MILES CHRISTIANUS. OR CHRISTIANS Treated in the Quality OF Souldiers. As it was delivered in a SERMON Preached to, and at the Request of the Honourable Artillery Company of the Massachusetts, At Boston in New-England, On June 7th. 1703. Being the Day for their Election of Officers.
By Mr. Grindal Rawson, Pastor of the Church in Mendon.
So fight I.
No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a Souldier. And if a Man strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned except he strive Lawfully.
Boston, Printed by B. Green, & J. Allen, for S. Phillips at the Brick Shop. 1703.
Christians Treated in the Quality OF Souldiers.
[...]ut on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil.
THE Life of man, both as man, and as Christian, is a continual Warfare. Changes and War are against him. Formida [...]e Armies of Opposition are daily be [...]guering all those who (like the Isra [...] of God of old) are Marching out of [...]e Spiritual Egypt of Sin, through the [Page 2] Wilderness of a tempting and Ensnaring World, unto, the heavenly Canaan. And as Israel went harnassed out of Egypt, so is it the duty and interest of Christians to be at all times well appointed; and in a Warlike posture, that so they may be able to fight their way through the Hellish Troops, and Infernal Regiments which endeavour to beat them off from, and hinder them in all those holy and resolute attempts they are making to secure to themselves, through the Assistance of Grace, an open entrance and passage in [...] [...]he Glories of the better Country. There is a good fight of Faith which every Christian must fight, or he will never lay hold on that Eternal Life unto which he is called. And as there are many things which if seriously pondered by Christians, will serve to animate them unto, and make them circumspect in their Christian Warfare, so there are two especially which I may not omit the mention of.
1. They have a Compleat armour of Proof provided for them, which duely put on, and skilfully managed; will indubitably render them impregnable, [Page 3] and secure to them signal and assured Victories over all their Enemies.
2. The Enemies they are to engage and combate with are not only strong and powerful; but marvellously politick, subtil & crafty, excellently skil'd, and wonderfully improv'd in the Art of War.
Both these Considerations are in the Words of our Text very pertinently recommended to our notice, by the great Apostle of the Gentiles; and an affectionate exhortation to the patting on of the former, is grounded upon the latter, as a reason of very great and undeniable Cogency.
In the Words then we may observe two things:
- 1. An Exhortation.
- 2. The Ground or Reason of it.
1. An Exhortation: Put on the whole armour of God. And in this there are three things to be considered.
1. The subject matter which the Exhortation has a respect unto, the [...]. the Panoply, or whole Armour of God. Two things are implyed here.
1. That the Armour, the Spiritual Combatant is to be furnished with, is not of his [Page 4] own providing: No, It is the Armour of God. Kings have their Royal Arsenals, where all their Stores of War are carefully preserved, from hence their Armies are supplyed with Weapons of all sorts, and put into a Warlike Equipage fit for the field. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords hath his royal Arsenal also, from hence Christians receive all that royal furniture which is necessary to equip them for, and Arm them to the Spiritual Warfare.
2. That the Armour, the Spiritual Combatant is to put on is not carnal, but Spiritual: The Graces of Gods Spirit, are the Armour here intended. The Apostle Expresses himself in Military terms, and cloaths his exhortation in a Souldier-like garbe. The expression is Metaphorical, Here's an excellent allusion to the several sorts of War-like Weapons, and Armour, which Souldiers are furnisht with when they go out to War. This Metaphor the Apostle more largely insists upon in the Subsequent context, where he runs the Analogy, and discovers the particular use and serviceableness of the Graces of Gods Spirit, from the respect they bear unto the several pieces and parts [Page 5] of proper armour there mentioned.
2. We may consider the Act which the Spiritual Combatant is advised to, or that which the Spiritual Souldier is to do with this armour: He must put it on. The Apostle here alludes to the Custome of Souldiers, making ready to engage their enemies. They repair to their Arms, buckle on their armour, not omitting any one piece of it, which may serve either to defend themselves, or annoy their enemies. They think it not enough to put on their head-piece, and neglect their breast-plates, Shields and Swords; No, they will be Armed Cap-a-pee from Head to Foot. It is not enough that the Souldier is well provided with armour; He must have it on, and be in a readiness for the battel. Thus Christians must get themselves furnished with Grace, all the Graces of Gods Spirit, & live in the constant exercise and improvement of them. They must be compleatly Armed to the Combat, with the whole Spiritual Armour, no piece of it must be wanting, lest being in any part naked, and void of suitable defence, they become unable to make good their ground against the formidable insults of their hellish adversaries.
[Page 6]3. We may consider the Subject Persons concern'd in the exhortation. All true Christians, All Orders, Ranks and Degrees of Christians, in all Ages and Generations. Altho' the Ephesians to whom the Epistle is inscribed were firstly concerned in it, yet all Christians are secondarily concerned. The Apostolical Epistles were never designed to be of private, but common concernment. To put on the whole armour of God is the duty of all Christians, whatever Station they hold, or Relation they sustain. This particular is excellently illustrated from the special quality those are treated in who are the Subjects of the duty here propounded. The Spirit of God treats them in the quality of Souldiers, or of Persons ingaged in a Warfare. The Word of Command in our Text is perfectly Military, Put on the whole Armour of God. It is as if the Apostle had said, Remember Christians, that in a Spiritual sence you are Souldiers, and therefore see to it, that you be compleat in Arms and Ammunition; see to it, that you stand furnished with the whole of the glorious Armour, God hath provided you with, that you may be able to encounter [Page 7] with, hew your way through and put your Enemies to a rout, and confusion.
2. The Reason or Ground of the Exhortation; the reason why Christians should thus Arm themselves with, or put on the whole armour of God, viz. That they may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. And here we have three things.
