A01972:1253
An exposition on the whole fifth chapter of S. Johns Gospel also notes on…An exposition on the vvhole fifth chapter of S. Iohns Gospell also notes on…
An exposition on the whole fifth chapter of S. Johns Gospel also notes on other choice places of Scripture, taken by a reverend divine, now with God, and found in his study after his death, written with his own hand ...An exposition on the vvhole fifth chapter of S. Iohns Gospell also notes on other choice places of Scripture, taken by a reuerend diuine, now with God, and found in his study after his death, written with his owne hand ...
London: printed by H. Lownes and R. Young for John Bartlett, 1630London: printed by H. Lownes and R. Young for Iohn Bartlett, 1630
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
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: