The whole-armour of GodThe vvhole-armor of God

By the several ways wherein men blaspheme God, we may observe that this sin of blasphemy is directly derogatory to the honour of Gods name, which ought not to be taken in vain, but rather had in all high account, and therefore a most heinous sin. Which doth further appear by that fear which the Jews had of naming it. Blasphemy seemed so horrible a thing to them, that when a man was to be openly accused thereof, they did not say in their public accusation, such an one blasphemed, but ironically such an one blessed God; under the name of that virtue comprising the contrary vice. In imitation hereof, Jezebel, when she would have Naboth put to death, thus frameth the indictment against him,¹ Thou diddest bless God: and accordingly the witnesses gave this evidence, Naboth did bless God. ²Both she and they meant that he blasphemed God: and so was their meaning taken: for thereupon they put Naboth to death.

By the seuerall wayes wherein men blaspheme God, wee may obserue that this sin of blasphemie is directly derogatory to the honor of Gods name, which ought not to be taken in vaine, but rather had in all high account, and therefore a most hainous sinne. Which doth further appeare by that feare which the Iewes had of naming it. Blasphemie seemed so horrible a thing to them, that when a man was to be openly accused thereof, they did not say in their publike accusation, such an one blasphemed, but ironically such an one blessed God; vnder the name of that vertue comprising the contrary vice. In imitation hereof, Iezabel, when shee would haue Naboth put to death, thus frameth the inditement against him,¹ Thou diddest blesse God: and accordingly the witnesses gaue this euidence, Naboth did blesse God. ²Both shee and they meant that hee blasphemed God: and so was their meaning taken: for thereupon they put Naboth to death.

1. 1[Greek or Hebrew] 1. King. 21. 10.