shining messengers of his will! and let the grateful soul swell with emotions too big for utterance, when we reflect that not only the angels, but the Lord of angels, the Angel of the covenant, is at our side. Those lips which knew no guile, have said, I will never· leave thee nor forsake thee. This is the marrow of our consolation. Who shall vie in dignity with the favored ones that walk in company with Jehovah-Jesus? Who shall harm the child of blessing that marches towards Zion with his arm locked in the arm of his Redeeming God? Ye glittering toys of earth, where is your brightness, where your worth, when ye come in competition with an honor and a happiness like this? Let these glowworms of the night sink into their native obscurity, when the Sun of Righteousness beams around us the splendors of his glory. Triumph, believer, in the grace and goodness of your Lord. And ye who have no interest in his salvation, take care how ye meddle with these beloved Jacobs. In unchanging faithfulness, God has drawn around his chosen, a sacred circle. Stand back, thou profane! Touch not, with an unhallowed hand, these monuments of mercy. It is the command of him, whose frown is worse than hell, Do my prophets no harm; and all his saints are as dear to

him as his prophets; he who touches them, touches the apple of his eye. Indignant thunders murmur over your heads, and the vengeful lightning is impatient to chastise your temerity. Who then dare say that the Christian does not fight a good fight? What will the scorner have to reply, when to the precious privileges that have been already mentioned, we add,

4. That the believer fights a good fight, because victory is sure.

There is not, my believing friends, a promise in the whole Bible, (and it is full of promises) which does not belong to you. There is not in the Bible a promise which does not, either directly or indirectly, insure to you strength to overcome your enemies. Many of them are express to this very purpose; what words are these? No weapon formed against thee shall prosper. Thy enemies shall all be found liars unto thee. What though they tell you that the difficulties in the way are insurmountable? You have nothing to do with difficulties: your inquiry is, What saith the Lord? Your reply must be, Get thee behind me, Satan! The God who hath commanded, will support: the God who hath promised, will perform. I know I am unable of myself to emerge from my trouble; but I know also that the Lord will

provide. He hath said, Fear not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee by the right hand of my righteousness. Are not these promises sealed with the blood of your Redeemer? And who dares question his veracity? Is it not he who is a liar, and the father of lies? Is not the arm of Omnipotence bared to execute what immutable truth engaged? And who are these spiritual Philistines that defy not the armies, but the Son of the living God? Are they not the creatures of his hand? Did he not foil them on the cross? Did he not, at his resurrection and ascension, chain them as captives to his chariot-wheels, and make a show of them openly? And shall they be too strong for him now when he is set down at the right hand of the majesty on high? Absurd idea! Face, then, the fiercest of your foes, and let this be your song of battle, In the name of our God we will set up our banners. But while you rejoice in the advantages of your Lord's service, see that you keep things in their proper connection: break not that harmony which he has established: and to preserve this harmony, you will find it of high moment to be under the practical influence of the principle inculcated in the

III. Part of our subject, which assures us

that the Christian's warfare is not only a good fight, but the good fight of faith.

It is this important grace which gives life and vigor to all the rest. Not that it has any merit in itself; but it is the instrument by which the Holy Spirit applies the benefits of redemption. It is faith which keeps us close to Christ, and receives continually supplies from his fulness; and what cannot this faith effect? What difficulties can she not endure? What temptation not trample under foot? What corruption not subdue? Look over the long list of worthies whose names shine in the annals of redemption, and see what faith has done. As she has the same object, and the same support, she has done nothing but what she can yet do. She is as able as ever to stop the mouths of lions; to quench the violence of fire; to escape the edge of the sword; to make you valiant in fight; to turn to flight the armies of the aliens, and to perform all those other deeds of wonder, which few, very few amongst us, would think of imitating. Ye faint-hearted Christians, why do ye stare astonishment when ye read the achievements of Old Testament saints? These were men; you are but dwarfs —in the divine life. Blush that they outstripped you so far. Look up to the cloud of witnesses who bore VOL. III. 38

testimony to the faithfulness

of a promising God, and who have now received the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls. Set their example before you, and go ye and do likewise. In marching to the battle, let faith lead the other graces, while she follows the Redeemer, and thus tread in the footsteps of them who through faith and patience are now inheriting the promises.

In improving the subject on which our thoughts have been employed, let me exhort believers to be of good courage. Arduous is the work, but glorious is the cause, and unspeakably great the encouragement. And when you equip yourselves for the combat, see that every part of your armor, from your helmet to your sandals, be instamped with the name of Christ. No weapon which does not come from his armory, and bear the impress of his name, will in the least intimidate your daring foes. It is this name (for they well remember it since the defeat of Calvary) it is this name which strikes dismay into their hearts and confusion into their ranks. And to banish every fear, be careful to recollect that you fight not only in the name, but under the eye, and with the aid, of your Lord. Young Christian, here is encouragement for you. You have just put on the harness of your celestial warfare. You are just beginning a career of