DOCTRINE. That the Victories which the People of God have gain'd, or the Salvations and Deliverances they have received from their Enemies in this World, may under God nextly and principally be ascribed to their Faith.

The Doctrine contains several distinct Truths. As,

1. That the Church and People of God have Enemies in the World, and are often unavoidably engaged in cruel War. War is very far distant from the Design and Spirit of the Gospel of Peace; but yet the present evil world neces­sarily renders the State of the Church Mili­tant. Not that the Religion of Christ pro­pagates it self by Fire and Sword, by Force and Blood shed: Let Impostors wear that brand, and bloody. Mahomes, force down the throats of his Proselites that with the rest of his shameful Doctrines. The reason is, be­cause the Kingdom of Christ is Spiritual, and not of this world: for said our Lord to Pi­late, Joh. 18.36. If my Kingdom were of this world, then would my Servants fight; then would they propagate the Faith by violence and force of Arms. Yet however, the Church of Christ is in an evil world, full of [Page 6] sin, and consequently full of confusion and misery, the fruit of sin: and hence come wars and fightings even of mens lusts; which fill them with enmity one against another, but especially against God and his Interest.

It would be too great an excursion here to Enquire, In what Cases a Christian State (which is also a Church of Christ) may Wage War? I shall only say, That to be sure the Lust of Dominion, whether temporal or spiritual; whether over mens civil proper­ties and liberties, or over mens consciences, doth sufficiently authorize it. Which is in­deed the very thing that fills the World with the noise and rumour of War at this day, the thirst of an insatiable Prince to in­slave the world, and stretch all mens consci­ences to his own size: the very Menace whereof will justifie the Confederacy against any such baneful Power, not only as just, but also pious and necessary.

2. Another Truth implyed in the Doct­rine is, That the People of God always have been, and will be finally victorious over their Enemies, and saved from them. Not that Success always waits on the just side, or that in particular Wars or Conflicts, God does not often give the victory to his own and his peoples Enemies. Nay particular branch­es [Page 7] of the Church, even whole Nations may be given as a prey to their teeth; and it has been at that pass, that there has been no appearance of a true Israelite left; so that Elijah thought he had reason for that bitter complaint, 1 King. 19.10. I ▪ even I only am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.

Yet nevertheless, the distressed Interest of God hath always out liv'd such Oppressions and seeming Extirpations. There nave been Reserves, whose knees have not bow'd to Baal, nor with their mouths have they kissed his I­mage. Whom the Grace of God has kept, and his Providence guarded possibly even from the suspicion of retaining their Inte­grity; and at long run these poor Remains have seen the ruine of their proud Oppres­sors, and trampled on the Power that once tyranized over them. Let Antichristian Ty­rants boast that they have made through work of it, and that their next Successors shall scarce know what the name of a Hugo­not means; yet God may have many Names there, whom we may name in a double sence his Invisible Church, who have not defiled their Garments, while the world wanders after the Beast. Thus it was in the tenth and last general Persecution of the Church, under Dioclesian, and some of his Successors: So incredible numbers of Christians were Mar­tyred, [Page 8] that these Pagan Emperors thought their work compleated, & in an ancient Inscription they tell the World, ‘That they had effac'd the name and superstition of Christians, and resto­red the Worship of the Gods: i. e. the Pa­gan Idolatries. But as Christian Historians have well observed, 'They were so much de­ceived, that this only hastened the destruction of Paganism, and shortly after Christianity be­came victorious and triumphant over all the Powers and Artifices of Mankind.’

The foes of Christ will be made his foot-stool; and let them rage and imagine what they will; their spite and their counsel He has equally in derision; He will break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potters vessel. So Daniel prophesies of the Everlasting Kingdom of Christ, Dan. 2.44. —The God of Heaven shall set up a Kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the King­dom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these Kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

3. Another truth contained in the Doct­rine is, That to God ultimately are all the Church her Salvations and Victories to be ascribed. Not to Means nor Instruments, not to power nor policies, not to courage nor conduct: for as the whole Disposal of every thing is of the Lord, so we can't ascribe it to any lesser [Page 9] cause, without denying God and his govern­ing Providence, and placing our selves in Gods stead. An arrogance which even Hea­thens have condemned and abhorred, who tho' they had very wretched Ideas of God, yet durst they not deny this Honour to their lame Deities. So the Historian tells us of the brave Timoleon, ‘That he did always modest­ly ascribe all his Successes to the Sole favour of Providence, and would be often saying, that he was very thankful to God, who having a mind to preserve Sicily, was pleased to ho­nour him with the Name and Title of that De­liverance he vouchsafed it. And yet this Su­perstitious Warriour had no better Notion of a Deity, than having built a Chappel in his house, he dedicated it unto Good Hap, and Sacrific'd thereunto as to some Sacred Genius that favour'd him.’ And yet verily this ridiculous Superstition of a blind Heathen will judge the profane Christian, who know­ing more of God and his Providence, yet less reverences and honours him.

