I. Scripture-light the most sure light ... delivered in three sermons on 2 Pet.…

Object. 5 O but, I have yielded, and been overcome already in my Temptation.

Answ. Well, But know you not, that it is one thing to be overcome in Praelio, in the Skirmish; and another thing to be overcome ⟨p. 143⟩in Bello, in the Battle; those that are overcome in the Skirmish, may overcome in the Battle: and let me tell you this, That you are never quite overcome, so long as you keep your weapon in you hand: when a man lieth down before his Enemy, and gives up his weapon, then he is overcome indeed; and when you lie down, and are discouraged, and give all up, saying, I will pray no more, and hear no more, and read no more, all is to no purpose; then are you overcome: but till that be, though you be overcome in the Skirmish, you may overcome in the main Battle; will you then lie down, and be discouraged? or is there any reason why a Godly man should be discouraged? No. Surely if this be true, That a man is never quite overcome till he lie down; then through Grace (every Godly man should say) I will never give up my weapon: Why art thou cast down, O my Soul? Still wait on God.

Answ. Well, But know you not, that it is one thing to be overcome in Praelio, in the Skirmish; and another thing to be overcome ⟨p. 143⟩in Bello, in the Battel; those that are overcome in the Skirmish, may overcome in the Battel: and let me tell you this, That you are never quite overcome, so long as you keep your weapon in you hand: when a man lieth down before his Enemy, and gives up his weapon, then he is overcome indeed; and when you lie down, and are discouraged, and give all up, saying, I will pray no more, and hear no more, and read no more, all is to no purpose; then are you overcome: but til that be, though you be overcome in the Skirmish, you may overcome in the main Battel; will you then lie down, and be discouraged? or is there any reason why a Godly man should be discouraged? No. Surely if this be true, That a man is never quite overcome till he lie down; then through Grace (every Godly man should say) I wil never give up my weapon: Why art thou cast down, O my Soul? Still wait on God.