authority within us. Not one of these is to be spared, though it should be dear as a right eye, or apparently necessary as a right hand. They are indeed exceedingly numerous, and have " strong holds" which are almost impregnable. They are also mustered and led on by a subtle adversary, " the prince of the power of the air, who worketh in all the children of disobe- dience." Still, however, we must not be discouraged, but must go forth against them, " strong in the Lord and in the power of his might." We have armour, if I may so say, forged for us in heaven, and fitted to every part that is vulnerable, except the back, which we are on no account to turn to our enemy. Clothed in this, we need not be afraid: with the sword of the Spirit and the shield of faith, we shall in due time be " more than conquerors." But we must never make a truce, or even parley with any of our enemies. " The filthiness both of the flesh and of the spirit" must be opposed without ceasing, and without reserve. Every evil temper, every sensual inclination, all sloth, impenitence, unbelief, or whatever it be that " wars against the soul," must be mortified and subdued; nor must we ever cease from our conflict till we have over- come, and are crowned with victory.
Now, if we be not thus resolute, we shall not only not advance the kingdom of God within us, but shall weaken and destroy it. The work of grace within us is not like that of a painter or statuary, that may be left and resumed at pleasure, but like that of a ponderous stone rolled up a steep ascent, which will return, as soon as the force that impelled it is withdrawn. Relapses into sin tend exceedingly to impair the gracious principle within us ; they harden the heart, and sear the conscience, and " grieve the Holy Spirit of God;" and if not speedily repented of, set us further from God than we were before our minds were flrst awakened'': so true is it, that, if we " cease to gather with Christ, we scatter abroad."]
2. The enemies of Christ around us — [The whole world is, as it were, risen up in arms against our Lord and Saviour; all of them saying, " We will not have this man to reign over us." Against them, therefore, we are to take part with our blessed Lord. We must protest against their maxims, their principles, and their conduct. We are " not to be of the world, even as Christ was not of the world." Instead of attempting to hold communion with them, which is impossible, we should " come out from among them, and be separated" The attempting to seek their friendship is an act of hostility against Christ himself''. Let us not however
*> 2 Pet. ii. 21. Matt. xii. 45. " 2 Cor. vi. 14—17.
^ Jam. iv. 4. B b2