We read of Constantine the Great, that upon the first Conviction he received of the truth of Christianity, he caus'd a Royal Standard ‘to be made in fashion of a Cross, and to be born before him in his Wars, as an Ensign of Victory and Safety: and when he had rescued miserable Rome from the Tyranny [Page 10] of Maxentius, and was Saluted by the Peo­ple in the style of their Father, their Saviour, and the Author of all their Happiness, he taught them to ascribe all to God alone, and attribute nothing to him. Moreover, in the right hand of the Statues, that were erected to his Honour by Decree of Senate, he caus'd to be engraven the figure of the Cross, with this Inscription on it, In this Overcome’ Which action, however dange­rous in its Consequence, leading to Gross Su­perstitions, yet carries this Instruction in it too, That the Christian Warriour is to expect all his Victories from, and to ascribe all he gains unto, his Almighty and once Crucified Re­deemer.

The Holy Scripture abounds with many plain Assertions to this purpose; teaching us, That the Race is not to the swift, nor the Battel to the strong: The Horse is prepared against the day of Battel, but safety is of the Lord, Prov. 21.31. That there is no King saved by the mul­titude of an Host: a Mighty man is not delivered by much strength: A Horse is a vain thing for safety, &c Psal. 33.16, 17. We therefore find David after all his Victories giving the honour of them all to God, Thine, O Lord, is the Greatness, and the Power, and the Glory, and the Victory, and the Majesty: And so Israel on the banks of the Red Sea triumph in their Sa­viour, [Page 11] I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; The Lord is my Strength and Song and he is become my Salvation: The Lord is a Man of War, the Lord is his Name.

4. And lastly, The last and chief truth to be insisted on is, That nextly and principally under God, the Church her Salvations & Victories, may be ascribed to Faith. So in the Text, who through Faith subdued Kingdoms.

It is necessary that this be first proved as to matter of Fact, and that we then enquire whence Faith receives this Power & Efficacy.

1. It is a matter of Fact asserted; and it is to be proved by Testimony; and this from the Record and History of the Churches Wars, especially that part of them which is transmit­ted to us by God Himself, in the Holy Scrip­ture. Which do afford us many plain In­stances of the Power and Prevalency of Faith, in the Victories which the people of God have from time to time gain'd over the Enemies of God. To name a few in the Order wherein they ly in Scripture.

The Salvation and Victory of Israel at the Red Sea, was the fruit of Faith: v. 29. By Faith they passed through the Red-Sea, as by dry Land; which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. On the Bank of the Flood stood [Page 12] the Believing Prophet, and issued out this only Order to the Army of Israel, Stand still and see the Salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: This was all they had to do in this famous Overthrow of Pharaoh and his Hosts; to wait upon God with a quiet com­posed frame of Spirit, and a believing expecta­tion of Deliverance.

What was it but Faith, that defeated Ama­leck? In vain did Joshua fight below, when Moses in the Mount let down his Hand. The Rod of God in the hand of Moses did more than all the Spears, Darts, and Instruments of War, wielded by the whole Army of Israel.

What but Faith subdued Jericho? v. 30. By Faith the Walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. No bat­tering Engines were applyed to lay level the Impregnable Walls, nor ladders to scale them. They compassed the City day after day, but scarce beseiged it; and on the seventh day no general Assault was appointed, to carry the place by Storm: Only the Priests blew with the Trumpets, and Faith (which can remove Mountains,) shook down the strong Fortifi­cations; her proud Walls and lofty Towers.

It was Gideons Faith that discomfited the Host of Midian: It was the Sword of the Lord and not his that smote them. What weapons [Page 13] of War did he and his poor Army bear? Every man his Trumpet, his Pitcher and his Lamp: Faith sometimes needs no more to conquer by.

