September 15, 2012
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you be able to withstand the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13
With this being the third poem which has come to mind in the process of reading through The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall, I thought it might be a good idea to give some introductory information concerning William Gurnall and the book itself.
Gurnall is known by his Christian in Complete Armour, published in three volumes, dated 1655, 1658 and 1662. It consists of sermons or lectures delivered by the author in the course of his regular ministry, in a consecutive course on Ephesians 6: 10–20. Comment, or recommendation, is perhaps needless in speaking of Gurnall's great work. The fact that a sixth edition was published in the year the author died, 1679, is enough to show that its merits were early recognized. It is described as a magazine whence the Christian is furnished with spiritual arms for the battle, helped on with his armour, and taught the use of his weapons; together with the happy issue of the whole war. It is thus considered a classic on spiritual warfare. The work is more practical than theological; and its quaint fancy, graphic and pointed style and its fervent religious tone render it still popular with some readers. Richard Baxter and John Flavel both thought most highly of the book. Toplady used to make copious extracts from it in his common-place book. John Newton, the converted slave trader, said that if he was confined to one book beside the Bible, he dared say Gurnall's Christian Armour would be his choice. Cecil spent many of the last days of his life in reading it, and repeatedly expressed his admiration of it. Charles Haddon Spurgeon commented that Gurnall's work is "peerless and priceless; every line full of wisdom. The book has been preached over scores of times and is, in our judgment, the best thought-breeder in all our library." The writing style is akin to that of the King James Bible, so in 1988 [Banner of Truth Trust] did a revised and abridged version in contemporary English.
The Reverend J. C. Ryle closed out his biographical account with the following:
“I now conclude this preface by expressing my earnest hope that this new edition of Gurnall’s work may find many readers as well as purchasers. It is indeed to be desired that solid scriptural theology, like that contained in these pages, should be valued and studied in the church. Books in which Scripture is reverently regarded as the only rule of faith and practice—books in which Christ and the Holy Ghost have their rightful office—books in which justification, and sanctification, and regeneration, and faith, and grace, and holiness are clearly, distinctly, and accurately delineated and exhibited, these are the only books which do real good. Few things need reviving more than a taste for such books as these among readers.
April 23, 1864 - J.C. Ryle
For my own, part, I can only say that I read everything I can get hold of which professes to throw light on my Master’s business, and the work of Christ among men. But the more I read, the less I admire modern theology. The more I study the productions of the new schools of theological teachers, the more I marvel that men and women can be satisfied with such writing. There is a vagueness, a mistiness, a shallowness, an indistinctness, a superficiality, an aimlessness, a hollowness about the literature of the ‘broader and kinder systems,’ as they are called, which, to my mind, stamps their origin on their face. They are of the earth, earthy. I find more of definite soul-satisfying thought in one page of Gurnall than in five pages of such books as the leaders of the so-called ‘Broad Church School
“Doctrine: It behooves every one to arm and prepare himself for the evil day of affliction and death, which unavoidably he must conflict with.” William Gurnall
In quiet contemplations in the secret of our heart
Oh help us daily meditate on that which is our part
Of which You have designed in preparation for that day
When from this earthly body, all exposed will then display
The truth of who we are and most important in Your sight
A wretch left to ourselves or one unto You’ve given light.
For outward show and beauty will not then for current pass
As vanity and power in this life will fail - Alas,
Nothing will then help against the judgment of that day
Apart from Christ revealed in truth, and He the only way-
Who surely will then separate the wheat from all the chaff
And each found in their final place of torment, or will laugh
At all attempts the devil sought to kill and to dethrone
The One True God for whom all things He made to be His Own!
