The children of God in their spiritual warfare too much resemble
the children of Israel after Joshua fell asleep. (Jud. 3:5-8.)
They did not cast out the remnants of the Canaanites, but made
a league with them: so, alas! we have allowed remnants of evil
things to hold peaceable possession of corners of our hearts;
and, through lack of diligence in weeding the soul's garden,
God is but little with us. We have neglected to take the foxes,
the little foxes, which spoil the vines. (S. Sol. 2:15.)
There were four things which made Israel fight well under Joshua:
1st, the necessity of fighting; 2nd, the certainty of victory;
3rd, God with them; and 4th, the rich spoil. How is it that God's
people, with Christ for their Captain, are but sorry soldiers?
If Christ be with us, what is the city of strength, what are
the walls of Jericho, but an occasion to faith? (Josh. 6)
The slothful believer may have trouble through the flesh; but
he never knows the evil and power of the flesh as do those who
fight against it and subdue it.