Teach me to use every piece of the armour
Thomas Watson, Heaven Taken by Storm
Lord, teach me to use every piece of the spiritual armour; how to hold the shield, how to wear the helmet, how to use the sword of the Spirit. Lord, strengthen me in the battle; let me rather die a conqueror, than be taken prisoner, and led by Satan in triumph.
Thomas Watson, Heaven Taken by Storm (1669)
Thomas Watson (c. 1620–1686) was an English Puritan preacher. Heaven Taken by Storm was first published in 1669. Spelling here is modernised; the words are his.
"Holy violence" is Watson's phrase for all-out, wholehearted effort toward God (Matthew 11:12).
More words from the saints who fought before us are in the Library.