A01979:1700
The whole-armour of GodThe vvhole-armor of God
The whole-armour of God: or A Christians spiritual furniture, to keep 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 use it:whereunto is also added a treatise of the sin against the Holy Ghost. By William Gouge B.D. and preacher of Gods Word in Black Fryers London. ...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. ...
London: printed by John Beale, 1619London: printed by Iohn Beale, 1619
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.
§. 11. Of the manifold use of Gods Word.
§. 11. Of the manifold vse of Gods Word.
Point 4 The benefit of well using this Sword, 1is admirable: for there is no error in judgement but may be refuted, no corruption in life but may be redressed hereby: Neither is there any true sound doctrine but may be proved and maintained against all gain-sayers, or any virtue and duty but may be warranted by it, and we thereby directed also in the performance thereof.e The Apostle expressly saith of the Word, that it is profitable to all these:f David upon his own experience affirmeth that by Gods Word he was made wiser then the Ancient, then his Teachers, then his Enemies. Ancient men who have much experience of many times, and of many things done in those times, commonly get much wisdom by their long experience; so asf among the ancient is wisdom, and in the length of days is understanding. Yet Gods Word taught David to understand more then experience⟨p. 325⟩ could teach the ancient. Yea, though Teachers commonly know more then Scholars, or learners, (g Their lips should preserve knowledge:) yet David by Gods Word exceeded all his Teachers in knowledge. And though enemies through their continual searching after sundry points of policy, and inventing many stratagems and cunning wiles, as also by prying into the attempts of the adverse parties, grow very subtle and crafty; yet by this Word of God did David learn more wisdom then all they. For Gods Word is of a far larger extent then mans wit, wisdom, learning, and experience can attain unto. Though the Book wherein Gods Word is contained, be not comparable in multitude of letters, syllables, and words, to the massive Volumes of many mens works; yet for substance of sound matter, and variety of several and sundry directions, all the Books in the World are not comparable to it. Every good thing whatsoever may be justified thereby: every evil thing whatsoever may be disproved thereby: so as by this Sword every good thing which is opposed against may be maintained, and every evil thing whereunto we are tempted, be repelled. There is no cross under which any man lieth, no distress whereunto any is brought, but may be eased, and helped by Gods Word: from it may sound comfort be fetched, by it may a man be supported.