Nor was it so much the Jaw-bone in Samp­sons hand, that slew so many Heaps of the Phi­listines: but Faith gave the Odd weapon temper and an edge; and strengthned the hand that held it.

Samuels Faith also routed the Invading Phi­listines, as we read, 1 Sam. 7.10. And as Sa­muel was offering up the Burnt offering, the Phi­listines drew near to Battel against Israel: but the Lord Thundred with a great Thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them, and they were smitten before Israel.

Faith storm'd the Philistines Garrison. Let us go over (said the Heroick Prince, to his Ar­mour-bearer) unto the Garrison of these Uncir­cumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us: for there is no restraint to the Lord, to save by many or by few. 1 Sam. 14.6.

By Faith David Encounter'd and Slew the formidable Monster of Gath. His Faith ob­tained Sauls leave to enter the lists with the prodigious Champion: Thy Servant (said he to King Saul) Slew both the Lion and the Bear: and this Uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defyed the Armies of the Living God: David said moreover, [Page 14] The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the Lion and out of the paw of the Bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said, Go, and the Lord be with thee. Faith opposed a Shepherds Crook and a pitiful Sling to the Giants Armour and weighty Shield: Thou comest to me with a Sword and with a Spear, and with a Shield; but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of Hosts the God of the Armies of Israel, whom thou hast defyed. Some of the Fathers have made Davids Staff to be an Emblem of the Cross of Christ; and the Stone he slung, an Emblem of the Omnipo­tence of Faith.

To name no more, Hezekiah by Faith over­threw the Hosts of blaspheming Seunacherio. The good Kings Prayers obtained invisible succours, and the Angel of the Lord smote in the Camp of the Assyrians in one night, 185000 men.

Let none say, that these Instances are fetch'd from the Age of Miracles, when wondrous ap­pearances of God were frequent; but that Faith is not of any efficacy in our days under the Gospel. I might Answer ▪ That the grounds of Faith are more clearly revealed, the Spi­rit of God who worketh Faith in us is more shed abroad, and the Primitive Christians at least even excelled the Old Testament Saints in Heroical acts of Fortitude. It was indeed [Page 15] mostly in a passive way, (like the Faith cele­brated in the close of the Chapter) but yet in a short time the Faith of the Confessors subdu­ed the Empire. And when Christianity had gain'd the Countenance of the Supream Au­thority, and had the Armies of the Empire for its defence, though Miracles grew rare, (as there was less need of them, and indeed if they were wrought on the Churches behalf, yet could be less discerned,) yet who dare thence infer that Faith then lost its vertue or efficacy, and that ever since it has had no hand in the Church's deliverances or enlarge­ment? God forbid, a Christian should make his Faith so vain a thing.

But this will appear in a better light, if we proceed to the Second thing proposed; which is,

2. To enquire, Whence Faith receives its Power and Efficacy, to be able to effect such Sal­vations and Victories for the people of God? And here it is necessary to observe, both that there is nothing in Faith to hinder or obstruct the Christian Souldier in Conquering his Ene­mies, and on the other hand, there is much implyed in Faith to promote and effect it.

1. There is nothing implyed in Faith to hin­der and obstruct the Christian Souldier in pursu­ing and obtaining victory in War. Indeed [Page 16] were the conceits of some men just, and ac­cording to truth, never had Faith subdued Kingdoms; but Infidelity had run away with the Empire of the World, and all carnal Conquests. Did Religion only require of us [...], a meer belief, with­out the ordinary exercise of prudence and reason, or the use of proper means to defend our civil or sacred Rights; then indeed a Chistian would be the most unmeet of all men to bear Arms, and would do least with them. But it is far otherwise in truth: Faith neither supposes the use of Arms to be need­less nor unlawful. Not needless, for it suppo­ses Prudence in Exercise: it is quite another thing than Presumption: it does not encou­rage the Drone to be idle, in expectation that the Dew to morrow morning will be transubstantiated into Manna; nor the Soul­dier to lay down his Arms, and look when the Stars in their Courses will fight for him. Much less does Faith condemn the study and practice of War as unlawful. The stu­dy of the Art of War is not only lawful, but also honourable, and a necessary duty: and so is it (when God calls us) actually to engage in it. Prayers wont do without sui­table Endeavours. While Moses is in the Mount, Joshua must fight below, and shew his utmost skill and courage too in Engaging. [Page 17] David went against Goliah in the name of the Lord of Hosts, but yet he took a Sling in his hand. And observe it, That where God wrought without Means he usually appointed some Sign, he required some Action from his People, before he would work for them: they must shout, or blow the Trumpets, or break their Pitchers and shew their Lamps, if they did no more. And where no such posi­tive, arbitrary sign was appointed, they were always to use the ordinary means in Confi­dence of the Divine help. And so are we at this day: Faith looks unto God, but in the way of Blessing, which is the use of proper and appointed means. The Historian (if it be lawful to name here a Heathens notion of Trust in God) records it as a shameful In­stance of the Cowardize of King Persens, ‘That when Battel begun, he would with­draw under pretence of Sacrificing, while his Conqueror Emilius pray'd for Victory with his Sword in his hand.’

