AT the 14. verse we finde our Blessed Savi­our casting out a dumb Devill; In his own nature dumb, as to any penitent confession of any sin he ever yet committed: How­beit here he is said to be dumb in regard of operation, casting this Daemoniac into a dis­ease that deprived him of his Speech, and of his Sight too, Blinde Mat. 12.12. and Dumb, saith Saint Matthew, and of his Hea­ring also, as some Interpreters suppose, because we do not [Page 2]read that our Saviour saith, as at other times, Believest thou that I am able to do this?

Now,The cohe­rence and oc­casion of the words being as most actions fall under divers constructions, the best we can say, or do, undergoes divers opinions and cen­sures, so doth this miracle of Christ. The Common Peo­ple, and Illiterate Multitude stand amazed and wonder; saying,Matth. 12.13. This is (or is not this the Son of David?) the Messias that shall deliver us and reigne over us?

But the learned Scribes and Pharisees,A Scandal which the Scribes would fasten upon Christ made up of de­praving, they slander and disparage him (how much better is it to be Holy then Witty?) He casteth out Devills (say they) through Beelzebub the Prince of Devils: that Lord of Flies, so called, either from the abundance of Flies flocking to the Sacrifices offered to that Idol, or from his aid im­plored against those Swarmes of Flies that did infest Ekron in Palestine their Country, where this Idol was worship­ped: Or because,Removed by him, with three argu­ments. when the Devil gave his responses to the Inchanters, he appeared in the form of a great Fly. This their calumny and aspersion our Saviour refuteth.

1 1. From the evill consequent of dissention, Every Kingdome divided against it self is brought to desolation. Truth it is that (upon compact) one Devil may undo what ano­ther doth (attempting by such politique combination) in the same project to resieve the Body; but to gain the Soul, and to enlarge the Kingdome of Darknesse. But for one Devill to oppose another, to cast the Devils Kingdome out of the world, and to set up the Kingdome of God, Ver. 20. (which is Christs designe) this Beelzebub will not do, neither can such a designe be carried on, by those that u­nite in one, but amongst Enemies that are divided.

2 The second Argument our Saviour useth for refutation of their Blasphemous slander, is ab exemplo pari, from the like example:Ver. 19. If I by Beelzebub cast out Devils, by whom do your Sons cast them out? Your Sons (i) the Children of your own Nation, those Exorcists born amongst you, who cast out DevilsActs 19.13, 17. Matth. 7.22. in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ: You do not say they cast them out by Beelzebub, why then are you partial Judges, to passe contrary Sentence on the like [Page 3]fact? To applaud them who cast out Devils by my power, and to condemn me who am that Power?

3 A third Argument is taken from the effects, pressed by a Military similitude. The Devil is strong and compleatly armed, and will not be cast out of his Possession, but by a strength superior: so that my dispossessing of Satan, is an evidence that I do not use his power, but that mine is grea­ter than any he hath: For even common experience shew­eth, that no man can come into a Strong mans house, and [...], Plunder his Houshold-stuffe, unlesse he be stronger then he.

When a strong man armed, &c.] Hitherto we have onely viewed the Casket, The sence of the words. History. Mystery. Calvin in loc. & saepe. there is a Jewel in the Text not yet shewed you. Besides the History (whereunto we shall have occasion to look back anon) there is a farther Myste­ry to be discovered in the words. Christs bodily cures had usually a tendency to something Spiritual, for the sa­ving of the Soul. This Blinde and Dumb man whom Satan possessed, is a type of all men that lye under the Dominion of Sin:2 Cor. 4.4. whose Eyes the God of this world hath blind­ed,Ephes. 2.2. whose heart the Prince of the Aire keepeth in peace­able possession: When a Strong man, &c.

Untill a Stronger then he [i] Jesus Christ, shall be pleased in mercy to visit any such miserable Vassal. Then he ejects Satan, pulls down the reign of sin, takes possession of that poor captivated heart for his own habitation, restores to God his Creature that was lost, and to Man the Graces whereof he was despoiled.

But when a Stronger, The division and parts. &c.] Which words are divided as the World is, two Kings over two great Families or Kingdomes di­vided both. Christ and Belial. the God that overcomes the world, and the God of this evill world. The King of Saints, Jesus Christ; and the King, the Prince of the Power of Dark­nesse, the Devil.

The order of the words invite me to speak first of the Prince of the Power of Darknesse, wherein first we are to take notice of his Power, he is a strong man.

Secondly his Armour, he is a strong man armed.

Thirdly, his possession he keepeth the Palace.

Fourthly, the posture of his Subjects, like the people of Laish, all quiet and secure, his goods are in peace.

When a Strong man armed, &c.

Until secondly, Jesus Christ, the King of Saints comes, ejects Satan, and enters his Territories by force: Who is described here, first by his strength and valour, He is stronger then Satan, and cometh upon him. Secondly, his Victory, He overcometh him. Thirdly his most prudent management of that Victory; 1. He disarms the enemie. 2. Rescues his Captives out of the enemies hands, and (as David in the case of Ziglag, so the Son of David) reco­vers all the spoyles and divideth them amongst them.

But when a stronger then he, &c.

To all which particulars I shall likely speak something whilst I insist on these two Propositions, Sum'd up in 2. propositions. whereunto we are to hold us at this time.

First, That all unconverted ones, living in a state of habitual sin, and actual disobedience against God: they are in bondage under Sathan: Led captive by him accor­ding to his Will.

When a strong man armed, &c.

Secondly, When Jesus Christ is pleased in mercy to visit any such poor captives, He ejects Satan, pulls down the Reign and Dominion of Sin, takes possession of their hearts for his own habitation, and restores unto them the graces whereof they were despoyled.

But when a stronger, 1. Proposition. All men un­converted are in Bondage under Satan. 1 Cor. 6.11. Ephes. 2.2. &c.

I will begin with the First.

All unconverted, &c.

