Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1821 edition. Excerpt: ... THE CHRISTIAN Complete Armour* EPHESIANS, vi. 18. Above allt taking the shield of faith, whereby ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. I HE fourth piece in the Christian's panoply presents itself in this verse to our consideration: and that is the shield of faith." A grace of graces it is, and here fitly placed in the midst of the other, her companions. It stands, raethinks, among them, as the heart in the midst of the body; or if you please, as David, when Samuel " anointed him in the midst of his brethren." 1 Sam. xvi. 13. The Apostle, when he comes to speak of this grace, doth as it were lift up its head, and anoint it above all its fellows. " Above all, take the shield of faith;" and the words easily fall into these two general parts. 1. An exhortation: "Above all, take the shield of faith." 2. A powerful argument pressing the exhortation: " Whereby ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked." CHAP. I. THB EXPLICATION OF THE WORDS IN A FOURFOLD ENQUIRY., IN the exhortation, these four particulars call for our enquiry towards the explication of the words. Vol. Hi. A First, What faith it is that here is commended to the Christian soldier., Secondly, Having found the kind, we are to enquire what his faith is as to its nature. Thirdly, Why it is compared to a shield, rather than other pieces. Fourthly, What is the importance of this "above all." SECT. I. Quest. 1. What faith is it that here is commended ? This will soon he known, if we consider the use and end for which it is commended to the Christian; and that is to enaWe him " to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked," i. e. of the wicked one, the devil. Now look upon the several kinds of faith; and that among them..."