1. The grand Enemy of the Spiritual Combatant detected, the Devil: That ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. The Devil is the true Christians principal Enemy. The Apostle expresses himself here in the singular number, & that with a peculiar emphasis; but yet by an usual Synecdoche, he intends all those vast, and (as to us) numberless Troops of evil spirits, who are under the conduct of the Prince of the Powers of the Air: And thus he explains himself in the 12th. verse. The General (as is frequent) is here put for the whole Army under his conduct. There may be a farther notion in the expression. God would hereby let us know, that the Powers of Darkness are strongly leagued, and banded together; and do all joyn as one in prosecuting the designs of Hell [Page 8] against the Children of God. And whilst Christians reflect upon the vast, and hideous numbers of Devils, who are with a united force continually engageing them, how necessary is the Spiritual Armour to defend them against their wiles! How proper is that exclamation of the Psalmist, Lord, how many are they that rise up against me! Psal. 3.1.
2. We have the way the Devil takes in managing his War with the Spiritual Combatant discovered. His War is managed with Wiles, Policies and Stratagems. He observes a Method in fighting: Thus in our Text. That ye may be able to stand against [...]. i. e. The Methods of the Devil. A method is the artificial or orderly disposition of the several parts of a matter or subject treated upon. And because a good judgment and contrivance are necessary to dispose our thoughts, and meditations upon whatsoever subject into an orderly consistence, or agreeable frame; therefore the Subtilties, Policies and Stratagems improv'd by Satan in contriving, fore-laying, and managing his desperate designs against the Children of God, are stiled his Methods. Satan's [Page 9] greatest strength lies in the crafty wiles, and politick stratagems he makes use of; and by his extraordinary dexterity in finding out, and performing his hellish stratagems, we are in greatest hazzard to be ensnared, and circumvented by him.
3. We have the great Serviceableness of the Spiritual Armour demonstrated. By putting on and managing of this aright, the Spiritual Combatant shall be able to Stand, that is, he shall not only make good his ground, but obtain a signal assured, and compleat Victory over all his Spiritual enemies. The Devil by many crafty artifices, and cunning stratagems seeks to decoy Christians into the toils he hath secretly disposed on purpose to ensnare and trapan them: But let them put on this armour of God, and resist him stedfastly in the Faith, he shall flee from them, they shall stand, and be Victorious over him.
Many useful and profitable Doctrines might be offered from the Words: I shall present you with one not altogether unsuitable to, or improper for the present Occasion. From the Words then, this is the
DOCTRINE. That God in his Word, doth treat Christians in the quality of Souldiers; Or as Persons engaged in a Warfare.
The true Christian is the Person concerned in the exhortation proposed in our Text; and his being treated in the quality of a Souldier, is that which recommends the Word of Command to him with a more graceful and becoming properness. The Spirit of God in addressing Christians, doth make use of a Military stile, and cloaths his expressions in a Souldier-like Dialect: And his doing so sufficiently discovers to us the quality he treats them in.
In speaking further unto this Doctrine I shall give you,
- 1. The Demonstration of it, by an induction of various Instances.
- 2. The Reasons of it.
- 3. Conclude with a few suitable Counsels, or Directions.
1. For the Demonstration of the Doctrine, these Subsequent considerations will put it past dispute.
[Page 11]1. The Church Militant is compared to an Army. Of the Church Militant it is said; Thou art beautiful O my Love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an Army with Banners, Cant. 6.4. The whole Body of the Spiritual Souldiery is stiled an Host, Dan. 8.10. And it waxed great (i. e. Antiochus Epiphanes, the little horn mentioned v. 9th.) even to the host of Heaven, and it cast down some of the Host. We have the Spiritual Army introduced as taking the Field, Beating a challenge to her Enemies; and managing her self with an heroick resolution, after a combat. The Psalmist gives us a marvellous entertaining sight of this Army, taking the Field with a Martial Bravery, Marching to the deadly conflict, with Ensigns Flying, and the loftiest expression of a noble courage, and unconquerable Resolution; enough to strike an intimidating damp into the hearts of her Enemies, Psal. 20.5. We will rejoyce in thy Salvation, in the Name of our God we will set up our Banners. Nor is it a less pleasing prospect, the Prophet gives us, when he introduceth this Army terrible with Banners, with a stately Gallantry, Beating a challenge [Page 12] to her Enemies, and sounding forth the amazing Triumphs, & terrifying Shouts of a daring Faith in such lofty Expressions as these; Associate your selves, O ye People, and ye shall be broken in pieces, and give ear all ye of far Countries: Gird your selves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; Gird your selves, & ye shall be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought, speak the word and it shall not stand; for God is with us, Isa. 8.9, 10. Her Enemies indeed are sometimes represented as pressing hard upon her, and as gaining no small advantage against her; but yet we are told, this will not sink her into a Cowardly dejection, nor dispossess her of a divine fortitude; No, she remains undaunted still, and is confident notwithstanding to win the Field. Let us hear some of her triumphant shouts of her unshaken confidence uttered upon such an occasion: Rejoyce not against me O my Enemy: when I fall I shall arise, when I sit in darkness (She speaks like a Prisoner of War) the Lord shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute Judgment for me. He will bring me forth to the light (as a Captive out of the dark Dungeon) [Page 13] and I shall behold his righteousness. Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, where is the Lord thy God; mine eyes shall behold her; now shall she be trodden down as mire in the street, Mich. 7.8, 9, 10. And because the Church Militant is represented as acting in all points like an Army, the Spirit of God hath influenced particular Saints, who are a part of, and help to compose this Army, to observe the decorum, and to speak of themselves and fellow Saints, as of men at Arms. The Apostle Paul represents himself as an expert Commander, exercising his Souldiers in their several postures, and teaching them by his own example to handle their Arms, 1 Cor. 9.26. So fight I. thus and so I manage the Spiritual Weapons, and so must you if you would be Victorious. It is in the quality of a Souldier, he treats his Timothy, 1 Tim. 6.12.
