For the better performance of it, we are to consider three things: first, our preparation before the combat. Secondly, our behaviour in the very time of the assault. Thirdly, our demeanour when the fight is ended. For the first, it is needful ⟨p. 168⟩that we be armed for our defence; the parts of which spiritual armour, we may see afforded unto us out of the Eph. 6.14, 15, 16, 17, 18. The first piece, is to have our loins girt about with verity: that is, an heart firmly grounded and established in the truth, in certainty of Gods pure worship and Religion, that we be not carried about with every blast of outside doctrine. The second, is the Brest-plate of righteousness; that is, a steadfast resolution of the heart, to be upright, righteous, and holy before God in all things, not willing to offend him in the least: as David saith, Psal. 40.8. I have desired to do thy good will, O my God; yea, thy Law is within mine heart. The next part, is to have our feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace: which is an undaunted and ready mind to make a constant profession of the Gospel in all places, and at all times, though it be to loss of lands, goods, living, yea, life: as Saint Peter wisheth us, to put on our Sandals, and to be ready to give an account of our Faith to every one that shall require it of us. The fourth is the Shield of Faith; which is a lively and steadfast persuasion and assurance of the mercy of God in Jesus Christ, particularly belonging unto us; the force of which, is to quench all the fiery darts of the Devil; that is, all strong, all sudden, and all dangerous temptations by him suggested. A fifth, is the Helmet of salvation, which, as it is 1. Thes. 5.8. is the hope of everlasting life, whereby our heads being covered, may be preserved from doubt and despair. Another is the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: the use of which is, that we ought to labour to be furnished with such pregnant places of Scripture, as whereby we may both defend our selves, and offend Satan, according as Christ did, Matth. 4. The last is Prayer, whereby we must entreat the aid and assistance of Gods Spirit, to strengthen us to the combat. Our behaviour in the combat ought to be guided by these rules:
For the better performance of it, we are to consider three things: first, our preparation before the combate. Secondly, our behauiour in the very time of the assault. Thirdly, our demeanour when the fight is ended. For the first, it is needfull ⟨p. 168⟩that we be armed for our defence; the parts of which spirituall armour, we may see affoorded vnto vs out of the Eph. 6.14, 15, 16, 17, 18. The first peece, is to haue our loynes girt about with verity: that is, an heart firmely grounded and established in the truth, in certainty of Gods pure worship and Religion, that we be not carried about with euery blast of outside doctrine. The second, is the Brest-plate of righteousnesse; that is, a stedfast resolution of the heart, to be vpright, righteous, and holy before God in all things, not will•ng to offend him in the least: as Dauid saith, Psal. 40.8. I haue desired to doe thy good will, O my God; yea, thy Law is within mine heart. The next part, is to haue our feet shod with the preparation of the Gospell of peace: which is an vndaunted and ready minde to make a constant profession of the Gospell in all places, and at all times, though it bee to losse of lands, goods, liuing, yea, life: as Saint Peter wisheth vs, to put on our Sandals, and to be ready to giue an account of our Faith to euery one that shall require it of vs. The fourth is the Shield of Faith; which is a liuely and stedfast perswasion and assurance of the mercie of God in Iesus Christ, particularly belonging vnto vs; the force of which, is to quench all the fiery darts of the Diuell; that is, all strong, all sudden, and all dangerous temptations by him suggested. A fift, is the Helmet of saluation, which, as it is 1. Thes. 5.8. is the hope of euerlasting life, whereby our heads being couered, may be preserued from doubt and despaire. Another is the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: the vse of which is, that we ought to labour to bee furnished with such pregnant places of Scripture, as whereby we may both defend our selues, and offend Satan, according as Christ did, Matth. 4. The last is Prayer, whereby we must intreate the ayde and assistance of Gods Spirit, to strengthen vs to the combate. Our behauiour in the combate ought to be guided by these rules:
