think soV' his efforts against us shall ultimately con- duce to our good, to make us more humble, more vigilant, more expert.
This is particularly intimated in the text ; and in this the encouragement given us exceeds what was contained in the former exhortation. There we were taught to expect that we should not be vanquished by our subtle enemy : here we are encouraged with an assurance, that we shall not only effectually with- stand his efforts, even when they are most desperate, but shall "stand" as victors on the field of battle, after having put our enemies to flight. To this also agree the words of St. James ; " resist the devil, and he shall flee from youu;" he shall not only not overcome you, but shall be so intimidated by your prowess as to flee from you with the greatest preci- pitation. Blessed truth ! This mighty fiend, who dared to enter the lists with an archangel x, and to contend even with the Son of God himself, shall be so terrified at the sight of a Christian champion, as not only to " forbear touching himy," but even to flee from his presence as for his very life.
It is true, he will never finally give over the con- test, till we are got entirely beyond his reach : nor is he at any time so vanquished or intimidated but that he will number another host, like unto that which has been defeated, and renew his attack upon usz: but his malice shall terminate in his own confusion3: he may succeed to bruise our heel, but we shall ulti- mately bruise his head\ " Our weapons, through God, shall be mighty, though wielded by the feeblest arm0." We shall "go on conquering and to con- quer d" till we set our feet upon his necke, and return with triumphant exultation from the combat, saying, " Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy namef."
* Isai. x. 5, 7. u Jam. iv. 7. x Jude, ver. 9.
y 1 John v. 18. z 1 Kings xx. 22 — 26. a 1 Kings xx. 27—2!). b Gen. iii. 15. c 2 Cor. x. 4. d Rev. vi. 2.
e Josh. x. 24. This was altogether typical of the Christian's vic- tories, f Luke x. 17.