2. The Church Militant is represented as having most puissant and mighty Commanders. God himself disdains not to be styled and accounted their General. He wears the Title of the Lord of Hosts, The God of the Armies of Israel. 1 Sam. [Page 14] 17.45. It is worthy observation, that those titles, The Lord of Hosts, The God of Hosts, The Lord God of Hosts, are more than an hundred times put upon him in the Scripture. And although it must be acknowledged, that he is so styled, because all Creatures are subject to his power, and stand ready prest as Souldiers under the Command of a General, to execute his will and pleasure: yet it cannot be denied, but that God hath assumed this title in a peculiar manner with respect to his Church and People, as an argument to encourage them unto resolution and hope of victory in all their Conflicts with their Enemies, considering themselves to be Listed under the Command and Conduct of an All-wise, and Almighty Commander. The Lord Jesus Christ hath Military Titles put upon him: He is the Prince of that Host whereof God is Commander. Dan. 8.11. He is Captain of the Lords Hosts. Josh. 5.14, 15. He is Captain of Salvation to Believers, Heb. 2.10. The Spirit of God represents him as standing at the Head of his glorious Troops, fighting with, and actually engaging the old Dragon [Page 15] and his Angels. Rev. 12.7. He is introduced as Sitting upon his white Horse making War in Righteousness, having Eyes like a flame of fire, his Vesture dip't in Blood, a sharp Sword issuing out of his mouth, and all the Armies of Heaven following him, submitting to his Conduct; acknowledging him to be their Glorious Leader. Rev. 19.11. ad. 16.
3. The Holy Angels are Appointed by God for the defence and protection of his Children; and sustain the quality of the Confederate Allies of the Church Militant; They are styled an Host, Luk. 2.13. And suddenly there was with the Angel, a multitude of the Heavenly Host. The Services the Holy Angels perform for the Saints of God, whilst managing their Spiritual Warfare, are very great, and they are expressed in the language of the Camp. Psal. 34.11. The Angel of the Lord (the singular number for the plural) encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivers them. It was a glorious appearance the Angels made unto Jacob, when afraid of his Brother Esau; But behold the form they appear in, was that of two potent Armies, Flanking [Page 16] him on each Wing, to assure him that God would take care of him, and secure him from all the dangers he supposed himself exposed to. Gen. 32.1, 2. When the Army of Syrians had compassed about the City Dothan with a design to surprize the Prophet Elisha, the invisible Troops, and Guards of Heaven surround him; and the form they are represented in is that of a formidable Army: 2 King. 6.17. And behold the Mountain was full of Horses, and Chariots of fire, round about Elisha.
4. The Church Militant, & all the Members of it, are represented to us as strongly fortified and entrenched. They are said to have a strong Tower of safety to repair unto in a time of need. Prov. 18.10. The name of the Lord is a strong Tower, the righteous runneth into it and is safe. They have a place of refuge to betake themselves unto when the Battel grows too strong for them. Deut. 33.27. The Eternal God is thy refuge. Concerning Gods Jerusalem it is said, God is known in her palaces for a refuge. Psal. 48.3. They have an hiding place to repair unto, and secure themselves in, when chased and pursued by their Enemies. Thus [Page 17] the Psalmist expresseth himself, Thou art my hiding place, thou shalt preserve me from trouble. Psal. 32.7. David makes his boast of this, Psal. 27.5. In the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; He shall set me upon a Rock, and now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me. And hence it is the Children of God are called hidden ones. Psal. 83.3. They have taken crafty counsel against thy People, and consulted against thy hidden ones.
5. They have weapons of war provided for them, by the help of which they may manage their Warfare to good advantage. Each Grace of the Spirit is represented by a several piece of Armour; Sincerity is the Christians Belt, or Military Girdle, Righteousness his Breast-plate, Faith his Shield, Hope his Helmet; The Word of God his Sword, far exceeding the Sword of Goliah, there is none like it. Eph. 6.14, 16, 17. The Censures of the Church regularly administred, are weapons mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong holds. 2 Cor. 10.4.
6. Many of the commands and directions given to Christians, are delivered in a Martial [Page 18] Dialect. Are Souldiers commanded to Stand to their Arms? So are Christians; It is the Apostles language, Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm your selves likewise with the same mind. 1 Pet. 4.1. Are Souldiers commanded to observe an exact Order in their March, to Even their Ranks, and Streighten their Files? So are Christians. Phil. 3.16. Nevertheless whereunto we have already attained, let us walk by the same Rule. Criticks observe the Original word here translated Walk, to be a Military word, importing such an orderly, regular, and graceful walking as Souldiers observe in their Marches, and Exercises. Is it expected that Souldiers should Watch and Ward, lest they be surprized by their Enemies at unawares? So is it of Christians; 'Tis the Command of their Glorious Leader, Watch ye, 1 Cor. 16.13. This word of Command is of universal concernment. Mark 13.37. I say unto all Watch. Are Souldiers told, they must endure hardness? So are Christians; Let us hear the advice, 2 Tim. 2 3. Thou, therefore endure hardness as a good Souldier of Jesus Christ. Are Souldiers commanded to follow their [Page 19] Leaders? So are Christians; 'Tis the Command of their Glorious Captain, If any man will be my Disciple, let him take up his Cross and Follow me. Are Souldiers addressing themselves to the Combat, encouraged to behave themselves couragiously, to fight with an undaunted resolution, rather to dye on the Spot than to give ground, or to lose the Battel? So are Christians; It is the Apostles Exhortation, Quit ye like men, be strong. 1 Cor. 16.13. Fight the good fight of Faith, lay hold on Eternal Life, 1 Tim. 6.12.
