmakethemcryout,Undone.Othershaveasecretdespairoffindingmercy,andsotheyproceedfrom,eviltoworse:butthefaithofthepromiseofpardonwouldcurethat:Is.1:18,"Comenowandletusreasontogether,saiththeLord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;thoughtheyberedlikecrimson,theyshallbeaswool."

5thly,Believingthepromiseofrenewedstrengtheventothosethathaveslighteditbefore,Jer.3:14.Theywhohavebeenfoiledbyonetemptation,may get victory over another. Theymayhave taken a large step on thedevil's ground,who yet looking to Christ by faith,may stop and go nofurther,Psal.65:3.

6. Temptations suddenly and surprisingly cast in, andresolutelycontinued,2Cor. 12:8.TheseareSatan's fierydarts,Eph.6:16.Thisisafuriousassaultofthedevil,whichheoftenmakesuseofinblasphemous or other diabolical injections into the minds of poorsinners;where thesoul is innobettercase thanone,whodescendingathatched house, no sooner gets one fire-ball quenched, but another isthrown in on him. If at any time this be your case, set to vigorousresistance,infaith,

1st,Believing,thattheseareyourafflictionandtrial,butnofurtheryoursin than you yield or consent to them. This is clear from the horribleSatanical suggestionsmade toourSaviour,Matt.4.whileyet therewasnosin inhim.Satandoeswith theseasharlots laying theirbratsat thedoor of honest matrons, so confounding, perplexing, and hurrying thepoortemptedsinner,thatheisapttotakethevoiceofSatanforhisownvoice.Butunlessyeyieldtothem,andembracethem,Satan,andonlyhe,shallbeaccountableforthem.

2dly, Adhering resolutely by faith to the Lord Jesus, in that hour andpowerofdarkness,asyourLordandSaviourdid.ThusourLordgaveusanexample,John12:27,"Nowismysoultroubled;andwhatshallIsay?Father,savemefromthishour:butforthiscausecameIuntothishour."Ifeverthatresoluteadherenceisnecessary,itisnecessaryatsuchatime:

Is.50:10,"WhoisamongyouthatfeareththeLord,thatobeyeththevoiceofhisservant,thatwalkethindarkness,andhathnolight?lethimtrustin the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God." The great end anddesignofthetempterbythesefuriousattacks,is,todrivethepoortossedtempted creature from his hold of Christ: but we should be like thetraveller in thewindy day, that holds his cloak the faster the harder itblows.

3dly,Believing,thatthereisnosafetyinparleyingwiththetempter,butever and anon the temptation is to be rejectedwith abhorrence. ItwasEve'sparleywiththetempter,thatlaidthefoundationoftheruinoftheworld by the first sin, Gen. 3. Setting on the Second Adam, he got hisanswerarefusal,withabhorrenceofhisproposal,immediately,Matth.4.Thesesuggestionsarenotsofartobelistenedto,asthatoneshouldthinkwith himself whether he should comply with them or not. "The Lordrebukethee,"istheshortandsafeanswer.

4thly, Believingly opposing the Lord's word to them, which condemnsandforbidsthethingstemptedto.InthosetemptationsourSaviourmetwith,whichwereshockingeventothelightofnature,itisremarkablehestill opposes scripture to them, Matth. 4:7, 10. For that is a divineordinanceforrepellingoftemptation,tobereiteratedinfaithasoftenasSatanrepeatshistemptation.

5thly,Believing,thatthereisgraceinChristJesussufficientforrepellingthesemost violent temptations, and that it is sufficient for you in yourcase in particular, Hence says our Lord, 2 Cor. 12:9, "My grace issufficientforthee:formystrengthismadeperfectinweakness."IfSatanprevail so far as to cause the tempted to think, that the violence of thetemptationissogreatthatitisnotpossibleforthemtostandagainstit;this is suchaweakeningof faith, that thebreachcanhardlymiss tobemadethere,asabreakingforthofanhighwallinaninstant.AndSatancannotobtainitofthetemptedbutbyturninghiseyesawayfromChristintohimself;Therefore,inthathourofdarkness,letthetemptedkeephiseye on the fulness of strength in Christ for him: 2. Tim. 2:1, "Thoutherefore,myson,bestronginthegracethatisinChristJesus."

6thly, Believing the promise of victory to the poor struggler with

temptation: Jam.4:7, "Resist thedevil, andhewill flee fromyou."Thefaithof thevictory isnecessary toanimate the tempted to continue thestruggle,andwillmakehiminthetemptationtobelikeagiantrefreshedwithwine, andwill undoubtedlybringhimoff victorious at length.Forthereisthedecision,"Accordingtothyfaith,sobeituntothee."

7. Temptations striking at the very foundations of faith andreligion, such as against the being of God, and the divineauthority of the scriptures, Psal. 14:1. and 73:13. These are mostdangerous, but they are what the devil himself cannot prevail withhimselftobelieve;thoughhefainwould,yethecannotbeanatheist,noraninfidelastothescriptures,Jam.2:19.Buthesometimeswouldpalmthesefoulatheisticalprinciplesonpoorsinners,evensaintsofGod,whowant not an atheistical principle in them to work upon. If at any timeSatanattackyouwithsuchtemptations,yemustresistthem,

1st,Believing, that theyare the spawnof theold serpent in the corruptheart,thehissingofthecrookedserpent:Psal.14:1,"Thefoolhathsaidinhisheart,ThereisnoGod."HenceitissaidofthebeastinRev.13:6that"heopenedhismouthinblasphemyagainstGod,toblasphemehisname,andhistabernacle,andthemthatdwellinheaven."Thisisthereceptionthey should get immediately, faith discerning the devil's cloven foot inthemattheirveryfirstappearance.Whethertheycomeimmediatelyfromthedevil,orfromthecorruptheartitselfmovedbySatan,itisallacaseinthispoint;believethemtobehellish,devilish,mostabominable,andtobetreatedwiththeutmostabhorrence.Andthesooneryegivethemthatentertainment,thevictorywillbethemoreeasyandspeedy.

2dly,Resolutelybelievingthefoundation-principleswhichthetemptationstrikes against, over the belly of the Satanical objections mustered upagainstthembeforeyou,thoughyebenotabletoanswerthoseobjectionsorloosethedifficulties:Heb.11:6,"HethatcomethtoGod,mustbelievethatheis,andthatheisarewarderofthemthatdiligentlyseekhim."2Tim.3:16,"AllscriptureisgivenbyinspirationofGod,andisprofitablefordoctrine,forreproof,forcorrection,forinstructioninrighteousness."Andhenceisthatexhortationoftheapostle,Eph.6:16,"Aboveall,takingtheshieldoffaith,wherewithyeshallbeabletoquenchallthefierydartsofthewicked."

There is not wanting store of reasons to support the great foundation-principlesof religion;andnothingbutsophistrycanbebroughtagainstthem, which reason sufficiently enlightened may discover. There areconvincing arguments for the being of a God, and the authority of thescriptures, to be used against atheists. But when ye are assaulted withthesetemptations,Idarenotadviseyoutothewayofdisputingwiththetempter,buttothewayofbelieving;nottothebringingreasonsfortheseprinciplesagainsthim,andansweringhishellishobjectionsagainstthem,but to a resolute holding of the conclusion over the belly of all hisobjections;because,

(1.)Theyarefirstprinciples,andyearenotobligedtodisputethemwithany, unless it were to keep an opposer from ruin, as in the case ofatheists.Butthishasnoplaceinacombatwiththedevil,ofwhomthereisnohope.

(2.)Becausethedevilisanintercommunedspirit,withwhomwearenotto commune and enter into reasoning without a special call. Our Lordhimself,thoughhecouldhavereasonedthedeviloutofit,yethetooknotthat method, but just opposed to his temptations the testimony ofscripture.And it is certainly the safestway forus,whateverwehave tosayintemptation,tosayittoGod,ratherthantothedevil.

(3.)Becausethedevil isadisputanttoosubtle forus,andinthewayofwit and reasonmayquickly over-reachus. Imakenoquestion, but thedevilisaphilosopheranddivinefarbeyondanyofourgreatestscholars:andmenmay expect from himmost subtle turns of wit to elude theirarguments, and to start objectionswhich itwill not be easy to answer.Andthereforeitisnotsafetoengageindisputewithhim.

But do ye resolutely believe the principles you have received on divineauthority, which ye have no reason to quit on the devil's contrarytestimony,thoughhepretendreasonforit,sinceheisknowntobealiarandmurderer.Thistheapostleprescribes,Eph.6:16.forecited.Andthismethod of holding by the conclusion resolutely,while the sinner is notcapabletoanswertheobjections,isrecommendedtousbythepracticeofthe saints, Jer. 12:1;Matt. 15:25. Therefore, while Satan casts in these

temptations,orraisestheminyourheart,enteryourprotestationagainstthem,(cryingoutofviolenceandwrong),thatyouallowthemnot,youdobelieve,andwillthroughhisgracebelievethesefoundations,andwillnotquitthem.

3dly, Believing and applying the promise of saving illumination, andteachingoftheSpirit.It is lightfromtheLordhimself,thatmustdispelthemists that Satan raises in the corrupt heart,wherein thesehorribletemptations do take place.Hence says our Lord to Peter,Matth. 16:17,"BlessedartthouSimonBar-jona:forfleshandbloodhathnotrevealedituntothee,butmyFatherwhichisinheaven."1Cor.2:12,"Nowwehavereceived,notthespiritoftheworld,butthespiritwhichisofGod;thatwemightknowthethingsthatarefreelygiventousofGod."Andthislightisbrought in,by faith'sapplying thepromisessuited to thecase.Of thesearemany,suchasHeb.8:11;John17,and14:21.AndthetemptedshouldlifthiseyesuntotheLord,thathemaysoshineinhisword,intohissoul,asthathislightmaydispelthedarkness,accordingtohispromise.

4thly,Believingthescriptureaccountsofthesethings,ofthosemysteriesof providence from whence Satan raiseth these temptations. Satansometimes observes the spirits even of saints fretted and rankled withlong and sore afflictions, their prayers not heard and answered, thewicked prospering, and they in great distress: and here he plants hiscannon, to beat down from these, even the foundations of all religion.Thus he dealt with Asaph, Psal. 73:12, 13, 14. And he resists him bybelievingthescriptureaccountofthosemysteriesofprovidence,vers.16–18.ThisisthewaytoundermineSatan'sbattery,torasethefoundationsonwhichhebuilds.

Whatwill thatmalicious spiritmake of the long and sore distresses ofGod's people, and the prosperity of the wicked, against the being ornatureofGod,andthecertaintyofhisword?Thesunmayhidehisheadlonginastormywinter;butwillanysaytherefore,thereisnosun,orthattheordinancesof theheavens failandmisgive?Isnotonedaywith theLordasathousandyears,andathousandyearsasoneday?Dothnotthescripture shew, that the wicked are raised on high, that they may fallmore grievously? Is there not a judgment to come, and a long eternityenoughtoshewGod'sgoodpleasureinthevesselsofhismercy,andhis

wrath against the vessels of wrath, though neither the godly have twosummers,northewickedtwowinters,inoneyear?Havenotprayerslainlongover,thatyethavegotagraciousansweratlength?Zech.7:3;James5:11.

Thusbelievingisthemethodofresistinginthesetemptations.Howbeit,whenyeareoutoftheshockoftemptationinthesematters,itwouldbeofgoodusetofortifyandconfirmyourfaithofthefoundationprinciplesofreligion,withallthereasonsandargumentsyecandrawtogetherforthem.

8. Lastly, Temptations of delusion. This is a kind of temptationmosthardtoresist,Satanthereintransforminghimself intoanangeloflight, andpressing to sin under thenotion of duty, 2Cor. 11:14. It is agreattrialoffaith,Matth.24:24;agreatandfearfulplaguewhereittakes,Is.66:4;2Thess.2:11,12,andhasalwaysalamentableupshot,accordingtothenaturethereof,Is.1.ult.Butyemustresistinfaith,

1st, believing your own weakness and darkness in yourselves, togetherwiththediligenceofSatanthegreatseducer,accordingtothescripture,2Cor. 3:5, "We are not sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as ofourselves:butoursufficiencyisofGod.1Pet.5:8,"Besober,beviligant;becauseyouradversarythedevil,asaroaringlion,walkingaboutseekingwhomhemaydevour."Itisself-conceit,ahighopinionofourowngreatattainments,thatmostreadilybetraysmenintothesnareofdelusion;fortheseareinlittlefearofSatan'swiles,andsoarethemoreeasilycaughtinhissnare.

2dly, Believing the holy scriptures to be the only rule of faith andmanners,andafullandperfectrule;andtoimproveitso:Is.8:20,"Tothelawandtothetestimony:iftheyspeaknotaccordingtothisword,itisbecausethereisnolightinthem."Thereisanitchinthenatureofman,tobewiseabovewhatiswritten;andsometimesSatanhasmadehisgainthereofbyvisions,voices,dreams, impressions,andimpulses.But inallsuchcasestakeheadtoyourselves,thatSatandeludeyounot:butbringthematter to thewordwritten,and therebyexamine it.What isofGodwillabidethetrialbythattouch-stone;andthemorecloselyitisbroughtto the word, it will appear themore clear: what is not so, will lose its

lustrethere,asillwaresbroughtouttothelightofthesun.Andthereforethoseunderdelusionaremighty loathetoexaminebytheword:1John4:1,"Beloved,believenoteveryspirit,buttrytheSpiritswhethertheyareofGod;becausemanyfalseprophetsaregoneoutintotheworld.2Pet.1:18, 19, "And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when wewere with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word ofprophecy;whereunto ye dowell that ye take head, as unto a light thatshinethinadarkplace,untilthedaydawn,andtheday-starariseinyourhearts." The holy scripture is the statedway of communication betwixtheavenandus: it is from theHolySpirit, and it isnotpossible thatheshouldcontradicthimself,Is.59.ult.Therefore"thoughwe,oranangelfromheaven,preachanyothergospeluntoyou,thanthatwhichwehavepreacheduntoyou,lethimbeaccursed,"Gal.1:8.

Lastly, Believing the promise of guidance into all truth, John 16:13,"Howbeit,whenhetheSpiritoftruthiscome,hewillguideyouintoalltruth:forheshallnotspeakofhimself;butwhatsoeverheshallhear,thatshall he speak: and hewill shew you things to come." Psal. 25:2, "Themeekwillheguideinjudgment:andthemeekwillheteachhisway."Thesoulthusemptiedofitself,andleaningtotheLordChristforhisteaching,willnotwantteachingintheuseofmeans.HencesaysthePsalmist,Psal.28:7,"TheLord ismystrengthandmyshield;myheart trusted inhim,andIamhelped."OurLordJesusistheappointedleaderandguideofhispeople,Is.55:4.HeisgivenofGodforalightofthepeople.Hehassetusourways-marks in this as in all other cases. Divinemanifestations arealways sanctifying andhumbling; delusions puff up, and leave the soulalways as unholy as they found it. Divinemanifestations have ever animmediate tendency to holiness; delusions have always a tendency tounholiness.Andevenwhendutyispressedindelusion,itwillreadilybefound either out of season, or not the duty of one's station, or to havesomesuchflawinitorother.

Fourthly, There is a fight of faith in afflictions: Heb. 10:32, "Call toremembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, yeendured a great fight of afflictions." One may as well think to travelwithoutthefliesannoyinghiminahotsummerday,astogothroughtheworld withoutmeeting with afflictions. They are common to good and

bad. In the Lord's way one cannot miss them: Acts 14:22, "We mustthroughmuchtribulationenterintothekingdomofGod."Inthewayofsinonewillmeet them too:Eccl. 10:8, "He thatdiggethapit, shall fallinto it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him."Sovereignty distributes them, to some more, to others less; but to all,some.Thenativeeffectofafflictionsontheguiltycreature, istodriveitawayfromGod,(howevertheyareoftturnedtogood);evenasthelashofawhipnativelydrivesawayhimthatislashed,fromhimthatlasheth.Sothatitisowingtosomethingelsethattheydogoodtosinners.Andthat,

1.Toawordofdivineappointment.AfflictionsareanordinanceofGodforgoodtopoorsinners:Is.27:9,"BythisthereforeshalltheiniquityofJacob be purged, and this is all the fruit to take away his sin." And adivine appointment will alter the nature and operation of a thing. Thesavour of burnt flesh is very unpleasant, but the divine ordinance ofsacrificingmadeitasweetsavour,Gen.8:21.Claylaidonone'seyesisameannativelytomakeoneblind:yet,byvirtueofadivineordinance, itcured blindness, John 9:6, 7. So afflictions natively, or of themselves,driveawaythesoulfromGod,but,byvirtueofadivineordinance,leadittohim.

