The Christian in Complete Armour - Gurnall - LI - Direction Nine continued

Required readingThe Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read the Third Office of the Second General Part of Direction Ninth..

My summary

This week we continue Direction Nine: 'And take the helmet of salvation' (Ephesians vi. 17) by examining the third office that hope performs for the Christian. It is support in the greatest affliction.

Firstly, Gurnall teaches us what influence hope has in Christian affliction:

(i) it stills and silences the afflicted Christian;

(ii) it fills the afflicted Christian with joy.

Secondly, Gurnall explains whence and how hope hath supporting influence in affliction.

(i) it brings certain news of happy issue that shall shortly close up all the wounds made by his present sufferings;

(ii) it assures the Christian of the transcendency of this salvation.

What grabbed me

I liked the tying together of faith and hope: 'There are two graces which Christ useth above any other to fill the soul with joy; and they are faith and hope, because these two fetch all their wine of joy without doors. Faith tells the soul what Christ hath done for it, and so comforts it. Hope revives the soul with news of what Christ will do. Both draw at one tap— Christ and his promise.'

You need both Christian faith and hope if you wish to prosper.

Next week's readingRead the Fourth Office of the Second General Part of Direction Ninth.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.