7. They are heartned to the Combat with the encouraging assurances of protection, assistance, victory and glorious rewards; And all this in the language of the Camp. Do their Enemies at any time appear so strong & powerful as to surprize them with fear, and cause them to dread the Combat; they are encouraged to stand their ground, from a sence of the Divine protection. Psal. 91.4. He shall cover thee with his Feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust, his truth shall be thy shield and Buckler. They have the Assurance of Divine Assistance. Isa. 41.10. Fear thou not for I am with thee, be not dismayed, [Page 20] for I am thy God; I will Strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee, with the right-hand of my righteousness. However it may fall in some particular Skirmishes, yet the Victory at last shall go on their side. The Apostle speaks of, and triumphs in this as a ruled case. 1 Cor. 15.57. Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Whatever oppositions lye in their way, they are assured to win the Field, and to be more than Conquerors. Rom. 8.35, 37. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay in all these things we are more than conquerours through him that loved us. And although it may cost them many a sore conflict, and terrible shock to manage their Conflicts unto victory, yet the toils and labours, watchings and fightings they undergo, shall at last be well rewarded; And with a prospect, and promise of this they are encouraged to maintain the fight. Rev. 2.10. Fear none of these things which thou shalt suffer: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a Crown of life. Rev. 3.21. To him [Page 21] that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my Throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his Throne.
This may suffice for the Demonstration of the Doctrine. The Reasons of it follow. I shall take notice but of Two.
1. God treats Christians in his Word, in the quality of Souldiers, that he may instruct them more fully, in those things he would inform them about. The Information of men is one great end the Scripture scopes at. It is in this respect, the Commandment is a lamp, and the Law a light. Prov. 6.23. Men are very dull, and slow of understanding in things of a spiritual nature; and therefore God is pleased to call in the help of apt similitudes, and curious metaphorical allusions to assist their understandings in the pursuit of Duty. These have a singular aptitude to convey the knowledge of truth more fully to our Understandings, and to set them before us in a clearer light. It is a gracious effect of the Infinite Condescendency of God, that he attempers his phrase to our Capacities and Apprehensions; [Page 22] and illustrates Spiritual Truths to us, by similitudes and allusions, that are plain, and obvious to us. God himself puts us in mind of the favour he does us in this respect. Hos. 12.10. I have multiplied Visions, and used Similitudes by the Ministry of the Prophets.
2. God in his Word treats Christians in the Quality of Souldiers, as a means to fasten Instructions more powerfully upon them. Scripture Allusions and Similitudes have a double advantage to effect this.
For,
1. They exceedingly delight men, and engage their affections, and so make the deeper impressions upon their Memories. That which the Psalmist affirms concerning the Word and Law of God in general, is true concerning the metaphorical allusions contained in it. They are sweeter than the Honey and the Honey-comb. Psal. 19.10. The Souls of men are surprizingly transported with ravishing delight, whilst they are digging and delving after the precious Oar of Divine Instructions, that lye hid in the rich and inexhaustible Mines of Scripture Allusions; and the deep impressions upon their engaged affections, [Page 23] give advantage to their being more faithfully secured, and treasured up in their Memories. The more men love and admire any thing, the better they remember it.
2. The Objects the Spirit of God makes use of as a Stock to graff Spiritual Instructions on, are for the most part in our daily view; and by the sight of them we are assisted unto a fresh remembrance of, and fruitful reflections upon those instructions they readily afford us. We cannot look either upward or downward, on our right hand, or left, but some object or other comes in view which God hath set apart to do the office of a Monitor, or faithful remembrancer, to assist our reflections on Spiritual things. To forbear the mention of other Instances; The very sight of a Souldier in Arms is enough to Muster up an intire Regiment of holy thoughts, and profitable meditations in the Soul of a Christian. If he looks upon the dazling brightness of his glittering armour, behold! here is a monitor to put him in mind of the out-shining Splendour of those glorious Robes of Righteousness, which every Saint is Arrayed with. Each piece of [Page 24] his Armour represents to him a several Grace of Gods Holy Spirit. Whilst he seeth with what a stately grandeur he Marcheth after his Leader, disdaining to cast an eye upon the little trifling diversions that lye in his way; will not this tell him that he must be a follower of the Lamb whithersoever he goes? That he must press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus? Doth he observe the remarkable Silence of the Souldier, whilst he awaits the Orders of his Commander, and will not this engage him to entertain the Psalmists resolution, I will hear what God the Lord will speak, Psal. 85.8. Will not this dispose him to take notice of the wise mans advice, Eccl. 5.1. Be more ready to hear than to offer the Sacrifice of fools. But I forbear to insist further on this Head, and pass to the Application.
The short time allotted for this Discourse will not allow me an Opportunity to Charge through the vast Field of Meditations this Doctrine has laid open before us▪ I shall therefore briefly Select some few of those many Councels or Directions I might offer to [Page 25] you, and put a close to the present Exercise.
I USE.
Yield Constant Obedience then to the Commands, & Directions of your Great & Glorious Commander. To be Subject to Command is the Duty and Glory of a Souldier. The Law of the Camp enjoyns the Souldier to be perfectly at the Command of his General. He must obey, and not dispute the Command of his Officers, and go at their bidding, tho' it be upon the Mouth of the roaring Canon. He must not decline the greatest Perils and Dangers, if Commanded to encounter them: Nothing must be attempted by the Souldier without particular Order; he neither advances, nor retires without direction. Souldiery therefore is well defined to be, Obedientia quaedam fortis, et invicti animi arbitrio carente suo: The Obediences of a stout and resolute person, out of his own dispose. The Spiritual Souldier must be a man of the same Character; He must be able to say with the Psalmist, I have enclined my Heart to perform thy Statutes alway, [Page 26] Psal. 119.12. God's treating of Christians in the Quality of Souldiers tells them, what a just and reasonable thing it is, they should pay an universal deference to the holy and righteous Commands of the Lord of Hosts. Obedience to the Commands and Directions of Heaven, is both the Property, and the Glory of the Spiritual Souldier. And disobedience to any of them, doth not only reflect a dishonour upon those who have Listed themselves under the Glorious Banner of the Captain of Salvation; but will (without Repentance) assuredly issue in the utter Destruction of those who are guilty of it. Saul's disobedience to Gods Command cost him his Kingdom, and Life also. Thus we read, 1 Chron. 10.13. So Saul died for his Transgression against the word of the Lord. Was it Motive enough to Absoloms Servants, to kill Amnon, that their Master had said, When I say unto you Smite Amnon, then kill him; Will you not? Since I have Commanded you? 2 Sam. 13.28. And shall not the Command of God, who is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, have a more powerful and determining Influence [Page 27] upon all Christians to dispose them to a ready compliance with his Will and Pleasure?
II USE.
This Doctrine assures Christians that a Noble Courage, and Fortitude of Soul should animate them unto an undountedness of Resolution in their Spiritual Warfare, whatever Oppositions, Dangers, or Deaths may lye in their way of Duty. A Souldier must be able to look dangers and difficulties in the face. He must rather chuse an Honourable and Glorious Death, than be willing to Save his Life by an Ignominious & Cowardly flight. Such was the Invincible courage of our Richard the First, that he acquired the Sirname of Coeur-de-Lion, or Lyon's-Heart. And it is no small part of the true Christians commendation, that he is as bold as a Lyon, Prov. 28.1. The Righteous are bold as a Lyon. How well does it become those, who are under the Conduct of him, that is the Lyon of the Tribe of Judah, to be bold as a Lyon! The Spiritual Souldier must not be of such an Hare-hearted Temper [Page 28] as to be frighted from a pursuit of Duty, by the most menacing threats, and vigorous Oppositions of his boldest Adversaries. It is one of the Commands the Spiritual Souldiery is entertained with, In nothing be terrified by your Adversaries, Phil. 1.28. There is nothing the Spiritual Combatant can reflect upon, but it hath a Tendency to encrease his Courage and Resolution. If he look to his Cause, is it possible to engage in a better? He is unworthy the Name of a Christian, that will not say with Luther, Mallem ruere cum Christo, quam regnare cum Caesare. I had rather perish with Christ than reign with Caesar. Or with the glorious Martyr, If all the hairs of my head were men, they should all suffer in the cause of Christ. Is not his Call clear? Are not the rewards proposed for his encouragement great? Must he not either fight or dye? Is it possible to come off upon other terms? are there not more for him than against him? cannot God Save by few as well as many? Is he not well provided for the Battel? and shall not Victory await his Valour? Have not his fellow-Souldiers ennobled themselves by their [Page 29] Heroick Atchievements, and led him along in the path of eternal Honour and Renown? The three Children Scorned the Insulting and terrible threats of an Inraged Monarch; Paul accounted not his Life dear to him; Chrisostome when menaced by the Empress Eudoxia, feared nothing but Sin. Luther when Summoned by the Emperour Charles the Fifth to give an account of his Faith, notwithstanding all discouragements, fearlesly resolves to go to Wormes though there were as many Devils there as Tyles on the Houses. What shall I more say? For the time would fail me to relate the notable instances of the Saints Resolution in all Ages! Let us look off then unto Jesus; our Glorious Captain hath left us an Unparallel'd instance of matchless resolution. The cross he endured, the Shame of it, he despised, and having conquered, and triumpht over all the powers of hell and darkness, sat down at the right hand of the Throne of God, and from the lofty Battelments of Heaven looks down upon and Commands the Spiritual Combatants, to consider him that endured such contradiction of [Page 30] Sinners against himself, lest they be weary and faint in their minds, he encourageth them to the Combat, commands them to be fearless, promiseth to reward their unwearied Services, Rev. 2.10. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer; be thou faithful unto Death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life. O what a charming influence should these things have upon Christians to dispose them to courage and resolution? What tho' they encounter death, and seem to fall, the bloody victims of the wrath and rage of their accursed enemies, will not Heaven and Happiness pay for all? Is it not a truth beyond exception, If we suffer, we shall also reign with him, 2 Tim. 2.12.
III USE.
Christians, Doth God treat you in the Quality of Souldiers? Bring not then a stain upon your own Honour and Reputation, or the Honour and Reputation of Religion, by any little, low, base or unworthy action. The Honour of a Souldier is dearer to him than his life. He will readily expose his life to hazard, for the maintenance [Page 31] and support of it. The Spiritual Souldier should be a man of like temper, whilst he considers the Quality he is treated in; it should quicken him to an accuracy of critical circumspection in all his Conversation; And teach him a compliance with that Apostolical Advice, Only let your Conversation be, as it becometh the Gospel of Christ, Phil. 1.27. The Wise man has told him, A Good name is better than precious ointment, Eccl. 7.1. David, that Martial Heroe was of this opinion, and therefore put his Life and Honour into the same Scale. Psal. 7.5. Let the Enemy persecute my soul and take it, yea, let him tread down my life upon the Earth, and lay my Honour in the Dust. His Honour you see brings up the Rear in this gradation, as Jacob ranked Rachel and Joseph, to testify his greater regards to them. How very careful then should Christians be, that they do not expose their own Honour, or the Reputation of Religion, by a careless, uncircumspect, unagreeable Life and Conversation? How happy would it be there were no just reason to take up the complaint of Tertulian. O [...] nos qui Christiani h [...]c [...], [Page 32] Gentes agimus sub nomine Christi. O miserable ones that we are, who at this time are called Christians, we act the part of Heathen under the name of Christ. The lax and loose lives of those who make a profession of Religion, their sinful and shameful compliances with the irreligious, Heaven-offending, and daring practices of the times we live in, what disgrace do they bring to Professors themselves, how greatly do they disserve, and expose Religion? Whilst the true Spiritual Souldier reflects on such things as these, Rivers of tears will run down his Eyes, and with a generous resentment, he'll command his Soul, (in the words of dying Jacob) O my Soul come not thou into their Secrets, unto their Assembly, mine honour, be not thou united, Gen. 49.6. The consideration of this, will powerfully dispose him to be more serious, holy, careful and circumspect in his whole Conversation; for this he knows shall exalt his born in honour, this will give to his Head an ornament of grace, and compass him about with a crown of Glory, Prov. 4.9.