2.Toareceivingoftheminfaith:2Cor.4:17,18,"Forourlightaffliction,which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding andeternalweightofglory;whilewe looknotat the thingswhichare seen,butat the thingswhicharenot seen: for the thingswhichare seen,aretemporal;butthethingswhicharenotseen,areeternal."SeeHeb.11:35–39.Whoeverwouldprofitbyadivineordinance,mustreceiveitinfaith,Heb.4:2.Fortoeverydivineordinancethereisapromiseannexedtobebelieved:andthepromisebeingbelieved,theordinancehasitseffect.Sothatweseeafflictionsdogoodtosome,toothersnogood,butill:Why?Itisfaithandunbeliefthatmakethedifference.

Whereforeyemustfightinfaithagainstthenativetendencyofafflictions inthemselves.Andifyeask,What is that tendencyin afflictions on the guilty creature, which he must fightagainst?and,Howmustonefightinfaithagainstit?Ianswerinthesixfollowingparticulars.Itis,

1.To impress thepersonwith theapprehension thatGod ishis enemy,and that he is seeking his ruin: 2 Kings 6. ult. Even Job himself wascarried awaywith this hard thought ofGod, Job 33:10, 11, "Behold, hefindethoccasionsagainstme,hecountethmeforhisenemy.Heputtethmy feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths." Guilt lying on theconscience, makes it full of hard thoughts of God, and terribleforebodings.Whenevertheguiltysoulhearsfromheavenbyaffliction,itis ready to strike in his mind, Now this is for my sin, and God isproclaimingwaragainstmetoruinme.Henceafflictionisseveraltimesthemeansofawakeningthesecuresinner;thoughhecannevercometoGodtillhebelieve.

Now,yemustfightagainstthisinfaith,

1st,Believing,thatthoughallyourafflictionsareinfalliblesignsofGod'shatredofyoursin,andhisseekingtheruinofit;yetnoafflictiononyouinthisworldcanbesuchasignofGod'shatredofyourpersons,andhisseekingyourruin,Eccl.9:1,2.No,no;God'sdearestchildrenmayhaveasheavyafflictionsontheirbacks,asanyotherpersonsintheworld,Psal.73:12,14.Andnowonder,sinceGod'sonlybegottenSonhadtheheaviestburdenofafflictionsthateverwasonthebackofaman.

2dly, Believing, that afflictions are God's ordinance for good to theafflicted, even as really as is the preaching of the word to them: Prov.29:15, "The rod and reproof give wisdom." They are the discipline ofGod'shouse,asthewordisthedoctrineofit:Heb.12:6,"ForwhomtheLordloveth,hechasteneth,andscourgetheverysonwhomhereceiveth."Sothedesignoftherodisyourgood,asthedesignofphysicisthehealthofthepatient;though,inthemeantime,one,bymisguidingunderit,mayindeedkillhimself;evenasone,bynotcomplyingwiththedesignoftheafflictionmaywound his own soul. It is certain, that afflictions have awordofdivineappointmentforgood;thereisablessingannexedtothembypromise:buthowcanyeshareofit,ifyedonotbelievethemtobeanordinanceofGodforgood?

3dly,Believing, thatGodby thesemeans is seekingyourgood,asusingtowardsyoutheverysamemeansthathedoestowardsthedearestofhischildren:2Pet. 3:9, "TheLord isnot slack concerninghispromise, (as

somemencountslackness,)butislong-sufferingtous-ward,notwillingthat any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." Rev.3:19,"AsmanyasIlove,Irebukeandchasten:bezealousthereforeandrepent."Shouldaphysiciangiveyoutheverysameremedythathegivesto his own child, sick of your disease; what but unreasonable jealousyshouldmakeyouthinkhedesignsilltoyou?Andwhatbutunbeliefthencan it be thatmakes you think, that God seeks your ruin by affliction,withwhichheworksthecureofhisown?

4thly,Believingthepromiseannexedtothatordinance,withapplicationtoyourselves, thatyouraffliction, throughhisgrace, shalldoyougood:Is.27:9,"BythisthereforeshalltheiniquityofJacobbepurged,andthisisallthefruittotakeawayhissin."Zeph.3:12,13,"Iwillalsoleaveinthemidst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in thenameoftheLord.TheremnantofIsraelshallnotdoiniquity,norspeaklies: neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in theirmouth: for theyshallfeedandliedown,andnoneshallmakethemafraid."Thisisthewaytopartakeoftheefficacyoftheordinanceofaffliction;anditisthefaithofitthatmakesthesaintswelcometherod,tobepatientunderit,andtocomply with the design of it,Micah 7:8, 9; while those that expect nogoodofthem,getaslittlemanytimes.

2.TotakeallheartandhandfromhiminhisapproachestoGod.Hencesays thePsalmist, Psal. 77:3, "I rememberedGod, andwas troubled: Icomplained,andmyspiritwasoverwhelmed.Theguiltyconsciencetakesup the affliction, and just knocks him down with it, fells him with itbeforetheLord.HeisfilledwithconsternationbeforeanangryGod,andhisheartfails,andcanlookfornogoodattheLord'shand,1John3:20,21.Theafflictionliessoheavyuponthepoorsinner,thathecannotthinkthereisanyhopeofGod'shearinghisprayers,ormakinghimwelcometothethroneofgrace.HencesaysJobchap.9:16,17,"IfIhadcalled,andhehadansweredme;yetwouldInotbelievethathehadhearkeneduntomyvoice. For he breakethmewith a tempest, andmultipliethmywoundswithoutcause."Butyemustfightagainstthisinfaith,

1st,Believing,thattherearebowelsofcompassioninGod,whilenothingbut frowns appear (Psal. 130:1, 7.) in his countenance. And it is faith'swork,totakeupthesebowelsofmercyinasafflictingGod.QUESTION.

Whatwayshalloneperceivethem?ANSWER.Whileyebeholdhisangerinhisprovidences,yemustlooktohiswordbyfaith,andthereyewillseethese bowels of mercy: Is. 49:14–17, "But Zion said, The Lord hathforsakenme, andmyLordhath forgottenme.Can awoman forget hersucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of herwomb? yea, theymay forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I havegraventheeuponthepalmsofmyhands,thywallsarecontinuallybeforeme. Thy children shallmake haste; thy destroyers, and they thatmadetheewaste, shallgo forthof thee."Chap.63:9, "Inall theirafflictionhewasafflicted,andtheangelofhispresencesavedthem:inhisloveandinhispityheredeemedthem,andhebarethem,andcarriedthem,all thedaysofold.Andyemaybehelpedhereto,byconsideringtheheartofafathersmitinghisownchild;where,inasense,theheartgoesnotalongwith thehand.Thus the churchprays, but in faith: Is. 63:15, 16, "Lookdownfromheaven,andbeholdfromthehabitationofthyholinessandofthyglory:whereisthyzealandthystrength,thesoundingofthybowels,andofthymerciestowardsme?aretheyrestrained?Doubtlessthouartourfather,thoughAbrahambeignorantofus,andIsraelacknowledgeusnot: thou, O Lord, art our father, our redeemer, thy name is fromeverlasting."Andthis thechurchdoth,andthatongoodgrounds,Lam.3:33,"Forhedothnotafflictwillingly[Heb.fromhisheart]norgrievethechildrenofmen."

2dly, Believing the testimony ofGod'sword, as to instances of personsthathavehadGod'sheart towards them,whilehishandhasbeen lyingheavyonthem.ThusitwaswithGideon,Judg.6:12,13.ThusitwaswithJob: hewasmost dear toGod, yet hewas given up unto the power ofSatan to afflict him. And thus it was with a cloud of witnesses. Thesethings are written for your learning; that ye, through patience andcomfortoftheScriptures,mighthavehope.

3dly,Believing thepromise of hearing theprayers of the afflicted,withapplicationtoyourselves:Psal.50:15,"Calluponmeinthedayoftrouble;I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorifyme." Oppose this promise infaith,tothedishearteningoperationoftheafflictionuponyoubeforetheLord: take this cordial by themouthof faith,when yebegin to faint inyourapproaches toGod.Soshall ye "liftup thehands thathangdown,

andthefeebleknees."Isthereasecretwhisper,thatyouaresoafflictedthatyouneednotpray?Itisthesurmiseofunbelief.Sayye,SinceIamsoafflicted,Iamcalledtopray,James5:13,"Isanyamongyouafflicted?lethim pray:" and there is a particular encouragement in my case, Psal.102:17,"Hewillregardtheprayerofthedestitute,andnotdespisetheirprayer."

3.TofrightenthesinnerawayfromGod.Thusourfirstparentssawtheywerenaked,andpresentlyfledtohidethemselvesfromtheLord.Whentheconscienceisfiredwithguiltunderaffliction,itsnaturalmotionistorunawayfromGod:1Sam.6:20,21,"AndthemenofBethshemeshsaid,WhoisabletostandbeforethisholyLordGod?andtowhomshallhegoup from us? And they sent messengers to the inhabitants ofKirjathjearim, saying,ThePhilistineshavebrought again the arkof theLord; come ye down, and fetch it up to you."Hence the sorrow of theworldissaidtoworkdeath,becausethemoredeeponeisdrenchedinit,thefartherhegoesfromGod.Satanknowsthisverywell,andthereforeishesoeagertohavesinnersafflicted,andtomaketheirlivesbitterwithit;thoughheissometimesoutshotinhisownbow,asinJob'scase.Butyemustfightagainstthisinfaith,

1st, Believing, that God sends on afflictions, not to frighten the sinnerfrom him, but to bring the sinner to him:Hos. 4. ult, "The wind hathboundherup inherwings,and theyshallbeashamedbecauseof theirsacrifices,"Chap.5:1,"Hearyethis,Opriests,andhearken,yehouseofIsrael,andgiveyeear,Ohouseoftheking;forjudgmentistowardyou,becauseyehavebeenasnareonMizpah,andanetspreaduponTabor."It is indeed God's ordinary method to bring home runaways andbacksliders:Hos.2:6,7,"Therefore,behold,Iwillhedgeupthywayswiththorns,andmakeawall,thatsheshallnotfindherpaths.Andsheshallfollowafterherlovers,butsheshallnotovertakethem;andsheshallseekthem,butshallnotfindthem:thenshallshesay,Iwillgoandreturntomy first husband, for then was it better with me than now." Satan'sdesignisonethinginthem,andGod'sdesignanother:andthoughSatanrowwiththestream,atouchfromthehandofGodonthesinner'sheartwillcarryhispurpose.

2dly,Believing,thatnonecanbettertheircasebyrunningawayfromthe

Lord:howeverhardtheircasemayseemwithhim,theycannevermendthemselvesatanotherhand.HencesaidSamueluntothepeople,1Sam.12:21,"Turnyenotaside:forthenshouldyegoaftervainthings,whichcannotprofitnordeliver,fortheyarevain."Andhencewefind,thatPetersaidtochrist,John6:68,"Lordtowhomshallwego?thouhastthewordsof eternal life." The sinner under affliction is often like Hagar, "flyingfromthefaceofhermistressSarai,Gen.16:8:andthatisthebestcoursewhichtheangeloftheLorddirectedHagarunto,ver.9namely,toreturntohermistress,andsubmitherselfunderherhands.JonahfledfromthepresenceoftheLord,andshunningthejourneytoNineveh,casthimselfintoawhale'sbelly.Andthosethattakecourseintheiraffliction,willnotspeedbetter.

3dly, Believing your welcome unto, and certain reconciliation with anoffended God through christ, 2 cor. 5:19, 20, "God was in Christ,reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses untothem;andhathcommitteduntousthewordofreconciliation.NowthenweareambassadorsforChrist,asthoughGoddidbeseechyoubyus:wepray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled toGod."Godwas never soangrywithanyofAdam'schildren,buthewasreadytolaybyhisangerfor the sake of Christ, apprehended by faith. The whole tenor of thegospelholdsoutthistruth:andthelawissufferedtolashthesinner,andafflictionsarelaidonhim,totheveryendthathemayimproveitforhisreconciliationwithGod.

4.Tobringthesinnertocastoffreligion,andtolayasidethedutiesofit.Hence says Christ of the stony ground hearers, Matth. 13:21, "Whentribulationorpersecutionarisethbecauseoftheword,byandbytheyareoffended." Thus we find a profane generation arguing the vanity ofreligion,andthedutiesofit,fromtheirafflictedandlowcircumstances,Mal.3:14,15,"Yehavesaid,ItisvaintoserveGod:andwhatprofitisit,that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walkedmournfullybeforetheLordofhosts?Andnowwecalltheproudhappy:yea,theythatworkwickednessaresetup;yea,theythattemptGodareevendelivered."No lessaman thanAsaphwasnear tohave turnedatheiston thisveryscore,under a strong temptation,Psal. 73:12, 13, 14, "Behold," sayshe,"thesearetheungodly,who,prosperintheworldtheyincreaseinriches.

Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands ininnocency.ForallthedaylonghaveIbeenplagued,andchastenedeverymorning."And so it has faredwithmany,who in their prosperity havekeptupaformofreligion,thattheirspiritshavebeenquitesouredastoreligionintheiradversity,andtheyhavevisiblygivenupwithit;likethemixedmultitudeinthewilderness.

Hereisgreatneedtofightthefightoffaith,

1st,Believingthatprosperityisnottiedtoreligion,noryettoirreligion:butwhich of theways soever one takes, afflictionwillmeet him in theworld,Eccl. 9:2, "All things come alike to all; there is one event to therighteous and to the wicked," &c. If men take up religion for worldlyprosperity, no wonder they be baulked of their expectation, and lay itaside again upon the disappointment. But their laying it asidewill notsecure them from affliction. Therefore men should look so to religionitself, as to be wedded to it for its instrinict value. But in the way ofreligionmenmayfindagoodconscienceunderaffliction,whiletheyfindanillconscienceinthewayofcastingitoff.

2dly,Believing that thegreatadvantageof religion is tobereapedafterthe timeof trial in this life isover.HencesaysourLord,Rev.2:10, "Bethoufaithfuluntodeath,andIwillgivetheeacrownoflife."Chap.3:21,"TohimthatovercomethwillIgranttositwithmeinmythrone,evenasIalsoovercame,andamsetdownwithmyFatherinhisthrone."Nowisourseed-time;andthesowingmustbeintears,wherethereapingtimeofjoyistofollow.Theharvestofgloryinheavencomesmostfullafterawetseed-time.

3dly,Believingthatthereisanotableadvantageinreligionforbearingofafflictions.Hencesaystheapostle,2Cor.1:12,"Ourrejoicingisthis,thetestimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, notwith fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had ourconversationintheworld,andmoreabundantlytoyou-wards."Therearepromises in the covenant,which appliedby faith, are full of comfort totheafflicted.TheLord'sword is full of light as to thenature,uses, andendsofthem;sothattheBibleisthebestcompanyforthoseinaffliction.Thiswellisdeepandfaithmustdraw.

4thly,Believingthatthepromiseswithrespecttoaffliction,bothastotheblessedissueoftheminanotherworld,andastosupportundertheminthisworld,shallbemadeouttoyou.ThusAsaphinhisafflictionfastenedhis feet, Psal. 73:24, "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel," says he,"andafterwardreceivemetoglory."It is thefaithof theupperCanaan,andofprovisioninthewilderness-world,thatfitsforthewilderness-life.

