The vvhole-armor of God: or A Christians spiritual furniture, to keepe him safe from all the assaults of Satan First preached, and now the second time published and enlarged for the good of all such as well vse it:whereunto is also added a treatise of the sinne against the Holy Ghost. By VVilliam Gouge B.D. and preacher of Gods Word in Blacke Fryers London. ...

§. 6. Of the meanes of well vsing the Word.

FOr the well vsing of this Spirituall Sword,* 1.1 foure espe∣ciall graces are needfull. First, Knowledge. Secondly, Wisdome. Thirdly, Faith. Fourthly, Obedience.

1 For Knowledge, In all things that we doe, we must by the Word vnderstand and know what God saith; what is his good will, pleasing and acceptable to him: for which wee haue both the practice of the Psalmist (Psal. 85. 8:) and the precept of the Apostle (Rom 12. 2. Eph. 5. 17.) For by the holy Scriptures onely and alone we may attaine to the knowledge of the whole will of God.* 1.2 With∣out knowledge of Gods truth we shall be alwaies waue∣ning, and neuer established in any truth, whether it con∣cerne iudgement or practise; nor yet with courage resist any contrary corruption.

Notes

• * 1.1

  3. Point. Foure graces needfull to vse the word aright. 1 Knowledge.
• * 1.2

  Per scripturas solas potes ple∣nam dei intel∣ligere volunta∣tem. Hier. ad Demet.