Sibbes - HP S2575 .S5 1825

126 THE BRUISE'D REED If this be so, why is it thus with the church of God, and with many a gracious Christian : the victory seemeth to go to the enemy. Remember, 1. God's children usually in their trouble's overcome by suffering : here lambs overcome lions, and doves eagles, by suffering, that therein they may be conformable to Christ, who conquered most, when he suffered most. Together with Christ's kingdom of patience, there was a kingdom of power. 2. This victory is by degrees, and therefore they are too hasty spirited, who would conquer as soon as they strike the first stroke, and be at the end of their race at the first setting forth. The Israelites were sure of victory in their journey to Canaan, yet they must fight it out. God would not have us presently forget what cruel enemies Christ bath overcome for us. " Destroy them not, lest the people forget it," saith the Psalmist, that so by the experience of that annoyance, which we have by them, we might be kept in fear to come under their power again. 3'" That God oftEn worketh by con-

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