Ok, the Vicar was armed with a torch is the context of your question.  In this context it does mean "carry" as you indicated.  It also refers to the defensive posture of the person carrying an item or a concept.  Example:  "Armed with the knowledge that he could support his position on whether the earth was round or flat the teacher walked calmly into the classroom to face the students."   

In this situation the person is prepared for what is going to happen in the classroom and part of that preparation includes carrying the "knowledge" with him in order to confront the situation.  In the case of your original sentence the Vicar was more prepared to face whatever he would find up in the clock tower "going on" by better being able to see the way and to see what would be before him because he had "a torch", i.e. because he prepared for it by providing illumination.  In effect to "arm" oneself, is to prepare oneself for what one is going to encounter.   Other examples:   Julie armed herself ahead of time by memorizing the Periodic Table before she entered the classroom to take her first Chemistry examination.   Sam armed himself with at least 10 different excuses he had memorized before he stepped into the Principals office to explain his classroom behavior after being summoned by the Principal.  Sally armed herself first with an all night study session before taking the math test today.

In all of these examples some measure of PREPARATION for an anticipated event has occurred.  The individual has somehow prepared him or her self for a stressful situation that he or she will be facing.  If we are talking about a violent situation then preparation involves taking a weapon, but other situations refer to whatever preparation is required before hand... doing what is necessary to be prepared.

Recently I heard about the SMART method for learning.  SMART is the acronym for:  S = Specific, M= Measurable, A = Achievable, R = Relevant and T = Time Bound.  I believe this method to be very practical for the most part and I have used it to draw up a plan consistent with  the rules of SMART as modified to fit my particular life circumstances.

After using SMART principles for several days I discovered that the most difficult part of SMART is the very last principle:  Time Bound.  I became somewhat disappointed in my efforts to apply all the 5 principles of SMART due to the other daily tasks I have a responsibility to perform at work and at home.  I no longer have the time freedom I had once as a university student, but despite the time constraints of my present adult life I am determined to balance my life and keep faithful to my plan of continuing my education by moving forward towards that goal.  I will continue to move forward and use the acronym: B SMART.  The B, of course, stands for Balance, a necessary additional principle for my own personal success.

It may  take me a little longer to achieve that goal than I prefer due to the necessities of everyday life in the adult world, but in the end I will rely on my unbounded enthusiasm and determination to gain success and expand my knowledge regardless of the obstacles.  There is absolutely no limit to my determination to reach my goal and gain the knowledge that I seek.

A SMART Method for Learning Something

I Feel a Little Depressed

Edi, there is nothing wrong with your present effort to learn English usage.  Voice of America is a U.S. government radio site.  I am not going to disparage it, but ask yourself how well someone trying to learn Chinese might do when confining their effort to a P.R.C. radio/TV controlled site?  

Marianne gave you good advice.  Keep plugging away at it and use multiple  sources, not just one.  I am a licensed amateur radio operator here in the U.S.  Amateur radio is just beginning in China, if I understand correctly.  It could be another way for you to experience English usage and gain a great hobby as well.  English and American movies with Chinese subtitles is another.  Just like going fishing, there are more ways than one to catch fish.  There are many ways to improve your knowledge and you are a very intelligent guy so I don't have any doubt you will continue to seek and find many more enjoyable ways to your knowledge goal.  Best regards, Edi.   Bill