Such were some of you, saith St. Paul to the Corinthians, such were the Ephesians, Walking according to the Prince of the power of the Air, the Spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience; amongst whom (saith the Apostle) we had our conversation in times past.Titus 3.3. We our selves (saith he) had our conversation in times past, foolish, disobedient, serving divers Lusts and pleasures, [Page 5]living in malice and envy, haters and hating one another. (Deeds of Darknesse all) which sins while men live under them, we need no other evidence that they are under the Dominion of the Prince of the power Darkness; for his Chil­dren ye are (saith our Saviour) whose works ye do; and his Servants ye are (saith the Apostle) to whom ye obey.Rom. 6.16. A hard & cru­el Bondage because they are under.

A very hard and cruel hondage.

1. A strong man. Prov. 21.16. Mr. Mede in loc. Prov. 21.16. First, Because he that deteins them is [...] a strong man, a Goliah-Gyant. The man that wanders out of the way of Wis­dom, shall remain in the Congregation of the Dead; In caetu Gigantium, in the house of Gyants (that's the proper sig­nification) and so was Hell called by the Jews before the Captivity (saith a learned Critick) the assembly of Gyants, of those Gyants, and mighty men, who in the old world re­belled against God, and of those apostate Gyants, who fell from God, and of Angels became Devils. Who since their fall have lost their spiritual Love, but retain their natural power. All which power in them, how great soever, is now become the power of Darkness, Triumphing in all the ungodly, drowned in Ignorance, disobedience, and un­beleif, which the Apostle calls Darkness: militant, comba­ting with the godly,Ephes. 5.8. For we wrastle not (saith he) with flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, and spiritual wickednesse, against wicked Spirits in ability transcending the power of flesh and blood.

Mighty Gyants in whose sight we are but as Grashoppers, and as easily destroyed by them.Job. 40.41. Behemoth and Leviathan names (say some) signifying the Devil, the King of the Children of Pride, and all the powers of the earth cannot match him; A roaring Lyon who would devour all, But thanks be given to the Lyon of the tribe of Judah, Jesus Christ, who for those few Lambs sake that are of his fold, the Church, hath chained that roaring Lyon the Devil, and none become a prey unto him but such as yeild to his Temp­tations, and by their wilful disobedience come within his chain, such he holds fast in the cords of their sins, and they are Captives to this Strong man; Whose miserable capti­vity is so much the more hard and cruel.

2. Armed having armes Secondly, In that he is armed as well as strong.

A Strong man armed, being furnished with armes, first of his own, secondly from our selves, thirdly from the Law.

First,I from himself. He himself is a Magazine of temptations, having his Quiver full of poysoned Arrows or Darts (as the Apo­stle calls them) happily because most consonant to his name [...] of [...] a metaphor from casting of Darts.Ephes. 6.16. Amongst which multitude, there be two poysoned ones whereof he makes frequent use. The one dipt in a cold poyson to benumme and make men stupid with careless security, whilst they presume to sin. The other dipt in a hot poyson, to scorch men after they have sinned in restless despair.

A pregnant Example of both which we have in the in­cestious Corinthian, 2. Cor. 2.11. whom Satan carries on so far in lust as to make him presume to joyn in an incestuous match. Af­terwards (when by the Churches censure he felt the smart and repented of his sin) then Satan wrought upon his sor­row to drive him to Despair, that he might perish under cure. Which reach of Satan Paul discovering, he writ to the Corinthians to forgive him, and to comfort him lest he should be swallowed up of overmuch sorrow, and lest (saith he) Satan should get an advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his [...] his methods, Depths and Stratagems, especially in making use of these two, either to set men on the pinacle of Presumption, that they may sin without fear, or perswade them to cast themselves down into the Praecipice of Despair, that they may sorrow with­out hope.

Secondly,2. from us. He is armed from us, from those exerbitan­ces that are by nature within us, he throws the stone, but 'tis the mud within us that troubles our peace. The Igno­rance and Darkness that is in mens minds (especially be­ing yet unconverted) their carnal reasonings, and all that stubbornesse that is in their wills, the faculties of their soul, the Members of their body yeilded up to be weapons and instruments of sin.Musc. interpre­te. Haec sunt diaboli adversus nos tela in­festa (saith St. Bazil.)

These all become Satans armour, wherewith he fighteth against us. The Prince of this world cometh (saith our Savi­our) and he hath nothing in me. No darknesse, nor disobedience in me, to arm him against me. But now there is by nature in debauched Man, many noysome and hurtful lusts, a party of the Devils within him, to open a postern gate, and give him possession of the whole Isle of Man. Otherwise Satan being without, could have no power to enter the Fort, unlesse it were given him from within; whom to cast out, it is be­yond the sphere of Mans activity. For,

Thirdly, he fortifies himself with a Law, all men out of Christ, and under the reign of Sin, are debtors to the Law:3. From the Law. They owe a debt of obedience to the whole Law, and a debt of eternal punishment in Hell, for the breach of the Law; all which Satan knows very well, and will not spare (when he sees his time) to thunder forth and discharge all his threatnings of the Law against the guilty Offender, to write them in Blood, to pluck him by the Throat, and to say, Pay that thou owest? to awake Conscience, to fly in his face, and tell him, that they that doe such things are worthy of Death. Death in the end, and Death without end. Heb. 2.14. Under the Fear of which Death, (saith the Apostle) they are all their life­time subject to Bondage. A hard and cruel bondage.

3. Because he keeps the Pa­lace, the Heart. Thirdly, Because the strong man armed keepeth the Palace, the Heart, the precious Soul.

If we peruse histories of the anguish and cruell bondage, that the worst of slaves have suffered, we find that the com­mands which their rigid Taskemasters exercised over them, terminated in the body, the bodily service; that was the chiefest they looked after, whence they were called [...] Bodies.Doctor San­derson Serm. 7. ad Aulam. Now this cruel Tyrant is not content with the Out-house the Body, or the smaller Forts the Members of the Body, that's but petty inconsiderable Pillage and spoile: Da mihi animas (saith he) give me the Souls, the Royal Pa­lace, the Heart.

