06 The Sixth Petition in the Lord's Prayer lead1

26th subtlety. Satan, in tempting, assaults and weakens the saints’ peace. If he cannot destroy their grace, he will disturb their peace. He envies the Christian; and if he cannot keep him from a heaven hereafter, he will keep him from a heaven upon earth. There is nothing, next to holiness, which a Christian prizes more than peace and tranquility of mind. It is the cream of life, a bunch of grapes by the way. Now, Satan’s great policy is to shake a Christian’s peace; that, if he will go to heaven, he shall go there through frights, and plenty of tears. He throws in his fire-balls of temptation, to set the saints’ peace on fire. Of such great concern is spiritual peace, that no wonder if Satan would, by his intricate subtleties, rob us of that jewel. Spiritual peace is a token of God’s favor. As Joseph had a special testimony of his father’s kindness in the many-colored coat—so have the saints a special token of God’s good will to them, when he gives them the many-colored coat of inward peace. No wonder then, if Satan rages so much against the saints’ peace, and would tear off this comfortable robe from them. The devil troubles the waters of the saints’ peace because hereby he hopes to have the more advantage of them.

(1) By perplexing their spirits, he takes off their chariot wheels; unfits them for the service of God; and puts body and mind out of temper, as an instrument out of tune. Sadness of spirit prevailing, a Christian can think of nothing but his troubles; his mind is full of doubts, fears, surmises—so that he is like a person distracted, and is scarcely himself; either he neglects the duties of religion, or his mind is taken off from them while he is doing them. There is one duty especially that melancholy and sadness of spirit unfits for, and that is thankfulness. Thankfulness is a tribute due to God. "Let the saints be joyful, let the high praises of God be in their mouth." Psalms 149:5-6. But when Satan has disturbed a Christian’s spirit and filled his mind full of black, and almost despairing thoughts, how can he be thankful? It rejoices Satan to see how his plot succeeds. By making God’s children unquiet, he makes them unthankful.

(2) By troubling the saints’ peace, Satan lays a stumbling block in the way of others. By this he gets occasion to render the ways of God unlovely to those who are looking heavenward. He sets before new beginners—the perplexing thoughts, the tears, the groans of those who are wounded in spirit, to scare them from all seriousness in religion. He will object to new beginners: "Do you not see how these sad souls torture themselves with melancholy thoughts—and will you change the comforts and pleasures of this life to sit always in the house of mourning? Will you espouse that religion which makes you a terror to yourselves, and a burden to others? Can you be in love with a religion that is ready to frighten you out of your wits?" Thus the devil, by troubling the saints’ peace, would discourage others who are looking towards heaven; he would beat them off from prayer, and hearing all soul-awakening sermons, by the fear lest they should fall into this black humor of melancholy, and end their days in despair.

(3) By this subtle policy of Satan, in disturbing the saints’ peace, and making them believe God does not love them, he sometimes so far prevails as to make them begin to entertain hard thoughts of God. Through the black spectacles of melancholy, God’s dealings look sad and ghastly. Satan tempts the godly to have strange thoughts of God; to think he has cast off all pity, and has forgotten to he gracious, and to make sad conclusions. Psalms 78:7-9. "He will break all my bones like a lion; You make an end of me day and night." Isaiah 38:13. The devil, by melancholy, causes a sad eclipse in the soul—so that it begins to think that God has shut up the springs of mercy, and there is no hope. Hereupon Satan gets further advantage of a troubled spirit. Sometimes he puts it upon sinful wishes and execrations against itself; as Job, who in distemper of mind, cursed the day of his birth. Job 3:3. Though he did not curse his God—yet he cursed the day of his birth.

Thus you see what advantages the devil gets by raising storms and troubling the saints’ peace. If the devil is capable of any delight, it is to see the saints’ disquiets. Their groans are his music. It is a sport to him to see them torture themselves upon the rack of melancholy, and almost drown themselves in tears. When the godly have unjust surmises of God, question his love, deny the work of grace, and fall to wishing they had never been born—Satan is ready to clap his hands, and shout for a victory. By what arts and methods does Satan, in tempting, disturb the saints’ peace?

He slyly conveys evil thoughts, and makes a Christian believe they come from his own heart. The cup was found in Benjamin’s sack—but it was of Joseph’s putting there. Just so, a child of God often finds atheistical and blasphemous thoughts in his mind—but Satan has put them there. As some lay their children at another’s door—so Satan lays his temptations at our door, and fathers them upon us. We then trouble ourselves about them, and nurse them, as if they were our own.