5. Toprovoke the sinner againstGod, to cause him tomurmur againsthim,quarrelwithhim,andarraignandcondemninhisheart,atleast,theconduct of holy providence in the ordering of his lot: 1 Cor. 10:10,"Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and weredestroyed of the destroyer." Prov. 19:3, "The foolishness of manperverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord." Hardafflictionlaidonamaninwhomdwellethacorruptheart,isapttoraisethe black band of impatience, complaining, fretting, murmuring, andpracticalblashemyagainstGod;likeastickstirringupamuddypool,oranant'snest.ItmadeevenaJobandJeremiahtocursethedayoftheirbirth. Job was much overcome with his affliction, when he expressedhimself so indecently, chap. 30:21, "Thou art become cruel tome:withthy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me." Fight against thistendencyofafflictioninfaith,

1st, Believing, that God is a righteous God, and your Sovereign Lord,havingallpoweroveryou.Theremaybemysteriesofprovidence inhisdealingwithus,whichwecannotaccountfor:buttherecanbenounjuststep in his procedure with us: Deut. 32:4, "He is the rock, his work isperfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth, and withoutiniquity,justandrightishe."Thereforethatconclusionmustbestucktobyfaith,Jer.12:1,"Righteousartthou,OLord,whenIpleadwiththee."We are his own by creation, and have forfeited ourmercies by sin: letfaithviewhiminthethroneofsovereignty,andsilenceus:Matth.20:15,"IsitnotlawfulformetodowhatIwillwithmineown?"

2dly,Believing,thatyouaredebtorstomercyforthatitisnotworsewithyou than it is; saying, with the church, Lam. 3:22, "It is of the Lord'smercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not."However hard any one's affliction is in this world, it is certain theydeserve worse, and God could lay on worse. Hence is that

acknowledgmentofEzra's, chap.9:13, "ThouourGodhastpunisheduslessthanouriniquitiesdeserve;"andthat,Psal.90:11,"Whoknoweththepowerof thineanger?evenaccording to thy fear, so is thywrath."Thiswillmakeonetogivethanksforwhatiskeptoff,ratherthanmurmurforwhatislaidon.

3dly,Believing,thatthereiscertainlyneedforallyoumeet.with:1Pet.1:6,"Whereinyegreatlyrejoice,thoughnowforaseason[ifneedbe]yeareinheavinessthroughmanifoldtemptations."AholywiseGodlaysnoneedlessafflictionsonany:Lam.3:33,"Forhedothnotafflictwillingly,norgrievethechildrenofmen."Nayhegivesallbyweightandmeasure,andwillnotputinonegrainbeyondwhatthecaserequires.Whatthoughyecannotseeit?yehaveyetgroundtobelieveitfromtheword,andmayseeitintheglassofGod'sinfinitewisdom,thecontrivanceofwhichyourlot is, Deut. 32:4. So that whatsoever he doth to you, is not only welldone,butbestdoneinyourcircumstances,Eccl.3:14.

4thly,Believing, that, throughthegraceofourLordJesus,allyoumeetwithshallworkforyourgood:Rom.8:28,"Weknow,"saystheapostle,"that all thingswork together for good, to them that loveGod, to themwhoarethecalledaccordingtohispurpose."Godcancarryonthegoodofaperson,bythatwhichheisapttothinkisforhisruin;aswasthecasewith Jacob, when he said unto his sons, Gen. 42:36, "Me have yebereavedofmy children: Joseph is not, andSimeon is not, and yewilltake Benjamin away: all these things are against me." And though thegood of them may be long ere it appear, yet where it is believed andhoped for, it will come at length, Jam. 5:7. Now this and all otherpromises is held forth to you in Christ to be believed, and applied toyourselves.

6.Lastly,Tocausethesinnerhardenhimselfinsorrow.SowerenderthatexpressionofJob's,chap.6:10,"Iwouldhardenmyselfinsorrow;"Butitisnotthesenseofthatplace.AfflictionhadthisbadeffectongoodJacob,Gen. 37:35. who, when all his sons, and all his daughters, rose up tocomfort him concerning the loss of his son Joseph, "refused to becomforted; and said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son,mourning."IthadalsothisbadeffectonAsaph,Psal.77:2,"Inthedayofmy trouble I sought theLord," says he; "my sore ran in the night, and

ceasednot:mysoulrefusedtobecomforted."Underafflictiontheheartisapttosink;andthecasesometimesappearssohopeless,thattheafflictedlooksnotaftercomfort,butstavesitoffwhenoffered.Theybidasolemnfarewell as it were to joy and comfort, and draw the sable curtains ofsorrowabout themselves: theyhaveno comfortableprospect, they lookfornone,andresolvetoholdthere.Thisisdangerous.Fightagainstitinfaith,

1st, Believing the promise of a comfortable outgate at length, withapplication to your own case. This hardening one's self in sorrow,whatever be the probabilities it is founded on, is the proper fruit ofunbelief,andcastsdiscreditonthepromisesofGod,Psal.103:9,"Hewillnotalwayschide;neitherwillhekeephisangerforever."Lam.3:32,"Butthough he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to themultitudeofhismercies."Itisfaith'sworktobelievetheaccomplishmentofthem,thoughonecannotseehow.

2dly, Believing the promise of a comfortable mixture in the afflictionwhile it lasts. God has given a promise of moderating the trials ofbelievers:Psal.37:24,"Thoughhefall,heshallnotbeutterlycastdown;fortheLordupholdethhimwithhishand."Is.37:8,"Inmeasurewhenitshootethforth,thouwiltdebatewithit;hestayethhisroughwindintheday of the eastwind." And they have had experience of the outmakingthereof,2.Cor.4:8,9,"Wearetroubledoneveryside,yetnotdistressed,(saystheapostle);weareperplexed,butnot indespair;persecuted,butnotforsaken;castdown,butnotdestroyed."Godhasgivenapromiseofstrengtheningbelieverstobeartheirtrials,Deut.33:27,"TheeternalGodisthyrefuge,andunderneatharetheeverlastingarms.Is.40:28,29,30,31,"Hastthounotknown?hastthounotheard,thattheeverlastingGod,the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not neither isweary?thereisnosearchingofhisunderstanding.Hegivethpowertothefaint;andto themthathavenomight,he increasethstrength.Eventheyouthsshallfaintandbeweary,andtheyoungmenshallutterlyfall.ButtheythatwaitupontheLord,shallrenewtheirstrength:theyshallmountupwithwingsaseagles,theyshallrunandnotbeweary,andtheyshallwalkandnotfaint."ThePsalmistexperiencedtheaccomplishmentofthispromise,Psal.138:3,"InthedaywhenIcried,thouansweredstme,(says

he): and strengthenedstmewith strength inmy soul."Godhasgivenapromiseofcordialsnowandthentosupportthem,sweetblinksnowandthentorefreshthem:Hos.2:14,"Therefore,behold,Iwillallureher,andbring her into thewilderness, and speak comfortably unto her."Micah7:8, "Rejoice not againstme, Omine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise,whenIsitindarkness,theLordshallbealightuntome."

3dly,Believing,thatyourpatientsufferingofafflictionisasacceptabletoGodthroughChrist,asyourdoing forGod:2Tim.2:12,"It isa faithfulsaying,Ifwesuffer,weshallalsoreignwithhim."Godhasseveralpiecesofwork that he puts into the hands of his people: some he calls to dogreatthings,otherstosuffergreatthings,Heb.11.WhateveritistheLordcarvesouttoyou,plythat;itiswhatGodwillacceptatthyhandthroughtheMediator.SufferingisasreallyservicetoGod,asdoingis.

Thuswehaveseentheeviltendencyofafflictionsinthemselves,andhowwe are to fight against it by faith. But there are three special caseswherein that force of affliction is greater than ordinary, and requires astrongfaithtostandtheshock.

1.WhenastrokefromthehandoftheLordcomesuponamaninthewayofhisduty,whichhe isdoing inobedience to thecallandcommandofGod.Thisisapttomakeastagger,especiallywhenitisadutyothershaveanilleyeon:forbyitGodseemstogivesentenceagainstthemanandhiswork.Whenpeople are going on in an illway, it is nowonderHeavenworksagainstthem;butwhentheLordmeetsamanasanenemyinthewayofduty, that isagreat trial,Psal. 71:11. It isapt tomakeone leaveduty.

Hereisgreatneedtofightinfaith,

1st,Believing,thatthatisnosignthatthewayyouarein,beingwarrantedby the word, is displeasing to God. It has been the trial of the Lord'speople,when theyhavebeencalled to theplainestduty,andhavebeenuponsignalpiecesofservicetoGod.Wearetoobserveprovidences,butnot tomakeaBibleof them;butbring them to theword,and thatwillopen the mysteries of providence. Jonah seemed to be favoured byprovidencewhenhe set his face to go toTarshish, Jon. 1:3, yet hewas

wrong.JacobhadGod'scalltoreturntohisowncountry,andapromiseoftheLord'sbeingwithhim,Gen.31:3.Labanlookedonitwithanilleye.Butwhata trainof troublesmethewith inhiswaythither?suchashismeetingwithEsau,histhighputoutofjointinwrestlingwiththeangel,hisdomestictrials,&c.AndyoumayreadthetrialsMosesmetwithinhisgoing down to Egypt, upon God's command to redeem the Israelites,Exod.4:24,&c.

2dly,Believing, thatGodhasholydesigns in thematter,becomeinghisowninfinitewisdom,whichyemayafterwardscometosee,ifyeseethemnot in the time; though in themeantime he is pleased with your way.Hence said ourLord toPeter, John 13:7, "What I do thouknowestnotnow;butthoushaltknowhereafter."Sometimeshedesignstocorrectforsomemismanagementinthesottingabouttheduty,asinMoses'casefornotcircumcisinghis son,Exod.4:24,25; sometimes tohidepride frommen'seyes,asintheapostle'scase,2Cor.12:7,andasinthecaseofthechildren of Israel their being foiled by the children of Benjamin, Judg.20:18–26.Andthishedothalwaysforthetrialofhispeople,theirfaith,regard to duty, &c. So Satanmay be permitted to act against them fortheir trial; and surehewill be themore eager, themore important thedutyis,1Cor.16:9;1Thess.2:18.

3dly,Believing, that there isnosafety inone's leaving theroadofduty,meetwithwhattheywillinit.Hencesaysthewiseman,Prov.10:9,"Hethat walketh uprightly, walketh surely: but he that perverteth his waysshall be known." A rebuke in the way of duty is sweeter than a warmsunshine in the way of sin: "Moses esteemed the reproach of Christgreater riches than the treasures in Egypt, Heb. 11:26. There iscommunionwithGod to be had in such providences, and they furnishmenwithusefulexperiencesfortheirafterlife.

2.Whentheafflictionisextraordinary,andunusual,sothatitdrawstheeyesofbeholderstonoticeitparticularly.Whenpeople'safflictionsarenomore than what is very ordinary and usual, they are the more easilyborne; but when God seems to point out one to others, by someunordinary stroke, how hard is that to bear, how hard to keep offconcludingthatGodhasaparticularhatredagainstus?Thereisneedtofightinfaithhere,

1st, Believing, that it has been often the lot of God's children, andparticularlyofhisdarlingchildrenwhomhelovedmosttomeetwithsuchkindoftrialsaswouldseemtohaveimportedaparticularhatredofthem.Hencesaystheapostle,Heb.10:33,"Yeweremadeagazingstock,bothby reproaches and afflictions."And again, 1Cor. 4:9, "I think thatGodhathsetforthustheapostleslast,asitwereappointedtodeath.Forwearemadeaspectacleuntotheworld,andtoangels,andtomen."ThiswasthelotofChristhimself,Psal.22:6,"Iamaworm,andnoman,"sayshe;"a reproach ofmen, and despised of the people."Howwas Job's heartpiercedwith that question, Job 5:1, "Call now, if there be any thatwillanswerthee;andtowhichof thesaintswilt thouturn?It isveryrare,Isuppose,thatanyofGod'schildrenhavesomethingmorethanordinaryaboutthemtotheadvantage,buttheygetsomethingmorethanordinarytotrythem.Ofallthepatriarchstherewasnotonethathadmoredivinemanifestations or somany as Jacob, nor somany and great afflictionsneither.OfallthesonsofJacob,therewasnonesohighraisedandusefulas Joseph, and none so afflicted. Heman was a man of a more thanordinary reach, 1 Kings 4:31, and so of afflictions, Psal. 88:15, "I amafflicted"sayshe"andreadytodie,frommyyouthup:whileIsufferthyterrors, Iamdistracted."Moseswas themeekestman in theearth,andnevermeremanhadmoreadowith it; Jobwas themirrorofpatience,andnonesufferedmore.

2dly, Believing the illimited power of sovereignty, which requiresabsoluteresignation:Matt.20:15,"IsitnotlawfulformetodowhatIwillwithmineown?"Itisasilencingquery,Rom.9:20,"Naybut,Oman,whoartthouthatrepliestagainstGod?shallthethingformedsaytohimthatformedit,Whyhastthoumademethus?"Sovereigntytakesonepieceofclay,andsetsitonathrone;anotherofthesame,andsetsitonadunghillin rags and sores; reaches to some the ordinarymeal of affliction, butmakesanother'smessfivetimesasmuch.Andwhowillsetboundstothedisposalsofsovereignty?

3dly,Believing,thatthesedifferentaspectsofprovidenceuponmen,arebutforatime,forthetimeoftrial:andtheywillsoonbeatanend:Job21:23–26,"Onediethinhisfullstrength,beingwhollyateaseandquiet.Hisbreasts are full ofmilk, andhis bones aremoistenedwithmarrow.

And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth withpleasure.Theyshallliedownalikeinthedust,andthewormsshallcoverthem." It isnogreatmatterwhetheronebe thekingor the foolon thestage;forinalittletheygetbehindthecurtains,andeachoneappearsasreallyheis.Ordinaryandunordinaryafflictionswillshortlyhaveanend;andtheythatbeartheirownpartright,happywilltheybe.

3.Whentheaffliction isof longcontinuance.Someafflictionsare likeasummer-shower, heavy in their time, but soon over, and it grows fairagain: but themost trying are the continuing afflictions, that are like astormywinter,thatblowsharddayafterday.Manytimesdeliveranceislookedfor,butitcomesnot.Anypromisingsignsthatappearatanytimedomisgive:andthestormisrenewed,andgrowseverthelongerthemorehopeless.Hereisasoreshocktoabide,whichrequirestofightinfaith,

1st,BelievingthatthisisapartofthedisciplineofGod'shouse,wherebyhe exercises his own children.Hence says the prophet, Jer. 8:20, "Theharvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." Davidcomplains, Psal. 69:3. of his being weary of his crying, of his throat'sbeingdried;ofhis eyes failingwhilehewaited forhisGod.Thechurchwassolongcontinuedinaffliction,thatsheforgotprosperity,Lam.3:17.ManyoftheLord'speoplehavebeenkeptsolongunderthehatches,thattheyhavehunguptheirharpsonthewillows,soastohavenomoreuseforthem;andyethavebeendelivered.

2dly,Believing that the longestandblackestnightwillhaveamorning;andthatthoughtheafflictioncontinuelong,itwillnotcontinuealways.Hence says the Psalmist, Psal. 103:9, "The Lord will not always chide:neitherwillhekeephisanger forever."If thequestionbe,"Watchman,whatofthenight?watchman,whatofthenight?"Is.21:11theansweris,ver. 12, "The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will inquire,inquire ye: return, come." The sky that has long lowred,may clear erenight: thewoundmay be looked on as incurable, that yetwill be fairlyhealed, Jer. 15:18, 20.And if it shouldnot be removed in time, yet thefaithofablessedeternitymaykeepuptheheart,when"Godshallwipeawayall tears from theeyes; and there shallbenomoredeath,neithersorrow,norcrying,neithershall therebeanymorepain: fortheformerthingsarepassedaway,"Rev.21:4.

3dly, Believing that God knows the fittest season for removing theaffliction, and notwe.Hence said our Lord to his brethren, in anothercase,John7:6,"Mytimeisnotyetcome:butyourtimeisalwaysready."Hekeepstimesandseasonsinhisownhand,andatthefittimehewillremoveit,Hab.2:3.butnotbefore,ifitistoberemovedinmercy.Men'sheartsmust abidemuchhewing, andGodmayhavemuch adowith anaffliction that is not soon done. The affliction is too soon over, that isremovedere thedesignof itbeanswered,Psal. 10:17.Noneblames thehusbandman, that he sows not his seed, before the ground be fit toreceiveit.

