fury. Nor is this true of some temptations only ; it extends to "all" without exception. Nor can it be said of some believers only, who are of the highest class ; for all who are armed with the shield of faith, whether they be old or young, rich or poor, learned or unlearned, " shall be able" perfectly, and for ever, to subdue their adversary.
To all then we say, " Have faith in God1:" if " ye have believed in the Father, believe also in Christ"1." " Believe in the Lord, so shall ye be established ; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper11."
1 Mark xi. 22. n> John xiv. 1. n 2 Chron. xx. 20.
Eph. vi. 17. And take the helmet of salvation.
THE generality of mankind have very inadequate ideas of the Christian warfare. They know but little of the enemies with whom we have to contend, or of the imminent danger to which we are exposed through their continual assaults. But, as some con- ception might be formed of the power of an enemy, by viewing the extensive preparations that were made to oppose him, so may we learn to estimate the difficulties of the spiritual warfare, by surveying the various parts of armour which God has prepared for our defence. We have already noticed the girdle and breast-plate, for the body; the greaves, for the legs and feet ; the shield, for the head, in common with the rest of the body : but yet the head is not sufficiently protected ; it must have a peace of ar- mour more appropriate ; a piece suited to its neces- sities, and fitted for its use. In the account given us of Goliath, we read that " he had a helmet of brass upon his heada:" and such a piece of armour is pro- vided for us also ; we are required to " take the helmet of salvation."
a 1 Sam. xvii. 5.