Satan disturbs the saints’ peace by drawing forth their sins in the black colors to affright them, and make them ready to give up the spirit. He is called the accuser of the brethren; not only because he accuses them to God—but accuses them to themselves. He tells them they are guilty of certain sins and they are hypocrites; whereas the sins of a believer only show that his grace is not perfect—but not that he has no grace. When Satan comes with this temptation, show him that Scripture, "The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

27th subtlety. Satan, by plausible arguments, tempts men to commit suicide—to make away with themselves. This temptation not only crosses the current of Scripture—but it is abhorrent to nature to be one’s own executioner. Yet such are the cunning artifices of Satan, that he persuades many to lay violent hands upon themselves, as the obituaries witness. He tempts some to do this in terror of conscience, telling them, "All the hell they shall have is in their conscience, and death will give them present ease." He tempts others to make away with themselves that they may live no longer to sin against God. Others he tempts to make away with themselves, that they may presently arrive at happiness. He tells them, the best of the saints desire heaven, and the sooner they are there the better.

Augustine speaks of Cleombrotus, who hearing Plato read a lecture on the immortality of the soul, and the joys of the other world—threw himself down a steep precipice and killed himself. This is Satan’s plot; but we must not break prison by laying violent hands upon ourselves—but wait until God sends and opens the door. Let us pray "Lead us not into temptation." Still bear in mind that Scripture, "You shall not kill." Exodus 20:13. If we may not kill another—much less ourselves! And take heed of discontent, which often opens the door to self-murder.

Thus I have shown you twenty-seven subtleties of Satan in tempting, that you may the better know them, and avoid them. There is a story of a Jew who would have poisoned Luther—but a friend sent to Luther the picture of the Jew, warning him to take heed of such a man when he saw him; by which means Luther recognized knew the murderer, and escaped his hands. I have told you the subtle devices of Satan in tempting; I have shown you the picture of him who would murder you. Being forewarned, I beseech you to take heed of the murderer! From the subtlety of Satan in tempting, let me draw three inferences.

(1) It may administer matter of wonder to us, how any are saved. How amazing that Satan, this Abaddon, or angel of the bottomless pit (Revelation 9:11) this Apollyon, this soul-devourer—does not deceive all mankind! What a wonder that some are preserved, that neither Satan’s hidden snares prevail nor his fiery darts! What a wonder that neither the head of the serpent, nor the paw of the lion destroys them! Surely it will be matter of admiration to the saints, when they come to heaven, to think how astonishing it is, that notwithstanding all the force and fraud, the power and policy of hell, they should arrive safe at the heavenly port! This is owing to the safe conduct of Christ, the Captain of our salvation. Michael is too hard for the dragon!

(2) Is Satan subtle? See what need we have to pray to God for wisdom to discern the snares of Satan, and strength to resist them. We cannot of ourselves stand against temptation; if we could, the prayer were needless, "Lead us not into temptation." Let us not think that we in ourselves, can be too cunning for the devil, or escape his wiles and darts. If David and Peter, who were pillars in God’s temple, fell by temptation—how soon would such weak reeds as we are, be blown down—if God would leave us! Take Christ’s advice, "Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation." Matthew 26:41.

(3) See how the end of all Satan’s subtleties in tempting is, that he may be an accuser. He lays the plot, entices men to sin, and then brings in the indictment; as if one should make another drunk, and then complain of him to the magistrate for being drunk. The devil is first a tempter—and then an informer. He is first a liar—and then a murderer!

Having shown the subtleties of Satan in tempting, I shall answer two questions:

Why does God allow his people to be buffeted by Satan’s temptations?

He does it for many wise and holy ends.

(1) He lets them be tempted to try them. The Hebrew word signifies both to tempt and to try. Temptation is a touchstone to try what is in the heart. The devil tempts, that he may deceive—but God lets us be tempted, to try us. [He who is not tempted is not tested.] Augustine.

Hereby God tries our sincerity. Job’s sincerity was tried by temptation; the devil told God that Job was a hypocrite, and served him only because God had blessed him. But, said he, "Touch all that he has (that is, let me tempt him) and he will curse you to your face!" Job 1:11. Well, God did let the devil touch him by temptation, and yet Job remained holy, he worshiped God, and blessed God; ver 20, 21. Here Job’s sincerity was proved; he had fiery temptations—but he came out of the fire a golden Christian. Temptation is a touchstone of sincerity. By temptation. God tries our love. The wife of Tigranes never showed her chastity and love to her husband, as when she was tempted by Cyrus—but did not yield. Just so, our love to God is seen when we can look a temptation in the face, and turn our back upon it. Though the devil come as a serpent subtly, and offers a golden apple—yet the one who loves God will not touch the forbidden fruit. When the devil offered Christ all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, such was Christ’s love to his Father, that he abhorred the temptation. True love will not be bribed. When the devil’s darts are most fiery—a saint’s love to God is most fervent! "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." John 14:15 By temptation God tries our courage. "Ephraim is a silly dove without heart." Hosea 7:11. So it may be said of many, they are without a heart; they have no heart to resist a temptation. No sooner does Satan come with his solicitations—but they yield. They are like a coward, who as soon as the thief approaches, delivers his purse. He is a valorous Christian, who brandishes the sword of the Spirit against Satan, and will rather die than yield. The courage of the Romans was never more seen, than when they were assaulted by the Carthaginians. Just so, the heroic spirit of a saint is never more seen than in a battle-field, when he is fighting with the red dragon, and by the power of faith puts the devil to flight. [The strength of faith can be shaken, not destroyed.] Tertullian. One reason why God lets his people be tempted is, that their metal may be tried—their sincerity, love, and magnanimity. When grace is proved, the gospel is honored.

(2) God allows his children to be tempted, that they may be kept from pride. Pride crept once into the angels, and into the apostles, when they disputed which of them should be greatest; and in Peter, when he said, "Though all men forsake you—yet I will not," as if he had had more grace than all the apostles. Pride keeps grace low, that it cannot thrive. As the head swells—the other parts of the body waste away. Just so, as pride swells—grace wastes away. God resists pride; and, that he may keep his children humble, he allows them sometimes to fall into temptation. "To keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud." 2 Corinthians 12:7. When Paul was lifted up by revelations, he was in danger of being lifted up with pride; then came the messenger of Satan to buffet him: that was some sore temptation to humble him. The thorn in the flesh was to burst the bubble of pride. Better is the temptation which humbles me—than the duty which makes me proud. Rather than a Christian should be proud, God lets him fall into the devil’s hands awhile—that he may be cured of his swelling pride.

(3) God lets his people be tempted, that they may be fitter to comfort others who are in the same distress, and speak a word in due season to such as are weary. Paul was trained up in the fencing-school of temptation, and was able to acquaint others with Satan’s wiles and stratagems, 2 Corinthians 2:11. A man who has ridden over a place where there are quicksands, is the fittest to guide others through that dangerous way. Just so, he who has been buffeted by Satan, and has felt the claws of the roaring lion, is the fittest man to deal with one who is tempted.

(4) God lets his children be tempted, to make them long more for heaven, where they shall be out of gunshot, and freed from the hissing of the old serpent. Satan is not yet fully cast into prison—but like a prisoner who is under bail, he vexes and molests the saints. He lays his snares, and throws his fireballs! But this only makes the children of God long to be gone from hence, and pray that they had the wings of a dove, to fly away and be at rest! God allowed Israel to be vexed with the Egyptians, that they might long the more to be in Canaan. Heaven is the place of rest—no bullets of temptation fly there! The eagle that soars aloft in the air, and sits perching upon the tops of high trees, is not troubled with the stinging of serpents below. Just so, when believers have got into the heaven above, they shall not be stung with the old serpent! The devil is cast out of the heavenly paradise. Heaven is compared to an exceeding high mountain. Revelation 21:10. It is so high, that Satan’s fiery darts cannot reach up to it. "There is no fear of enemies there, no snares of devils." Bernard. The temptations here are to make the saints long until death sounds a retreat, and calls them off the field where the bullets of temptation fly so thick, that they may receive a victorious crown!

What rocks of support are there, or what comfort is there for tempted souls?

(1) That it is not our case alone—but has been the case of God’s most eminent saints. "There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man," yes, to the holiest men. 1 Corinthians 10:13. Christ’s lambs, which have had the mark of election upon them, have been set upon by the world. Elijah, who could shut heaven by prayer, could not shut his heart from temptation. 1 Kings 19:4. Job was tempted to curse God, Peter to deny Christ; and hardly ever any saint has got to heaven—but has met with a lion by the way! [No one escapes the lot which all the saints suffer.] Nay, Jesus Christ himself, though free from sin—yet was not free from temptation. We read of his baptism; then he was "led into the wilderness—to be tempted by the devil." Matthew 4:1. No sooner was Christ out of the water of baptism—but he was in the fire of temptation! And if the devil would set upon Christ, no wonder if he set upon us! There was no sin in Christ—no powder for the devil’s fire. Temptation to him was like a pebble on a crystal glass, which glides off; or like a spark of fire on a marble pillar, which will not stick—and yet Satan was bold to tempt him! It is some comfort that those who have been our betters, have wrestled with temptations.

(2) Another rock of support that may comfort a tempted soul, is, that temptations (where they are burdens) evidence grace. Satan does not tempt God’s children because they have sin in them—but because they have grace in them. Had they no grace he would not disturb them, for where he keeps possession all is in peace. Luke 11:21. His temptations are to rob the saints of their grace. A thief will not assault an empty house—but only where he thinks there is treasure. A pirate will not set upon an empty ship—but only one which is full of spices and jewels. Just so, the devil assaults most the people of God, because he thinks they have a rich treasure of grace in their hearts, and he would rob them of it. Why are so many cudgels thrown up into a tree—but because there is much fruit upon it? The devil throws his temptations at you, because he sees you have much fruit of grace growing upon you. Though to be tempted is a trouble—yet to think why you are tempted—is a comfort.

(3) Another rock of support or comfort is, that Jesus Christ is near at hand, and stands by us in all our temptations. Here take notice of two things:

[1] Christ’s SYMPATHY in our temptations. "We do not have a high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities." Hebrews 4:15. Jesus Christ sympathizes with us; he is so sensible of our temptations as if he himself lay under them—and felt them in his own soul. As in music, when one string is touched, all the rest sound—so when we suffer Christ’s affections sound; we cannot be tempted but he is touched. If you saw a wolf worry your child, would you not pity your child? You cannot pity your child—as Christ pities his tempted ones. He had a fellow feeling when he was upon earth—but much more now that he is in glory. But how can it compatible with Christ’s glory now in heaven, to have a fellow feeling with our sufferings? This fellow feeling in Christ arises not from an infirmity or passion—but from the mystic union between him and his members. "He who touches you, touches the apple of his eye." Zechariah 2:8. Every injury done to a saint—he takes as done to him in heaven. Every temptation strikes at him, and he is touched with the feeling of them.

[2] Christ’s SUPPORT in temptation. The good Samaritan first had compassion on the wounded man—there was sympathy. Then he poured in wine and oil—there was support (Luke 10:34). Just so, when we are wounded by the red dragon, Christ is first touched with compassion, and then pours in wine and oil. "In that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to support those who are tempted." Hebrews 2:18. The Greek word for support, signifies to run speedily to one’s help. So fierce is Satan—so frail is man, that Christ runs speedily to his help. When Peter was ready to sink, and said, "Lord, save me!" Christ immediately stretched forth his hand, and caught him! Just so, when a poor soul is tempted, and cries to heaven for help, "Lord, save me!" Christ comes in with his auxiliary forces. Our Lord Jesus knows what it is to be tempted, therefore he is ready to support those who are tempted. It has been observed that mothers are more pitiful to other women in their pregnancies, than those women who are barren. Just so, the Lord Jesus having been in travail by temptations and sufferings—is more ready to pity and support those who are tempted.

Concerning Christ’s supporting the tempted, consider two things: his ability to support, and his agility to support. "He is able to support those who are tempted." Hebrews 2:18. He is called Michael, which signifies, "Who is like God." Revelation 12:7. Though the tempted soul is weak—yet he fights under a good Captain—the Lion of the tribe of Judah! When a tempted soul fights, Christ comes into the field as his support. Our Michael will be too hard for the dragon. When the devil lays the siege of a temptation, Christ can quench it when he pleases; he can beat through the enemy’s quarters, and so rout Satan that he shall never be able to rally his forces any more. Jesus Christ is on the saint’s side, and who would desire a better defense than omnipotence! As Christ is able to support the tempted—so he will certainly support them. His power enables him, his love inclines him, his faithfulness engages him—to support his tempted people. It is a great comfort to a soul in temptation, to have a supporting Savior. God supported Israel in the wilderness, when they were among fiery serpents. The rock sending forth water, the manna, the pillar of cloud, the brazen serpent—what were these but types of God’s supporting poor souls in the wilderness of temptation, stung by the devil, that fiery serpent? Alexander being asked how he could sleep so securely, when his enemies were about him, said, "Antipater is awake, who is always vigilant." So when our tempting enemy is near us—Jesus Christ is awake, who is a wall of fire around us.