Lastly,BelievingthatthemoreweareresignedtotheLordastothetimeandmethodofdeliverance,thenearerwearetoit,thefairerwelieforit.HencesaysthePsalmist,Psal.10:17,"Lord,thouhastheardthedesireofthe humble: thouwilt prepare their heart, thouwilt cause thine ear tohear." Man's extremity is God's opportunity, Deut. 32:36. WitnessAbrahamonthemount,thedisciplesatsea,theIsraelitesattheRedsea.Happyshould theybe,who leaving thedeliveranceon theLord, shouldmakeittheirmaincaretoanswerthecallsofprovidencebytheafflictionwhileitiscontinued.

Fifthly,Thereisafightoffaithwiththispresentevilworld."Hencesaystheapostle, 1 John5:4, 5, "Whatsoever isbornofGod,overcometh theworld:andthisisthevictorythatoveroomeththeworld,evenourfaith.Whoishethatovercomeththeworld,buthethatbelieveththatJesusistheSonofGod?"ThispresentevilworldisapartyoppositetoGodandChrist,andonthedevil'sside: insomuchthathethat lives infriendshipwithit,livesatenmitywithGod,James4:4.Andthereforewemasteitherfightagainstit,orberuinedbyit.Andtherearethesetwoparticularsintheworld, thatwemust fight the fightof faithagainst:1.Thethings,2.Themenoftheworld.

1st,Thethingsoftheworldaredangerousenemiestooursouls,becauseofthecorruptionofourhearts.Hencesaystheapostle,1John2:15,"Lovenottheword,neitherthethingsthatareintheworld.Ifanymanlovetheworld,theloveoftheFatherisnotinhim."Othefearfulhavocofsoulsthat is made thereby! By thorn many saints have been cast down,

wounded, andmany sinnershavebeen slain thereby.The things of theworld set out three bands against us, whom we must either fight andovercomebyfaith,orberuinedby.

1.Thewhitebandoftheworld'ssmiles.

2.Theblackbandoftheworld'sfrowns.

3.Themixedbandoftheworld'scares.

First,Thethingsoftheworldsetoutthewhitebandoftheworld'ssmiles.Andtheyarestainedwith thebloodofmanysouls:Prov.1:32,"For theturning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of foolsshall destroy them." The smiling world does with other men, as thepantherissaidtodowithotherbeasts.Hedrawsthemafterhimwiththesweetsmellofhisbreath,hidinghishead,andafterwardsdevoursthem.Thus was Demas ruined. The white band fights against souls with twokindsofweapons.

1.Profitsoftheworld.ThusitsetuponpoorJudaswiththirtypiecesofsilver,andsoknockedhimdown,andslewhim.ItsetonmoseswiththetreasuresofEgypt,andhaddonesotohim,hadhenothadfaithtoresistit, Heb. 11:26. The Psalmist observes the snare in these, and thereforegives thewatchword,Psal.62:10, "Trustnot inoppression,andbecomenot vain in robbery: if riches Increase, set not your heart upon them."Andmanyaman,whohasstoodhisgroundagainsttheblackbandoftheworld's frowns, has been overcomewith thewhite, like theman in thefablewiththesunandthewind.

2.Pleasuresoftheworld.Therearethreekindsofthem;"thelustoftheflesh,andthe lustof theeyes,andtheprideof life,"1John2:16.Theseare the silken cords, with which souls are drawn to destruction;wherewithwhenoncemencometobebound, theyare like iron fetters;thebreakingofwhich, if ever theybebroken at all,will cost a floodoftears.HencepraysthepenitentPsalmist,Psal.51:8,"Makemetohearjoyandgladness;thattheboneswhichthouhastbroken,mayrejoice."Withmanytheyendinajudicialup-givingtovileaffections,Rom.1:26.

Theseweaponsarewieldedtwoways.

(1.)Inexpectation.Itisthenaturaldesireofallmen,"Whowillshewusany good?" Psal. 4:6. The world steps in and makes such an offer, asSatandidtoChrist;whowhenhehad"takenhimintoanexceedinghighmountain,andshewedhimallthekingdomsoftheworld,andthegloryof them,saiduntohim,All these thingswill Igive thee, if thouwilt falldown and worship me," Matth. 4:8, 9. And when once the hope andexpectation of its profits and pleasures is greedily embraced by aninordinate affection, the soul is set on fire therewith, and the poorcreature runs to its own ruin on its own feet, Prov. 7:22, 23,And so itfareswithmany in this case; aswith themouse,who,watching for thegapingoyster,thrustsinherheadpresentlywhentheshellopens;whichbeingimmediatelyclosedagain,sheiscrushed.Hencesaystheapostle,1Tim.6:9, "They thatwill be rich, fail into temptation, anda snare, andintomanyfoolishandhurtfullusts,whichdrownmenindestructionandperdition."

(2.)In fruitionorenjoyment,Luke18:24,"AndwhenJesussawthathewasverysorrowful,hesaid,Howhardlyshalltheythathaverichesenterinto the kingdomofGod?" Such is the corruption of the heart inman,thatitistentooneifthesmilingworlddrawsothisheartawayfromGod.Menareapttolovetheworldinordinately,evenwhenitgivesthemgalltodrink:howhardmustitbenottobeovercomewithit,whenitcourtsmen,andlaysitselfintheirbosom!Deut.33:15,"ButJeshurunwaxedfat,and kicked: thou artwaxed fat, thou art grown thick, thou art coveredwithfatness;thenheforsookGodwhichmadehim,andlightlyesteemedtheRockofhissalvation."

YemustfightagainstthesmilingworldbyfaithifeveryewouldhavethesmilesoftheLord'scountenance,

1st,Believing thedanger that is in theworld's smiles, toyour immortalsouls.ThedangerisinthesoursbeingtherebydrawntosinagainstGod,andsoinendtobepiercedwithsorrows.Agursawthis,andbelievedit;and therefore prays thus, Prov. 30:8, 9, "Giveme neither poverty, norriches,feedmewithfoodconvenientforme;lestIbefull,anddenythee,andsay,WhoistheLord?"—Thesmilingworldisapttobetraymeninto

pride, and a high conceit of themselves, forgetting God, contempt ofGod's laws,givingupthemselvesto theswingof theircorrupt lustsandaffections,&c.,andsotoworktheruinofthesoul,Eccl.5:13.BelievethisonthetestimonyofGodandsoshallyewewatchagainstit,

2dly, Believing the vanity, emptiness, and insufficiency, that is in theworld,andallthesmilesthereof:Psal.119:96,"Ihaveseenanendofallperfection, (says the Psalmist;) but thy commandment is exceedingbroad."Eccl.1:2,"Vanityofvanities,saiththepreacher,vanityofvanities,all is vanity."What do they avail to aman's realworth?what can theycontribute to one's eternal happiness? They are uncertain, and mayquickly leaveus,andwiltcertainly leaveusat length;wemustgoaswecame,naked,Prov.23:5.Theyare insufficient, they cannotgive ease tothe heart ofman; one dead flymay spoil all the pot of ointment, as inHaman and Ahab's case. They cannot satisfy the soul; witness thedisappointmentwhichtherichmanmetwith,spokeofLuke12:16,&c.

3dly,Believing the trascendentprofit andpleasure, that is tobehad inthe favour of God, the smiles of his countenance, communion andfellowshipwithhimthroughJesusChrist.Thisbelieve;andbelieve,thatyemayhaveit,yea,thatyeshallhaveit,seekingitthroughChrist:andyeshallovercomethesmilingworld.Hencesays thePsalmist,Psal.4:6,7,"Lord, lift thouup the lightof thycountenanceuponus.Thouhastputgladness inmy heart, more than in the time that their corn and wineincreased."Beingthusbyfaithliftedupinyouraffectionstoheaven,theearthandallthatisinit,willappearverylittleinyoureyes,Matth.13:45,46;Philip. 3:8. It is unbelief of, andblindness to the things of a betterworld,thatmakesthepresentevilworldsobulkywithmen.

4thly, Believing the sufficiency of his grace to carry you above them: 2Cor.12:9, "Andhesaiduntome,Mygrace issufficient for thee; formystrengthismadeperfectinweakness."ThereisstrengthintheMediator,formen'sovercomingtheworld:believethepromisewithapplicationtoyourselves, and ye shall bemore than conquerors. The promise bringssalvation with it; and the faith of it loosed Zaccheus' heart from theworld,Luke19:8.

Secondly,The thingsof theworld set out theblackbandof theworld's

frowns.Theworldofttimesbringsupa trainof crossesagainstmen, todrive them away fromGod.Hencewe read of the apostles "confirmingthesoulsofthedisciples,andexhortingthemtocontinueinthefaith,andthatwemustthroughmuchtribulationenter intothekingdomofGod,"Acts 14:22.Menmust lay their accounts with their ilk days cross: andsometimes all goes wrong together with them; their sun goes down atnoon-day, as in Job's case. Crosses in worldly things do often muchmischieftothesoul;theywillirritatetheircorruptions,discomposethemfor duty to God, and lead them aside intomanifold temptations, Prov.30:9.

Somehaveafightinglifewiththeworldalltheirdays:but,alas!itisnotthefightoffaithwithit,butasinfulfaithlessfightingwithit,thatcarriesontheruinoftheirsouls.Yewillknowthisfaithlessfightwithitbythesetwothings.

1.Alltheirfightistogetsomethingoftheworld,nottobekeptfromthespiritual evil of theworld.Theworlddoesnotprosperwith them, as itdoes with some others: and all their concern is to make a shift forthroughbearing,whichswallowsupallotherconcernswiththem.Sotheyaresuchsonsofearth,asthattheyliveasifthecurseoftheserpentwerelyingon them,all theirdays togoon theirbelly,and lick thedust.Theworldfliesfromthem;andyettheycourtitaboveallthings.Godcrossestheminit,tobringtheirheartsoffit;butoverthebellyofalltherebukesofprovidence,itistheirgreatpursuit,Jer.5:3,4.

2.Theirfighttheyhavewiththeworld,takesawayfromthemallfavourofthewordofGod,andofreligion.Asadinstanceofthisyehave,Exod.6:9, where, when Moses had spoken to the children of Israel all thepromisescommandedhimofGod,mentionedintheprecedingverses,itissaid,"Buttheyhearkenednotuntomoses,foranguishofspirit,andforcruel bondage." The tight of faith with the world makes the gospelsavoury to men: but this carnal fight with it makes it sapless andtastelesss;itranklestheirspiritswithrespecttoreligion,thatmanysucharenotfarfromthinkingthatreligionisforthewealthiersort;butthatasforthem,theyhaveanotherthingado.Andthusthefrowningworldruinssoulandbodytothem;atonceruinsthemfortimeandeternity.

Iwouldadviseyoutoanothersortoffightingwiththefrowningworld.Fightinfaithagainstit,

1st,Believing that theorderingofyour lot is in thehandofaholywiseGod,whoknowsbestwhatlotisforyou,Job1:21,whetherprosperousorcross.Thefaithofthiswouldmakeyouembracetheworld'sfrowns,andwelcome crosses in the world, as well as prosperity, as what God seesmeetforyou;asdidJob,chap.1:21,whosaid,"NakedcameIoutofmymother'swomb,andnakedshallIreturnthither:theLordgave,andtheLordhathtakenaway;blessedbethenameoftheLord."

2dly,Believingthattheworld'sfrowns,andsmilestoo,arebutemptyandpassingshews,whichwillbesoonburiedineverlastingforgetfulness.Asthe world's smiles appear more pleasant than indeed they are, so itsfrownsappearmoreterribletothecarnalheart,thantheyarereally:Eccl.1:2, "Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher, vanity of vanities, all isvanity."Theoneandtheotherarelikefoamonthewater,appearingbig,but soonpassaway.Beingseenby theeyeof sense,Ohowweightyarethey!Butlooktothemwithaneyeoffaith,andyewillseetheyareallbutemptynoise,whichwillquicklybelaid,2Cor.4:17.Thelongesttermoftheir continuance is but a few years at most. When one comes to thegrave, the rich and poor are alike there; the black band and the whitebandarebothdisbandedthere.

3dly, Believing that ye have greater things to be taken up about, thaneithertheworld'ssmilesorfrowns.HencesaysthePsalmist,Psal.4:6,7,"Lord, lift thouup the lightof thycountenanceuponus.Thouhastputgladnessinmyheart,morethaninthetimethattheircornandtheirwineincreased."Theonecannotmakeyouhappy,northeothermiserable.ButthefavourofGodandhiswratharemattersofweight;letitbeyourcareto obtain the one, and escape the other. These things are eternal, theotherbut temporal;O slightnot then the substance,with your concernfortheshadow:Matt.16:26,"Forwhatisamanprofited,ifheshallgainthe whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give inexchangeforhissoul?"

4thly,Believingthatyouareinyourselvesunworthyoftheleastsmileofcommonprovidence.HencesaysJacob,Gen.32:10,"Iamnotworthyof

theleastofallthemercies,andofallthetruth,whichthouhastsheweduntothyservant;forwithmystaffIpassedoverthisJordan,andnowIam become two bands." And says the church, Lam. 3:22, "It is of theLord'smercies thatwe arenot consumed, becausehis compassions failnot."Owhydocrossesintheworldgosodeepwithmen,butbecauseofthewantofduehumiliation?andwhenceisthatwant,butfromunbelief?Thehumblesoulfightingwiththeworldwillsurelybevictorious,becausehoweveritfrownsonhim,hetakesitkindlyoutofthehandoftheLord,asnotworthyofbetter.

5thly,Believing thatyour soulsare inhazardby the frowningworld,aswellasthesoulsofothersbythefawningworld.HenceisthatprayerofAgur's,Prov.30:8,9,"Givemeneitherpoverty,norriches,feedmewithfoodconvenientforme.—lestIbepoor,andsteal,andtakethenameofmyGodinvain."Thedevilholdssomefastintheironchainsofworldlyadversity, as well as he does others in the golden chains of prosperity.Someignorantlythink,thatbecausetheyarepoorintheworld,andtheirlot very hard they will surely be well in another world. O deceive notyourselves.AsGodhasnoregardtomen'srichesinsavingthem,hehasaslittleregardtotheirpoverty:butbetheypoororrich,iftheybenotinChrist,newcreatures,reallygodly,theywillberuinedforever,John3:3;Exod.23:3.

6thly, Believing the great promise of the gospel with application toyourselves, Heb. 8:10, "This is the covenant that I will make with thehouseofIsraelafterthosedays,saiththeLord;IwillbetothemaGod,andtheyshallbetomeapeople,Hos.2:19,"AndIwillbetroththeeuntome for ever, yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and injudgment, and in loving kindness, and inmercies." Your crosses in theworldmaywellbetakenbyyouforanalarm,saying,Depart,hereisnotyour rest.God is setting fire to thenests youwouldbuild to yourselvesamong the thingsof theworld; andwithalholdingout to you thegreatpromiseofthegospel.Oembraceit,andtrusthiminit,Zeph.3:12.Andthus shall yedefeat the frowningworld effectually.BelievingGod to beyourGodinChrist,yewillbeveryeasywhethertheworldsmileorfrown,Hab.3:17.

Lastly,Believing,that,throughthegraceofChristJesus,eventhefrowns

of theworldshallbe turned toyourgood:Rom.8:28, "Weknow,"saystheapostle,"thatallthingsworktogetherforgood,tothemthatloveGod,to them who are the called according to his purpose." How often hashoneybeengottenoutofthecarcasofthelion,andmuchgoodfoundtogrow within a thorn-hedge of afflictions? The cross has brought forthmuch good fruit in them that have been exercised thereby: andGod iskindtoyouindeed,ifyoutakeitso,inthathemakestheworldsostrangetoyou,thatyemaythemoreseekafteracquaintancewithhim.

