Use A strong motive this is to persuade us to put on the whole armour of God. This is the main end which the Apostle aimeth at in laying down this end,1 to show that as this is armour of proof in it self, so it will sufficiently defend us, and keep us harmless. If at any time we be foiled, the fault is our own, we can blame none but⟨p. 36⟩ our selves, because the Lord giveth such means whereby we may be able to stand. Is it a benefit to stand fast and safe? Is it a matter to be desired to be kept free from spiritual wounds and hurts, yea from eternal bondage and slavery under sin, Satan, and other mortal enemies of our souls? and from everlasting torment and torture that followeth thereupon? (how blind are they which see it not! how foolish are they which regard it not!) If this (I say) be a benefit, then take notice of the means whereby we may be enabled to stand fast in that liberty which Christ hath purchased for us, and made free from the forenamed slavery: and withal make conscience, and give all diligence to use the means aright. It is a point of notorious folly to be desirous of a thing, and careless in doing that whereby our desire may be accomplished. Yea, it is a cunning wile of the Devil in good things to make men separate the means from the end, but in evil the end from the mean; as to make men desire and look for the good and happy end of righteousness, and yet be backward in walking in that way that leadeth thereto: and contrariwise, eagerly and swiftly to run in the way of sin, and yet not fear the wages of sin, and the Issue of that course. In the first kind Balaam was deceived.2 In the second Eve was deluded. Balaam desired to dye the death of the righteous; but careless he was in leading such a life as brought forth such a death.a Eve was persuaded she should not dye, and yet feared not to eat of that fruit,b against which death was denounced. Let the fearful end of both these make us wise against these wiles. Worldly men are wise enough herein, if they observe a good benefit to be had, they will seek how it may be obtained, and do with all diligence that whereby it may be obtained.⟨p. 37⟩ This maketh them to pass over Sea and Land to get such commodities as their own Land affordeth not: this maketh them when they fear enemies, to have all warlike provision ready;
Vse A strong motiue this is to perswade vs to put on the whole armour of God. This is the maine end which the Apostle aimeth at in laying downe this end,1 to shew that as this is armour of proofe in it selfe, so it will sufficiently defend vs, and keepe vs harmelesse. If at any time wee be foiled, the fault is our owne, wee can blame none but⟨p. 36⟩ our selues, because the Lord giueth such meanes whereby wee may be able to stand. Is it a benefit to stand fast and safe? Is it a matter to bee desired to bee kept free from spirituall wounds and hurts, yea from eternall bondage and slauerie vnder sinne, Satan, and other mortall enemies of our soules? and from euerlasting torment and torture that followeth thereupon? (how blinde are they which see it not! how foolish are they which regard it not!) If this (I say) bee a benefit, then take notice of the meanes whereby wee may bee inabled to stand fast in that libertie which Christ hath purchased for vs, and made free from the forenamed slauerie: and withall make conscience, and giue all diligence to vse the means aright. It is a point of notorious folly to be desirous of a thing, and carelesse in doing that whereby our desire may bee accomplished. Yea, it is a cunning wile of the Diuell in good things to make men separate the meanes from the end, but in euill the end from the meane; as to make men desire and looke for the good and happie end of righteousnesse, and yet bee backward in walking in that way that leadeth thereto: and contrariwise, eagerly and swiftly to runne in the way of sinne, and yet not feare the wages of sinne, and the Issue of that course. In the first kinde Balaam was deceiued.2 In the second Euah was deluded. Balaam desired to dye the death of the righteous; but carelesse hee was in leading such a life as brought foorth such a death.a Euah was perswaded shee should not dye, and yet feared not to eate of that fruite,b against which death was denounced. Let the fearefull end of both these make vs wise against these wiles. Worldly men are wise enough herein, if they obserue a good benefit to bee had, they will seeke how it may be obtained, and do with all diligence that whereby it may be obtained.⟨p. 37⟩ This maketh them to passe ouer Sea and Land to get such commodities as their owne Land affordeth not: this maketh them when they feare enemies, to haue all warlike prouision readie;
- 1Be persuaded to use this armour.Be perswaded to vse this armour.
- 2Numb. 23. 10.
- aGen. 3. 4.
- bGen. 2. 17.
