The whole-armour of GodThe vvhole-armor of God

Christians ought to be well furnished always, ¹and well prepared with the graces of Gods Spirit: they must ever have them in readiness at hand to use them, and make proof of them. In this sense is this^c phrase of putting on oft used, and^d applied to many particular graces, yea to ^eChrist himself, whereby is implied, that we should apply Christ unto our selves, and so make use of him, and of all his actions and sufferings: yea also of all those graces, which he conveyeth into us. Other Metaphors are also used to set forth the same point:^a stir up the gift of God which is in thee (saith the Apostle.) The Metaphor is taken from a fire, which is of little use when it is covered over and smothered up with ashes, but stirred and blown up, it is of great use. Again, our Lord useth another Metaphor to the same purpose,^b A good man (saith he) bringeth forth good things. As a wise man that hath store of treasure will not let it lye rusting and cankering in his chest, (this is a note of a covetous miser, who were as good be without treasure as have abundance, for he wanteth in his greatest abundance, because he useth not that⟨p. 25⟩ he hath) but bringeth forth and employeth it for his own and others good: so doth a good man with the treasure of grace which God hath bestowed on him. Excellent Metaphors to illustrate and urge this point.

Christians ought to be well furnished alwayes, ¹and well prepared with the graces of Gods Spirit: they must euer haue them in readinesse at hand to vse them, and make proofe of them. In this sence is this^c