2. There is much imply'd in Faith to promote and effect Salvations and Victories for the People of God. And that in two respects; As it gives Courage and Resolution, and as it en­gages the help of God.

1. Faith is a Grace which in its own nature tends to beget, and inspire the Breast with Courage [Page 18] and Resolution. It carries something of bold­ness and assurance in the very name, and is a principle that prompts unto daring actions. It has been an old Observation, That the bold­est in War are some of the very best or worst of men: the last act like wild Creatures, and 'tis their brutality and stupid thoughtlessness that gives 'em boldness. But the gracious heart is truly valiant, and acts upon the best Principles while it shakes off Fear, and faces death un­daunted. As,

1. Faith tends to inspire the breast with courage, in that it realizeth the Presence of God, and confides in his Help. It enters the field of Battel with this sense, that we have an absolute Dependance on God in every thing we un­dertake: that nothing can fall out beside his order and allowance: that a more special Providence concerns it self for the safety of his own Interest: that the presence of God with us is security enough: that he can suc­ceed means, and even work without them: give skill, or deprive of counsel: inspire with courage, or dispirit as he pleases. Now if the Faith of the Presence of so glorious a Being with us, will not fill the Soul with courage, what can do it? The Lord is on my side, I will not fear, what can man do unto me? Psal. 118 6. From hence slow'd Davids cou­rage, and he grows so confident upon it that [Page 19] he beats a Defyance to the whole World should they arm against him single and alone: Psal. 27.1, 2, 3. The Lord is my light, and my Salvation, whom should I fear? The Lord is the strength of my Life, of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine Enemies and my foes came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stum­bled and fell. Though an Host should encamp a­gainst me, my heart shall not fear: Though War should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

Faith sees the Invisible Hosts that encamp where God vouchsafes to reside; as Elisha beheld the Mountain covered with Horses & Chariots of Fire, and could then comfort his dispirited Servant, and bid him not fear, for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. Even Heathens have took cou­rage from the belief of the divine Presence with them: When it was told Numa once that the Enemy was near, he answered with a smile, That he fear'd 'em not, let 'em come at their Peril, for he was then Sacrificing Much more may we expect from the Worshippers of the True and Living God; and so indeed we find it to have been: When the army of Israel sent for the Ark of the Covenant to the Camp to Save them, they received it with Shouting so that the Earth rang again: It gave new Spirit, life and vigour to them. On the contrary, how disheartning is the ap­prehension [Page 20] of the want of Gods gracious presence with us, or his being with those whom we are against? So the Philistines when they heard the noise of the shout in the Camp of the Hebrews, and understood that the Ark of the Lord was come into the Camp; they were terrifyed exceedingly, for they said, God is come into the Camp: Wo unto us: Who shall deliver us out of the hand of these Mighty Gods? Despair seiz'd 'em to the last degree (though God made use of their des­perateness, (which next to Faith has done most wonders in War) to correct the fond and Superstitious Confidence of his own Peo­ple, who foolishly thought that the Ark, the outward Symbol of the Divine presence only, could save them.) The Prophet Habakkuk in his Divine and Triumphant song, elegant­ly represents this Matter; how justly the Tokens of Gods Majestick Presence daunt his Enemies, and may encourage his People: God (says he) came from Teman, and the holy One from Mount Paran, his glory covered the Heavens, &c. — Then I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction, and the Curtains of the land of Mi­dian did tremble, Hab. 3 7

2 Faith gives courage, in that it makes the Souldier act in Conscience of Duty to God and his Interest. Some List into War out of a barba­rous delight in Blood, some for hire and [Page 21] Plunder, and some for Fame and Posts of Honour: but none of these will animate to Battel like the Conscience of duty. To March against an Enemy with this thought, I owe this to God and to my Country; the Church of Christ requires this Service of me: the cause is Gods, and my call to engage in it is clear; I am in my way, and Religion forbids me coward­ly to desert and betray it —: What can more strengthen the hands to fight?

