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. ...

THE FIFTH PART.

The helpe of Prayer.

§. 131. Of watching vnto Prayer.

THE fourth generall branch, is concerning the helpe of Prayer, Which is watchfulnesse, no∣ted in this clause,

Watch thereunto.]

The originall word according to the pro∣per notation of it,* 1.1 signifieth to awake and abstaine from sleepe: it is properly attributed to the body, metaphori∣cally and by way of resemblance vnto the soule. Sleepe of the body, is such a binding of outward sences, as they can not exercise their seuerall functions: as the eye cannot see, the eare cannot heare, and so in the rest: Watchfulnesse is contrary hereunto, a keeping of the sences free and loose, so as readily they are able to performe their functions. Thus by way of resemblance, when the soule is so posses∣sed and ouercome with security and spirituall senceles∣nesse, as it cannot performe the duties of holinesse and righteousnesse, it is said to be asleepe: when it rowseth vp it selfe, and casteth away security, it is said to watch; in this sence saith the Apostle,c 1.2 Let vs not sleepe as doe other, but watch.

Most restraine this watching vnto prayer,* 1.3 to the inward spirituall watchfulnesse of the soule: which I will not de∣nie to be here especially meant. But yet I cannot thinke that the watchfulnesse of the body is excluded: for if the body be drowsie, the mind cannot be watchfull. The A∣postle

by this clause would rowse vp both body & soule vnto prayer. The watchfulnesse of the body alone is no∣thing: It is the spirit, the vprightnesse, ardency, and cheere∣fulnesse of it, which maketh prayer to be acceptable to God, as we heard before.

§. 131. Of Popish Night vigils.

RIght watching vnto Prayer, is to be noted against the Night-vigils of Papists, who place an extraordinary great point of Religion and deuotion in the obseruing of them.* 1.4 Vsually they make three vigils, one at the closing vp of the day, and beginning of the night. Another at mid-night. The third at the closing vp of the night, and beginning of the day. In some places they haue more vi∣gils, as some are more superstitious then others. These vi∣gils they ground on this and other like places, where we are commanded to watch vnto Prayer; as if they who waked to mumble ouer and ouer a few set prayers, whilst others slept, obserued this precept. For in the outward babbling of a few prayers, standeth the greatest part of their Religion. I wot well those night prayers are oft per∣formed so drowsily, and sleepily, that it were better they were fast asleepe in their beds, then betwixt sleeping and waking so to mocke God.

Obiect.d 1.5 Dauid saith, that at mid-night he would rise to giue thankes vnto God.

Answ. He did not make it a law euery mid-night to rise, but occasion being offered, hee would euen then rise. And so ought euery Christian to doe: for this is compri∣sed vnder that particle Alwayes, or in euery season. Thus e 1.6 Paul and Silas being in prison, Prayed at midnight, and f 1.7 Paul afterward preached vntill mid-night: Yet did they not ordinarily vse this, nor appoint it a Law vnto

themselues, or others. Extraordinary actions are not to be enioyned as ordinary things: then should wee spend euery day in fasting.

I might further shew many differences betwixt Dauid, paul, Silas, their praying at midnight, & papists praiers, but of this I spake* 1.8 before in the point of Canonicall houres,

§. 132. Of superstitious watching for Christs comming.

2 RIght watching vnto prayer is to be noted against a superstitious practise of many,* 1.9 whom I haue knowne to vse to sit vp all night at certaine times of the yeere, keeping themselues awake with talking one with another, playing on instruments, singing and the like, vpon a conceit that Christ will come in iudgement on some of those nights of the yeere, and they would not then be found asleepe, but awake, because Christ said, g 1.10 Wake for you know not what houre your Master will come.

These erre many waies.

1 In that they prescribe certaine set times for Christs comming,h 1.11 Whereas no man knoweth it.

2 In that they conceit hee shall come in the night, which is vncertaine, for he may come as well in the day time for ough any man knoweth. Indeed Christ speaking of his comming to iudgement, saith,i 1.12 in that night: but this word Night is taken senecdochically for day or night, a part for the whole:k 1.13 a little before he calleth it the day, when the sonne of man shall be reuealed, and im∣plyeth, that when he commeth, men shall be eating, drin∣king, buying, selling, planting, building, which are works of the day time. Yet I will not deny but that he may come in the night time.

3 In that they imagine that they which are asleepe

when Christ commeth, cannot be well prepared to meet him. Whereas in truth a man that hath repented him of his sinnes, and with faithful prayer commendeth himselfe to God, and so goeth to sleep, is as fit in his sleepe to be a∣waked and taken vp to iudgement, as if he were in the act of prayer.

4 In that they interpret that precept of Christ,a 1.14 wake, of bodily waking: and watching here in this text of bodi∣ly watching. But waking and watching in these and such like places, imply not onely a keeping of the eyes, but of the heart also awake & attentiue vpon that which is done.

§. 133 Of watching both in body and in Spirit.

TO let all these & other like erronious conceits passe, & to returne to our matter. As outward watchfulnesse of the body is nothing acceptable to God, vnlesse the soule also be watchfull, so the soule cannot possibly bee watchfull, vnlesse it haue the helpe of the bo∣dies watchfulnesse: for the parts of the body are those * 1.15 instruments whereby the powers of the soule are ex∣ercised. Wherefore both must bee ioyned together, as easily may bee gathered out of Christs charge to his Disciples,b 1.16 Watch and pray. That hee speaketh of bodily watchfulnesse is cleare, for he found them asleepe, and therefore said, Watch. As cleare also it is that he speaketh of spirituall watchfulnesse because he inferreth this clause, that yee enter not into temptation: it is not bodily watchfnl∣nesse alone that can keepe vs from temptation. Yet fur∣ther this metaphor of watching hath a large extent: for it is a military word, and the Apostle still holdeth on like a wise Captaine to instruct Christian souldiers what to doe. In time of warre there are certaine appointed conti∣nually to watch in some sconce, watch-towre, or other

like eminent place, where they must rowse vp themselues throughly that they sleepe not, and not onely remaine awake, but prie and view vp and downe euery where and discry what may be hurtfull or helpfull to the army. So as watching vnto prayer implyeth a diligent obser∣uing of all such things as may help vs or hinder vs there∣in. In this sence the Apostle saith of Ministers, that they c 1.17 watch for the soules of their people, that is, carefully ob∣serue what may make to the good, or what tend to the hurt of their soules.

I might out of the full meaning of this metaphor col∣lect many particular duties, and distinctly handle them all, but for breuity sake I will drawe all to one doctrine, which is this,

For the better performance of prayer,* 1.18 both body and spirit of him who prayeth, is to be rowsed vp, and kept from inward and outward drousinesse, and due obseruance is to bee made of all things helpfull or hurtfull thereunto. To this purpose tend those many exhortations which by Christ & his Diciples are made to watch. When Christ warned his Diciples of his lastd 1.19 comming, ande 1.20 when he was in his agony he bid them watch Sof 1.21 Paul, sog 1.22 Peter. To this purpose also ten∣deth that patheticall speech of Dauid,h 1.23 Awake my glory, a∣wake Viol and Harpe, I will awake early.

§. 134 Of the causes of drowsinesse.

BOth body & spirit are carefully to be rowsed vp,* 1.24 be∣cause of our naturall pronenes to drowsines, and hea∣uinesse in body & spirit, two causes there be which cause bodily slumbering. First debility and weaknesse of sen∣ses, whence it is that young children and old folkes, are more proane to slumbering then lusty strong persons. Secondly, abundance of vapours which stupifie the sen∣ses: for fulnesse of meat and drinke, whence those vapors

arise,* 1.25 make men sluggish and sleepy. Answerable there be two causes which procure spirituall sleepinesse and slumbring.