The principal thing that Almighty God challengeth of Man, is the Heart, My Son give me thy heart. That he would have for a Temple to dwell in, but this proud Devil [Page 8]hath usurped it: The House of God is become a den of theeves; the Idol Dagon is set up in the Ark of God, and the abomina­tion of desolation stands there, where by Creation was the holy place: The Heart, designed to be an habitation for Gods spi­rit is become more impure then the Stable of Augaeus, A cage of unclean Birds. So that we need not wonder why the Heart is deceitful above all things, since it hath recei­ved the Father of Lyes to lodge in it: When it speaketh fair, beleeve it not, for there are seven abominations lodge there. It was, and it should be a Garden inclosed for Christ, but till Conversion it is an open Field, where Satan sowes his Tares, whence spring evil Thoughts, Adulteries, Fornications, Mur­thers, Thefts, Covetousnesse, Wickednesse, Deceit, Lascivious­nesse, an evil Eye, Blasphemy, Pride, Foolishnesse; for from this Palace, the Devil hath influence upon the whole Man. The Understanding is darkned, with mists of errors, and strong delusions; the Will is become Rebel to Jesus Christ, saying, We will not have this man to reigne over us; And, What is the Almighty that we should serve him? The Affections are wed­ded to Satans loves and hatreds, and the members of the bo­dy (like the Centurions Servants) are ready to go and return at his beck, who sits in his Palace, and no man saith, cur ita facis, why dost thou so? for His goods are in peace.

4. Because his goods are in peace, The fourth and last, but not the least aggravation, of sinful mans slavery and bondage.

When the strong man armed keepeth the House, his goods are in peace.

The old Cerberus hath his Prisoners sure enough, and now he will not wag his tongue to disquiet them, yea ra­ther useth all stratagems to preserve in his Vassalls a tempo­rary peace,which peace proceeds, that they may not attempt an escape from un­der his Yoak.

In order whereunto,First, from Satans tam­pering with Conscience. first he tampers with Conscience, to remove thence all scruple. The conscience of Man lyes un­der two operations of the Devil,Psal. 65.3. In the evill day of affli­ction, when a mans iniquities prevail against him, then he a­wakes Conscience, that every sinful moat may seem a beam, and so he may put all in a hurry, as if Hell and the Soul were met together.

But in time of Prosperity, he sows Pillows under mens El­bows, and is desirous Conscience should stretch it selfe on a bed of Ivory, and take its ease.

A Sermon at such a time (like that of Paul to Felix) of Judgement to come, is not in season. The time he knows is not yet for his Prisoner to receive his torment, therefore he desires he may live at ease, that his goods may be in peace.

2.2. From the nature of ha­bitual sin. This evill peace receiveth nourishment from the na­ture of habitual sin. A godly man, though he may be taken by occasion in a fault, yet finds he no rest in the way that is finfull; No rest in my bones by reason of my sin, (saith Da­vid;) but an ungodly manJude v. 12. feeds himself in sin without fear.

For as no element (they say) is ponderous in its proper place (if we lye under deep waters, the burthen thereof of­fends us not, though otherwise they may annoy us) so Sin is not a burthen to a man in his unregeneracy, and his un­converted condition, it being in him as in its proper region or element, he is at peace.

This Lethargy taketh growth.

3. From evil managing plenty, unto living voluptuously: 3. From plen­ty ill mana­ged. It is the rich man in the Gospel that said, Soul take thy ease, thou hast goods laid up for many years.

A Surfet of plenty or pleasure drowns sinners in a sleep of security, and then Satan hath them sure.

It was Crasus his councel to Cyrus that that if he would hold the Lydians in Slavery, he must let them sing, and play, and drink, and dance and dally, and such pipes Satan wants not, that a dead sleep of carnal security may fall upon his Ves­sals, and that they may for the present live in peace: A wretched and miserable peace that ends in ruine and destru­ction.

TheArist. Prob. Sect. 23. q. 5. Philosopher tells us of a Sea, wherein by hollows of the Earth, or some whirling attractive property, the Ship is suckt in, and cast away in a calm; so do wicked mens Souls gently perish in the midst of their own securi­ty: While they cry peace, peace (saith the Scripture) sudden [Page 10]destruction shall come upon them, as travel upon a woman, and they shall not escape.

Great peace have they that love Gods Law, (saith the Psal­mist) and nothing shall offend them. But such as have forsaken Gods Law, and cast it behinde their back, if they have Peace, the Devil is in that peace. If Pharaoh be at peace with the Israelites, it is a sign they are his Bond-slaves. If the Goaler be at peace with his Prisoner, it is a signe he hath him under Bar and Bolt; and if Satan be at peace with wicked men, and they at peace in their Sins, it is a signe he is possessed of the Palace, (their hearts) and they are his Vassals; and so my first Proposition is cleared.

That all unconverted ones, &c.

Whither now (by way of Application) shall I convert my Speech,Application to all that are unconverted, to take up a Lamentation, and to cry mightily to God, to send his Son Jesus Christ, to make them free. but to such as are not yet converted from the error of their ways, and from the evil of their doings. To all that live in the practice of any known sins, and yet are at peace in themselves: that they would take up a Lamentation and Mourning for their sad and miserable condition, as one that mourneth for the death of his first-born.

The Prince of the Power of darknesse, they are under him; his Captives, Vassals and slaves. You walk in darknesse, in dis­obedience against God (thats the way you are in) and dark­nesse, outer darknesse will be your portion, thats the end you are hasting to.

Profligate sinners may say in their ruffe and jollity, as those Gallant fellowes in the 12 Psalme and 4 verse. Who is Lord over us?

