to fasten this girdle round our loins, that we may have in ourselves, and give to all around us, an indis- putable evidence that we both possess and improve it. Then shall we have a consolation arising from it, and " rejoice in the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity we have our conver- sation in the world8."
Lastly, let us " stand" thus armed, and be in con- stant readiness to oppose our enemy. Let us not fear him, but resist him manfully. If we fight, we have nothing to fear : it is only when we turn our back, that we are left exposed to any mortal injury : in every other part we are armed sufficiently for our defence. Let us then beg of God to " put truth in our inward parts1." Let us " add to our faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly-kindness and charity, and keep them all compact with the girdle of truth ; then have we God's promise, that we shall never falln." Through his grace, our " integrity and uprightness shall pre- serve usx." Let us therefore " gird up the loins of our mind, and be sober, and hope to the endy." Only let us " be sincere ; and we shall be without offence till the day of Christ2."
8 2 Cor. i. 12. « Ps. li. 6. u 2 Pet. i. 5—8, 10.
* Ps. xxv. 21. y 1 Pet. i. 13. z Phil. i. 10.
Eph. vi. 14. Stand having on the breast-plate of
righteousness.
AS various parts of armour, however differing in shape, may be formed of the same materials, so amongst the Christian graces, there may exist a con- siderable resemblance, while yet there remains be- tween them a manifest distinction. Righteousness is that particular grace which comes under our con- sideration at this time. By " righteousness " we understand, that true and universal holiness, which is characteristic of conversion, and constitutes that