1 Weakenesse of the flesh (as Christ implieth when he checketh his Disciples for their sluggishnesse,* 1.26 saying, i 1.27 The flesh is weake:) whereby it commeth to passe that by nature we are exceeding drowsie & dull, as to all good and godly exercises, so especially to Prayer, which is the best of all. I neede not further proue this then by appea∣ling to the conscience of euery one that vse this holy ex∣ercise. Many are loath to goe about it: many when they are at it, fall fast asleepe, ask 1.28 Eutichus. I haue heard this di∣rection prescribed, when one cannot sleepe; Say thy pray∣ers, and thou shalt sleepe: it is commonly the direction of prophane persons, spoken of sluggish prayers, (for if a man pray in the spirit with that earnestnesse which hee ought, it will rather keepe him the longer from sleepe) but yet it sheweth that men are commonly dull and drowsie in Prayer. Our spirituall sluggishnesse maketh our hearts heauy, and our eyes sleepy: Againe, our bodily sluggish∣nesse maketh our spirits more dull.

2 Abundance of bye,* 1.29 wandring, vaine, earthly, wicked thoughts, cares, lusts, and such other things, which like vapours arise in our soules, and which the Diuell also is very busie to cast into our hearts in time of prayer. These adde much vnto our naturall dulnesse and drowsinesse; so as in these two respects there is great neede of watch∣fulnesse.

§. 135. Of going drowsily to Prayer.

LIttle doe they consider the neede thereof,* 1.30 who going to prayer, are so farre from rowsing vp their spirits and bodies, that they doe, as it may seeme, purposely set

themselues to sleepe: some compose themselues to such gestures as make them sleepe, they hang downe their heads, and leane them vpon their armes or hands: they sit vpon seates, or vpon the ground, they close their eyes, &c: Some neuer pray till they goe to bed, and so sleepe preuenteth them: some againe come immediatly from their pots and platters, or from their worldly affaires and businesses, and presently goe to prayers, without any premeditation or cogitation of what businesse they haue in hand. With what deuotion can such prayers be per∣formed? Is this to watch vnto prayer? The truth is, that such doe but mocke God.

§. 136. Directions for Watchfulnesse.

[Vse 2] FOr auoiding of this and such like aberrations, and for a better performance of this duty of watchfulnesse, obserue these few directions following.

In regard of the body,* 1.31 first choose such times as are freest from drowsinesse; these are mornings: for our bo∣dies hauing rested all the night, and by rest being refresh∣ed, are the more free, ready, and cheerefull to prayer. Schollers find it the fittest times for their studies:* 1.32 and so may Christians, if they obserue a difference of times, find it fittest for their prayer. If for prayer sake we rise the soo∣ner, we watch vnto Prayer.

2 Considering that it is so needefull that we pray at euening,* 1.33 which is a drowsie time, rowse vp thy selfe be∣fore prayer; goe not to it halfe sleeping, halfe waking. Learne of the watchfull Bird,* 1.34 the Cocke, who when he is about to crow, especially in the night time, flappeth hi•• wings, and so beateth hi•• body, and rowseth vp himself•• to crow. Doe thou something to driue away drowsinesse stirre thy body, walke, meditate, sing a Psalme befor••

prayer at euening. Vse such gest••res as wi••l keepe thee from drowsinesse, kneele vpright, or to helpe thy weake∣nesse, stand. Hasten to prayer, goe not to it too late. Who doe these things for prayers sake, Watch vnto Prayer.

3 Moderate thine appetite,* 1.35 and vse a temperate diet, if after meate thou art to pray: sobriety is often ioined to watchfulnesse, as an especiall helpe thereof.a 1.36 Christ ha∣uing giuen a warning to take heede of surfetting, drunken∣nesse, and cares of this World, inferreth this exhortation, Watch and pray: otherwise we cannot well watch & pray. Wherefore saith Saint Paul;b 1.37 Let vs watch and be sober. And Saint Peter,c 1.38 Be sober and watching in prayer. Who eate for prayer sake somewhat the more sparingly, doe watch vnto prayer.

In regard of the soule,

1 Take heed it be not too much distracted with world∣ly thoughts,* 1.39d 1.40 Cares of this World choake the Word, much more will they choake the spirit of Prayer. Hee that re∣membring the time of prayer, disburdeneth his soule hereof, Watcheth vnto prayer.