Thirdly, The things of theworld set out themixed band of theworld'scares.There is nonewill be free of attacks from these: even a crown islinedwithcares.Yea,wemustneedscare;ourdailybreadwillnotdropdown into our mouths, nor will our necessary business be managedwithout thought. But men are in danger by lawful things, and not byunlawfulonly.Andthecaresoftheworldareoftenruininguntothesoul.Theyareapt toput themanona rack, to stretchoutone'smindasontenter-pins, degenerating into a faithless anxiety,Matth. 6:25, Take nothought;intheGreekitis,Benotrackedinyoursoul;totroubleonesoasto unfit him for his duty to God, Luke 10:41; to swallow up all otherconcerns, and to render the Lord's word, the food of the soul, quiteunprofitable,Matth.13:22.Fightinfaithagainstthem,

1st,BelievingthatthesuccessofyouraffairsdependsontheblessingofGod on your endeavours, not on your anxious care about them; Psal.127:1,"ExcepttheLordbuildthehouse,theylabourinvainthatbuildit:except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Thevanityanduseless-nessofouranxietymaybeveryplainlyreadinmanyexperiments;Matthew6:27,"Whichofyoubytakingthoughtcanaddonecubituntohis stature?" InProvidence'smanagementof theworld,howoften is it seen that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to thestrong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men ofunderstanding, nor yet favour to men of skill, but time and chancehappeneth to them all, Eccl. 9:11; and that by strength no man shallprevail? How often does some unforeseen event render a hopeful andpromising project vain? and, on the other hand, set right again whatseemedtobequitemarred?

2dly,Believingthatthebestwaytosecurewhatistrulynecessaryandfit

foryouinthisworld,itistobefirstandmainlytakenupaboutthethingsof another life. Hence says our Lord, Matth. 6:33, "Seek ye first thekingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall beaddeduntoyou."TheythatarecarefulhowtopleaseGod,Godwillseetothemthattheybeprovided,Psal.34:10.Theywhosemaincareisfortheeternalwelfareoftheirsouls,mayexpect, that, intheuseofmeans,thetemporalwelfareof theirbodies shall be seen tobyheaven.This is theshortestandsurestwaytoprosper,Psal.1:3.

3dly, Trusting in t the Lordwith all your concerns which require yourcare,dependingonhimasthesovereignmanager,andasasureandsafemanagerforyou.Henceisthatexhortation,Psal.37:3,"TrustintheLord,anddogood;soshaltthoudwellintheland,andverilythoushaltbefed."Andyeshouldtrustinhimbothastoyourownconductandsuccess,bothfor direction and prospering: Prov. 3:5, 6, "Trust in the Lord with allthineheart;andleannotuontothineownunderstanding.Inallthywaysacknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." This implies threethings.

(1.)LayingyourburdenofcareoverontheLordhimself,believingthathewillcareforyou,1Pet.5:7.Manyanunbelievingliftwetakeofourownburden, and thenwe complain thatwe arenot able to gounder it: butJesusChristisappointedtobethegreatburden-bearerforpoorsinners,andtheyarecalledtocasttheirburdensonhim,Psal.55:22,and37:5.Ifthey will needs take their burdens, and keep them on their ownshoulders,whocanhelpit?Butfaith'sworkistotrusthimwithall.

(2.)Believing, thathewilldo thebest:Psal.85:12, "TheLordshallgivethatwhichisgood;"34:10,"TheythatseektheLord,shallnotwantanygoodthing."Heknowshimselfwhatisbestforus,weknowitnot:andweowetohimafaithsofarimplicit,astobelievewhateverGoddothisbestdone;andwhateverwayheleadsus,thatitisbestforustofollow,asdidAbraham,Heb. 11:8. It is thepropertyof faith, thus to resignall to theLord,trusting,thatwhatsoeveristrulybestforus,hewillbringitabout.

(3.) Staying yourself upon theword of the promise, Gen. 32:12, "I willsurelydotheegood."Thusfaithistobeananchorofthesoulindoubtfulevents.Whileanxiouscareleavesapersonnothingtofixon,butcauseth

himtowaverlikemeteorsilltheair;faithfixethonthepromiseofGod,andrendersthesouleasy,comewhatwill,Luke12:29;1Sam.1:18.

2dly,Themenoftheworldaredangerousenemiesalso.Thereisanoldenmity,whichwillnotceasetoworkinthem,Gen.3:15.Theyareagentsfor thedevil, factors forhell, soldiers inpay to fightSatan'sbattles.Nomanwillgettoheavenwithoutastrugglewiththem;fortheyareoppositepartiestoallthatreallymindtobethere.WefindDavidveryconcernedto be delivered from them, Psal. 17:13, 14, "Deliver my soul," says he,"fromthewicked,which is thysword: frommenwhichare thyhand,OLord, frommenof theworld,whichhave their portion in this life, andwhose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure." We likewise find theapostlePaulwassoconcerned,2Thess.3:1,2, "Finally,brethren," sayshe, "pray for us,—that we may be delivered from unreasonable andwickedmen."AndourLordforewarnshisdisciplesoftheworld'shatred,John15:19,"Ifyewereoftheworld,"sayshe,"theworldwouldlovehisown:butbecauseyearenotoftheworld,butIhavechosenyououtoftheworld, therefore the world hateth you." Now, the men of the worldmanagethebattlethreeways,viz.(1.)withthetongue,(2.)withtheirfeet,(3.)withtheirhands;andyemustresistthemstilloneway,viz.infaith.

1.ThemenoftheworldfightagainstthechildrenofGodwiththetongue.They are the seed of the serpent; and therefore it is no wonder to seethemspittheirvenomagainstsuchasgonottheirway.Hencewereadoftheir "imagining mischiefs in their heart;" of their being "continuallygatheredtogetherforwar;"oftheirhaving"sharpenedtheirtongueslikea serpent:" of adder's poison being under their lips, Psal. 140:2, 3.Ishmael'smockingIsaac,Gen.21:9,iscalledpersecution,Gal.4:29.Thetrialof thebelievingHebrewswasthereproachesofungodlymen,Heb.10:32,33.SeewhataconspiracywasformedagainstJeremiah,Jer.18:18,"Come,saidthey,andletusdevisedevicesagainstJeremiah:forthelawshallnotperishfromthepriest,norcounselfromthewise,northewordfromtheprophet:come,andletussmitehimwiththetongue,andletusnotgiveheedtoanyofhiswords."SeelikewisewhatasecretconsultationwasformedagainstDavid, intimatedinthatprayerofhis,Psal.64:2,3,"Hidemefromthesecretcounselofthewicked;fromtheinsurrectionoftheworkersof iniquity:whowhet their tongues likea sword, andbend

theirbows toshoot theirarrows,evenbitterwords.God'speopleare tofightinfaithinthiscase,

1st,Believing,thatourGodisabletoblunttheedgeoftheirswords,andthepointsoftheirarrows,andwilldoitsofarasheseesmeet.Henceisthat promise, Job 5:21, "Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of thetongue." It is in the power of their hand to fling dirt upon the faces ofGod'schildren;butitisnotintheirpowertocauseittostick,unlesstheLordhassaiditforthegreatertrialofhispeople.Godhastheheartsofallmen inhishands,andhispeoplemayconfidently trust inhimwith thepreservingoftheirreputationwhiletheykeephisway.

2dly,Believingthatall thedirtamischeviousworld flings inthe faceoftheLord's people, thedaywill come thatGodwillwipe it cleanly awayfromoffthem,andthrowitbackonthefacesofthemthatcastit:Is.51:8,"Hearkenuntome,yethatknowrighteousness,thepeopleinwhoseheartismy law, fearyenot thereproachofmen,neitherbeyeafraidof theirrevilings.For themothshalleat themup likeagarment,andthewormshalleatthemlikewool:butmyrighteousnessshallbeforever,andmysalvation from generation to generation." A lying tongue is but for amoment, andwill rebound upon them that use such a hellish weapon.Godhassecuredbypromise the takingawayof reproaches fromoffhispeople: Psal. 37:6, "And he shall bring forth thy righteousness, as thelight, and thy judgment as themoon-day. 68:13, "Though ye have lienamongthepots,yeshallbeasthewingsofadovecoveredwithsilver,andher featherswithyellowgold."Andso, in the faithof thepromise, theymay be very easy; and considering the useGodmay have for them fortheir good, may find soul refreshment in them. Hence says our Lord,Matth.5:11,12,"Blessedareyewhenmenshallrevileyou,andpersecuteyou, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.Rejoice,andbeexceedingglad:forgreatisyourrewardinheaven:forsopersecuted they the prophets which were before you." And says theapostle,2Cor. 12:10, "I takepleasure in reproaches, inpersecutions, indistressesforChrist'ssake."

2.ThemenoftheworldfightagainstthechildrenofGodwiththeirfeet;thatis,bytheexampleoftheirunholylives.Andmuchmischieftheydobythatmeans;herebyheapsaremadetolieuponheaps.Hencesaysour

Lord,Matth.18:7,"Woeuntotheworldbecauseofoffences: for itmustneedsbe thatoffencescome:butwoeto thatmanbywhomtheoffencecometh." It is hard to bear up against the course of theworld lying inwickedness, to swim against that stream, considering the corruption ofnature that is in thebest.By the forceof ill examples,manygoodmenhavebeenworsted,manythathadnottherootofthematterinthemhavebeenruined:Matth.24:13,"Andbecauseiniquityshallabound,theloveofmanyshallwaxcold."Fightagainstitinfaith,

1st,Believing, that thewayof theworld is thewaytoeternalruin:Eph.2:2, "Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of thisworld, according to the prince of the power of air, the spirit that nowworketh in the children of disobedience, Prov. 13:20. "A companion offoolsshallhedestroyed."Arewenotexpresslytold,thatthemultitudeisgoinginthewaytodestruction?andthattherebeveryfewwhichareontheway toheaven,Matth. 7. So thatwhosoevermind forheaven,mustneedsbenonconformists to theworld, though thereby theybecome theworld'swonder,likeJoshuaandhisfellows.See1Pet.4:4.

2dly,Believing,that,throughthegraceoftheLordJesus,yeshallbeabletostandtheshockof thecorruptexampleof theworld.Theeyeof faithwilldiscernthegreaterstrengthtobeonthesideofthewrestleragainstill example.Hence saidElisha, in another case, to his servant, 2Kings6:16,"Fearnot:fortheythatbewithus,aremorethantheythatbewiththem."Andsays theapostle, 1 John4:4, "YeareofGod, little children,and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than hethatisintheworld.IfGodbeforus,whocanbeagainstus?"Andforushewillbe,ifwetrusthimforourupbearingagainstit.Hestrengthensthespoiledagainstthestrong:andbetheforceofthecurrentneversogreat,they"candoallthingsthroughChristwhichstrengtheneththem,"Philip.4:13.

3. The men of the world fight against the children of God with theirhands.Thereisneverawickedmanintheworld,but,byhisnaturalmakeandframe,isapersecutor,Gen.3:15.Andnoneisfittotraveltheroadtoheaven,buttheythatareresolutetoholdontheirway,notwithstandingallthemischiefawickedworldmaydothem.HencesaysourLord,Luke14:26,"Ifanymancometome,andhatenothisfather,andmother,and

wife,andchildren,andbrethren,andsisters,yea,andhisownlifealso,hecannot hemy disciple." Sometimes indeedGod binds their hands, thatthey candonothingwith themagainsthis people; but themischievouspersecutingnatureneverleavestheserpent'sseed:andaccordingasholyprovidencelooseththecord,sowilltheyventit.Butresistinfaith,

1st,Believing,thatitislittletheycando,whentheydotheirworst.HencesaysourLord,Luke12:4,5,"Benotafraidofthemthatkillthebody,andafterthat,havenomorethattheycando,ButIwillforewarnyouwhomyoushall fear;Fearhim,which,afterhehathkilled,hathpower tocastinto hell; yea I say unto you, fear him." The utmost reach of themostmalicious andpowerfulpersecutors, is but to thebody, and things thatconcern time. And what is the body in comparison of the soul? time-thingsincomparisonofthosewhichareeternal?Thefaithofthiscarriedup themartyrs, andarmed themwith aholy contemptof the impotentrageoftheirpersecutors.

2dly, Believing that they are ever under the check and control of agraciousGod,engagedonthesideofthosethatkeephisway:Psal.76:10,"Surelythewrathofmanshallpraisethee:theremainderofwrathshaltthourestrain."So that "he thatwalkethuprightly,walkethsurely,Prov.10:9.HowspitefullydidLabanpursueJacob,andSaul,David?butGodputacheckonthem.Faithwilldiscover in thiscaseanalmightypowerforprotection,andmantobebutaworm,afadingthingwhichshallbelikegrass,Is.51:12.

3dly, Believing the eternal rest, peace, and safety, that remains for thepeople of God: 2 Cor. 4:17, 18, "Our light affliction, which is but for amoment,workethforusafarmoreexceedingandeternalweightofglory;whilewelooknotatthethingswhichareseen,butatthethingswhicharenot seen: for the things which are seen, are temporal; but the thingswhicharenotseen,areeternal."It isbutashorttimewearetoremainamongtheinhabitantsofthisworld:thefirmfaithofthat,withthefaithofabetterlife,wouldmakeusveryeasywhetherwehavetheir,smilesorfrowns. Our great concern is to fight our way to the better world, andresolutelytocleavetotheLordandthewayofduty,overthebellybothofthethingsandthemenoftheworld.

Sixthly, There is a fight of faith with sin: Heb. 12:4, "Ye have not yetresisteduntoblood,strivingagainstsin."Ofallthings,thereisnothingsooppositetoGodassinis.Thedevilbroughtitintotheworldatfirst:andfearfulhavochasitmadetherein,eversinceitsentrance;destroyingthemostpartofAdam's children,woundinganddoingmischief toall.Andnone can reachheaven, but thosewhoboth fight andovercome it: andthere is no successful fighting against it, but in faith. And that yemayknowwhatyouhavetofightagainsthere,

1.ThereistheCaptainofthishellishband;thatisthesinofournature.

2.Thereisaswarmofhellishlusts,assoldiersunderthecommandofthesinofournature.

First, There is the captain of this hellish band; that is, the sin of ournature,called"theoldman,theflesh,andsin,"bythewayofeminence,Rom.6:12.Siniswovenintoourverynatures:ournaturehasgotawrongsetbyAdam'sfall.Itisaversetogood,andpronetoevil;thebiasofitliesquite thewrongway.This corruptdisposition ismostactive,andby itsindwellingandactivityfightsagainstthesoul.Anditexertsitselfagainstthesoulespeciallythesethreeways.

1.Withitsguilt,wherebyitbindsoverthesoultotheangerofGod:thesouloutofChristtohisrevengingwrath,andeventhebelievingsoultofatherlyangeranddispleasure,Gal.3:10;Psal.89:30,&c.Theconsciencefeelingthebandofsinonitisfrightenedandfired.Themanseeshimself,byreasonofthecorruptionandpollutionofhisnature,anobjectofGod'sindignation,liabletothefearfulstrokesofhishand:evenasaserpent,orany other poisonous creature, is liable to the stroke of a man's handwherever bemeetswith it.Now, if ever yewould break these bonds ofguilt,fightagainsttheminfaith,

1st,Believing,thattheLordJesusChristhasmadeacompletesatisfactiontothejusticeofGod,notonlyforactualsins,butevenforthesinofournature,Rom.6:6,"Knowingthis,thatouroldmaniscrucifiedwithhim,that the body of sin might be destroyed." In respect of the sin of ournatureweneededaSaviour;anditwasreckonedtohim,tobeclearedbyhim, as well as our actual transgressions. So that there is a sufficient

remedyprovidedagainsttheguiltofthesinofournature,inJesusChrist;sothatnomanneedstodespondinthatcaseashopeless.

2dly, Believing, embracing, and trusting to the promise of remission ofsin through the blood of Christ: Eph. 1:7, "In himwe have redemptionthroughhisblood;theforgivenessofsins,accordingtotherichesofhisgrace."While the conscience is fired with guilt, faithmust discern thepromiseofremissionthroughChristheldforthinthegospel,likearopeto drowning men, Luke 24:47. And faith must embrace that promise,relying on it as the Lord's own promise; even as the drowning manventureshis lifeon the rope letdown tohim:andsoshall thatguiltberemoved,andtheconsciencepurged,Acts13:38,39;Rom.3:24,25.Yourwarrant is,Acts13:38, "Be itknownuntoyou, that through thisman ispreacheduntotheyouforgivenessofsins."

