The whole-armour of GodThe vvhole-armor of God

Point 2 II The piece of harness whereunto patience is here resembled, ¹is that whereby a soldiers feet or legs are covered: for^a feet are here expressed, and the metaphor of^b being shod, implieth as much. By feet he means legs also: the pieces of armour that are proper to this purpose, are called greaves, or leg-harness, they are also called soldiers shoes, and boots. The metaphor may either be generally taken of all shoes, or particularly of greaves. For the general, we all know that the use of shoes is to keep our feet from sharp stones, hard clods, with the like: for our feet are naturally tender, insomuch that if we go abroad barefoot, every hard stone hurteth them, every sharp stick and pricking thorn pierceth them: therefore we use not to venture abroad barefoot: If any be so fool-hardy as to venture, soon will he wax weary, and either sit down and go no further, or else turn back again. But if we have good boots or shoes on, then we think our selves well fenced, and so with boldness and courage go on, whatsoever the way be.

Point 2 II THe peece of harnesse whereunto patience is here resembled, ¹is that whereby a souldiers feet or legs are couered: for