2 Most especially be watchfull against sinne,* 1.41 which (as* 1.42 hath beene shewed before) like birdlime wil so cling the feathers of the soule, that it cannot flie vp to Heauen. Nothing more dulleth the heart of man then sinne. He that yeeldeth thereto can hardly recouer himselfe, and re∣uiue his spirit againe in a long time.e 1.43 It was three quar∣ters of a yeere before Dauid was throughly recouered af∣ter his great fall; for his child was borne before, and an ex∣traordinary meanes was vsed to recouer him, the Pro∣phet Nathan was sent vnto him.

It was an admirable and extraordinary thing that Pe∣ter was so soone recouered. Sinnes doe grieue the spirit, and quench his good gift in vs: the Spirit being grieued

and prouoked to withdraw his presence, will not returne againe with a wet finger. Especially be watchfull against such sinnes as by nature thou art most proane vnto: for in them especially will Satan most attempt thee when thou art going to prayer. If thou beest giuen to lust, make a couenant with thine eye not to cast it vpon a strange woman: auoide wanton company, garish attire, fulnesse of bread, and whatsoeuer may prouoke lust: so in anger, voluptuousnesse, couetousnesse, &c. This is an excellent point of wisdome, and argueth great watchfulnesse vnto prayer, if for prayer sake it be done.

3 Take notice of Gods mercies and iudgements,* 1.44 of his blessings bestowed on thee, and of thy wants, of the estate of others, and of other points concerning the mat∣ter of prayer. Reade also some part of Gods Word before Prayer: Thus shalt thou come furnished to Prayer. This is also to watch vnto Prayer.

Many complaine of their vntoward performance of this heauenly duty, but obserue not the reason thereof, which is this, They watch not vnto Prayer.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• c 1.2

  1 Thes. 5. 6.
• * 1.3

  What watch¦fulnes is here meant.
• * 1.4

  Bellarmin. de bonis oper. lib. 1 cap. 11.
• d 1.5

  Psal. 119. 62.
• e 1.6

  Acts 16. 25.
• f 1.7

  & 20. 7.
• * 1.8

  §. 121.
• * 1.9

  A superstiti∣ous waking for Christs comming.
• g 1.10

  Mat. 24 42.
• h 1.11

  Mat. 24. 36.
• i 1.12

  Luke 17. 34.
• k 1.13

  & v. 20.
• a 1.14

  Mat. 24. 42.
• * 1.15

  Organa.
• b 1.16

  Mat. 26. 41.
• c 1.17

  Heb. 13. 17
• * 1.18

  Doct. Both body & soule to bee rowsed vp to Prayer.
• d 1.19

  Mar. 13. 37.
• e 1.20

  Mat. 26. 41
• f 1.21

  Col. 4. 2
• g 1.22

  1 Pet. 4. 7.
• h 1.23

  Psal. 57. 8
• * 1.24

  Reason. Causes of bo∣dily drowsi∣nesse.
• * 1.25

  Causes of spi∣rituall drow∣sinesse.
• * 1.26

  1 Weakenesse of the flesh.
• i 1.27

  Mat. 26. 41.
• k 1.28

  Acts 20. 9.
• * 1.29

  2 Abundance of by-th••ghts
• * 1.30

  Vse 1. Such as goe drowsily to prayer taxed.
• * 1.31

  1 Choose fit times.
• * 1.32

  Aurora musis amica,
• * 1.33

  2 Rowse vp thy selfe.
• * 1.34

  Virgil. ales. Ouid Simile.
• * 1.35

  3 Moderate thine appe∣tite.
• a 1.36

  Luk. 21. 34, 36.
• b 1.37

  1 Thes. 5, 6.
• c 1.38

  1 Pet. 4. 7.
• * 1.39

  4 Auoid di∣stractions.
• d 1.40

  Mat. 13. 22.
• * 1.41

  5 Take heede of sinne.
• * 1.42

  §. 20.
• e 1.43

  2 Sam. 12, 1, &c.
• * 1.44

  6 Obserue Gods dealing with thee.