by William Gouge
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
"Of Arming a Christian Soldier," the first treatise in "The Whole Armor of God" by William Gouge, is a profound exploration of the spiritual armament necessary for a Christian to withstand the onslaughts of Satan. Revised and enlarged in its second edition, this work remains a cornerstone of spiritual literature.
Gouge embarks on his discourse with an analogy drawn from military life, depicting the Christian journey as a battlefield where believers must be well-equipped to face their adversary, Satan. He meticulously outlines the necessity for spiritual armor, drawing from Ephesians 6:10-21, emphasizing courage and preparation against the devil's schemes. The treatise unfolds through detailed discussion on the fountain of Christian courage, the means of standing sure, the reasons for being well-armed, and a repetition of these means for emphasis.
Central to Gouge's argument is the understanding that Christians, in their spiritual warfare, must derive their strength from the Lord, equipped with divine armor. This armor, characterized by its completeness and divinity, comprises various graces and virtues, symbolized by pieces of military gear, ensuring the believer's defense against every form of spiritual assault.
Gouge actively encourages believers to "put on" this armor, implying active and conscious engagement with the divine graces bestowed upon them. He stresses that every grace is essential, cautioning against the neglect of any part of this spiritual equipment.
"Of Arming a Christian Soldier" serves as a clarion call to vigilance, perseverance, and dependence on God's might. Gouge's work is a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom, offering readers a guide to navigating the trials of faith with the assurance of victory in Christ. It's an essential read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of spiritual warfare and the means of grace available to withstand the devil's wiles.
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Table of Contents
The First Treatise: Of arming a Christian Soldier.
-- The First Part: Of the fountain of Christian courage.
-- The Second Part: The means of standing sure.
-- The Third Part: The reason why we must be well armed.
-- The Fourth Part: A repetition of the means.