IV USE.
Stand upon your Guard, and be alwayes upon your Watch. Watching and Warding are Services, that Souldiers are constantly put upon. The neglect of this would be of destructive consequence to an Army. A culpable remissness in point of holy Watchfulness, puts many an opportunity into the hands of our Spiritual Adversaries to do us a mischief. The great Reason why Christians do so frequently fall into temptation, is because they are not so watchful over, and do not set so strict a Guard upon themselves as they ought. Our Glorious Commander knew very well by what means temptations might be best warded off. It is his Command therefore, Watch and Pray that ye enter not into temptation. Mat. 26.41. It is his charge, Be watchful, Rev. 3.2. Had David been upon his Watch, he had never fallen into those horrible sins of Adultery and Murder. Careful Watching is an excellent help unto a sure standing. Hence the Advice runs thus, Watch ye, [Page 34] stand fast in the truth. 1 Cor. 16.13. Two things amongst many others may serve to put an edge upon this Direction.
1. Remember Christian, Thou art in thine Enemies Countrey. The Souldier has need of watching at all times, but more especially when he is in his Enemies Country, environed on all sides with mortal foes who watch all opportunities of setting upon him, and doing him a mischief. Christian, Art thou not in thine Enemies Country, surrounded with innumerable Troops of subtil and malicious Adversaries, who are watching opportunities to ruin, and destroy thee? And will not this quicken thee to watchfulness? Shake off then all carnal Security, entrench thy self strongly, double thy Guards, and keep out wakeful Espials, lest at unawares thou givest advantage to him who goeth about like a roaring Lyon, seeking whom he may devour.
2. Thine Enemies (Christian) are not Tyro's and Novices in the School of War; [Page 35] No, they are old, cunning and veterane Commanders, perfectly acquainted with all the crafty devices, and politick stratagems of War. And hereby they have great advantage over incautelous, and foolhardy Sinners, who are therefore said to be taken Captive by Satan at his will. 2 Tim. 2.26. Such are with ease trepan'd and decoy'd into his ensnaring ambushments; should not this then influence Christians to care and watchfulness in their Christian Warfare, and awaken them to stand alway upon their Guard? The Simple indeed pass on and are punished, but as for the prudent he foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself, Prov. 22.3. But when all is said and done, our own watchfulness will not serve the Turn, we must call in the assistance of Grace, and shrowd our selves under the protection of him, who is the keeper of Israel, assuredly knowing that security from, and victory over the cunning Artifices of Hell, are designed to be, the peculiar Triumphs of sovereign and free Grace. The consideration of this should doubtless sway our hearts unto earnestness [Page 36] of prayer for divine protection, and dispose them unto such thankful acknowledgments as we find the Church enlarging her self upon. Psal. 124.6, 7, 8. Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth; Our Soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the flowlers; the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth.
V USE.
Be Expert in the use of your Spiritual Armour. 'Tis the Souldiers commendation and glory to be exactly practised, and dexterous in the use of his Weapons. God hath provided the Spiritual Souldier with an approved Artillery, and 'tis his duty and interest to know how to improve and manage it to the best advantage. Two things will contribute much towards this.
1. An unwearied study of Gods Word. This is the Magizine of all Spiritual Instruction. The Souldier hath his Books to instruct him how to manage [Page 37] his Weapons well, and so hath the Spiritual Souldier. But whatever direction the Word of God affords him in this affair, let him take care to apply unto God for the teaching and assistances of his Spirit, without which whatever of the Theory he may attain to, he'll prove but a bungler in the practick part. It is God alone can teach his hands to war, and his fingers to fight, Psal. 144.1.
2. A dayly practice and exercise of the Spiritual Armour. Use makes perfect. It is the Souldiers daily practice of Arms that makes him expert in the use of them. The daily improvement of Grace, which is the Christian Armour, will render the Spiritual Souldier exquisitely dexterous in the use of the Spiritual Tacticks.
VI USE.
Expect to Conflict with many dangers, and great oppositions in your Warfaring State. The Life of a Souldier is a Life of continual hazard and danger; he [Page 38] always carrieth his Life in his Hand; and there is many times but a step between him and death. His Enemies are always dogging him at the heels, seeking an opportunity to surprize and destroy him. God would hereby awaken Christians to see, that so they might be sensible of the dangers they lye open to in their March unto Glory. The Souldiers danger hears a proportion to the numbers and strength of his Enemies. And thus the Case stands with the Spiritual Souldier: He may exclaim with David, How are they encreased that trouble me! Psal. 3.1. Consider mine enemies for they are many, and they hate me with an hatred of violence. Psal. 25.19. Numberless Troops of infernal Spirits are perpetually making their Batteries against him. The World with all its ensnaring vanities, charming allurements, and cruel oppositions, encreaseth the number of his sworn Adversaries. He has a Corrupt Heart, a Body of Sin and Death to wage War with. The consideration of this alone made the great Apostle in a distressing agony to cry out with a bitter cry, [Page 39] O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death! Rom. 7.24. And that which aggravates the danger is, that his Internal Foes are in league with, and are upon every occasion ready to betray him into the hands of his external Adversaries. His outward sences make head against him, are Traitors to him, and conspire his destruction. The Sentinels posted at the Cinque Ports of his Soul which should carefully spy and give notice of danger, are either overcome with a culpable slumber, or open their Windows to let in sinful objects. His Ears set open their Door to the bitterest enemies of his Soul. His Smelling, Touch and Taste, are up in rebellion against him; by Intelligence with these, his Adversaries are advantaged in every Attack they make upon him, and how is it possible (amidst so many dangers) he should escape unless God in a way of Sovereign Grace strengthen him with strength in his Soul; and make him strong in the power of his might.
