Page:The Life and Works of Christopher Dock.djvu/159

Rh A. — Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand up against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephes. vi, 10, 11. 12.

Q. 56. — Are these all the foes we must conquer?

A. — For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. I John v, 4.

Q. 57. — Are there other foes that fight against the soul?

A. — Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. I Peter ii, 11. And also: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Romans vi. 12.

Q. 58. — How shall we strengthen our power against such enemies? A. — Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Ephes. vi, 10.

Q. 59. — Have we also news that a war has arisen?

A. — And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels; and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revel, xii, 7, 8, 9.

Q. 60. — Now because this enemy was conquered in heaven, overcome and cast out, we while we live on earth must fight him here, and are unable to wage such war alone and without the help of God's divine power. Unless the strong hero of David's race, who can take his booty from the giant, come and help us, this enemy will seek to bar our way to heaven. For with our power nothing can be done, and our own strength is easily vanquished?

A. — But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O