When they
heard that they had a captain, or a duke, that should deliver them, they
assembled a great number, about thirty thousand: but when it came to pass
that they should fight, they departed all save five hundred. So, I fear
me, that at the trial we shall be found but a few ministers of the true
gospel of peace, and armed in the true armour of God.
It followeth, "And in all things take the shield or buckler of faith."
The buckler is a thing wherewith a man most chiefly defendeth himself:
and that must be perfect faith in Jesus Christ, in our Captain, and in
his word. It must also be a true faith, it is else no part of the armour
of God: it may not be feigned, but a buckler, which may stop or quench
the violence of the flaming darts of the most wicked.
"Take also the helmet or head-piece of health," or true health in Jesus
Christ; for there is no health in any other name: not the health of a
grey friar's coat, or the health of this pardon or that pardon; that were
a false helmet, and should not defend the violence of the wicked.
"And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Lo, St. Paul
teacheth you battle; to take in your left hand the shield of faith, to
defend and bear off the darts of the devil, and in the other hand a sword
to strike with against the enemy: for a good man of war may not stand
against, and defend only, but also strike against his enemy.
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