The whole-armour of GodThe vvhole-armor of God

§. 8. Of buying truth.

Thus are we to search our selves throughout, and if upon this search we cannot find that we have this girdle of verity, then we must observe the first part of the Wisemans advice,¹ Buy the truth, that is, use all the means which possibly we can, for attaining unto, and possessing it: yea, though it be with a departing from, and forsaking of many things which seemed profitable and pleasant unto us, because they and truth could not well stand together. The Metaphor of buying implieth a letting go of some things, for the attaining of other things. Excellently is this set forth unto us by two^a parables which Christ uttered, one of a man that bought a treasure, and another of a Merchant that bought a pearl. Truth is a⟨p. 131⟩ rich treasure, and a precious pearl: if the worth of it, and the need which we have of it, were well known, I doubt not but easily we should be persuaded to part with much for the getting of it.³ So excellent it is, that for it self it is to be loved.

THus are wee to search our selues thorowout, and if vpon this search wee cannot find that wee haue this girdle of verity, then we must obserue the first part of the Wisemans aduice,¹ Buy the truth, that is, vse all the meanes which possibly we can, for attaining vnto, and possessing it: yea, though it be with a departing from, and forsaking of many things which seemed profitable and pleasant vnto vs, because they and truth could not well stand together. The Metaphor of buying implieth a letting goe of some things, for the attaining of other things. Excellentlie is this set forth vnto vs by two