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I. I am to EXPLAIN THE NATURE OF THIS GRACE OF CHRISTIAN COURAGE OR FORTITUDE. Courage, in general, is a temper which disposes a man to do brave and commendable actions, without being daunted at the appearance of dangers and difficulties in the way.

1. For what it is to be exercised. It is courage in Christ's cause; that is, in maintaining the profession of the Christian faith, and adhering to the practice of our duty.

2. Against what Christian courage is to be exercised. It supposes oppositions, trials and dangers in our way, else there would be no occasion for it. It is a temper for which there will be no room in heaven.

(1) The power, the subtilty, and activity of the powers of darkness call for courage in a Christian.

(2) The oppositions from within ourselves require courage.

(3) The several discouragements or dangers we may meet with from other men, in the way of our duty, and even for our duty, make courage necessary.

3. Wherein or in what acts and instances it should express itself.

(1) In deliberate and vigorous resolutions for God and our duty, upon counting the cost.

(2) In the suppression of distracting fear of evils at a distance.

(3) In a vigorous application to our Christian work, notwithstanding the stated and constant difficulties and oppositions attending it.

(4) In a readiness to undertake hard and difficult services when God calls to them.

(5) In a uniform steadiness of conduct under all the trials we actually meet with.

II. WHAT MAY BE INTENDED IN THE EXHORTATION TO ADD VIRTUE, OR COURAGE, TO OUR FAITH. When we are called to make this addition we are only required to build the most proper and natural structure upon our most holy faith. The fortitude required by the gospel is distinguished from all other fortitude, not only as it is upon account of the truths and duties of Christianity, but as it is founded upon Christian principles. Christian faith is most fit to inspire with Christian fortitude.

1. Faith discovers Divine providence as engaged for us and with us in all our difficulties.

2. Faith proposes the Divine Spirit as directly provided to help our infirmities. Particularly for this very purpose, to inspire us with needful courage.

3. Faith represents our main enemies as already vanquished, and as having their chief power broken.

4. Faith gives us particular assurance that our trials shall not exceed our strength; either the strength we have, or that which shall be imparted (1 Corinthians 10:13).

5. Faith sets in view greater evils to be feared from our cowardice than can be feared from our adherence to God.

6. Faith assures us of the certain and glorious success of our courage. That our endeavours against our powerful enemies shall issue in a full conquest (Romans 16:20.)

7. Faith represents to us the noblest examples of such holy fortitude upon the same principle.Lessons:

1. Consider this grace of fortitude as a matter of the utmost importance in the Christian life. The variety of oppositions and difficulties in our way make it necessary.

2. Cultivate therefore your faith, in order to the forming of your minds to holy fortitude.

3. Use all farther additional means to fortify your minds. Be prepared for the worst, by counting frequently the cost. Make clear the goodness of your cause, for which you may be called to exert your courage. Carefully exercise good conscience: without this the best cause in profession will be very faintly maintained in an evil day.

(J. Evans.)

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KJV: And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

WEB: Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge;