Seuen treatises containing such direction as is gathered out of the Holie Scriptures, leading and guiding to true happines, both in this life, and in the life to come: and may be called the practise of Christianitie. Profitable for all such as heartily desire the same: in the which, more particularly true Christians may learne how to leade a godly and comfortable life euery day. Penned by Richard Rogers, preacher of the word of God at Wethersfield in Essex.

CHAP. 7. Of the third priuate helpe, which is the armour of a Christian: and of the first three points of it.

THe third priuate helpe is the armour, which was next men∣tioned among the rest. This being not so cleerely vnder∣stood, nor the vse of it so well seene into, requireth a more full handling, then I purpose to vse in the most of the rest. [ D] And this armour God in his mercie hath appointed to furnish the Christian souldier withall in his warfare, a∣gainst all his spirituall enemies, that by the helpe thereof, and the other meanes in this treatise mentioned, he may be able to be directed aright from time to time, and keepe a good course in his life, and beate backe the strong and subtill assaults of the diuell, that he be not led by, nor ouercome of them, nor of the manifold bad passions and euill desires of his own heart, which o∣therwise will draw him continually after them. But before I proceed any further, I will set downe the points, worthie to be learned and practised in and about this armour, that the reader may see better how to make right vse [ E] of it.

First therefore I will shew what this armour is, and the chiefe parts of it. Secondly, that a Christian life cannot stand without it, nor be practised of a∣ny, except he be armed, as God hath taught and appointed him to be. Third∣ly, how it is gotten and come by, and how wee should put it on. Fourthly, how we may, by the helpe of it, practise godlines from time to time, and be able to stand fast in our Christian course, and resist in the time of daunger. By

all which, God will make vs able to liue christianly, which is to haue our con∣uersation [ F] in heauen with our God, as he requireth.

The whole complete armour therefore, is the spirituall furniture of the gifts and graces of the holie Ghost, by which, God doth deliuer his from all ad∣uersarie power, and bring them to the obedience of his will. I speake not here of those who are to bee called, but who are effectuallie called alreadie: and they by the helpe of this armour, doe not onely cast downe strong holds of temptation, and ouerthrow imaginations, and euery high thing which exalteth it self (in the opinion of him that is tempted) against the knowledg of God: but also bring into subiection euery euill thought in them, to the obedience of Christ. And this armour is that which is set downe to the Ephesians, the parts whereof [ G] are these: Truth or sinceritie; righteousnes; the shooes of peace, or preparation to beare the crosse; faith, the helmet of saluation: which in another place he calleth, hope, and the word of God. This is the full furniture of a Christian, by the which the Lord hath taught him to fight against the diuell, and his instruments, and thereby to preuaile, in and through their captaine and head Christ Iesus.

And although there are other points of armour set downe in other places of the Scripture, yet are they but parcels of this, or the same in other words expressed. Neither shall there neede any other: for he who is attired and ar∣med with this, shall not in any point be vnprouided, or to seeke of strength in the time of neede. But yet doth not euery man see by and by how these [ H] may be accounted armour, therefore will I describe them seuerally.

Sinceritie or vprightnes is that weapon of the spirituall warfare, and that fruit of the spirit which should accompanie the whole conuersation (not some few actions of a Christian) by the which hee is simple and without fraud and hypocrisie bearing sway in him, both towards God and his neigh∣bour: and it may the more cleerely be discerned by considering the person in whom it is found, namely an vpright man, whom (in the description of Nathaniel) our Sauiour Christ calleth a true Israelite in whom there is no guile: which vertue although it be a part of the Christian armour, yet that it is rare, not onely the best doe see, but euen the bad sort doe complaine: according [ I] to the words of Salomon: Many men will boast, euery one of his owne goodnes, but who can finde a faithfull man? that is to say, who will prooue himselfe to bee such an one indeede, as hee will seeme to be, by word and shew? For to say the truth, men are so infected with hollownes and glozing, and through cu∣stome and continuance therein so confirmed in it, that vntill God changeth the heart, Ieremies words are true of this one, as of other euils, It is as possible for him who is accustomed to euill, to returne and doe good, as for the blacke Moore to change his skinne, or the Leopard her spots.

And this veritie consisteth as well in holding and keeping the truth, I meane the sound knowledge of the word of God in our iudgement, as the [ K] practise of it in a good conscience. Which I say, because there are some, who professe great friendship to the Gospell, who yet maintaine strange opini∣ons not according to the truth of it: as that the law ought not to be preached in any wise: and that there should no differences of men be made; when yet the Scripture putteth difference betwixt good and bad, both in their life and in rewards, Psalm. 1. The holding of such opinions therefore, standeth not

[ A] with sinceritie: which freely admitteth all opinions to bee measured and censured by the word.

Now therefore if this be sinceritie and vprightnes to be free, not onely from double heartednes and halting, but also, to be readie to yeeld a francke assent and practise to the truth; and also if this vertue bee one part of the Christian armour: he who is voyde of this, must needes lie open to great danger, both by error in opinion and by corruption in life: for he wanteth that which should defend him. And contrarily, he who seeketh to please God vnfainedly, his conscience bearing him record, that he hath some true measure of this sinceritie, and still laboureth after it, that is, to be simple and [ B] plaine (though politike) in his words, actions and meaning, he hath this part of the armour: the vse whereof how great and gainefull it is, shall ap∣peare hereafter. And such a thing is veritie or sinceritie. But let this be ad∣ded, that if any will purpose this in some things, yet not resolue to shew it in all, euen this is the man, who is farre from sinceritie.

Righteousnes is that part of the armour, and such a gift of the spirit where∣by our hearts are bent to all manner of goodnes, and righteous dealing, ap∣proouing of it as most excellent, desiring feruently and delighting in it; and that because it is good: and disliking and hating all naughtines and euill. And he who looketh to be preserued in manifold temptations to [ C] sinne, and to keepe in obedience to all kind of duties both towards God and men, whiles he liueth, had neede to haue no lesse, then this firmenes and constancie of a righteous heart, and to be so throughly perswaded of the beautie and price of this one part of Christianitie, namely, innocent and righteous dealing, that though infinit occasions shall arise to diminish the credit of it; yet he may cloath himselfe with it, as with a garment, and weare it as an ornament, that such an one he may shew himselfe to be in his actions, that he may cause others to be in loue with it also. Which vertue so shined in Ioseph, that sundrie times, when he might haue wrought euill without feare of reuenge to his brethren, who had giuen him strong occasion, he [ D] would not: nay, when he might haue been preferred, by hearkning to his whorish mistresse, he refused it with detestation (though thereby he pro∣cured to himselfe no small danger) saying, how can I doe this great wickednes and so sinne against God? Genes. 39.9.

He that seeth into this vertue, and liketh it so, that he will be wary that he commit no vnrighteous thing against God nor man, as farre as his know∣ledge guideth him, but setleth himselfe to doe that, which is pleasing both in the sight of God, and before men: he hath this part of armour, and is fenced with the brestplate of righteousnes. Such shall say with Iob, If mine aduersarie write a booke against me, I will put it behind my backe (reade it, who will) and [ E] glorie in mine accusations. The beautie of this grace and vertue is such, as may appeare in the examples of those who were found innocent when they were charged and accused, as in Dauid towards Saul, 1. Sam. 24.17. that if it could be seene with eye, it would exceedingly prouoke men to be in loue with it. And let all marke how fitly these two sinceritie and righteousnes, or innocencie doe goe together.

To be prepared with the shooes of peace by the Gospell, is this, that we

hauing receiued forgiuenes of our sinnes, and assurance of saluation through [ F] faith by the Gospell, and thereby found most sweete peace to our consci∣ence, we are now by this Gospell, as they who are readie to take a long iour∣ney, shodde and prepared to be readie to deny our selues, and to take vp our crosse, and follow Christ, throughout this our pilgrimage. This part of armour did our mercifull father see meete for vs, his weake children, see∣ing we are so dismayed at the beholding, or hearing of troubles to be at hand, although before they come, we were cheerefull. He would therefore that we should not faint, nor be discouraged, no not euen by them: but lift vp our heads, and be of good comfort, seeing they are but for a short time, & our peace is continuall: besides that, for the exceeding greatnes of it, it passeth all [ G] vnderstanding: and therefore it is able to keepe our hearts comforted, euen in our tribulations, through hope at least. Which our Sauiour foretold, that the faithfull should haue, but he armed them most gratiously against them.

Neither is there indeede any other thing, that is able to stay vs from dead∣lie vnquietnes and bitter anguish at such times. For seeing we are going to God, and that must be through most dangerous rankes of cruell enemies, as through a wildernes of robbers, this is our incouragement to goe on man∣fully, in that we know by the doctrine of the Gospell, that we take our iour∣ney to God who is at peace with vs. He therefore, who hath this peace by the Gospell, is armed with this part of Christian armour, called the shooes [ H] of preparation, as the souldier with his brassie bootes, against all such hard and sharpe afflictions, and troubles; which as pikes in the way, would other∣wise so wound him, that he should not be able to stand in the battaile; he is armed (I say) because he thus thinketh with himselfe, if God be with me, who can be against me? the Lord is my saluation and light, whom then should I feare? the Lord is the strength of my life, of whom then shall I be afraid?

To haue this shield of faith, is to build our perswasion on Gods faithfull promises, that Christ Iesus is ours: and that God hath giuen him to vs, to ob∣taine forgiuenes of our sinnes and saluation by him; yea and all other good things also, meete for this present life: As the Apostle saith; He that hath gi∣uen [ I] vs his Christ, how can he, but with him giue vs all things also? So that he which hath embraced these pretious promises and resteth vpon them, as certaine and not doubtfull, no more to be remoued, and vnsetled, as (if it be well weighed) there is no cause he should: he hath this part of the armour, and therefore shall not be ouercome by those fearefull temptations of Sathan to strong distrustfulnes, which as firie darts be deadly to all which are not thus armed with a true and sound faith: and such an one may be rightly said, to put on the Lord Iesus, which cannot be done but by faith.

This hope is a ioyfull longing, and stedfast desire, Luk. 2.30. (as we may see in old father Simeon) and looking for the performing, and accomplishing [ K] of all those mercies temporall and eternall, which God hath promised, and we by faith are assured of. For this the Lord would haue vs to know, that he hath made no one promise to vs, but he meaneth to fulfill it, that we may see it, and glorifie him, for such louing kindnes of his towards vs: and there∣fore would haue vs also in reuerence to hope perfectly, that is, confidently and constantly to the end, as the Apostle speaketh, for such gratious gifts, as he

[ A] hath bequeathed vnto vs. The which holy boldnes, whiles we are propped vp withall, our hearts are so well satisfied and contented, that we passe our dayes cheerefully, and walke in our callings ioyfully, seruing God therein: we like our portion marueilous well, and we inioy our prosperitie with much thankfulnes.

And all this we doe, because we haue hope from God of all good things which shall be meete for vs; yea and all this we doe, not after the flesh, or be∣cause we haue whatsoeuer heart can wish, or eye lust after (for our God in∣denteth not with vs after any such manner) but because we haue some mea∣sure of godlines with contentation, and haue learned to be perswaded, that to [ B] be best for vs, which he bringeth to passe; and so to hope still, that all things shall fall out to vs for the best, because he hath so promised. And if it were not for this sweete hope, our liues should be most wearisome, except we should suffer them to be meerely diuelish. And without this of the armour of hope, all other hope is vaine and deceitfull, and as the rush without mire and moy∣sture which withereth: and as the spiders webbe which is sodainly swept downe.

Lastly, the armour of the word, which is called the sword of the spirit, is to be well instructed in the sound and liuing knowledge of the Scriptures, and to digest the same, and season our vnderstanding with it, in such wise, [ C] that we may know the will of God, and haue the same in remembrance, in the things which most concerne vs (as we can) that thereby we may at all times, and in all cases be readily led by it. That this may be a light to our feete, and a lanterne to our steppes, as the Prophet teacheth: that so neither heresie in o∣pinion, nor errour in our life which shall be daungerous, may carry vs away from our stedfastnes in our Christian course: no nor so much as deceiue vs secret∣ly, but we may be able to draw forth this sworde of the spirit, and to say, it is written▪ that so no such thing may be done of vs.

Such knowledge therefore of good and euill, cannot be wanting in vs, nor the daily increasing of it be neglected, but fore and perilous wounds [ D] will by the aduersarie pearce our soules: so farre is it off, that the most expe∣rienced and skilfull Christian should thinke, he knoweth enough. Yet least any should deceiue himselfe about this, thinking that he hath knowledg, this (I say) that if he be not counselled and guided by that he vnderstandeth, He knoweth nothing, as he ought to know. For the feare of offending God is the beginning of wisedome, and he that keepeth (that is) faithfully indeuoureth to keepe the com∣maundements of God, is most wise. And so speaketh our Sauiour to his Apostles: If ye know these things, happie are ye, if ye doe them. This knowledge therefore, and the experience that we learne by it, how we haue prospered, by liuing after it; is that part of Christian armour, which is called the sword of the [ E] spirit: and who doth not see, what a singular and necessarie helpe it is, to the practising of a godly life? for as a blind man is without a guide; so is a man without it.

And thus I haue giuen the reader a taste of the armour of a Christian, what it is: who by due consideration of the power and vse of euery part of it, may easily see, that he who is furnished with the same, may be able to doe won∣derfull things, in respect of him, which goeth to worke by his owne aduice

and power, or (which is all one) by mixing it with the word of God. And [ F] yet so doe the most, who professe the Gospell: they will not altogether ex∣clude the commaundements of God, so that they refuse altogether to be go∣uerned by them: yet for all that, they will not binde themselues to be ruled by them, in one thing as in another: and therefore doth their life, and talke iarre and iangle, in respect of the knowledge of dutie which they haue, and is euen harsh and vnsauourie to good and bad, and to themselues also, if they would but search and looke into their waies seriously and carefully at any time. And this briefly bee said of the first point concerning the Christian armour, to shew what it is, and which are the parts of it.

Now to go forward to the second, which is, that the Christian life cannot [ G] stand without it. He that is willing to liue Christianly throughout his life, (for God giueth vs no libertie of intermission or stay) hee must not be con∣tent to haue this knowledge of the armour swimming in his braine, or lying by him in a booke, but to be digested of him, and made his owne, and no more stand at the putting on of this holie armour, then to doubt of the truth of it: he must alwaies bee readie to cloath and furnish his soule with the se∣uerall parts of it (to couer the nakednes and shame thereof, and to make it comely and well fauoured in the sight of God) as his bodie with apparell: and to arme it therewith as the souldier is with his Corselet, head-piece, sword, &c. because by it, God hath appointed to defend him, from the spiri∣tuall [ H] craftines of his deadly enemie the diuell, and from the deceitfulnes of the most noisome sinne.

And most sure it is, to him who will look into it, that all other good helps to godlines, as prayer, reading, conference, though in themselues very profi∣table; yet they doe Christians the lesse good, if they be without the armour. And therefore when the Apostle had taught the Ephesians to practise the particular duties of Christianitie, he sendeth them to this armour, to enable them to stand fast therein, without the which, the diuell (he telleth them) would with his subtill baites and delusions, draw them from whatsoeuer he exhorteth them vnto; yea although they had desire to bee obedient to the [ I] same. Thus he writeth, saying: Take vnto you that whole armour of God, that ye may be able to resist in the euill day: that is, in the hard time, when Sathan ben∣deth all his force against you, and proclaimeth (as it were) open warre; as well as when the daunger seemeth to be smaller: and hauing done all things, that is, resisted your enemie, stand by the strength thereof, and keepe your selues armed still against new assaults. By this it is cleere, that seeing the diuell is a professed enemie of ours, and one that woundeth vs secretly, when wee are not aware, and is at hand to doe vs most harme, when we doe not so much as dreame of any such matter: it is cleere, I say, that if wee be not prepared a∣gainst such daungers, we must needes be sore hurt. Who goeth foorth naked [ K] and vnarmed vnto the battell, where so many kinds of weapons are readie to take away his life? nay all is little enough, though hee be armed in euerie part.

That which I say in generall of the whole, will better appeare if wee goe through euery particular part of it. For who will aduenture to goe barefoo∣ted among thornes and stubbes, yea to runne vpon the pikes, but hee will be

[ A] well shod? euen so, who will be bold to goe thorough the manifold stormes and tribulations of this life, which rise vp in his way, in euery place, not to pricke his feete, but to pierce and goe thorough his heart: as it is said of Ma∣rie her troubles, that they should pierce thorough her soule, euen as a sword, which goeth to the intrailes: who (I say) will go thorough these stormes, but he will be well armed against them, and strongly prepared and setled to stay himself vpon God by the peace and comfort which he draweth from Christs owne words, euen these: Though in the world ye shall haue tribulation, yet be of good com∣fort, for I haue ouercome the world?

And that which I say of this one kinde, I may in like manner say of all the [ B] parts of the armour which God hath furnished a Christian with: that he can walke in no safetie thorough the Campe of this world without them, and euery of them. Who can be free from despairing of Gods mercie (which is a firie and venimous dart) or els from dreadfull doubting and feare (which are companions thereunto) or (which is as deadly and daungerous) from pre∣sumption, vaine hope, and deceiuing of himselfe, which hath not the shield of faith; and is not certaine thereby of eternall saluation; and of the fauour of God to guard him in this life? And though this man had no other thing to make him vnhappie: yet who doth not see, that euen this is enough to make al his pleasures vnsauourie, if he should either feele the one, or might be per∣swaded [ C] of the other?

Besides, what is his life (euen at the best) when hee hath no trust in Gods manifold promises? And although these things being not seene with eye, be as little thought vpon of the most part in the world; yet the Scripture hath concluded, that there is no sound peace to any such; yea rather that the diuel hath, as a raging lion, his paw vpō their throte ready euery houre to take away their soule: as the Apostle sheweth (though this seeme lesse, seeing it is not knowne nor felt) whereas if they were shielded by this faith, and that in their neede, it should not be so with; them but thereby they resisting him, hee should flie from them.

[ D] Againe, to shew how impossible it is to bee in safetie without the other parts of the Christian armour; how can any man walke innocent and harme∣les among his neighbours, though others should walke so towards him, ex∣cept he hath put on the breast-plate of righteousnes; and armed himselfe with this cogitation, to doe no man any wrong; and not onely so, but also to doe no other iniquitie or euill, which might offend any, or wound his owne soule? How many waies shall hee be carried to sinne against God, and his neighbour? I speake not of an vnbeleeuer, who can doe nothing but sinne; but euen of a Christian, who hath an heart which hateth sinne: yet euen he, if he indent not from time to time a fresh with his heart, against all vnrigh∣teousnes, [ E] and the parts of vnholie life, he shall be disfigured with many ble∣mishes, and disgrace himselfe and his holie profession also, by his many vn∣lawfull actions: so farre is it off, that innocencie is in his heart, and in his hands, and that he liueth vnrebukeable, and without blame amongst men.

And therfore it is that S. Paul teaching the Corinthians how they should be apparelled with the parts of Christian armour, as puritie and vprightnes, know∣ledge of the word of God, and with patience and long suffering, which hope ingen∣dreth,

doth among the rest, commend to them this one, by his owne ex∣ample, [ F] namely, the armour of righteousnes, both on the right hand, and on the left, that is, in prosperitie and aduersitie, that so they should giue no occasion of offence in any thing, but in all things approoue themselues as the seruants of God.

The same may be said of the other parts of the Christian armour, that I haue said of the shooes of peace, of the shield of faith, and of the breast-plate of righteousnes. For if there be not some cleere and sound knowledge of the word of God (which as a sword may cut the bands of sinne asunder like a cord) how shall a Christian be able to discerne the deceitfulnes of sinne, but be led by it and taken with it, as with a baite? How can he choose, although he be zealous and desirous to doe well, but to be led into many errours, and so [ G] goe without the sweete life, which in Christianitie is to be found, if hee haue not well learned and digested this in the depth of his heart, it is written, to the contrarie? So if he be not girded, as it were, with sinceritie, that hee may be adorned with it wheresoeuer he become, and all other good gifts of God in him be bound together by that, that hee hath them in truth, that hee deligh∣teth in them indeed; how shall he be infected with hollownes and hypocri∣sie, what shew of holines soeuer appeare in him?

To conclude, what can there be in his life daily, but fainting, vncomfor∣tablenes, and sundrie discouragements, whiles he is weaned from the foolish and vaine delights of this world, and seeth not the pleasures of heauen with [ H] mortall eyes; what can there els be to him (I say) if the hope of saluation be not as an helmet, to keepe life in his soule: and with this hope of saluation, which cannot deceiue him, a cheerefull hope of well passing the course of these conflicting daies also vnder the wings of Gods protection, till he come thither? As for other hope, who knoweth not, that all other hope of earthly peace, or long life, is like to a broken tooth, and sliding foote? But by this hope, tediousnes is remoued, and cheerefulnes to waite contentedly in this pilgri∣mage for a full deliuerance, is obtained. Therefore how truly may this bee said, that the Christian life, without the armour of God, cannot be conti∣nued? [ I]

For if euery part of it be so needfull throughout our life (as hath bin said) who seeth not, that euen such an one, as hath receiued grace from aboue, by the preaching of the Gospell, to be borne a new, and to be begotten to a liuely hope; yet for all this, shall not thriue, nor prosper, without diligent and vsuall nourishing of this new birth in him, nor grow vp to a perfect age in Christ, deli∣uered from the hindrances by the world and the diuell, except he be strong∣ly armed, as God hath taught him to be?

This is so truly verified in all Gods children, that euen they who are not the forwardest of others, yet if they haue any strength against euill at any time, they haue it from God thus, euen by the meanes of the armour. If they [ K] were not sometimes armed, they should make as great breaches, and fall as dangerously, one day as another: and yet if they were acquainted with this armour thoroughly, they should make their worst and most vncomfortable day in the weeke, equall with the best and the happiest (which they some∣time inioyed) in heauenly passing of their time, and in sweete comfort. And for want of this armour (either for that men know it not, or for not hauing

[ A] vse of it) the infinite irkesomnesses, heauines, distraction, dumpishnes, doub∣ting, and feare doe vexe them, and such like deadly poysons doe occupie the hearts euen of Christians, as also light reioycing in a fleshly manner, vaine hope, phantasticall dreames of peace and safetie, where none is. And for want of this, their liues also before men are kept from shewing foorth light and good example in one thing, as well as in another: yea rather, they are harbourers of sundrie euill qualities, in so much that few are incouraged to waxe better by them, nor to suspect that any thing is amisse in them, but are hardened to goe forward in their old course still.

And if it be thus with such, as haue some good and sound beginnings in [ B] Christianitie, let no man meruaile, though they, who are vtterly destitute of faith, and of other parts of the Christian armour, be so farre off from good life as they be, seeing they renounce this arming of themselues, which I haue proued, that a Christian life cannot be without.

And now by this which hath been said of the armour hitherto, it is the ea∣sier to vnderstand what it is, and what the parts of it are, and how the Chri∣stian life cannot stand without it. Now I will proceed (as I haue promised) to the third point in this matter concerning the armour, namely, how it should be put on, and be worne, that so wee may better see how to take that good by it, which God offereth vs. For which end and purpose it is to bee [ C] marked, that euery true beleeuer in his first conuersion to God, is thereby made partaker of all things pertaining to life and godlines, and therefore is not de∣stitute of any common grace of a true Christian: hauing them, as a childe lately borne, all the parts and faculties of soule and bodie, though weake in all: amongst which, these that are here compared to armour, are princi∣pall.

This being so, a faithfull Christian need not wonder, when he is willed to haue this grace, and parts of this holie armour in a readines; hee neede not wonder (I say) where he shall haue it, or doubt how to come by it: For we see he hath it alreadie; and as our Sauiour Christ said; The kingdome of hea∣uen [ D] (that is, the glorious raigning of his in the elect) commeth not by obserua∣tion, neither shall men say, loe here, loe there; for the kingdome of heauen is in you: So (I say) this armour, which God hath appointed to defend his militant Church withall, from infernall slauerie, it is not to be seene, nor to be gazed vpon with the eye, but it is in the faithfull, and possesseth their soules, euen now, when many will (perhaps) aske how shall we come by it? or, where is it? For if any should imagine, that he hath it not after beleeuing (as through ignorance he must needs) can such an one choose, but be exceedingly trou∣bled about this, how hee should come by it, and put it on? for such a charge the Apostle giueth.

[ E] Let vs know therefore, that this armour is not alway to bee in seeking, (which had not need to be, whē it should be in occupying) but the Lord ac∣cording to the necessitie of it, which he seeth to be in euery one of his chil∣dren, against the infinite dangers of the world, doth prouide it for euery one of them; and furnisheth thē with the same. Euery one of them hath some measure of true faith and hope, though this be weake in them: euery one hateth iniquitie, and is readie to worke righteousnes, according to his skill:

and the most feeble Christian hath an vpright heart, and some spirituall wis∣dome [ F] to discerne good from euill (which yet a man of greater knowledge, if he be not inlightened with the spirit of regeneration, cannot) although one more then an other. And the same I say of the rest.

But ye will obiect, why doth the Apostle will vs to put it on, if we haue it alreadie? and will say, this doubt is not yet answered, neither can ye tell what he meaneth by that, when he speaketh thus, Put on the whole armour? To this I answere, that his charge is, that Christians should not haue this spirituall armour, as men in time of peace, haue bodily armour hanging by, and rustie, and vtterly vnfit for vse; but as souldiers haue theirs in battaile, that is, girded to them, and put vpon them, and this also whiles the battaile con∣tinueth: [ G] So he commaundeth vs, that we let not the parts of this armour so to be vnoccupied in vs, that we haue no feeling of it, and so no benefit by it, but be sure continually that we haue it on, and readie for vse; that we lie downe with it, and rise vp with it, and be well aduised, that through the day in all places, and whatsoeuer we goe about we haue it with vs, as farre as we can be able.

This is his meaning when he saith, put on the whole armour: and in an other place, put on tender mercie, and kindnes, as the elect of God. For our battaile lasteth all our life long; and our enemies be deadly, and all our strength is by our armour: Therefore who seeth not now, that a Christian can safely be [ H] no time without this armour? If this be darke and hard to any, euen they may know themselues to be those, who haue not skill to put on this armour, and who haue been ignorant of the vse and power of it: they haue not well learned the will of God about the necessitie and benefit of it. And therefore euen such, though they may be the Lords; yet doubtles the diuell holdeth them in strong chaines of darkenes, and ignorance: and therefore also in great slauerie and bondage, which God for his part hath shewed them the way to come out of, if they could once come to see the same, and be perswaded that they haue a part in it.

For through the vnskilfulnes of men in the right vse of the armour, and [ I] vnacquaintance with euery part of it, the liues euen of the deare seruants of God, are much blemished, and vnglorious amongst men, and to themselues (besides the idlenes, and vnprofitablnes, of them) exceedingly vncheerefull. Therefore, seeing God hath giuen them all helps needefull for their de∣fence from this present euill world, from subiection to Sathan, and their owne damnable lusts; seeing also he hath taught them to know this their libertie and priuiledge, to haue the daily aide and benefit of their armour, for the strengthening of them in all good duties, I know nothing to remaine doubtful, which should neede to trouble them hereafter, no not the weak∣est, saue this one thing: namely, how this armour should be put on. [ K]

Now to haue the feeling of euery part of this armour (faith against di∣strust at any time, hope against fainting, vprightnes against hypocrisie, know∣ledge against the deceitfulnes of sinne, righteousnes against all kinde of iniquitie, and the preparation of the Gospell of peace against crosses) to haue (I say) this armour in a readines to safe cundict and keepe vs through∣out our life in the practise of our Christian direction, this is to be done:

[ A] Watchfulnes continuall, and prayer hartie and oft is to be vsed of vs; which also is prescribed of the Apostle himselfe, when he saith (after he willeth the Ephesians to take to them this whole armour) pray alway withall manner of prayer, and watch thereunto with all perseuerance, &c.

We see God will haue vs perswaded that this whole armour may be had and put on, and therefore to pray to him for it. But in any wise, these prayers he will haue to be made without doubting and wauering, without which manner of praying, we cannot looke to receiue any thing. For it hath pleased our good God, seeing we are so prone to doubting, to giue vs a most sure word of promise, of all such things as we haue neede of, that if we [ B] thinke God to be credited, we may looke for them without feare or waue∣ring.

He that hartily craueth this, as a thing which he cannot be without (seeing he asketh according to the will of God) and that which God commaun∣deth him, as we see Ephes. 6.14. he hath and obtaineth the same which he desireth, 1. Ioh. 4.16. and Matth. 6.7. aske and ye shall receiue. For if Hagar pray∣ing in her distresse was heard, when she saw not how; and if our Sauiour did say to the woman of Samaria, if thou haddest but asked, I would haue giuen thee water of life: is it to be doubted of, that Gods deare seruants shall be de∣nyed their requests? If a naturall father will giue that which is meete to his [ C] childe, who yet neither knoweth alwayes what is best, neither is at all times so kinde as he ought; shall we call the readines of our heauenly father into question, especially about such a gift, as both he hath bidden vs aske, yea and also take? yea and such a gift, as without the which, we cannot ho∣nour nor serue him aright?

This I speake to hearten and incourage all, to pray oft and earnestly (which is in so little request in the world) for this gift, that they may know that by this meanes, they shall put on this holy armour of God, especially when they shall herewithall, watch, that they doe receiue strength by their prayers, indeede so to doe. And if this be not found and obtained by such [ D] as yet doe pray for it, let them know, that they pray faintly and coldly, or slackly and negligently: for otherwise this is the way to put vpon vs the whole armour; as Dauids dealing with Goliah doth prefigure, and the example of the Saints of God for the particular parts of it; as by their especiall necessities they haue been prouoked: as Salomon for wisedome. Dauid did thus vsual∣ly stirre vp his faith, which was the putting on of it, which before lay by, as it were, vnoccupied, and so of the rest. And to get wisedome, whereby to be prepared for the crosse, and to beare it meekely, the Apostle willeth to pray without doubting.

With our prayer, holy meditation is to be vsed of euery part of our ar∣mour, [ E] when we haue been taught it, till we know the vse and benefit of it. And vntill the matter of it bee more familiar to vs, conferre about it with such as haue knowledge and experience therein: that whatsoeuer is hard to be vnderstood or practised, may bee made easie. This I speake for the be∣nefit of the weake, seeing euery thing is most hard to them, before they haue attained to it, although it be neuer so plainely set downe to them. And reade either this which I haue for thy sake written of this argument, or any sound

treatise concerning this matter. Stirre vp, and perswade thy selfe hereto, by [ F] this reason, that thou walkest naked, except thou be clothed with it: and as an vnarmed man fighting with many strong enemies throughly furnished; so art thou in this world without it.

And when by reading, hearing, or conference, thou shalt see what helpe commeth by thine armour to the well framing of thine heart and life, and by meditation sometime on the seuerall partes of it (as I haue prescribed) and hast dulie weighed and mused vpon the same, to affect and season thy heart therewith, and by prayer hast with confidence desired of God, that euen thou particularly maiest finde, as thou shalt see cause, thy selfe strengthened with euery part of this armour: when (I say) thou hast done this, then hast [ G] thou put it on. This is the way of putting it on: that when thou knowest euery part of it, and whereto it serues, and canst be willing to walke in this spirituall attire, thou mayest be kept safe (as they say) from winde and wea∣ther, euen from world and diuell.

For then shalt thou, hauing this grace of beleeuing, hoping, righteous liuing, vphight meaning, &c. bring forth the fruite of it, as thou shalt haue occasion through the day, that is to say, to giue credit to Gods promises from time to time: to hope at one time, as well as another: to be vpright and without fraud in one thing as well as in another; and yet remember that I can speake to thee, when thou art at the best, but as to a man subiect to in∣firmities; [ H] and lastly to giue duties to God as well as to men, and to one man, and in one action, as well as in another: which to doe, is to shew forth the fruite of the armour of righteousnes. And the same I say of the rest.

But with all this, it is to be knowne and regarded, that as it is thus to be put on: so it is after the same manner to be kept on. For example: for the retai∣ning, or recouering of this one peece of the whole armour, I meane peace, or reioycing, which we should not be voyde of at any time, continuall pray∣er is required: for he hauing said, reioyce euermore, he addeth, pray continually. And as Saint Paul saith, that by this putting on of the whole armour, a Chri∣stian may stand fast in the euill day of temptation, which is the hardest time: So [ I] Saint Peter saith, that if we giue all diligence hereto, that we ioyne with our faith, vertue, knowledge, patience, &c. (which who knoweth not, that it is cheefely done, by watching and prayer?) we shall neuer fall, that is, dangerously: to take any great hurt, or annoyance thereby. Whereby, he sheweth that he agreeth with Saint Paul, namely, that for the furnishing of our selues with the graces of the spirit, which are the seuerall parts of the armour; continu∣all care and diligence bee vsed by prayer and watchfulnes, which is the on∣ly way to put and keepe it on.