3dly, Believing and applying to yourselves, and pleading the perfectholiness of Christ's birth and nature, as a public person, Col. 2:10, 11.Thusfaithmaytriumphoverthesinofone'snature,astotheguiltofit.Whilethelawsays,Thouhastanunholynature,andthereforemustdiethedeath:Yea,may the soul say,True,mynature isunholy inme;butChristhas satisfied for thatguilt:and Ihaveaholynature inChrist, inhimasapublicpersonIwasbornholy,andretaintheholinessofnature:andthereforeImustnotdie,butlive.

OBJECTION But, alas! I dare not apply Christ's perfect holiness tomyself,forIfearIhavenotrighttoit.ANSWER.Thereisatwofoldright.(1.)Toathing.(2.)Init.Whatrighthasabeggartoapennywhichamanseriouslyholdsouttohim,saying,Hae,thereisapenny?Hecertainlyhasarighttothatpenny:hemaylawfullytakeitoutofthatman'shand,andput in his pocket. Such a right every one of you has to Christ'srighteousness, whereof this is a part. It is God's gift to youRom. 5:17;John6:32;heldouttoyoutobereceivedandappliedbyfaith,Rom.1:17.Ifthebeggarneglectorrefuseit,thoughhehadarighttoit,heisjustlydeprivedofit;andthemanmayputitinhisownpocketagain:butifhedotakeit,thenhehasarighttoit;itishisowninpossession,andcannotbetakenfromhimagain.Gothen,andtakethegiftofrighteousnessoutofChrist'shand,verilybelievingthatyehavearighttoit.

2.With itsmotionsandactivity,Rom.7:5. It isanactiveprinciple, stilltendingtocorruptthesoulmore,fightingforthethroneintheheart,andto cause the soul obey it, in fulfilling its lusts. And it must be foughtagainst,tothebreakingof itsdesigns,Rom.6:12.It isarestlessenemy,presentatalltimeswithaman,andespeciallyactiveatsometimes,andparticularlywhenonewoulddogood:asitwaswithPaul,Rom.7:21.Itislike a dunghill, still sending forth its filthy steams. And as it strives tostrengthen itself, and to have the throne; so the Christian must fightagainstit,tobearitdown,weaken,andgetitmortified,Gal.5:17Andyemustforthiscausefightinfaithagainstit,

1st,Believing that it is yourmostdangerous enemy: for so it is indeed.Never did Paul cry out to be delivered from themost bloodymen thatwere set against him, as from indwelling sin. Rom. 7:24, "O wretchedmanthatIam,whoshalldelivermefromthebodyofthisdeath!It isadomesticenemy;anenemywithin,moredangerousthanalltheenemieswehavewithout,whetherdevilsorthepresentevilworld.Wereitnotforit, theywouldhaveacoldcoal toblowat.But this furnishes themwithnotableadvantagesagainstus.

2dly,BelievingChristtobethegreatordinanceofGodforsanctification,andlookingforyoursanctificationfromhim,onthecreditofthepromiseheldoutinthegospeltoyou,Is.45:22,"Lookuntome,andbeyesaved,alltheendsoftheearth:forIamGod,andthereisnoneelse."Menhaveby nature's light been convinced of the necessity of sanctification; andsomehave thought onemeans proper to obtain it, and others another.Paganshavethoughtwashingswithwater,sacrifices,thestudyofmoralvirtue,propermeansforit.TheJewshaveaddedtothesetheobservationofMoses'law,moral,ceremonal,andjudicial.ThePapistsharethoughtamultitude of uninstituted ceremonies, fastings,whippings, &c.with theworkitselfinsacraments,allpropertosanctifytheunholy.Legalistslookontheirownfaithlessendeavoursafterholiness, theirwatchings,&c.aspropermeanstoobtainit.Butallinvain.

But God has appointed his own Son to be the great ordinance forsanctificationof theunholy, thatthepraiseofoursanctificationmaybehisown,aswellasofourjustification,1Cor.1:30,31.AndhehaslodgedthefulnessoftheSpiritofholinessinhim,tobepartakenofinthewayof

believing, Acts 26:18. Look how the stung Israelites were cured in thewildernessbylookingtothebrazenserpent,believingthatbythatmeansthey should be healed; so is an unholy sinnermade holy, looking untoJesus,trustinguntohimfortheirsanctification,John3:14,15,orasthewomanwiththebloodyissue.Hencethechurch,believingthepromiseofsanctification says, Micah 7:19, "He will turn again, he will havecompassionuponus:hewillsubdueouriniquities:andthouwiltcastalltheirsinsintothedepthsofthesea."

3dly,Strugglingagainstitinthefaithofitshavinggotitsdeath'swounds,inthedeathandresurrectionofChrist,asapublicperson,Rom,6:6–9.Nowondertheybestillunderthepowerof indwellingsin,whostruggleagainstitwithoutaneyetothedeathofChrist.ButthesoulbyfaitheyingthedeathandresurrectionofChrist,asthedeathofsin,will therebybeanimatedtoactagainstit,likeagiantrefreshedwithwine.ThesinsofallthatareChrist'swereimputedtohim,andhebyhissufferingsexpiatedtheguiltof them;andsoheroseagainfreeof that imputedguilt:so, invirtueofhisdeathandresurrection,itlosesitspoweroverthosethatarehis.Andbyfaithofit,webecomepartakersofit.

4thly,BelievingthatweshallgetthevictoryoveritthroughJesusChrist,Rom.8:24,25,"OwretchedmanthatIam,(saysPaul);whoshalldeliverme from thebodyof thisdeath! I thankGod, throughJesusChristourLord." Theywill fightwell who are sure of the victory: and it is faith'swork to believe the victory over sin, according to the promise, Rom.16:20,"TheGodofpeaceshallbruiseSatanunderyourfeetshortly."Thiswas in cluded in the first promise, Gen. 3:15, "The seed of thewomanshall bruise the head of the serpent; which was proposed to our firstparentstobebythembelieved.

With itsstingstill stickingclose to thesoul,Rom.7:17. Itcleaves tous,likeastainthatcannotbegotfullywashedoff,whileweareinthisworld.It is like the fretting leprosy in the walls of the house, not to be quiteremoved,tillthehousebepulleddown.Notwithstandingallthestrugglesagainstit,itcannotbegottothedoortilldeath.Fightinfaithagainstit,

1st, Making no truce with it, but ever seeking its ruin, in the faith ofChrist's excellency, and sin's hatefulness. The eye of faith fixing on the

gloryofChristheldforthinthegospel,hasatransformingvirtue.Hencesays the apostle, 2Cor. 3:18, "We allwith open face, beholding as in aglassthegloryoftheLord,arechangedintothesameimage,fromgloryto glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." And thus the heart isseparated from sin, and set against it,while yet sin cleaves to the soul.LikethehouseofDavidandthehouseofSaul:noleaguebetweenthem,butthewarcontinuedtillthehouseofSaulwasquitesunk.

2dly,Believing,thatthevictoryoveritwillbeatlengthfullandcomplete.Resistitinthefaithofthis.Howeveritappearstobefixedwithbandsofiron and brass, yet the breaking thereof shall come suddenly, at aninstant.As thewallsofJericho felldownon the seventhday, thatwerenotmovedwhiletheIsraelitescompassedthemthesixdays:soatdeaththesewallswillfalldown,andberazedtothefoundation.

Secondly, There is a swarm of hellish lusts as soldiers under thecommandofthesinofournature,Rom.6:12.Thesearethemembersofthe old man, the streams flowing from the bitter fountain of thecorruptionofnature.These"waragainstthesoul,"1Pet.2:11.Theyseekto drive the soul from God, they push on men to satisfy them withforbidden fruit, and at length drown the soul in destruction andperdition,wheretheygetthefinalvictory,1Tim.6:9.Againstthesealsoye must fight in faith, resist them, deny them, weaken, mortify, andcrucifythem.

Itisadifficultfight;butfaithwillhelpyououtinit,asdifficultasitis.

1.Theirnamemaybe legion,because theyaremany,Tit.3:3.All sin isradicallyinthecorruptnatureofman:andthereisneveratemptationintheworld,but there is inournaturesome lustorotherakinto it.Lookthroughtheworld,andseealltheabominationswhichanywhereappeartheresomeareathiests,adulterers,&c.Butthecorruptaffectionsareineverybody'sheartnaturally,Prov.27:19,"Asinwaterfaceanswerethtoface;sotheheartofmantoman."Butresistye,believing,that,throughthegraceof theLordJesus, thevictory is tobegotover themall,Psal.118:12.Thereisneitherstrengthnormultitudetobefeared,whereonebyfaithcanopposetoboth,thealmightypowerengagedonthesideofthe

wrestlers against sin. Therefore says the apostle, 2 Tim. 2:1, "Thoutherefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." ThebloodofChristisofinfinitevalue,theSpiritofChristofinfiniteefficacy,andfaithmustrelyonthese.

2.Theiralliesareallthepowersofhell;Satan,John8:44,theworld,Tit.2:12.All the snares and temptations that are in theworld, are allied tosome lust of the heart,which answers to them as tinder to fire. Bat yeshouldresist,believingthatgreaterishethatisinyou,thanhethatisinthatcombat,1John4:4.Opposetothesebyfaiththedivineattributes,hispower,wisdom,&c.thenameoftheLord,whichisastrongtower,&c.

3.Theirlodgingisnotfaroff.Itisthecorruptheart;thenceit.isthattheyissueoutagainstus,Mark7:21.Theheartofmanislikeacommoninn,often so thronged with strangers, that there is no room for theentertainment of themaster. But yemust resist themnotwithstanding,believing thatyourhelper is asnearyouas thoseyourenemies, 1John4:4.O it isa tryingconsiderationtoagracioussoul to think, thatsin iswovenintoone'sverynature,mixedwithone'sveryconstitution.Butletfaith discern the union betwixt Christ and the soul; let the ChristianbelievethatChristdwellsinhimbyhisSpirit,inanindissolubleunion;somayheseehowtogetclearofsinatlength.

4.Theirqualitiesareverybad.TheyarethebratsofBabel,theoffspringofhell.And,

1st,Theyaregreedyandinsatiablelusts,Gal.5:17.Theyarelikethegraveand the barren womb, that never say, It is enough. Where they areindulged, and yielded to, they fill theman's hands continually, seekingmeatforthem,totheprovokingofGod,Psal.78:18;James4:3.Andthemoretheyaregratifiedandfed,themoretheystillcrave:sothatthey"arelikethetroubledsea,whenitcannotrest,whosewaterscastupmireanddirt,"Is.57:20.

But ye must resist them, if ye mind for heaven. Ye must deny theircravings,Tit.2:12.Makenoprovisionforthem,butstarvethem,howeverpainful thatmaybe,Rom. 13:14, "Butput ye on theLordJesusChrist,andmakenotprovisionfortheflesh,tofulfiltheluststhereof."Thisisthe

waytoridyourselvesoftheirtrouble:formen'slustsarelikefire,thatwilldieoutiftherebenofuellaidtothem.

(1.)Believing,thatthereisafulnessinChrist,enoughtosatisfythesoul,togivetheheartacompleterest, that itshallneednoneof thosethingswhichnourishlusts,Matth.13:45,46.Theonepearldiscovered,staysthepursuitafterthemany.Hencefaithcontractsthedesiresofthesoulintoone,Psal.27:4which is thebetterpart.Owhat is thecausemenaresotakenuptosatisfytheirlustswiththeirproperfood,butthenotbelievingofthefulnessofChrist?Psal.4:6,7.

(2.)EmbracingthatfulnessofChristfor,andinsteadofthosethingsyourheartslustafter.Thisistheimportofsellingallandbuyingthefield,theonepearl;thesoultakingChristforthesethings,asinbuyingonetakesthecommodityboughtinsteadofallhepays.Thesurestandshortestwaytomortificationoflustsisthiswayofbelieving,wherebythesoulmakesahappy exchange; for and instead of such lusts which cleave to him,embracing Christ, from him to draw that content and satisfaction hesoughtinthelust.Thusmendealwiththeirhearts,asmenwithchildren,givingthemonethingtogetanotherfromthem,Rom.13:14forecited.

(3.) Believing, that you shall find that rest and satisfaction of heart inChrist,whichyousought inyour lusts.This is the importof thegospel-offertoall,Matth.9:28,"Comeuntome,allyethatlabour,andareheavyladen, and I will give you rest." Is. 55:1, "Ho, every one that thirsteth,comeyetothewaters,andhethathathnomoney;comeye,buyandeat,yea,come,buywineandmilkwithoutmoney,andwithoutprice."Andifyoubelieveitnot,youbelievenotthegospelaright:andalwaysthelessyebelieve it, thesurergripewill yourheartholdof its lusts.Butbelieve itfirmly; and themore firmly youbelieve it, themorewill ye let go yourgripesofyourlusts.

2dly,Theyarehurtfullusts,1Tim.6:9.Andtheyextendtheirhurttothetenderestpartoftheman,andtothenotonlywounding,butruiningofit,if the effect thereof be not stopped, destroying the soul. They hurt aswater hurteth, drowning the soul, ibid.: as fire hurteth, burning it up,Rom. 1:27; as a canker hurteth, eating it away, 2 Tim. 2:17; as poisonhurteth,killingit,Psal.140:3;Is.59:5.Theyextendtheirhurtnotonlyto

thepartyinwhosebreasttheyarelodged,buttoothers,Eccl.9:18,"Onesinner destroyeth much good" Sometimes one's lust involves many inguilt, andmany in trouble; like a fire breaking out in a house, burningdown the houses nearest it, and putting all into trouble and vexation.Thus Achan's last involved his whole family in guilt, and troubled allIsrael.Adam'sInstruinedalltheworld.

Yemustthereforebewareofthem,andofthehurtbythem.Butdeceivenotyourselves,thinkingyemayentertainthem,andnotbehurtbythem;that ye can take the serpent in your bosom, and not be stung thereby,Prov.6:27,28;Eccl.10:8.Resistthebeginningsofyourlusts,niptheminthebad.The longertheygoon, theywillbethehardertomaster, likeafire,orawater.Iftheyhavegotupuponyou,byallmeansendeavourtohindertheirspreading;andspeedilyquenchthem,iftheyarespread.Todoittopurpose,doitinfaith,

(1.) Putting yourself under the divine protection, by trusting in theshadowofthewingsofaGodinChrist.Thisistheworkoffaith.HencesaysBoaztoRuth,chap.2:12,"TheLordrecompensethywork,andafullrewardbegiventheeoftheLordGodofIsrael,underwhosewingsthouartcometotrust."Thishasthepromiseofprotection,Psal,91:1,&c.Faithseesthehazardthesoulisinfromhurtfullusts,andthereforedisposeththesoultoalldueprecaution,andtoputthesoulintheLord'sbandforkeeping,asthechickensgetinunderthewingsofthehen,Psal.31:5.

(2.)ApplyingtheRedeemer'sbloodforpurgingawaytheguiltbroughtonthe soul by these lusts, Rom. 3:25; Heb. 9:14. This is the only way toremovethehurtoftheminthatcase.Thusthehurtoftheguiltofthemshallbecured,Mark16:17,18.Theguiltofthemcaststheconscienceintoafever;butfaithapplyingthebloodofChristheldoutinthepromiseofthegospel,obtainspardonoftheguilt,andcoolsthesickconscience,Is.33:24.Theaccesstothisbloodisfreetoall,Zech.13:1,"InthatdaythereshallbeafountainopenedtothehouseofDavid,andtotheinhabitantsof Jerusalem, for sin, and for uncleanness. 1Cor. 6:11, "And suchweresomeofyou:butyearewashed,butyearesanctified,butyearejustifiedinthenameoftheLordJesus,andbytheSpiritofourGod."

