too, must follow him in this respect. There is no enemy so weak, but he will be able to overcome us, if we indulge a care- less habit, or confide in an arm of flesh. We must fight the good fight of faith, and quit ourselves like men upon the field of battle : but we must, also, be much and often with our God " in the valley s: " there must we be holding forth our hands in prayer; nor must we ever draw them back, so long as one single enemy survives. In this respect we cannot do better than follow the steps of David : " Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight thou against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help : draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation1." If you hold forth your spear, and prevail on God to draw forth his, it will be impossible for any enemy to stand before you.]
2. Cease not to prosecute it, till your victory is
complete —
[As to " run well for a season only" is the sure way to lose the prize ; so to fight, however well, for a season only, will ensure nothing but defeat. You are told, that when Moses' hands hanged down, Amalek prevailed: and it was only by their being held up till the evening, that ultimate success was gained. " Be ye then faithful unto death, in order that ye may obtain the crown of life." " If any man draw back, it is to certain and inevitable perdition11." Take the great Captain of your salvation for your pattern: he never ceased from his work, till he could say, "It is finished." Or, if you would have for your pattern a man, who was of like passions with yourselves, then set Joshua before your eyes; and let his posture in the presence of his God be the continued posture of your soulsJ]
s ver. 13. t pSl xxxv. 1 — 3. u Heb. x. 39.