A01979:2890
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.
§. 186. How Faith is supported by the ministry of Man.
And that greater credence might be given to their message,1 they are after a solemn and peculiar manner (set in Christs steed, in his name, event as if he himself did it) to preach peace, and to offer reconciliation: the Gospel is the message of Gods Ambassadors: for the Apostle having relation to the Gospel, saith; Whereof (o• ⟨p. 545⟩for which) I am an Ambassador. So that in respect of this function and place appointed to Ministers, Gods people may with as strong confidence embrace and receive the glad tidings of salvation thus brought unto them, as if God himself with his own voice did make offer of it. Herein lieth a main difference betwixt a Minister and a private man. A private man may have great knowledge of the mystery of the Gospel, and be able to open and declare the sense and meaning of it: but a Minister by virtue of his office hath this prerogative and preeminence above others, that in Gods stead he declareth reconciliation: so that when a Minister preacheth and applieth the promises of the Gospel, he doth not only declare and make known Gods mercy and goodness to poor sinners, but also is an especial means to move sinners to believe those promises, and to embrace reconciliation with God. Is not this a strong prop unto our faith? doth it not bring great comfort and peace to distressed souls?
ANd that greater credence might be giuen to their message,1 they are after a solemne and peculiar manner (set in Christs steed, in his name, euen