[b]To damn them with delights![/b](Thomas Watson, "The Lord's Prayer")"So that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are very familiar with his evil schemes." 2 Corinthians 2:11 The serpent beguiled Eve with his subtlety; let us not be beguiled by his hellish snares and plots. Satan has a dexterity in subtle contrivances. He hurts more as a fox than a lion. His snares are worse than his darts. His error damns as well as His vice; poison kills as well as a pistol.Satan bewitches and ensnares men, by setting pleasing baits before them; as the riches, pleasures,and honors of the world. "All these things will I give you." Matthew 4:9. How many does he tempt with this golden apple! Pride, idleness, luxury--are the three worms which are bred by prosperity. "Those who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare." 1 Timothy 6:9. Satan kills with these silver darts! How many are ensnared by his luscious delights! The pleasures of the world are the great engine by which Satan batters down men's souls. His policy is to tickle them to death--to damn them with delights! The flesh would gladly be pleased, and Satan prevails by this temptation--he drowns them in the sweet waters of pleasure. Such as have abundance of the world, walk in the midst of golden snares! We had need watch our hearts in prosperity, and pray not to be led into temptation.We have as much need to be careful that we are not endangered by prosperity--as a man has to be careful at a feast where there are some poisoned dishes of food.
_________________SI Moderator - Greg Gordon