VII USE.
Make good your particular Posts, and Quit you like men. Every Officer and private Centinel in an Army, in a time of actual Service in the Field, have proper Post assigned them, and it is expected they should make it good and defend it. The Great and Glorious Commander of the Spiritual Army has distinguished it into various Orders, Ranks and Degrees; some are in places of greater, others in places of lesser Command; and some are but private Centinels, yet every one has his proper Post to make good, and defend against the Common Enemy. This Word of Command therefore Chargeth through, and through the Spiritual Army. It is expected by the Captain of our Salvation, that Christians in their respective Capacities, and Relations should do all they can to promote the Kingdom of God, and destroy the Kingdom of Satan. Some indeed have greater Advantages, and Opportunities to Subserve the Interest of Holiness, and to [Page 41] suppress Sin than others have: Yet there is no Christian but may be able to do something toward this; and tis expected from all that they Do what they can.
God has put great Advantages who are in places of Command in the Spiritual Army, (that is Civil and Religious Rulers) of doing great Service for him in their Generations. It should be their Care to pursue those Advantages to the uttermost. As for those who are persons of such a Figure amongst our selves, I shall take the Liberty of saying, That New-England never yet saw the Time wherein those at the Helm of Civil or Sacred Rule, had greater Reason to bestir, and Quit themselves like men. Do not Sins of all sorts abound? Are not provocations multiplied in the midst of us? Have not Astonishing Inundations of Profaneness, Sensuality, and Debauchery, broken in upon us? Is not Religion under Bleeding, Gasping, Dying Circumstances? Are not men generally fallen into an unaccountable drousiness, and sleepiness? Do not the Heavens [Page 42] put on an angry Countenance, and gather Blackness? Are not the Judgments of God upon us Incontestible evidences of our being in ill Terms with Heaven? Have not all Essayes toward Reformation been very feeble, languid, and fruitless? And if such as are the Healers of this People shall not Now signalize their skill, courage, and care in making good their Post, it is easy to foresee, without a spirit of Prophesy, that they have a Ruin under their hands. Deus avertat Omen!
The private Centinels in the Spiritual Army, (Heads of Families, & private Christians I mean,) have their proper Posts too, and they must endeavour to make good. Such have great Opportunities and Advantages in their hands to promote Holiness, & suppress Sin, by an holy, exemplary, inoffensive Walk, by Charging, Curbing & Restraining all under their Care. If Heads of Families in New-England would but generally take up Joshua's Resolution, that, They and their Families should Serve the Lord, This would be an hopeful Symptome that God would not leave our House [Page 43] desolate, nor give us up to perish in those transgressions which sorely threaten us with an hastning Ruin.
VIII USE.
Take not up your Rest in, set not your Affections on this World. This will prove an unhappy Snare to you, and tempt you to forsake the Service of your Glorious Commander. Souldiers are frequently upon their March, from one place to another, they seldom tarry long in a place, but soon dislodge and draw off. Christians, this World is but thy Camp, Thou hast here no continuing City. Let others dig and delve, burrough, and for themselves here, Do thou alway remember thou art a Souldier. Truss up thy Baggage therefore, and be ready to dislodge at an Hours Warning. The Apostle describes a Souldier to be a person that Intangleth not himself with the Affairs of this Life, that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a Souldier, 2 Tim. 2.4. And it is the Express Command of thy Glorious Captain, Set your [Page 44] Affections on things above, not on things on the Earth, Colos. 3.2. Disobedience to this Command is of very dangerous Consequence. It was this that tripped up the heels of Demas, once a forward Officer in the Spiritual Army, 2 Tim. 4.10. Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present World. Take heed therefore lest this prove an unhappy Occasion of thy relinquishing that glorious Service thou hast listed thy self into; and cause thee to make a woful Shipwrack of thy Faith, and dispoil thee of the glorious Rewards those shall be sharers in who embrace the Promises, confess themselves Strangers & Pilgrims here on earth, and declare plainly they look for a City which hath foundations whose builder and maker is God, Heb. 11.10, 13, 14.
IX USE.
Raise no Contentions, Feuds or Discords in the Army. This will be of fatal Consequence. Peace in an Army is an Absolutely necessary mean to the preservation of it, and will render it [Page 45] at once both Formidable and Victorious. As a Kingdom so an Army divided against it self cannot stand. Christians therefore are Commanded to promote Peace to the outside of their Abilities. Rom. 12.18. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. The Contentions of those who are in places of Command in the Spiritual Army (the Civil Rulers, and Sacred Guides of a People) will have a ruining aspect upon every thing wherein the best Interests of a People are concerned. No good Success will ever attend the Counsels of those who should with one Heart, and Shoulder prosecute all Affairs of common Concernment. Where a spirit of Division hath rendred them Jealous of, suspected by, and disaffected to each other. The Case of a People must needs be sad, when a perverse Spirit is mingled amongst those who are the Stay of the Tribes of it. What lost the English acquisitions in France but by the unhappy Variances of those who bare chief Command over the Victorious Armies designed to maintain them? [Page 46] The Chinks and Chaps in a Council board may do more disservice to an Army, and more terribly boade its destruction, than an Army of an Hundred Thousand men. Let not any think that this Article of Advice, can be too pressingly enforced upon us, or that we are but little concerned in it. Doubtless we have had our Massah's, and our Meribahs (O tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon.) And if no other inconveniencies have derived to us from hence but this only, that many persons who in more respects than one, have deserved well at our hands, have met with undue and▪ undeserved treatments from us, (from whence hath arisen too much contempt and wrath) it will suggest to us an argument sufficient to dispose us▪ unto a being peaceable in our Israel; and to prepare us unto a ready Compliance with the Apostolical Counsel, Let all bitterness and wrath, and Anger, and Clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you, Eph. 4.31, 32.
