may be, or however careful to give him no advantage against us. Let us then " watch and be sober, putting on the breast- plate of faith and love, and for an helmet the hope of sal- vation." Let us " resist the devil ; and he shall flee from us."]
2. Of direction —
[In the warfare which you are called to maintain with this great adversary, think not to resist him in your own strength. Your strength is perfect weakness. Unsupported by your God, you will be crushed before the moth. You have not in yourselves a sufficiency for the smallest thing ; much less to vanquish this "roaring lion." Lean not then either to your own understanding, or to an arm of flesh : but let your trust be in God, who made heaven and earth.]
3. Of encouragement —
[However numerous or potent your enemies may be, there are more for you, than against youp : " God has given you a banner*1;" yea, he himself is your banner1". Under him you shall conquer ; yea, you shall be " more than conquerors through Him that loved you." Your extremity shall be the very season of his effectual interposition : " In the mount the Lord shall be seen." " Fear not then ; for though thou art only a worm, thou shalt thresh the mountains." Even now may you triumph, in full assurance of victory. You may challenge all your enemies, and, like David, already pro- nounce Goliath's dooms. "Be strong then in the Lord, and in the power of his might," and you shall soon put your feet upon the necks of your vanquished enemies.]
p See Ps. xciii. 3, 4. i Ps. lx. 4.
r Exod. xvii. 15. s See Ps. cxviii. 6 — 12.