Thus have we seen the temptations by which Satan leads men into sin, together with the seasons, the
1 Zech. iv. 1,2. u Ps. lxxvii. 7—9.
* 2 Cor. ii. 7, 11. * 2 Cor. xi. 3, 13—15.
means, and the manner, of his assaults. We have seen also how he keeps them from God, even by misrepresenting to them their own character, and God's, or by diverting them from a due attention either to themselves or God.
II. Let us now proceed in the second place to point out the means by which these wiles may be defeated —
This part of our subject will come again into dis- cussion, both generally, in the next discourse, and 'particularly, when we treat of the various pieces of armour provided for us. Nevertheless we must distinctly, though briefly, shew in this place, What xve are to understand by the whole armour of God ; and, How we are to put it on ; and, In what way it will enable us to withstand the devil's wiles.
Armour is of two kinds, defensive and offensive ; the one to protect ourselves, the other to assail our enemy. Now God has provided for us every thing that is necessary for a successful maintenance of the Christian warfare. Is our head exposed to the assaults of Satan ? there is " a helmet" to guard it. Is our heart liable to be pierced ? there is a " breast- plate" to defend it. Are our feet subject to such wounds as may cause us to fall ? there are " shoes," or greaves, for their protection. Is our armour likely to be loosened? there is a "girdle" to keep it fast. Are there apertures, by which a well-aimed dart may find admission ? there is a " shield," which may be moved for the defence of every part, as occasion may require. Lastly, the Christian soldier is furnished with a sword also, by the skilful use of which he may inflict deadly wounds on his adversary.
But here it will be asked, How shall we get this armour ? and, how shall we put it on ? To obtain it, we must go to the armoury of heaven, and receive it from the hands of the Captain of . our salvation. No creature in the universe can give it us. He, and he only, who formed it, can impart it to us. As, when God had decreed the destruction of Babylon,