So I have seen in this Land, a devout and heavenly Commander (whose Praises should be in the Churches, especially on this occasion and to this Audience) take leave of his friends with great comfort, press'd with the Con­science of duty to his Lord, and with love to his Members. He went out in the Spirit of the good Saint John, as one convinced that he ought even to lay down his life for the Bre­thren: and in the hour of Battel so he fought, with a boldness which Faith only could In­spire, and some extraordinary Impulse only could warrant: He dyed truly like a Christi­an Hero, encouraging his Souldiers, and prais­ing God for the little advantage gained; and scarce ever was the Power and Fortitude of a gracious Principle more visible than here. The Conscience of duty should be the best Argument in the Souldiers Breast, and the spring that impels him to act. This Argu­ment [Page 22] Joab used to his Brother Abishai, 2 Sam. 10.12. Be of good Courage, and let us play the men for our People, and for the Cities of our God.

3. Faith is courageous, in that it acts in the hope of a blessed Immortality. Such is the Faith celebrated in the Context, which is the substance of things hoped for, &c. Such was Abrahams Faith, v. 10. For he looked for a City which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Such was the Faith of Moses, v. 26. For he had respect unto the Recompence of Reward. And such was the Faith of all the rest, who all ho­ped for a better Resurrection, v. 35. And it was this blessed hope that heightned their Courage: for Death loses its Terrors to him that has made his Peace with God, and is assured of going to Heaven. We may indeed well grow Giddy when the prospect before us is only a Gulph without Bottom: the profane man may well stagger at the sight and flinch back: But to lift up our eyes to Heaven, and be able to say, Let the worst come that can, let Death meet me, yet I goe thither; What is there to dispirit such a Saint? Why does the Cow­ard turn back and fly from the Battel? Surely, tis the Conscience of his own wicked life, and the wretch fears to die: Judgment and Hell are before him, and truly then the least danger of Death is a fearful and astonish­ing [Page 23] Risque. But the Righteous hath hope in his Death; What great Hurt can he see in it? If he falls in Battel, he's yet Victorious in the best sense, a Conqueror over his worst Foes, and is near a better Triumph than Earthly Victors can have decreed them.

We see then that Faith does in its own nature tend to inspire courage, which is one reason why so much is ascribed to it. But there is a better reason yet behind; which is,

2. Faith is a Grace which doth especially en­gage the Help of God. To be sure, it is He giveth salvation unto Kings, and carries vi­ctory in His Almighty Hand. If then Faith engages God on our side, it renders us Invin­cible. Now this it does, (1.) By promise; and (2.) In it self, being what God must needs delight in.

1. By Promise. It is the Soveraign Plea­sure of God, and his positive determination, that if we would engage his presence and help, we must be found in the exercise of Faith. Of all those Martial Saints in the Context 'tis said that they obtained a good re­port thro' Faith; but without Faith it had been impossible for them to have pleased God, or obtained his help. In every strait Faith is to be in Exercise, and in every difficulty it has the promise of Help from Christ: Mark [Page 24] 9.23. If thou canst believe, all things are possi­ble to him that believeth. Suppose now that Faith were meerly an arbitrary Precept, and no other reason could be given for its obli­gation but the will and good pleasure of God; yet since God requires it of us if we would engage his help, it must needs be ne­cessary to, and effective of Salvation to the Church: for the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent. Add unto this,

2. That Faith in its own nature is a Grace wherein God cannot but delight. As without Faith it is impossible to please God, so on the exercise of it, it is impossible he should be displeased; & no doubt but he will afford his help where he places his delight. Now that Faith is so pleasing and delightful to God is easily argued, and necessarily infer­red; in that,

1 It takes us off from all unlawful means and actions, in whatsoever we engage. These for­feit and lose the Presence and Protection of God, and are like Achan to the Army of Is­rael, to cause them not to stand before their E­nemies, and to provoke God to say, I will not be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. Faith puts the Chri­stian Souldier upon seeing to it that the Cause [Page 25] be just wherein he engages, and his Call sufficient. It will not act out of a delight to op­press, which is inhumane cruelty; nor for the lust of Dominion, which is unjust Rob­bery and Pyracy. It will maintain truth and keep faith when once given, nor seek advantages by treacheries and perfidiousness. It will keep up the reverend exercise of Re­ligion in Armies, and banish vices out of the Camp; where they too often do abound, — Debaucheries, Profaneness, Stealth, Sloth, Disobedience to Superiours, criminal Emula­tions, Envies, Contentions, Hatred, Murthers, &c. Where there is no regard had to these things, there is no ground to hope, for the Divine Presence. God will not lead such li­centious Hosts, who if they gain Victories will but seek the Enlargement of Hell, to add to the Territories of Satan in the world, and to propagate their own vile spirit of A­theism, profaneness, cruelty and luxury; in open contempt of Gods Name and Laws.

2. Faith in the Souldier must needs be ve­ry pleasing to God, for therein he most consults Gods Glory. It takes him off from trusting in himself, or ascribing success to means and in­struments. It debases second causes in ho­nour of the First, that He may be exalted. Psal, 44.6, 8. I will not trust in my bow, neither [Page 26] shall my sword save me, In God we boast all the day long.—

Faith owns the Being and Providence of God: and gives him the Glory of his Infi­nite Perfections. It confesses his Power, his Righteousness, Truth, Wisdom and Sove­raignty; relying on these, and resigning to them. Now God delights to see his Crea­tures (and more his Children) acknowledge him in all their ways: for the End of all things is his Glory. Plutarch tells us, ‘That the Romans of old thought it of more impor­tance to the Publick Safety, if the Magi­strates reverenced the Gods, than if they overcame their Enemies.’

3. Faith must needs be pleasing to God, and of great efficacy with him, because it [...] us upon Prayer; and serious, humble, fervent, constant seeking to him. Faith is most exerci­sed, and best express'd in Prayer; and Faith makes Prayer prevalent. The Lord is far from the wicked; but he heareth the Prayer of the Righteous. Prov. 15.29. And again, Psal. 145.18, 19. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him; to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him; he will also hear their cry, and will save them.

Faith gives us suitable Dispositions of Soul in Prayer. It comes from a gracious heart, [Page 27] the frame of the mind is good, and heavenly and devout.

And Faith fills the mouth with proper ar­guments to plead with God in Prayer. It will plead the Divine Goodness and Compassion: an Argument most suited to a gracious na­ture. It will plead the Promises of help, which God has made to his People: and the Truth of God affords a fast hold for Faith. It will plead the Helplessness and wretched weakness of the People of God in themselves, Amos 7.2. Then I said, O Lord God, forgive I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise, for he is small? It will plead the Power, and Pride, and Blasphemy of the Enemies of God: Wherefore should the Heathen say, where is their God? and, Lord! What wilt thou do for thy great Name? Finally, It will plead Gods All sufficiency: that he is able to save; That Our Father in Heaven is greater than all, and none can snatch them out of his hand. Thus Faith will pray and wrestle, and carry Heaven by violence, and like a Prince have power with God and prevail.

4thly and lastly, Faith cannot but be de­lightful to God, and of great efficacy with him, in that it implies Holiness both of heart and life. This is ascribed to Faith, that it purifi­eth the heart, and is Twin with a good Con­science. It infers a new Nature, and the [Page 28] work of Sanctification to be wrought in us. And consequently it implies a holy life, and exemplary Conversation: together with the Being, the Practice also of all other Evangeli­cal Graces. Faith looks unto Christ as our Great Commander, the Captain of our Salvati­on, prepares to follow him our Leader, is careful to observe his Orders, dutiful to his Commands.

And will Christ forsake such his faithful Followers? Will he not afford unto such his Presence and Assistance? What qualifies us for it, or gives a title to it, according to the promises of truth and grace, if not Holiness. Psal. 5. ult. Thou Lord, wilt bless the Righteous, with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield: Unto the Righteous Nation, that keepeth the truth, God will appoint Salvation for Walls and Bulwarks: thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee, Isa. 26.1, 2, 3. This was Gods Covenant with Israel of old, as Moses num­bers it among the Blessings of Obedience, Deut. 28 9, 10 The Lord shall establish thee an Holy People unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the Commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways: And all People of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of thee.

[Page 29]Thus Faith engages the Almighty's Help by attracting his delight: and from him come the Churches Victories and Salvations.