Truly it is no hard matter to answer you, even the Devil, all you have, all you are, is his, he hath the custody of that Royal Fort, the Palace the Heart, thats his house; I will go to my house (saith that unclean spirit) Matth. 12.44. and when he comes he findes it empty, so is every heart that is not established with grace, and garnished, ready for him and his guests, even seven Devils more wicked then himself, which push on miserable captives to commit iniquity with gree­dinesse,Doctor San­derson. Ser. 7. ad Aulam. for go they needs must whom the Devil drives: Hence some melt themselves in Lusts and sordid pleasures, pos­sessed [Page 11]with a Voluptuous Devil; others pine themselves lean, whilst they behold the fatnesse of their neighbours portion,Jo. 4.5. The spirit that dwells in them lusteth after Envy, behold a malicious Devil. Another upon the wings of Ambition, soars to an usurped pinacle of Honour; loe there dwells a proud Devil. Another stops his ears, and will not hear sound doctrine, nor seasonable reprehension, but is a fol­lower of such teachers, as are after his own lusts, not being pleased with that which is true, but allowing that onely to be true which pleaseth him: The Devil hath infected his eare with an itch, and unlesse you claw him, he will not hear you. Another labours of a Bloody Flux, of Oaths, or lets his mouth looseEpist. Jude ver 8. to speak evill of Dignities: The Devil hath possessed his tongue, and set it on fire with the fire of Hell. O that all men living and lying in these and the like sins, would take this to heart, that their precious Soul (for which the world assords not a valuable compensation) is in the possession of Satan: they are under the shadow and govern­ment of that Bramble the Devil, whence nothing can be ex­pected but the fire of Hell to come forth and destroy them.Exod. 5.19. The people of Israel finding themselves in evil case under Pharaoh, when they were to gather straw, and the whole tale of Brick also exacted, they cryed for anguish of heart, be­cause of their cruel bondage, and the Lord heard their cry, Exod. 6.6, 7, 8. and by the hand of his Captain Moses did bring them from under their burthens. O that all in their sins would be so sensible of their bondage, as to cry earnestly to God for their Souls, as the man in the Gospel for his Son, Have mercy upon me O Lord for my Soul is possessed with a Devil, and sometimes he throws me into the Fire, and sometimes into the Water; Makes me as hot as fire to the pursuit of that which is evil, but to that which is good, as cold as Ice. That they would cry migh­tily to God, one deep call upon another, a depth of misery, on a depth of mercy. I am so fast in prison, I cannot get out. Then would the Lord send a greater then Moses to deliver them, even his Son Jesus the Captain of our Salvation, on whom he hath powred his spirit to bring deliverance to Captives, and to open the Prison door, to such as are bound under Satan.

The second and most welcome assertion that now invites your attention.2 Prop. A sinners de­liverance out of Bondage by Christ, who is

When Jesus Christ is pleased in mercy to visit any such poor Captives, he ejects Satan, pulls down the reign and dominion of Sin, takes possession of their hearts for his own habitation, and restores unto them the graces whereof they were despoiled.

But when a stronger, First, stronger then Satan, and comes up­on him. &c.

This strong man Satan, he buckles on his Armour about him, stands upon his Guard, is resolved to keep his Cap­tives, and will not let them go. But there is no remedy, he must yeild perforce what he cannot hold.

For a stronger then he, cometh upon him, and overcometh him.

His valour that the first.

Psal. 89.19. The Lord hath layed helpe upon one that is mighty. Dan. 9.25. Mes­siah the Prince, as Daniel calls him, enters the lists, encoun­ters the Prince of the power of Darknesse, and the enter­prize shall go on with successe,Esay 53.10. the good pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hands, for he waketh in great strength, and is mighty to subdue enemies, and mighty to save his people; In whose presence, Conquest its selfe stands exspecting only his dread beck.

Luke 1.19. The Lord hath raised up a horn of Salvation, his Son Je­sus Christ; Acts 10.43. To him give all the Prophets witnesse. A horn of Salvation, noting his power and strength to break all the horns of Satan, and to batter down his Kingdome, untill it fall to the ground, as the Walls of Jericho at the sound of the Rams horns.

Hail King (said they in scorn) but King he is in earnest, Esay 96.54. The Government is upon his shoulders, having a golden Scepter of Grace, which his people kisse, and an Iron rod of strength, wherewith (according to the first Prophesie)Gen. 3.15. He breaketh the head of that old Dragon the Devil, who is as little able to resist him as a Potters Vessel a rod of Iron: to whom deserved­ly appertains this magnificent Elogie, He is stronger then all. Greater is he that is in you, saith Saint John (that is Christ) then he that is in the world [i] the Devil. And for this pur­pose [Page 13]the Son of God was manifested,1 Joh. 3.8 that he might destroy the works of the Devil. For the accomplishing whereof he is throughly furnished.Col. 1.19. In him dwelleth all fulnesse. A ful­nesse of Wisdome to contrive, a fulnesse of Power to effect, and a fulnesse of successe; the Battell is not doubtfull, the Event is certain, He goes on conquering, and to conquer.

The second particular,2. Overcomes him. His victory; But when a stronger then he shall come upon him, and overcome him.

David, with a stone out of a sling, smote Goliah to the ground, and then with his own Sword severed his Blasphe­mous head from his shoulders.

The Son of David, Jesus Christ, Daniels stone, cut forth of the Mountain without hands (born of a Virgin that never knew man) smote that Great Goliah, the Devil, foyled him with his own Weapon, conquered him with his own Sword; By death, overcame him that had the power of death. 1 Cor. 23.24. Christ Cru­cified, was to the Jewes a stumbling block, and to the Gentiles foo­lishnesse: but to them which are called, the power of God, and the wisdome of God: The power of God to conquer the strong man, in the Text Satan, and the wisdome of God to befool that old Serpent, who would not have put it into the heart of Judas to betray him, had he not thought, that when he was nayled to the Crosse, he could neither fight nor fly: but the Devil was mistaken for all his craft.

The Crosse was Christs triumphal Chariot, wherein he subdued all the Potentates and Powers of darknesse; Col. 2.15. having spoyled Principalities and Powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it, in the Crosse: for duo in cruce affixi intelliguntur, (saith Origen) two were fixed on the Crosse, Christ visibly and willingly for a time, and Satan invisibly and un­willingly for ever.

