Section 574
III. They are also described by the posture of readiness which they are to engage upon any occasion
"Every man hath his sword upon his thigh:" to have the sword upon the thigh, is a preparation for war, and an indication of readiness to engage in it; see Psalm 45:3 for being there, it is near unto them; they can come at it on all proper occasions, and are hereby in a posture of defense. All this may be expressive of that familiar acquaintance which ministers of the gospel have with the word of God, and how near it is unto them? it is in their mouths and in their hearts; it dwells richly in their hearts, with which they meditate upon it; and it is in their mouths in the preaching of it; they can quickly and easily come at it, and furnish themselves with sufficient proofs of gospel-truths, and with proper arguments for the refutation of erroneous doctrines; so that as they are set for the defense of the gospel," they are always in a posture of readiness to act for it.