human frailty. In order that we may ascribe to God alone the victory, and may thank him alone for its achievement, by whose guidance and assistance alone we can be victorious, the strength by which we lay prostrate the satellites of Satan, comes from God, "who maketh our arms as a bow of brass; by whose aid the bow of the mighty is overcome, and the weak are girt with strength; who giveth us the protection of salvation; whose right hand upholdeth us:" [1] " who teacheth our hands to war, and our fingers to battle." [2] To this we are exhorted by the example of the Apostle: " Thanks to God," says he. " who hath given us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ." [3] The voice from heaven, mentioned in the Apocalypse, also proclaims God to be the author of our victories: " Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ; because the accuser of our brethren is cast forth; and they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb." [4] That the victory obtained over the world and the flesh belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ, we learn from the same authority; " They shall fight with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall over come them." [5] On the cause and the manner of conquering temptation, thus much will suffice.
These things explained, the pastor will propose to the faithful the crowns prepared by God, and the eternal and superabundant rewards reserved for those who conquer. To this effect he will cite divine authorities from the same inspired Epistle: " He that shall overcome shall not be hurt by the second death;" and in another place: " He that shall overcome, shall thus be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." [6] A little after, our divine Lord himself thus addresses John: " He that shall overcome, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God; and he shall go out no more:" [7] and again: " To him that shall overcome, I will give to sit with me in my throne; as I also have overcome, and am set down with my Father in his throne." [8] Finally, having unveiled the glory of the saints, and the never-ending bliss which they shall enjoy in heaven, he adds, " He that shall overcome shall possess these things." [9]