(3.) Trusting to the fulness of the Spirit of sanctification in Christ, for

breakingthepoweroftheselusts,1Cor.1:30.Wearenotmanenoughforthe least of these powers of hell: thereforewe are to trust to borrowedstrength,2Tim.2:1,"Thoutherefore,myson,bestronginthegracethatisinChristJesus."AndgoingoutagainsttheminthenameoftheLord,likeDavidwithhissling,weshalldovaliantly:forhe"strengtheneththespoiled against the strong; so that the spoiled shall come against thefortress,"Amos5:9.Thusmanywhohavelongbeenapreytotheirlusts,likedeadmenlyinginthegravetotheworms,receivingtheSpiritoflifefromJesusChrist,haveshookthemoff."For,"saystheapostle,"thelawoftheSpiritoflife,inChristJesus,hathmademefreefromthelawofsinanddeath,"Rom.8:2.Andinthemhasbeenfulfilledinaspiritualsense,Is.14:2,"Thepeopleshalltakethem,andbringthemtotheirplace:andthehouseofIsraelshallpossesstheminthelandoftheLord,forservantsandhandmaids: and they shall take themcaptives,whose captives theywere,andtheyshallruleovertheiroppressors."Andthisinvirtueofthat,Psal.68:18,"Thouhastascendedonhigh,thouhastledcaptivitycaptive."

3dly,Theyare restless lusts; "like the troubledsea, that cannot rest, Is.57:20.Theyarelikethemidgesinasummerday,everinmotion,workingsomeannoyancetothesoul.Fortemptationsarethickintheworld,andtheyneverwantsomething tostir themup, theyarewarring lusts, theyareneveratpeace,theyareeverinthefieldofbattle.

(1.)Warringamong themselves,oneagainst another, Jam.4:1.And thesoulofman iswhat theyarewarring for,whichshallpossess it,andbegovernor of it. In this respect the poor sinner's heart is like a townsituated in the confines of the territories of several ambitious princes,whichistossedandharrassedamongstthem,hefightngtohaveit,andhefightingtohaveit;oneturningoutanother,&c.Thusprideandambitiondrawthemindoneway,covetousnessdrawshimanotherway:contrarylusts at once fight in him. And there is no peace for the man, but bymortifyingboththecontendingparties.

(2.)Theywaragainstthesoul,1Pet.2:11.Allofthemareenemiestoit,and seek its ruin. Though they be contrary one to another, yet theyconspiretogetherforthedestructionofthesoul;likeHerodandPontiusPilateagainstChrist.Thesoul,inrespectofitsmakeandconstitution,ismostalliedtoheaven,andthereforeisthespecialobjectoftheirrage.

Whereforeyealso,ifyemindforheaven,mustlayyouraccountswithacontinualwarfare.Yemustnever let down yourwatch, nor lay by yourarmour,buteverstandinafightingposture,Eph.6:14,"Standtherefore,having your loins girt aboutwith truth,"&c.As there isnopeace to bemadebetwixtcontrarylusts,soyemustnotsidewithanyoftheparties,norbeatpeacewitheither,butmaintainthefightagainstboth.Andfightinfaith,

[1.]Believingthatthiswarwillhaveacomfortableendatlength,andyeshallhaveaprofound,perfect, lastingpeace,2Tim.4:7,8.Though thewarwithyourlustsmustbealastingone;itisgoodnews,thatitwillnotbeeverlasting;butthepeaceobtainedthroughthecompletevictorywillbeso.Takecourage,OChristian,thelaststrokewillbegivenerelonginthisbattle,whichwillbethedecisivestroke.Thedaywillcome,whentheenemies"yehaveseento-day,yeshallseethemagainnomoreforever,Exod.14:13.Inheavenyewillgeteternalpeaceandrest,Rev.21:5.Therethecentinelsarecalledfromtheirposts,andthemenofwarlaybytheirswords,andputontheircrowns.

[2.] Believing that your helper is ever as ready as your enemies, Psal.16:8. It is aweighty consideration, that Satanwalks about as a roaringlion,seekingwhomhemaydevour,andourenemieswithinarerestless.But faith wants not a solid relief to oppose unto this, looking to thepromise, Psal. 121:4, "Behold, he that keepeth Israel, shall neitherslumbernor sleep, Is. 27:3, "I theLorddokeep it, Iwillwater it everymoment; lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day." At what timesoever the enemies attack us,wemayhave access to our help: and thefaithofthepromisewillfetchitinasquicklyasbyalook,Is.45:22,"Lookuntome, andbe ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I amGod, andthereisnoneelse.

[3.]Believingthathisgraceiseversufficientforyou,2Cor.12:9.Thoughthe war last long, the stock of strength cannot be wasted, in which yemustfight;sinceitisaninexhaustibletreasureinChristJesus,towhichye can never come amiss, John 1:16. Indeed, if ye fight in your ownstrength, ye will soon find it wasted: but faith's work is to fetch instrength from Christ and it is sufficient for the continued warfare, Is.

40:31.

Lastly,Theyaredeceitful lusts,Eph.4:22.Weareapt tobebeguiledbythem,ifwetakenotgoodheed.Theydeceivesinners,andthentakethemcaptive,Tit.3:3;andthenslaythem,Rom.7:11.Theyarethegoldencupin Satan's hand, by which he ministers poison to the soul. They aredeceitful:for,

(1.)Theyalwayspromisewhattheyneverperform,2Pet.2:19.Whoistheman that is not disappointed in them looking for that content andsatisfactionheneverfinds?HowwasJudasdeceivedthatway?

(2.) They often commend themselves to men under themask of someharmless thing, or some real virtue, Col. 2:18. Thus, like Satan, theytransformthemselvesintoanangelof light.Somanycallevilgood,andgoodevil,&c.

(3.) There is a hidden mischief in them, when they are most smiling.Thereisahookalways,whichiscoveredwiththebait,James1:14,"Everymanistempted,whenheisdrawnawayofhisownlusts,andenticed."Itisametaphortakenfromfishescaughtbythebait,anddrawnoutofthewater.But,

Ye must have your eyes in your head, and not be ignorant of Satan'sdevices,Prov.22:3.Benotrash,buttryereyetrust.Forbiddenfruitmaybe fair to look at, and the devil's groundmay be very smooth; and thesinnerseenohazardwheredeathisathiselbow,Prov.14:12.Thereforefightasagainstadeceitfulenemy,Eph.6:11.Andfightinfaith,

[1.]BelievingthetestimonyofGodconcerningtheheart,Jer.17:9,thatitis "deceitfulaboveall things,anddesperatelywicked,whocanknowit?andthereforekeepingawatchfuleye,aholyjealousyoverit:Prov.28:14,"Happyisthemanthatfearethalways:buthethathardenethhisheart,shallfallintomischief."Faithisthesoul'sgoingoutofitselftotheLord,andbringsoffthemanfromleaningtohisownunderstanding,Prov.3:5,andtrustingtohisownheart,Prov.28:26.Forthesearethethingsthatbetrayamanintothehandsofdeceitfullusts.

[2.]TrustingtotheconductoftheLordJesusChrist,Prov.3:6.HeistheCaptainofsalvation,theappointedleaderofhispeople,eyestotheminthewilderness.Andhewillteachthosewhoarewillingtobetaught,Psal.25:9. And there is no way to get clear of the deceitful lusts, but byshutting our own eyes, and looking to theLord for light to discern ourway.Forheismadewisdomforus,1Cor.1:30,andbyfaithinhim,"theway-faringmen, though fools, shall not err in theway of holiness," Is.35:8.

Lastly,Thereisafightwithdeath.Thisisthelastenemyyewillhavetograpple with: 1 Cor. 15:26, "The last enemy that shall be destroyed, isdeath." There was never any who escaped this combat, but Enoch andElias.Asforallothers,theencounterwithitisappointedofHeaven,Heb.9:27. And there is no freeing of any from this battle, Eccl. 8:8. Manytroublenot themselves to fightwith temptation, orwith sin, but live atpeacewiththesetheirenemies:but,whethertheywillornot,theymustfeelthebitternessofdeath.Ifeveryewouldfightitsoastoovercome,yemustfightinfaith.Hereconsider,

1.Howdeathmayattackyou;and,

2.Inwhatshapesitmaydoso.

lst,Howdeathmayattackyou.Andthat,

First,Withsorrowandheaviness,Psal.116:3.Deathisapttoletinafloodofsorrowsuponpoorsinners:sothatthosewhohavespenttheirdaysinmirth,findthenalltheirmirthquiteswallowedupinthatflood;andtheywhohavehadalifeofsorrows,feelthenthefloodofthemswellingtothebrim.Andtherearetwosluicesdeathopenstoletinthisflood.

1.Theseparationofthemanfromthisworld,andallthingsinit,Is.38:11.It comes to carry themanoff from thisworld; to separate betwixt himandhisnearest relations; toputanend toanyportionofhisunder thesun,thatheshallnomoreseethesunriseorsetagain,andhavenomoreaccesstohisownhouse,orbed,orboard.Thisisapttoletinafloodofsorrowupontheman.Andthereisnowaytoholdoutagainstit,butoneofthesetwo;

1st,Byturningitintothematterofjoy:likethosementionedinJob3:22,"whichrejoiceexceedingly,andaregladwhen theycan find thegrave;"when theman is so wearied of the world, that his heart leaps for joy,whenGod'smessenger,death,knocksathisdoor.

2dly, By a Christian resignation to thewill of the Lord, Luke 2:29, themanbeingreadycalmly todeliverupunto thehandsofGod,allhehashere.

Now,ifyewouldfightdeath'ssorrowsonthishead,viz.separationfromtheworld,eitheroftheseways;yemustdoitinfaith,

(1.) Believing, that, through the alone merits of Christ, ye shall beadmittedintoabetterworld,setdowninabetterhouse,atabettertable,andliebetter,eveninAbraham'sbosom,2Tim.4:7,8.NothingelsewillworkthesoulintothatChristianresignation.Theheartofmanwillneverbe truly content to give away this world's good things, while it has nocomfortable prospect of better: and therefore Christian resignation atdeath,willbeaccordingtofaith'sviewofbetterthingsintheotherworld,Heb.11:13.

(2.) Trusting the same Lord Jesus with the charge and care of thosewhomyearetoleaveandareconcernedfor,1Pet.5:7,"Castingallyourcareuponhim,forhecarethforyou."Withaneyetothis, theLordhasmade that promise, Jer. 49:11, "Leave thy fatherless children, I willpreserve themalive;and let thywidows trust inme."Ungodlymencanhaveno such comfort, in the abundance they have to leave theirs, as agodlymanmayhaveinthiswayofbelieving,Heb.11:22.

2.Theseparationof thesoul fromthebody, Is.38:13,14.Thesoulandbodyarecloselyknit;butdeathcomestoloosethesilvercordthatknitsthem together; like a whirlwind to separate them, and carry them farasunder.Thesoulhasasureprospectofaseparatestate,whichithasnoexperienceof;andtheconsiderationthereof isapttofill itwithsorrow,ontheaccountofitsforeseenwidowhood.

Thereisnomakingheadagainstthis,butinfaith;

1st,Believing the soul'sunionwithJesusChrist, andwithGod throughhim,Rom.8:38,39.Thusthesoulhasfullcomfortagainsttheseparationthat deathmakes. Though theman's spirit partswith his body, yet theSpiritofGodstilldwells in thesoul.Godwouldhavehispeoplebelievethis particularly: and for that cause he has appointed the sacraments,signifyingandsealingtheirunionwithChrist.

2dly, Believing and trusting for the blessed resurrection of the body atGod's appointed time, Job 19:26. It stays the sorrowof friends at theirparting, that they look tomeet again in peace: andwhen the soul andbodyareparting, thestronger the faithof the joyful resurrection is, thelesswill thesorrowbeonthathead.Andall thatareChrist'shavegoodgroundfor it: forourLordhassaid,John11:25,"Iamtheresurrection,and the life:he thatbelieveth inme, thoughheweredead, yet shallhelive."

Secondly, Death may attack you with fear and terror. Death is of allterrorsthemostterrible.Hencewereadofbeing"broughttothekingofterrors, Job. 18:14. And therefore the scripture expresseth the greatestconsternationbytheterrorsofdeath;asinthecaseofDavid,Psal.55:4,"Theterrorsofdeatharefallenuponme."AndsaysJob,chap.24:17,"Forthemorningistothemevenastheshadowofdeath: ifoneknowthem,they are in the terrors of the shadow of death." Death will appal anddampthestoutestheart:itwillfillthemwithfear,whohavebeenaterrortoothers inthelandofthe living.Butfaithwillbearout,wherenaturalcouragefallslikeadykeofsandbeforeasweepingflood.Now,therearethreesourcesoftheterrorsofdeath.

1.Guiltlyingonthesoul,1Cor.15:56,"Thestingofdeathissin."Bytheguilt of sin, the sinner is bound over to death; so that is the stingwherewithitpiercesmen.Thenativeguiltofsinbindsoverthesinnertodeathinitsfullextent,eventorevengingwrath:themoderatedguiltofitbindsoverthesinnertounstiugeddeath.Whendeathcomesup,ittakesthemanprisonerasaguiltyman;andsofillshimwithterror.Heremustbeaclosefightoffaithtostopthissourceoffearandterror.

1st, Over the belly of all your doubts, fears, and felt unworthiness,stretching out the hand of faith, and laying it on the head of the great

sacrificeChrist,andsotransferringallyourguiltonhim,Rom.3:25,and5:11.Yemustbelievein,andtrustontheobedienceanddeathofChrist,for the removal of your guilt; believing, that, for the sakeof a crucifiedChrist, all your sins shall be pardoned. And for thewarrant of your sotrusting,yemustdiscernthepardonofferedtoyouthroughChristinthegospel,Acts 2:38, 39; and so, amidst all yourdoubts and fears, anchoryoursoulson the faithfulnessofGod in thepromise.Thusyeshallpulloutdeath'ssting,obtainingtheremovalofguiltbyfaithinhisblood.

2dly,Believingandapplying toyourselvesChrist's fullansweringof thedemands of the law,whereby the law is disarmed of its curse, and thebond of it as a covenant is loosed from off you, Gal. 2:20; Col. 2:14.Death's strength lies in guilt: take away guilt off the soul, death is likeSamson without his hair. The strength of guilt lies in the law as acovenant: remove thebondof the law fromoff theman,and theman'sguilt is likethecordsthePhilistinesboundSamsonwith,whichbecameas flax burnt with fire, Judg. 16:14. Let faith apply to the soul Christ'sobedienceanddeath,andsohisfullyansweringthedemandsofthelaw:and,thenthelawcanhavenomoreeffectonyou,thanasubscribedbondfullypaidanddischarged,blottedandrentinpieces,canhaveonyou.

2.Theunseenunknownworld,thereforecalledthelandofdarkness,Job10:21.Oneisapttobeseizedwithfear,whentheyaretobecarriedintoaplacewhichtheydonotknow.Deathcomestocarryustoanotherworld,whichweneversaw,norcanseetillwebethere,nevertocomeback:andthatmakesitterrible.Itistheworldofspirits:theblessedspiritsdwellingin the upper regions; the damned spirits in the lower. We are sounacquaintedwiththeinhabitantsofthatworld,thatthesightofaspirit,good or bad, would be enough to frighten us while we are here: whatwonder then thatdeathbe terrible,coming tocarryus,where therearenonebutspirits?Here isgreatnecessityof faith, tobearupagainst thefearrisingfromthence.Wemustthenstayourheartsbyfaith,

1st, Firmly believing the scripture accounts of the unseen world, Heb.11:1.Thoughwehavenever seen it, yetwehaveheardof it: thoughweneverwerethere,yet themapof ithasbeen laidbeforeus intheBible;andtherewehaveitdescribedboththeupperandlowerpartofit.Andinthatmap,drawnbyinspiredpens,notcapableoferring,thelowerpartof

that world is not more dreadful, than the upper part is pleasant anddesirable,John14:2;Rev.21.Thefaithofheavenisstayingtotheheartinsomemeasure.

2dly, Firmly believing the scripture account of theway to heaven; thatChrististhewaytoit,John14:6;andthatbyfaithwewalkinhimtoit,Col.2:6.Ifwebelievenotthis,ourheartshavenothingtostaythemselveson, but are left at an utter uncertainty, in our encounter with death.Therefore labourtostrengthenyour faithof this, that itmaynotbeyeaandnay,butyeawithyou,2Cor.1:19,20;that"hethatbelieveth,shallbesaved."