Now this victory takes quite away the scandal of the Crosse, and blessed Paul will glory in nothingGal. 6.14. but the Cross of Christ. Christs Death gave such a blow to the Devil, as cast him down without any hopes of ever rising again: when he had swallowed up Christ in the Grave, he thought he had got the Field, and that all was sure, but he found (to his sorrow) a Hook under that Bait which he never suspe­cted; [Page 14]he received a Trojan horse within his Walls, which forced him to yeeld both Field and Victory; and he by Death seizing upon him that was Innocent, forfeited his po­wer over us that are guilty, so many of us as truly believe in Christ. An Eye of Faith, doth see in the Death and Passion of Christ. Hell disappointed, Satan confounded, and Christs-poor captived Lambs rescued (as a panting prey) out of the paw of that roaring Lyon, and the grim mouth of that raging Bear.

Object. But you will say, Satan doth still fight against the Faithfull by his assaults and temptations.Satan yet fights against the faithful.

Answ. True, he doth so, Christ permits him.

1 First, To exercise his Childrens Graces, and to work them to a conformity with himselfe.

2 Yet secondly, Satan is deprived of all power, to prevail to the ruine of the Souls of Beleevers, they being built upon a Rock, against which the gates of Hell shall not prevail.

3 Thirdly, For their comfort they strive with a conquered enemy, who hath more Gall then strength: so that if we like good Soldiers of Jesus Christ resist, stedfast in the Faith, the victory undoubtedly will be ours. He that hath trodden down Satan under his, will also tread him down under our Feet; and we shall have cause to triumph and say,1 Cor. 15.57. Thanks be unto God, which gives us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Who the better to encourage us in this conflict, and to assure us of conquest, hath taken away from him all his armour.

But when a stronger then he cometh upon him, and overcom­eth him, he taketh from him all his armour, wherein he trusted.

That's the third.3. Taketh from him his armour.

Satan is armed: first (as you have heard) with his own subtill & serpentine temptations, which are so many stings and darts, 1. Blunting the darts of his temptations. whereby precious Souls receive many deadly wounds. But as a Serpent fixing his sting upon a Rock, finds no entrance, and renders his sting thereby uselesse; so that old Serpent the Devil, attempting to fasten the sting of his temptations upon the Rock which is Christ, lost his sting there, the power, the venome of it, and hath made it unca­pable [Page 15]of stinging us, having by Faith once taken sanctuary in the clefts of that Rock. Eph. 6.16. Therefore above all, (saith the Apostle) take the shield of Faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the Devil. Temptations are as so many darts that poyson the Soul, and scorch it as with fire: But Christ touched by Faith, Faith in the promises made un­to us, yea and Amen in Christ, fetcheth vertue from his blood, (our Antidote) to repell that poyson, and to quench those fiery darts, which otherwise would drink up our spirits.

Receive Christ Jesus into your hearts by Faith, set open the everlasting doors, and let the King of Glory come into his Palace: then let Satans temptations fly like Darts and Ar­rowes so thick, as they may seem to darken the Sun: we shall fight in the shade, even under the shadow of the wings of the Sun of righteousnesse, we shall be safe under his Feathers, his faithfulnesse and truth shall be our Shield and Buckler.

But secondly, besides the darts of his temptations, 2. Subduing our corrupti­ons. he is furnished with armour from our own sins and lusts: True, but Christs conquest is over Sin, as well as Satan; he hath de­livered us from the punishment of sin by his death, and from the power of sin by his Grace. Yet all this still upon the con­dition of the new Covenant, (to wit) a lively Faith in Christ Jesus, manifested by Repentance from dead works, and a care to live righteously. This is not a cause meriting Christs victory, but a condition, a qualification necessarily required in all that shall partake of his victory: which if by us performed, then our sins shall never be our ruine: Not our sins past, he hath cast them all into the depths of the Sea, he will blot them out of his remembrance, which is (in some sort) to make them, as if they had never been. And for those present remain­ders of sin, he will abate their strength by the power of his grace, convert our Members to be weapons of righteousnesse unto God, and bring us daily to a more intimate communion with himself in knowledge, love and obedience.

Yet thirdly,3. Paying the debt, the Law requires of us. There is another parcel of armour Satan makes not a little use of, the Law. He drawes up a charge against us, as debtors to the whole Law by us violated and broken, and therefore exposed to the wrath of God, which [Page 16]is even a consuming fire. But ever blessed be our Redeemer and surety Jesus Christ, he hath paid the whole debt, the debt of universal and exact obedience, which we did owe to the Law as a Covenant of works, that he hath paid, It behoveth us (saith he of himselfe) to fulfill all righteousnesse: The debt of malediction and wrath, which the Law inflicteth as a curse that he hath paid, being made a curse for us, and having done so much, he hath wrung the evidences out of Satans hands; so that now there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. The Law being satisfied, the deluge of Gods wrath is abated and dryed up, and the Father looking on Beleevers through his Son, in the midst of Wrath remembers Mercy. For is his wrath a Fire? the water that flowed out of his side hath quenched it. Is it a Cup? he hath drank it; the po­tion killed him, but cured us. Is it a Wine-presse? he hath trodden the Wine-presse of his Fathers wrath alone, and none of the people were with him. Is the severe Justice thereof to be satisfied? he hath done it without the impeachment of an iota. Is it a debt? he hath paid the utmost farthing. And to establish the hearts of Beleevers, and penitent sinners in this truth, that they may have strong consolation, it was not without a Mysterie, that the Lord sent an Angel to roule away the Stone from the Sepulchre of Christ, what needs an Angel? he was God as well as Man: If stones cleave asunder at his Passion, they would remove at his Resurrecti­on? True, but an Officer, an Angel is sent to testifie the debt is paid, the Law is satisfied, the Prison door is opened, and the Prisoner may come forth.

Let not Satan now boast of his armour, his own policy, our Sins, or the Laws claim: Christ hath taken away all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoiles. The last Improvement of this great conquest and victory.

And divideth his spoyles. 4. Dividing the spoyls, which is spo­ken in regard of

Whereof we have have a good comment in the 4. Chap­ter of the Epistle to the Ephesians, and the 8. verse, He hath led Captivity captive, and given gifts unto men. He hath led Captivity captive, 1. Persons. is either taken actively or passively, active­ly, he that did lead his people, his Elect captive (to wit) the [Page 17]Devil, him Christ hath led captive, andEpist. Jud. v. 6. reserved him in everlasting chaines under Darknesse, unto the Judgement of the great Day, Passively, he hath led Captivity captive [i] those that were led captive by Satan, the Lord Jesus hath turned their captivity, and brought them under his Government, to march under his Banner, to fight his Battles, and to receive his pay. Thus then he divides his spoyles, disposeth of Satan as his Prisoner, of Satans Vassals for his own Free-men, so ma­ny of them as renounce Satan, and come under him for protection.

Again,2. Gifts and Graces as he divideth his spoyles [i] he hath given gifts unto men, even to the rebellious, if they will lay down their wea­pons of Rebellion, take up the gauntlet in his quarrel, and go into the field against Sin and Satan: Look what we have lost by Adams fall, (who was foyled by Satan) and by our own wilfull disobedience, is all restored to us by Christs victory. Particularly, the Image of God, perfect Liberty, the Celestial Paradice, withall the inexhausted treasures of Grace, and Glory conteined in them.

First,1. The Image of God. The Image of God, that rich spoyl, that best robe Christ hath put upon us, so that if you ask a Beleever, whose Image and superscription he bears? Gods, Col. 3.10. Eph. 4.24. being renewed by Christ in Knowledge, in Righteousnesse and Holinesse, after the Image of him that created him.

Secondly,2. Perfect liber­ty. perfect Liberty; For if the Son make you Free, then are you Free indeed: Free from Sin, and Free from Death, from the terror of the one, and from the torment of the o­ther. Only abuse not your Liberty (saith the Apostle) it is a freedome from sin, but a freedome to service, that having your Heart set at liberty, you may the more cheerfully run the wayes of Gods commandements.

Thirdly,3. The celestial paradise. the Celestial Paradise, Col. 1.13. he hath delivered us out of the Power of Darknesse, and translated us into the King­dome of his dear Son, a Kingdome of Grace in possession, Ver. 20. the Kingdome of God is come upon you, and of Luk. 22.23. glory in reversion. These are the rich spoyles our most puissant conquerour di­vides amongst his Soldiers. I appoint unto you a Kingdome as [Page 18]my Father hath appointed me. And having brought your Meditations hither, here I shall endeavour to lodge them, with some short Application, and the shorter it will be, because so much hath been interwoven in the former dis­course. That which remains is,

• First,
  Application.
  By way of Query.
• Secondly, Of Counsel.
• Thirdly; For Courage and Animation.

First,First, for quaere. you have heard the whole world is engaged, either for Christ or Satan, all fight either under Christs ensigne or the Devils. The important quaery now is, who are you for? un­less you return the answer of a good Conscience to this quae­ry, you lose your soul, which is more worth then the whole world. Blessed be God we are yet in the land of the living, let us make it the business of our whole life, to give a good answer to this weignty quaery, before we go hence, and be no more seen. Think of it what answer you will give to God, when Death shall summon you to his awful tribunal: If you have been for Christ behold his arms open to releive you, if for Satan, the Devil will have his due. O that we could say (with that holy Martyr) none but Christ, none but Christ; certain it is, that all one day, shall be subject to Christ, ei­ther as Subjects or Rebels: if they that will not kisse the golden Scepter of his grace, held forth in the Word, they shall feel the weight of his Iron rod, which shall break them in pieces like a Potters Vessel, while there is none to help. Let us therefore cast down all their weapons of Rebellion and disobedience, lest we be found fighting against Christ, Are you stronger then he that hath overcome this strong man? are you able to meet him with ten thousand sins, who is able to come a­gainst you with twenty thousand Plagues and Judgements? who will come one day 2 Thes. 1.8. in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Je­sus Christ.w Depart, (I pray you) from the Tents of Wicked­nesse, lest you be consumed in your sins.

And now the alarum sounds in our ears, resolve to be [Page 19] volunteers for Christ, consecrating and giving up your selves a willing people unto him, though other Lords and other Lusts have had dominion over us: yet now let us make mention of his name onely, saying, We will have no King but Jesus Christ reigne thou over us, for thou hast delivered us from Satan that strong man. And being thus re­solved hearken

Secondly,2. Counsell. to the Counsel.

If you be for Christ then deliver up the Palace to him, let him have the Heart for his Temple, and let it be beauti­fied and furnished as is meet for his entertainment, like the Temple of the triumphant Solomon, with the rod of Aaron, wholsome Discipline in an holy frame of Heart, the two Ta­bles of the Law, the two Testaments written in the heart: the Pot of Manna; the Sacrament of the Lords Supper due­ly received, and with due preparation; Let not your heart be so withered within you, as to forget to eate that bread, with Morning and Evening Sacrifices of Pray­ers and Praises: For in his Temple doth every man speak of his honour.

Having thus consecrated the Temple of the Heart to Christ, yet know the heart is naturally deceitful, and Satan will be busie to re-obtain his Possession: Prov. 4.23. Go keep thy heart (saith Solomon) with all diligence; and above all thy keepings, keep thy Heart, and let not any bosome sin lodge there with your allowance, but though it be as dear unto you as your right Hand, or your right Eye, yet cut it off, and cast it from you, otherwise that sin will hold Intelligence with the Enemy, to let him in again. But when he shall see that sin killed and crucified, the Head of it (as I may say) upon the Walls, then he departs with shame and confusion.

But this departure will be but as he departed from Christ for a season (saith the Text,) therefore,

Thirdly,3. Courage and Animation. for Courage and Animation, we must all resolve upon it as good Soldiers of Jesus Christ, to make War against Satan as long as we live, and never to be at peace with him [Page 20]nor our sins, according to our vow in Baptisme, which was to renounce the Devil and all his works, and to continue Christs faithful Soldiers and Servants to our lives end. When the Children of Israel were entred into the Land of Canaan, God tells them that they were to make Warre with theNum. 33.53. Cananites, untill they had destroyed them. So we that are en­tred into a covenant of peace with Christ, must be at War with Sin & Satan, even to the utter destruction of every Amalekite. Luke 12.5. Think you (saith our Saviour to his Disciples) that I am come to send peace? I tell you nay, but debate. Christs business that he came upon the earth for, was to pull down the enmi­ty between God and us, and so to make peace; but not a sin­ful peace, not peace with Satan, not peace with Sin, but to go out and fight daily against these Philistins.

This hath been the sad Catastrophe of the Caesars and A­lexanders of the world, they have fled like Eagles to the con­quering of Nations, and have been afterwards conquered with their own lusts. Bid we battle to our own corruptions, labour to be conquerours at home, to keep that vast Sea of Passions & Affections within due bounds: Fortior est qui se quam qui for­tissima vincit, He that overcomes himselfe, is greater then he that overcomes a strong City. This is the holy War, to fight against Sin and Satan: a War wherein we have Jesus Christ for our Captaine, whose quarrell whilst we espouse, he will Crown us with Victory, and after that gives us a Crown of Victory. Be thou faithful unto Death (saith he) and I will give thee a crown of Life.

The Jewel, the Mystery conteined in the Text, you have had revealed and opened unto you: I must now beg a few minutes patience of you, untill we have reviewed the History.

We read in the second of the Kings and the seventh,The History reviewed and revived at this time. how the Lord by implanting Phantasies, and frightful apprehensi­ons into the mindes of the Syrians, (then warring against Israel) thereby discomfitted the whole host, so that they fled whilst none pursued them: Here was a strong man, And a stronger then he came upon him, and overcame him, [Page 21]with a Phantasie, for the weaknesse of God is stronger then men. Hereupon the Leapers said to one another, This is a day of good tidings, if we hold our peace we do not well. Doubtlesse this is a Day too of good Tydings, of the Proclaiming and of the Returning of his Sacred Majesty King Charles the se­cond into his Kingdome, and into his Dominions with peace, safety and honour.

A strong man armed not long since kept the Palace, the Royal Palace of the Kings of England, but a stronger then he hath come upon him and overcome him.

We should not do well to refrain our lips to keep back Gods mercies from this great congregation.

Let us cast our eyes therefore once more upon the words, and we shall meet with correspondencies of like ef­fects, as meet together in the Text, and therein behold Gods mercy, and our own duty.

First,1. The strong man, the late Usurper who was for the strong man in the Text, him you have heard to be the Devil; The strong man that lately kept the Palace, what was he? We shall best judge by his works (our Saviours rule) Usurpation, Tyranny, Murther and Rebellion, you know whose works they are, and you know whose works they have been of late years, and they represent him that did them, as ill-favoured a childe as the Devil hath any (un­lesse the Lord rich in mercy, gave him repentance) and that you may the better know him by his features or rather deformities,

Secondly,2. Armed. he was a strong man armed, armed with the Serpents head, more subtill then all the Beasts of the field: and armed with the Lions paw, with the Arms, Ammunition, Forts, Castles, and the whole Militia of the three Nations, by him usurped and surreptitiously gained: but what speak I of that strength? Like the Man in the Gospel possessed with a Devil;Luk. 5.3. No man could binde him, no not with chains, but he would pluck them assunder and breake them in pieces. This greatIob. 41.27. Leviathan esteemed Covenants as straw, Protestations as rotten wood, Engagements, Promises, and Oaths, (the strongest bonds in the world) he would break [Page 22]them as easily asJudg 1.9. Samson broke the Withs like a thred of Towe when it touched the Fire. Above all, this1 Sam. 17.5. Goliah was armed with a coat of Male, with Impudence of Meridian al­titude; for he would Preach if need were, and Pray with the greatest Pharisee of them all: yea weep too like the Cro­codile over his murdered prey: full well he knew how to co­ver all his horrid actings with Religion, Saint-ship, and the Liberty of the good people of the Nation.

Thirdly,3. Kept the Kings Koyal Palace. in this posture this strong Man armed kept the Palace, the Royal and ancient seat of the Kings of England. There he played Rex. The Bramble was mounted above the Cedar of Lebanon, Antichrist in his chair (for there are1 Joh. 2.18. ma­ny Antichrists) exalting himself above all that is called God, his very Horses in the Temple of God.

Fourthly,4. His goods are in peace, un­till All this while his goods are in peace, none durst say, why dost thou so? He prospered for a time in his wick­ednesse, lived in all jollity without the controulment of any judgement, which indeed is one of Gods heaviest judgements, to suffer prosperity to attend upon evil actions: Yet nothing was more common with him and his Flatterers then to in­terpret it as a blessing, and from his good successe, to justi­fie the evill of his enterprizes: Felix scelus virtus vocatur, it is no new thing to stamp the name of vertue upon prospe­rous impiety; as Dionysius having a fair winde after he had robbed the Temple of Aesculapius stuck not to say, that the Gods love Sacriledge. This conceit reigned with him as long as he reigned, that he was bound to God, not bound by Satan, whilst his goods were in peace.

Psal. 37.7. Ver. 2.10. But fret not thy self (saith the Prophet David) because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to passe, for he shall be cut down like the Grasse, and wither as the green Herb, yet a little while and the wicked shall not be.

A stronger then he [i] Christ in the Text, and Christ too in the first place:2. A stronger then he came. he sent his pale messenger Death, who came upon him, 1. The Lord Christ, and overcame that strong man, and forced him from his Palace, and he is gone to his own place.

There it was Christus Dominus, the Lord Christ; and [Page 23] Christus Dominus hath sent us Christum Domini, the Lord Christ hath sent us the Lords Christ,2. The Lords Christ King Charles the Second. the Lords anoynted, our Soveraigne Lord King CHARLES the Second, to reign over us who is stronger then the strong man, personal or collective,1. Stronger being assisted by God. for the hand of God hath been apparently with him in the whole series and progresse of our settlement.

The great and infinite wise God did see so many mens hearts drawn away from their obedience to their Soveraigne by strong delusions, as they could not be reduced to their Allegiance, without the infinite expence of Blood, or by a miracle: Behold therefore a miracle, King Charles returned from his Banishment, arrived upon the coast of England, setled in his Throne, without one drop of Blood shed, or one blow given, either by way of offence or defence: All mountains of opposition are become a plain, and the Lord hath brought forth the head-stone of En­glands glorious Fabrick with shoutings. And let us cry, Grace, Grace unto it.

Zech. 3.6, 7. Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Who so seeth not a miracle here, and sends not up thanks to God for it, must be like the man of whom I spake in the opening of the Text, possessed with a Blinde and Dumb Devil. The Lord hath shewed himself from Heaven wonderfully; the Finger of God hath cast the strong Man and his po­wer out, and planted a stronger then he in. The right hand of the Lord hath the preheminence, the right hand of the Lord hath wrought this wonderfull alte­ration, and given us a stronger then he, his right hand, and his arme, and the light of his countenance, because he had a favour unto him.

A favour to his right and unquestionable title: For the righteous Lord loveth righteousnesse.

A favour to his incomparable patience, under unpa­ralleld [Page 24]afflictions:Ja. 5.14. You have heard of the afflictions of Job (saith Saint James) and you have heard of the patience of King CHARLES and have seen the end of the Lord:Psal. 40.1, 2, 3. He waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined unto him and heard his cry, and hath brought him out of his distresse, and hath set his feet up­on a rock, and established his goings, and hath put a new song into his mouth.

A favour to his invincible constancy in the Chri­stian Religion, established in the Church of England. In that Religion his Royal Father of glorious me­mory died, a Martyr, a King amongst Martyrs: And in that, Religion his Royal Son hath lived, being im­moveable as a Rock in the midst of the Sea of temp­tations: Thus did the Stars of his Vertues shine most clearly in the Dark Night of his Exilement. And for this cause we trust he will be daily stronger in the affections of his Loyal people, and of all the true Sons of our Mother the Church of England.

Secondly,2. And hath overcome. He will come upon them, and overcome them; yea, he hath overcome the hearts of his peo­ple already, by his Acts of Indulgence: As the Lord Christ draweth his people unto him, even so doth the Lords Christ.Hosea 11.4. I drew them (saith the Lord) with cords of a Man, with bonds of Love, and I was to them as they that take off the Yoke, &c.

So doth our Gracious Soveraigne humanely and cour­teously draw the hearts of his people unto him, with­out rigor or violence, not roughly drawing them as slaves, but gently alluring them as Sons, sparing many, as a Father doth his Son, that hath highly exasperated him.

Thirdly,3. Takes away the armour. Having overcome his people, he takes away their armour: All those poysonfull weeds of diso­bedience and contradiction, which through the ma­lice of the Devil, and craftinesse of Seducers, were [Page 25]planted in many peoples hearts, do now dye and wither at the approach of this glorious Sun. The people are daily undeceived, and see plainly, that Liberty and Loyalty dwell together, and that they can partake of no true Freedome, who withdraw their obedience to their lawfull SOVERAIGN. Who,

Fourthly,4. Divideth the spoyles. divideth the spoyles amongst his Sub­jects, by his most prudent distribution of Justice and Mercy: His Justice restores to him that was spoyled, that which the spoyler spoyled him of. And his Mercy is of large extent, manifested to a Miracle, even to such as are conscious to themselves that they have not deserved it.

Blessed be our good God, and blessed be our Eyes, that we See, and our Ears that we Hear, that which many Loyal and right worthy persons (now asleep in their Graves) have desired to see and hear, but have not.

Thus is our Captivity turned from under a strong Man a Bramble, to live under a stronger then he, a Vine which the Lords own right hand hath plant­ed, and made so strong for himself: Thus I say is the Captivity of our Sion turned, whilst we were like unto them that dream, a dream indeed; Deliverance came without looking, without labouring for; the lesse of Man the more of God in it. The Lord was pleased not to give our desired successe to the Battle at Dunbar, nor at Worcester, he reserved the glory of this great work for himself.

Not unto thee O Lord, not unto thee, but unto us be the shame of our Rebellions; not unto us O Lord, not unto us, but unto thee be the glory of bringing the King back againe to us.

What remaineth now, but that you that hear me [Page 26]this day, and all the three Nations, would suffer the word of exhortation.

To rejoyce and give thanks unto the Lord Christ,Hence an ex­hortation to rejoyce and give thanks cautioned with. who hath restored to us the Lords Christ, the Lords anoynted, our dread Soveraigne. The Lord hath highly magnified us in mercy, and deeply we are bound to magnifie him for his mercy, saying and singing with holy David every one of us;Psal. 35.10. All my bones shall say, Lord who is like unto thee, who deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea the poor and the needy from him that spoyled him. Thus let us rejoyce and give thanks, yet with due cautions;

First of Sobriety, 1 Sobriety. a sacrifice of joy and praise such a Mercy requires: But let it not be offered to Bacchus but Jovi Liberatori, to the great God of Heaven and Earth. Let us rejoyce and give thanks, and expresse the same by walking honestly as in the day;Rom 13.13. not in rioting and drunkennesse: who so (after this manner, saith the Lord) offereth praise glorifieth me, and to him that ordereth his conversation aright, will I shew the sal­vation of God.

Secondly,2. Charity. Charity and works of Mercy. A day of feasting and joy is also a day ofEsther. 9.22. sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. Let Mercy be shew­ed to them for his sake, from whom we have recei­ved so great a Mercy.

Thirdly,3. Unity. Unity and Peace one with another, and the rather, because it is the desire of a King to his Sub­jects, and should conjure our hearts to abstaine from all tearmes and notes of separation. So should our Kingdome, our Nation, our Hierusalem be as a City that is at unity in it selfe, whilst we that dwell together in it are at unity amongst our selves.

Fourthly,4. Daily prayers for his Majesty. with daily prayers for his MAJE­STY, That the Lord would keep this Mercy for­ever, [Page 27]in the imaginations of the thoughts of his Heart, and prepare his Heart unto the Lord. That the rod of Affliction, which the Lord hath remo­ved from him, may open his eare to Discipline, and teach him with all prudence to sway the Scep­ter, which he hath put into his hand. That it may appear daily (by his wise Government) that the Lord hath preserved him to set forth his glory, to protect his Church, and for a blessing to his people.

Glory to God in the highest.