From this subject we may draw many important lessons. — It is of use,
1. For instruction —
[How shall I know whether I am a Christian indeed ? Shall I know it by a freedom from all anxieties, or by a de- liverance from all sin ? No ; but by an earnest anxiety about the soul, and an incessant conflict with sin and Satan. A body, when dead, is insensible, whatever be the state to which it is reduced : and, if the soul be insensible of its state, it is a proof that it is dead also. A living soul trembles at the Divine judgments; labours to obtain a well-founded hope of peace with God ; flees to the Lord Jesus Christ for refuge, and cleaves to him with full purpose of heart. Being united unto Christ by faith, the believer enlists under his banners, and, as a good soldier, heartily engages in a conflict with all his enemies. Never for a moment will he turn his back ; he may be wounded, but he will not yield ; he may be beaten down, but he will rise again to renew the combat : he will never put off his armour, till he is crowned with victory, and beholds " Satan himself bruised under his feet."
Now, if we will ascertain our real state before God, let us inquire, what we know of this spiritual warfare ? Is it be- gun ? Is it carried on yet daily ? Are we like soldiers in a camp, watching with all care, withstanding firmly the assaults of our enemies, and in our turn vigorously pursuing them to their strong-holds, and suffering none to approach us with impunity ? Yes, verily, if we are Christians indeed, we are " warring a good warfare," and " fighting the good fight of faith." There may be, as in earthly campaigns, short seasons of comparative ease : but if we truly belong to Christ, this is our one business, our one employment, to walk in the Spirit, and to crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts1.]
2. For consolation —
[No man can be engaged in this warfare without feeling deeply humbled on account of the strength and number of his corruptions. Many will be his sighs, his tears, his groans : yes, " even they who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even they will groan within themselves," will " groan, I say, being burthenedk," longing to get rid of their corruptions, and to have " mortality, with all its attendant evils, swallowed up of life1." But, if sin be our burthen, it is at least a comfort to us to reflect, that we are enabled to feel it a burthen: for there was a time, when it was harboured and indulged with- out remorse. This too is a source of comfort, that, in this
1 Gal. v. 24, 25. k Rom. viii. 23. • 2 Cor. v. 4.