" came not to send peace on earth, but a sword :" and though he may, in some instances, cause our enemies to be at peace with us, yet will they never be so much at peace, but that we shall have many to contend with: or, if men should cease from troubling us, we shall have enough, both from Satan and our own lusts, to call forth all our exertions, and to make us fervent in imploring help from God. Let those, then, who feel not these conflicts, inquire whether their peace be not the conse- quence of a captivity to their enemies, instead of a victory over them : nor let them ever expect to reign with Christ, unless they first enlist under his banners, and fight after his example.]
2. Those who are ready to faint by reason of their conflicts —
[Your insufficiency to withstand your enemies often dis- courages and disquiets you : but the Israelites prevailed, not- withstanding their inexperience in the art of war, because they had God on their side. Fear not then ye, " whose hands are weak, whose knees are feeble, and whose hearts are faint; for, behold, your God shall come and save youd." Behold, his power is now exalted in your sight : look at it ; remember what it has effected in the days of old : and know, that it shall be exerted in your behalf, if you do but trust in it. Nor forget, what a Captain you are fighting under : the world, which molests you, has been overcome by him ; and " the prince of this world has been judged" by him. Fight on then a little longer, assured that you shall ere long put your feet upon the necks of your enemies, and enjoy the fruits of victory for ever and ever.]
d Isai. xxxv. 3, 4.