Pyrobolia, seu de ignitis Sathanae telis, commonefactio theologica

XVI.

There is also a reason why you would wonder greatly at this: that the children of God, not yet fully regenerated, not rarely (though for a time) hate and avert themselves from the paternal rod of God as if it were an ignited dart of Satan, and hold the salutary medicine as poison. That, however, is accustomed to happen especially to those who please themselves too much, and still play the comedians in the School of Christ. Those ischurognomones stubborn-minded ones are accustomed to lay aside care for self-denial, for true modesty, and for duty, most especially when they boast of the same with full cheeks. Therefore, by the just judgment of God, it happens that they are pierced by so many more spikes, and they can never rest until, with God illuminating them, they recognize the frauds of Satan and the perfidy of their own flesh, and like the struck fishermen, they become wise and learn to say with David: It is good for me, O Lord, that you have humbled me, so that I may learn your decrees. Psalm 119:71.

XVII.

The reason for our plan now demands that, in the second place, we deal with the method of obtaining victory after the darts of Satan have been shaken off, and with the Armor of Christians, and the use of this.

XVIII.

Our Apostle described the Panoply of Christians in these words: Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil. For our struggle is not against blood and flesh: but against governments, against powers, against the world-lords (rulers) of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness which is in the high places. Therefore, take up that whole armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the adverse time, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, with your loins girded with truth, and clothed with the breastplate of righteousness: your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. Above all, having taken up the shield of faith, by which you may be able to extinguish all the ignited darts of that Evil One. Also, receive the helmet of salvation, and the spiritual sword, which is the word of God. Eph. 6:11-17.

Likewise: But we who are of the day, let us be sober, clothed with the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. 1 Thess. 5:8.

Our weapons are, therefore, Truth, faith, love, the Gospel,