3dly, Believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, for your safe passage to theupperpartof theunseenworld,Psal. 73:24,and31:5; committingyoursoul to him, rolling the weight of your through-bearing on him as theCaptainofsalvationappointedofGodtobringmanysonstoglory.Takeholdofhim,byhiswordofpromise,bytheeverlastingcovenant,2Sam.23:5; and labour to gripe some particular promise for that end, as Is.43:2, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; andthrough the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkestthrough the fire, thoushaltnotbeburnt;neither shall the flamekindleuponthee."Heb.13:5,"Iwillneverleavethee,norforsakethee."Is.35:9,10,"Nolionshallbethere,noranyravenousbeastshallgoupthereon,itshall not be found there: but the redeemed shall walk there. And theransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with songs, andeverlastingjoyupontheirheads:theyshallobtainjoyandgladness,andsorrowandsighingshallfleeaway."

4thly,Believing that yourLordChrist isLordof theunseenworld, andthatthewholecompassofitaboveandbelowisnnderhisdominion,Rev.1:18.Itisinhishandthatthedisposingofsoulstoanypartofthatworldis.Neitherishetofightwiththeprinceofdarkness,onthatside,aboutanysoul.ThatfightofhiswithSatanwasinthisworld.Whenonecomesthere, the devil cannot touch him, unless given up to him as anexecutioner. And he has said it, that none that believe in him shall bedamned,Mark16:16.Believeitwithapplication.

5thly,Believing,thatassoonasyoursouldepartsoutofyourbody,God

willreceive it intohisownhand,Psal.31:5.comparedwithLuke23:46.SoDavidbelieved,Psal.23:4, "Yea, thoughIwalk through thevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearnoevil:forthouartwithme,thyrodandthy staff they comfort me." It shall be conducted by angels intoAbraham'sbosom,Luke16:22.Believe, that thesameGodwhobroughtthee out of the womb, safe into this world, when thou wast a nakedhelplessinfant,andbyhisprovidencepreservedthee,willtakethesamecareofthee,whenenteringintotheunseenworld.Thisisthecomfortoffaith indeath;agreeably towhat thePsalmistsaith,Psal.22:9,10,"Butthou art he that tookme out of the womb; thou didstmakeme hope,when I was uponmymother's breasts. I was cast upon thee from thewomb:thouartmyGodfrommymother'sbelly."

Lastly, That thy God will fit thee both for the place and the company,however unfit thou art for them now, Heb. 12:23. He will do it in amoment,asappearsfromparityofreasonfrom1Cor.15:51,52,"Behold,Ishowyouamystery;Weshallnotallsleep,butweshallallbechanged,inamoment,inthetwinklingofaneye,"&c.Believethathewillfitthee,notonlyforthesightorknowledgeofthespiritstherebeforethee,butforcommunionwiththem.Andthoumaystconfirmthyfaithofthis,bytheexperiencethouhasthad(1.)ofhisfittingtheeforcommunionwiththeinhabitantsof thisworld, though thoucamest into itan infantknowingnobodythere,nonotthemotherthatbarethee;and(2.)ofhisfittingtheeforcommunionwithhimself,thoughthouwastbynaturedeadinsin.

3.Thejudgment,Heb.9:27.Theappearingbeforeatribunalisanawfulthing.When a guilty creature is lying on a death-bed, drawing his lastbreath,andconsidersthatinalittleheistobecarriedbeforehisjudgeinanotherworld, tobe judged, andgive account ofhis deedsdone in thebody,andtoreceivehissentenceforeternity,inwellorwoe;nowonderfear and terror seize him. There is nomaking head against this but byfaith,

1st,ReceivingandembracingtheLordJesusChrist,withallhissalvationofferedtoyouinthegospel,John1:12.SoinRev.22:17,theofferofChristismade,afterthewarninggivenofChrist'scomingtojudgment:forthisonly is the way how a sinner may stand before him. While a sinnerbreathesinthisworld,heisintheway:andthatisthetimetoagreewith

the adversary. Christ and all his salvation is offered; that is, pardon,peace, right to glory, sanctification &c. And it is the work of faith toreceivethem,heldforthinthegospel-promise.

Forthiscauseitisnecessarytojudgeourselves,andcondemnourselves;tocalloverallourbypastlife,withthesinofournature:andrenouncingallconfidenceinourselves,toflytothehornsofthealtar,confidinginacrucifiedChrist,uponthegroundofGod'sfaithfulnessinthepromiseofthegospel;John3:16,"ForGodsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, buthaveeverlastinglife."

2dly,Believing,thatthesameJesuswhoisoffered,andwhomyouhaveembraced, in the gospel, is the judge whom you are to appear before,John 5:22, "For the Father judgeth no man; but hath committed alljudgment unto the Son." This is a fitmeans to abate the terror of thejudgment-seat to a believer. For thus, by the eye of faith, the soulmaysee, that it is thevery samepersonwho is itshead,husband,advocate,and the redeemer, who is its judge. And thus a full fountain ofconsolation is opened against the terrors of death, arising from thejudgment.

3dly,Believing,thatyoubeinginChrist,judgmentwillnotproceeduponyouaccordingtothelawofworks,butaccordingtothelawoffaith,i.e.thecovenantofgrace,Rev.20:12.Thelawofworksadjudgetheveryonethatsinsintheleasttodie,Gen.2:17;Gal.3:10;andaccordingtoitshallall unbelievers be judged; but no believer, Rom. 6:14. The covenant ofgraceadjudgetheverysoulunitedtoChristbyfaith,howmanysoeverhissins have been, to live eternally, for the sake of Christ's obedience anddeathimputedtohim,Rom.8:1;John3:16.

Lastly, Believing, that the covert of Christ's blood is a perfect covert,withinwhichnotonedropofrevengingwrathcanfallhereorhereafter,Is.32:2;andthatfaith'spleawillneverberejected,foritisestablishedbythe covenant betwixt the Father and the Son, andGod's faithfulness isimpawned for it.Let thebeliever then, thinkingon the tribunal,beholdtherainbowabout the throne,Rev.4:3.comparedwithIs.54:9.andbecomfortedagainsttheterrorofdeathfromthisquarter.

Thirdly,Withdespondency,Lam.3:18.This is themost fearfulweaponwherewithdeathattacksaman;whenitgoesabouttoraiseaman'shopein Christ,making his heart to sink within him as hopeless, filling himwithafearfulexpectationofeternaldestruction,Job33:22.ThismaybethecaseofthosethatarestrangerstoChrist,whomdeathseizingafteralifetime spent in profanity and wickedness, their sins, especially theirgrossheaven-daringabominationsstaringtheminthefacewhiletheyaredeath'sprisoners,areapttofillthemwithdespairofmercy,Job18:14.Itmayalsobethecaseofsaintsafteracarelessuntenderwalk,Psal.69:2,77:7;Matth.25:5.Hereisneedoffaithinaspecialmanner,

1st,BelievingwithapplicationtheinfiniteefficacyofthebloodandSpiritofChristJesus,Heb.7:25.ThesoulwouldbeholdthatbloodasthebloodoftheSonofGod,1John1:7,andthereforeofinfiniteefficacytodoawaythe greatest guilt; as the sea, to quench a house on fire, as well as acandle:hisSpirit isof infiniteefficacy,asabletowipeawaythedeepeststainsofsins,asothers,1Cor.6:11:awater-flood,sweepingawaywholedunghills,aswellasmole-hills.

2dly,Believingthatyearestillwithinthecompassofthegospeloffer,Is.55:1;Rev.22:17.Yea,itisdirectedtoyouinparticular,asJer.3:1,"Thouhastplayedtheharlotwithmanylovers;yetreturnagaintome,saiththeLord." Is. 1:18, "Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord:thoughyoursinsbeasscarlet,theyshallaswhiteassnow;thoughtheybered like crimson, they shallbeaswool."Godhasmadenoexceptionofsinners of any size, who will come in; though ordinarily a profanegraceless life has a disagreeable end; they that live gracelessly, for themostpartdyinghardened,sometimesinsullendespondency:yetthecaseofthethiefonthecross,shewsapossibilityofitsbeingotherwise.

Lastly,Believing,griping,andhangingbythepromiseofthegospel,overthebellyofallobjections.Acts16:21.Thoughyouareinaboisteroussea,whereonewavecomesafteranothertosweepyouaway;yetquitnotyourgripe, Heb. 10:39; but hope against hope, as Abraham did; for it ispleasingtoGod,Psal.147:11,andwillhaveagoodissue,asinthewomanofCanaan.

2dly,Consider inwhatshapesdeathmayattackus.There isonewayof

comingintotheworld,buttherearemanywaysofgoingoutofit.Whichof themmay be ours,we knownot; and therefore it concerns us to beready to encounter death, and fight the last battle successfully, inwhatevershapedeathcomeuponus.Iwilltakenoticeofthesefour.

1.Aviolentdeath,bythehandsofmen.Thistheheaviestofdeaths,whenit is an ill cause; as in the case of malefactors, by the hand of publicjustice;andofmenfallingsacrificestotheirownandothersrageintheirprivategodlessquarrels.AllIsaytothat,is,toadviseyoutolivebyfaith,thatyemaybepreserved fromsuchadeath,Prov.28:17;Matth.26:52.But even in a good cause men may be brought to it, whether moresolemnlybyprocess of law, or summarily by thehands of bloodymen.Deathinthatshapemustbefought,

1st,Believing that thatwas thekindofdeathwhichChristdied, and sohassanctifiedit tohisown,thattheymaycomfortablyventureonit forhissakeandcause.Andthesaintsofthehighestclasshavediedso,dyingmartyrs,innumberlessmultitudes.OurLordwillhaveallhistolaytheiraccountswithit,Luke14:26,"Ifanymancometome,"sayshe,"andhatenot—hisownlife,hecannotbemydisciple;"thoughhedoesnotcallthemalltoit.Butmanywhohavebeencalledtoithaverejoicedinitastheirhonour.

2dly, Believing that great truth with application, Matth. 16:25."Whosoevershallsavehislife,shalllooseit:andwhosoeverwilllosehislifeformysakeshallfindit."Whenone'slifecomesincompetitionwiththe honour of Christ and the cause of truth, and they will, for savingthemselves, make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience; they losetheir souls, to save theirbodies for a little time:whereas they towhomChrist's honour is more dear than their own lives, their souls shall besavedeternally,andeternalglorywillmorethanmakemakeupalltheirlosses.

2.Apainfuldeath.Deathinanyshapecanhardlywantpain;butdeathiscertainly more painful to some than to others. O what piercing pains,gripes,andtorments,dosomesufferattheirdeath!Whatstrugglesandwrestlings have somewith death, before their souls leave their bodies!Whatmeasureofthesepainsisallottedtouswedonotknow;butevery

onewillatlengthfeelhisownpartofthem.

OurbusinessistobearthemChristianlyandpatiently;andthatIwewillneverdotopurpose,butbyfaith,

1st, Cleaving to Christ in them by faith, Job 13:15, and believing, thatthroughhisgracetheyshallhaveacomfortableendinduetime,2Tim.4:6,7,8.Faith'sviewoftheeternalrestinheaven,isthebestcordialinthepainofdeath.Whenthesoulbelieves,thatthelastpainiscomingup,thelastsob;afterwhichsorrowandsighingshallforeverflyaway;thatwillmakethemanstandtheshockofthesharpestpainsChristianlyandpatiently.

2dly,Believingthatthebodyofdeathandsin,whichthouhasthadmanyabattlewithinthylife,isbythatmeanstobeputtothedoor.Deathcameinbysin,andsinmustgooutbydeath.Everypainandgripeloosethapinof the tabernacle; and according as death makes its progress in thebeliever'sbody, sin is thenearer toa removaloutofhis soul.Andwhendeathhasperfecteditsworkonthebody,thesoulshallthenbeperfected,Heb. 12:23.AChristianwill abide sore thrusts patiently, in the faith ofthistheirthrustingouthisworstenemy.

3dly,Bytheeyeoffaithdiscerningdeathunstingedtothee,bythedeathof Christ. Our Lord Christ has said it, and done it, Hos. 13:14, "I willransomtheefromthepowerofthegrave:Iwillredeemthemfromdeath:O death I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction;repentance shall be bid from mine eyes:" and therefore a dying saintshouldcomforthimselfinit,andbelievingsing,asin1Cor.15:55–57,"Odeath,whereisthysting?Ogravewhereisthyvictory?Thestingofdeathis sin; and the strength, of sin is the law.But thanks be toGod,whichgivethus the victory throughourLordJesusChrist."Thatwhereby thebeliever'sdyingbodyispained,isnotdeath'ssting:hemaythereforebearitthebetter.Death'sstingstingsthesoulandconscience,andleavesthevenom of the curse there, which will scorch the man eternally. Thesepainsarebutasabee-stingincomparisonofthat.

3.Alongsomeorlingeringdeath.Deathmakesquickharvestwithsome,butwithothersdeath'sworkisspunouttoagreatlength;wherebythey

havemanydeaths inone, areoften looking for the last stroke,but it islongacoming.Thisisagreattrial,andweknownotbutitmaybeours.Thereforeweshouldbepreparedforit,andlayuptimelyforit.Wewillnevermanageitwell,butbyfaith,

1st, Believing always that it is coming; but atwhat hour,we knownot.Thefaithofthiswillmakeuskeepupourwatch,Matth.24:42.Theymaywatch at first, who may let down their watch when they find theBridegroom delays his coming; and so they may be surprised, as thefoolishvirginswhentheirlampswereout.ButthefaithofthiswillputusonJob'sresolution,chap.14:14,"AllthedaysofmyappointedtimewillIwaittillmychangecome."

2dly,BelievingthatthereintheLordhasyouuponyourtrials,1Pet.1:6,7. He is in that case taking a trial of your faith, love, patience, andChristianfortitude.AndifGodopenstoanyofusasceneoftrialofmorevarietyandgreaterlengththanthatofothers,itisourbusinesstobehavewellinthetriallaidtoourhand.

3dly, By the eye of faith discerning the eternal weight of glory, on theother side of the trial: and if we weigh the one by the other, themostlongsome strugglewith deathwill appear both light andmomentary, 2Cor.4:17,18,"Forourlightaffliction,whichisbutforamoment,workethforusafarmoreexceedingandeternalweightofglory;whilewelooknotatthethingswhichareseen,butatthethingswhicharenotseen:forthethingswhichareseen,are temporal;but the thingswhicharenot seen,areeternal."

4.Lastly,Asuddendeath.Deathsometimesmakesawidestep,sothatitisuponamanerehecanwellperceiveitcoming.It iswhatmaybeourlot;foritiscommontogoodandbad.GoodElidiedso,aswellasAnaniasand Sapphira, who died with a lie in their mouth. And therefore itconcernsustobepreparedforit;whichwecanneverbebutbybelieving.And,

1st, Securing ourselves within the true ark, timely, by believing in theLordJesusChrist,acceptinghimintheofferofthegospelcovenant,John1:12.Thencomedeathwhenandhowitwill,wearehabituallyreadyfor

it:anditshallnotbeabletoloosethemarriage-knotcastbyfaithbetwixtChristandoursouls,Rom.8:38.&c.Ifinthatcase,itcomesuddenlyonus,itshallbutwaftusovermorespeedilyintoImmanuel'sland.

2dly,ResolutelyrenewingtheactingsoffaithonChrist,atdeath'ssuddenapproach,Is.45:22.Whatamanhasdonebefore,hemaythemoreeasilydoagainonasignalgiven:andabelievermay throughgracerenewhisactingoffaith,upondeath'sshortwarning.Ifdeathbesudden,theactoffaith, may be as sudden, as reaching in a moment from earth to thehighestheavens:andthereforecomparedtoalook.

And thus I have gone through the Christian warfare, even to the lastbattle.MaytheLordthusteachourhandstowar,andourfingerstofight.

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TheGoodFightofFaithbyThnomasBosto,Copyright©2019

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