[Page 47]The Variances of those who are but Private Centinels in the Spiritual Army, may do a World of Mischief; and are frequently attended with destructive Consequences. Hereby the Spirits of Christians are ruffled with unsanctified Passions, their Charity one toward another miserably enfeebled; unreasonable Suspicions fomented, Unwarrantable [...] encreased: their Pride [...], their Communion with Heaven shamefully obstructed; their Souls put into such intollerable Paroxysms, and Fermentations, as do many times throw Families, Towns, and Churches, into terrible Convulsions, and miserable Confusions. And how melodious are the interlacings of such discords amongst Christians to the Infernal Spirits? This fills the Territories of Hell and Darkness with Mirth and Triumphs, and these doubtless are some of the Shouts they make upon it, Aha! so would we have it. Will not these things influence us to dread the fatal Consequences of Division and Discord? The Apostle has told us what may be expected from it, Gal. 5.15. [Page 48] But if ye bite and devour [...] another, take heed ye be not [...] one of another.
X USE.
Thankfully accept of, and he exceedingly Comforted from the happy Tidings this Doctrine brings you the Infallible Assurances of. But three things here, and I have done.
1. You may expect Assistance from God in all your Spiritual conflects. Take Heart then, and hope assuredly for Victory; though your Enemies are never so high, subtil and powerful, and have perhaps in some particular Combates prov'd too hard for you. Whatever Service the Souldier is sent upon, he expects to be assisted, and relieved by his Commander. It is the Policy of a General to keep fresh supplies in Reserve, on purpose to strengthen any part of the engaged Army that may [...] open to be overlaid by the Enemy. Take Courage, Christian, from hence, Thou art a Souldier, and dost into thy Glorious Commander will Retire from thee, and leave thee engaged [Page 49] without relief? No, No, He has promised he will never leave thee nor forsake thee, Heb. 13.5. Art thou ready to faint in time of Battel? Dost thou at any time say with him, I shall one day perish by the hand of Saul? Here's an Effectual Cordial to revive thy drooping, and fainting Soul. The Almighty himself calls to thee, Fear not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my Righteousness, Isa. 41.10. He assures thee, that it is He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might, He encreaseth strength. And withal has promised, That they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: They shall mount up with Wings as Eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint, Isa. 40.29, 31. This thou mayst safely lot upon, (thou hast the word of him who is faithful and true for it,) that thou shalt never be tempted above that thou art able to bear, and with the Temptation a way of Escape shall be made, 1 Cor. 10.13.
[Page 50]2. Plentiful Provision shall be made for you, whilst you are kept in the Field, managing your Warfare. When Armies are drawn into the Field, there is sufficient care taken to Victual the Camp, and Furnish it with necessaries. The Souldier is disengaged from all care about such things, and is wholly maintain'd at the Charge of those that employ him. This may assure the Spiritual Souldier, that God will take care of, and make sufficient Provision for him, whilst he continues in the Field of War. Nothing shall be lacking to him, that is necessary for him in his Warfaring State and Condition; he shall want no good thing, Psal. 34.9, 10. He need not to disquiet himself with any discomposing sollicitude: whateever his cares may be, let him cast them upon the Lord, and rest assured he shall be cared for. This is according to the Apostolical advice. 2 Pet. 5.7. Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you. To what end should the Spiritual Souldier then vex himself with those perplexing enquiries, [Page 51] What shall I Eat? What shall I Drink? Where withal shall I be Cloathed? His Heavenly Commander knows he hath need of these things, and will therefore take care they be added to him, Mat. 6.31, 32, 33.
3. The Time draws on space when you shall be disbanded, and receive the Glorious Recompence of all your Hot and Hard Services in the Field. When the War is at an End, the Souldier is disbanded, and paid off▪ E're long, Christian, thou shalt hear the joyful Tydings the Prophet was commanded to comfort Jerusalem with: It shall be cried to thee, Thy Warfare is accomplished, Isa. 40.2. Hold out a little longer, resolutely continue the Conflict; It will not be long but thou shalt hear thy Glorious Captain Command you to Lay down and Quit thy Arms: And then he'll call thee home to reap the glorious rewards which he recompenceth those with, who fight the good fight of Faith, and lay hold on Eternal Life. E're long an Eternal Victory shall be given thee over all thine Enemies, Sin, [Page 52] Satan and the World, yea, and Death it self the last Enemy shall prove an happy Pedestal from whence thou shalt mount up into thy Chariot of Triumph, in which the Glorious Guards, and Convoys of Heaven shall transport thee through the Conquered Territories, and broken Troops of thy vanquished Foes, into the Mansions of Eternal Glory; where the Crowns of Righteousness shall be put upon thy Head, and Garlands of Eternal Honour Wreath thy Brows: And now to thy Eternal Joy thou shalt experience, that the light Afflictions thou didst grapple with whilst managing thy Warfare in a Sinful and Troublesome World, have wrought out for thee a far more Exceeding and Eternal Weight of Glory.