1And as it greatly behoves a Trumpeter to be well skilled how to blow his Trumpet, (for if it give an uncertain Sound, who shall prepare himself to the Battle?) so it doth a ⟨p. 154⟩Minister rightly and distinctly to preach the Word of God, that a Christian (like a Soldier) may have an Alarm sounded in his Ears, when Danger is near, or an Enemy coming upon him; as also a Call to Duty, to Prayer, to Fasting, Mourning, and Sackcloth, when the Day requires it, &c. 2A good Soldier of Christ will observe the distinct Sound of the spiritual Trumpet; sometimes it sounds out Reproof, sometimes Counsel, sometimes Comfort; all is carefully observed by a sincere and wise Christian.
XV. A Soldier ought to be a Man of Courage, bold and resolute, not soon daunted, nor dismayed by the Threats, Malice, or Strength of an Enemy. He ought (as God bid Joshua) to be strong, and very courageous. |
XV. So a Saint ought to be of a courageous Spirit, not timorous, faint-hearted, or soon dismayed, but a Man of an undaunted Heart, not fearing the worst that Men can do unto him: Tho I walk (saith David) through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no Evil. 3The Wicked flee when none pursue, 4but the Righteous are as bold as a Lion. There are three or four things, which tend to embolden, and increase Courage in a spiritual Soldier, in the midst of the greatest Danger, when nothing but Death and Misery seems to stare him in the Face.
1. The Goodness of his Cause. Nothing administereth more Life and Zeal to a Saint, than the Consideration of that holy Cause, which in the Strength of Christ he stands up for, and is s•t to defend.
2. The Consideration of the Power and Strength of that God who hath engaged to stand by him, help and aid him in all his Conflicts with the worst of his Enemies. Fear not, Worm Jacob, and ye Men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord. 5Fear not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God, I will strengthen thee, &c. Ye are of God, little Children, and have overcome them, because greater is he that is in us, than he that is in the World.
3. A good Call. Every Christian, in all his Enterprises, must see to his Call; let him see that whatsoever he doth in Religion, both in matter and manner, it is what God hath enjoined him. He that undertakes any Work or Cause, that is not warranted by God's Word, hath cause to tremble.
1And as it greatly behoves a Trumpeter to be well skill'd how to blow his Trumpet, (for if it give an uncertain Sound, who shall prepare himself to the Battel?) so it doth a ⟨p. 154⟩Minister rightly and distinctly to preach the Word of God, that a Christian (like a Souldier) may have an Alarm sounded in his Ears, when Danger is near, or an Enemy coming upon him; as also a Call to Duty, to Prayer, to Fasting, Mourning, and Sackloth, when the Day requires it, &c. 2A good Souldier of Christ will observe the distinct Sound of the spiritual Trumpet; sometimes it sounds out Reproof, sometimes Counsel, sometimes Comfort; all is carefully observed by a sincere and wise Christian.
XV. A Souldier ought to be a Man of Courage, bold and resolute, not soon daunted, nor dismayed by the Threats, Malice, or Strength of an Enemy. He ought (as God bid Joshua) to be strong, and very couragious. |
XV. So a Saint ought to be of a couragious Spirit, not timerous, faint-hearted, or soon dismayed, but a Man of an undaunted Heart, not fearing the worst that Men can do unto him: Tho I walk (saith David) through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no Evil. 3The Wicked flee when none pursue, 4but the Righteous are as bold as a Lion. There are three or four things, which tend to embolden, and encrease Courage in a spiritual Souldier, in the midst of the greatest Danger, when nothing but Death and Misery seems to stare him in the Face.
1. The Goodness of his Cause. Nothing administreth more Life and Zeal to a Saint, than the Consideration of that holy Cause, which in the Strength of Christ he stands up for, and is s•t to defend.
2. The Consideration of the Power and Strength of that God who hath engaged to stand by him, help and aid him in all his Conflicts with the worst of his Enemies. Fear not, Worm Jacob, and ye Men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord. 5Fear not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God, I will strengthen thee, &c. Ye are of God, little Children, and have overcome them, because greater is he that is in us, than he that is in the World.
3. A good Call. Every Christian, in all his Enterprizes, must see to his Call; let him see that whatsoever he doth in Religion, both in matter and manner, it is what God hath enjoined him. He that undertakes any Work or Cause, that is not warranted by God's Word, hath cause to tremble.
- 1Isa. 58.1.
- 2Isa. 22.
- 3Psal. 23.4.
- 4Prov. 28.1
- 5Isa 41.10, 14. 1 Joh. 4.3.