But here let the reader remember and consider to whom the Lord speak∣eth, when he willeth to put on, and to haue in a readines this armour against [ K] all spirituall craftines: For as he, who is not yet resolued fully to be a Chri∣stian, and to leade a godly life, is vtterly vnfit for this armour, and hath nei∣ther minde nor desire to it, neither can possibly put it on: so on the con∣trarie not onely the stronger Christian; but also the new borne babe, and he, euen the weakest youngling in Gods familie, who hath neuer so small abi∣litie to resist sinne, and withstand the same, God hath bidden him to take it

[ A] to him, and to gird himselfe with it, and to put it on. It is munition appointed to him of God, to saue him from daunger, euen the greatest that can bee rai∣sed against him: who therefore shall withhold him from it? It keepeth his soule and his life; what should therefore make him so slauish to feare, and full of distrustfull phantasies, and discouragements, as to cast away his wea∣pons, and wittingly to offer himselfe into the lions mouth? Euery such ther∣fore must put foorth himselfe to be more bold with reuerence, to take vnto him this armour which none can want with safetie) when hee seeth who in∣courageth him, euen hee that is able to strengthen him, to the obtaining of that which he setteth him about, namely, God all-sufficient. He must be more [ B] bold to keepe his crowne, and honour, euen this holie armour, which is more pre∣tious to him, then life it selfe, and suffer none to take it from him.

This I speake for their sakes, who desire, as much as I exhort them to: who yet doe but weakly know, that there is such armour, or that it hath any such vse to make a Christian strong against sin and Sathan: much lesse doe them∣selues receiue any such benefit by it, to their knowledge; and yet are not without it, that they may see their case better then they haue thought it, and that God hath prouided for them farre better, then they were perswaded. Therefore let them, for whom God hath prouided this, not onely not be ig∣norant of it hereafter, but neither let them be slouthfull, or backward to get [ C] a part in it, by putting and keeping it on.

And therefore let them vrge themselues (if they waxe cold or vntoward) to vse the meanes before mentioned, wherby this armour is put on and held in a readines. And if the meanes themselues grow vnsauourie with them, ordinarie prayer (I meane) and watchfulnes, as they may easily doe, if the heart be discouraged or set in euill delights, let them driue out that diuell with fasting and prayer, and giue no rest to their eyes, nor ease to their hearts, vn∣till they haue in some comfortable manner, recouered their first loue and strength, which they had once by this armour; I say, let them not rest till they haue recouered it againe.

[ D] And let them perswade themselues, that fearefull daunger is not farre off from them, if they awake not, and that speedily. For although it be at the first, with a weake Christian in the putting on of this spirituall armour, as with a fresh souldier, in putting on his bodily armour, namely, to account it straunge and wearisome, as not being acquainted therewith; and therefore to wish to be vnburthened of it: yet weighing with himselfe, that God hath giuen it him for his singular benefit, he will be admonished, and take coun∣sell to doe otherwise.

[ E]

Notes

• Foure points to be considered touching the Christian ar∣mour.
• The first point sheweth what the armour is.
• 2. Cor. 10.4.
• Ephes. 6.14.
• The parts of the armour.
• VVhat sinceri∣tie is.
• Psal. 32.2. Matth. 5.8.
• Prou. 20.6.
• Ierem. 13.23.
• What righte∣ousnes is.
• Prou. 28.1. Psalm. 7.
• Phil. 1.11.
• Iob. 31.35.
• Shooes of peace▪
• Rom. 5.1.
• Luk. 22.57. Luk. 22.33.
• Phil. 4.7. Ioh. 16.33.
• Rom. 8.31. Psal. 27.1.
• Faith.
• Rom. 8.32.
• Col. 1.23.
• VVhat hope is. Rom. 12.12.
• 1. Pet. 1.13.
• Rom. 8.28.
• The word of God.
• Psal. 119.105.
• 1. Pet. 3.17.
• 2. Cor. 3.18. Prou. 1.6. Prou. 9.
• Ioh. 13.17.
• The second point, that the Christian life cannot stand without it.
• Ephes. 6.13.
• Shod with the preparation.
• Luk. 2.35.
• The shield of faith.
• 1. Pet. 5.7. Iam. 4.7.
• The breast-plate of righte∣ousnes.
• Prou. 3.30.
• 2. Cor. 6.4.5. &c.
• The svvord of the spirit.
• The girdle of truth.
• Prou. 20.6.
• The helmet of hope.
• The third point is how the ar∣mour should be put on.
• 2. Pet. 1.4.
• Luk. 17.31.
• Col. 3.13. Ephe. 6.13.14
• Obiection.
• Ephes. 6.14. Col. 3.13.
• Matth. 26.41.
• Ephes. 6.18.
• Iam. 1.6.
• Gen. 21.16.17.
• Ioh. 4.10.
• Ephes. 6.14.
• 1. King. 3.9. Psal. 51.12. & 77.5.
• Iam. 1.6.
• The armour be∣ing put on, must be kept on. Phil. 4.4.
• Prou. 15.15. 1. Thes. 5.16.17
• Ephes. 6.14. 2. Pet. 1.5.6.
• 2. Pet. 1.10.
• Euen the weak∣est Christian as well as the strongest, must weare the ar∣mour.
• Reue. 3.11.
• 2. Thess. 3.4.