There is a great deal of support to the tempted in the names given to Christ. As Satan’s names may terrify—so Christ’s names may support. The devil is called Apollyon, the devourer. Revelation 9:11. Christ is called a Savior. The devil is called the "strong man." Matthew 12:29. Christ is called El Gibbor—the mighty God. Isaiah 9:6. The devil is called the accuser. Revelation 12:10. Christ is called the Advocate. 1 John 2:1. The devil is called the tempter. Matthew 4:3. Christ is called the Comforter. Luke 2:25. The devil is called the prince of darkness. Christ is called the Sun of Righteousness. The devil is called the old serpent. Christ is called the Brazen Serpent who heals. John 3:14. Thus the very names of Christ have some support in them for tempted souls.

How and in what manner does Christ support those who are tempted?

1. He supports them by sending his Spirit—whose work it is to bring those promises to their mind, which are fortifying. "He shall bring all things to your remembrance." John 14:26. The Spirit furnishes us with promises—as so many weapons to fight against the old serpent. "The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly." Romans 16:20. "God will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able." 1 Corinthians 10:13. "The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head." Genesis 3:15. We are often in times of temptation, like a man who has his house attacked, and cannot find his weapons, his sword and gun; in which case Christ sends his Spirit, and brings things to our remembrance, which help us in our combat. The Spirit of Christ does for the tempted, what Aaron and Hur did for Moses, when they put a stone under him and held up his hands, and then Israel prevailed. The Spirit puts the promises under the hands of faith, and then the Christian overcomes the devil, that spiritual Amalek. The promise is to the soul—as the anchor to the ship, which keeps it steady in a storm.

2. Christ supports those who are tempted by "interceding for them." When the devil is tempting, Christ is praying. The prayer which Christ put up for Peter when he was tempted, extends to all his saints. "Father," says Christ, "it is my child who is tempted! Father, pity him!" Luke 22:32. When a poor soul lies bleeding of the wounds which the devil has given him, Christ presents his wounds to his Father, and, in the virtue of those, pleads for mercy. How powerful must his prayer be! He is heaven’s favorite. John 11:42. He is both High Priest and a Son. If God could forget that Christ were a Priest, he cannot forget that he is a Son. Besides, Christ prays for nothing but what is agreeable to his Father’s will. If a king’s son petitions only for that which his father has a mind to grant—his suit will not be denied.

3. Christ supports his people, by taking off the tempter. When the sheep begin to straggle, the shepherd sets the dog on them to bring them back to the fold, and then calls off the dog. Just so, God takes off the tempter. He "will with the temptation make a way to escape;" he will make an outlet. 1 Corinthians 10:13. He will rebuke the tempter. "The Lord rebuke you, O Satan!" Zechariah 3:2. It is no small support, that Christ supports the tempted. The mother supports the child most, when it is sick; she sits by its bedside, and brings it cordials. Just so, when a soul is most assaulted, it shall be most assisted by Jesus.

"But I have dealt unkindly with Christ and sinned against his love. Surely he will not support me! He will let me perish in the battle!"

Christ is a merciful High Priest, and will support you notwithstanding your failings. Joseph was a type of Christ; his brethren sold him away, and the "iron entered into his soul;" yet afterwards, when his brethren were ready to die in the famine—he forgot their injuries, and supported them with money and grain. "I am," said he, "Joseph your brother!" So Christ will say to a tempted soul, "I know your unkindnesses, how you have distrusted my love, grieved my Spirit; but I am Joseph—I am Jesus—therefore I will support you when you are tempted."

(4) Another rock of support—is that the holiest man may be most tempted. A rich ship may be violently attacked by pirates. Just so, he who is rich in faith may have the devil upon him with his battering-pieces. Job, an eminent saint, was fiercely assaulted. Satan smote his body that he might tempt him either to question God’s providence, or quarrel with it. Paul was a chosen vessel—but how was this vessel battered with temptation! 2 Corinthians 12:7. Is it not said, "He who is begotten of God, that the wicked one touches him not"? 1 John 5:18.

It is not meant that the devil does not tempt him—but he touches him not, that is, with a deadly touch. "There is a sin unto death." 1 John 5:16. Now, Satan with all his temptations does not make a child of God sin "a sin unto death." Thus he touches him not.

(5) Another rock of support—is that Satan can go no further in tempting than God gives him permission. The power of the tempter is limited. A whole legion of devils could not touch one swine—until Christ gave them permission. Satan would have sifted Peter until he sifted out all his grace—but Christ would not allow him. "I have prayed for you," etc. Christ binds the devil with a chain. Revelation 20:1. If Satan’s power were according to his malice—not one soul would be saved; but he is a chained enemy. It is a comfort that Satan cannot go a hair’s breadth beyond God’s permission. If an enemy could not touch a child further than the father appointed, he would do the child no great harm.

(6) Another rock of support—is that it is not having a temptation which makes guilty, but giving consent to it. We cannot hinder a temptation. If we abhor the temptation, it is our burden—and not our sin. We read in the old law, that if one forced a virgin, and she cried out, she was reputed innocent. Just so, if Satan by temptation would commit a rape upon a Christian, and he cries out, and does not consent, the Lord will charge it upon the devil’s score. It is not laying the bait which hurts the fish—if the fish do not bite.

(7) Another rock of support is—that our being tempted is no sign of God’s hating us. A child of God often thinks God does not love him because he lets him be haunted by the devil. This is a wrong conclusion. Was not Christ himself tempted, and yet by a voice from heaven proclaimed, "This is my beloved Son!" Matthew 3:17. Satan’s tempting, and God’s loving—may stand together. The goldsmith loves his gold in the fire. Just so, God loves a saint, though shot at by fiery darts.

(8) Another rock of support is—that Christ’s temptation was for our consolation. Jesus Christ is to be looked upon as a public person, as our head and representative; and what he did, he did for us. His prayer was for us, his suffering was for us; and when he was tempted, and overcame the temptation, he overcame for us. Christ’s conquering Satan was to show that elect people shall at last be conquerors over Satan. When Christ overcame Satan’s temptation, it was not only to give us an example of courage—but an assurance of our conquest. We have overcome Satan already in our covenant head, and we shall at last perfectly overcome.

(9) Another rock of support is—that the saints’ temptation shall not be above their strength. The harpist will not stretch the strings of his harp too hard, lest they break. "God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able." 1 Corinthians 10:13. He will proportion our strength to the stroke. "My grace is sufficient for you." 2 Corinthians 12:9. The torch-light of faith shall be kept burning, though all the winds of temptation are blowing.

(10) Another rock of support—is that these temptations shall produce much good. They quicken a spirit of prayer in the saints. They pray more and better. Temptation is the exciter of prayer. Perhaps before, the saints came to God as cold suitors in prayer—they prayed as if they prayed not. Temptation is a medicine for security. When Paul had a messenger of Satan to buffet him, he was more earnest in prayer. "For this thing I besought the Lord three times." 2 Corinthians 12:8. The thorn in his flesh was a spur in his sides to quicken him in prayer. The deer when shot with the dart, runs faster to the water. Just so, a soul that is shot with the fiery darts of temptation, runs the faster to the throne of grace; and is earnest with God, either to take off the tempter, or to support him when he is tempted.

God makes the temptation to sin—a means to prevent sin. The more a Christian is tempted, the more he fights against the temptation. The more a chaste woman is assaulted, the more she abhors the attempt. The stronger Joseph’s temptation was, the stronger was his opposition. The more the enemy attempts to storm a castle, the more is he repelled and beat back. A godly man’s temptations cause the increase of grace. "One tempted Christian," says Luther, "is worth a thousand." He grows more in grace. As the bellows increase the flame—so temptation increases the flame of grace. By these temptations God makes way for comfort. After Christ was tempted, the angels came and ministered unto him. Matthew 4:2. When Abraham had been warring, Melchizedek brought him bread and wine to revive his spirits. Genesis 14:18. So after the saints have been warring with Satan, God sends his Spirit to comfort them. Luther said that temptations were Christ’s embraces, because he then manifests himself most sweetly to the soul. That I may further comfort such as are tempted, let me speak to two particular cases.

"I have horrid temptations to blasphemy!" say some. Did not the devil tempt Christ after this manner: "All these things will I give you, if you will fall down and worship me"? Matthew 4:9. What greater blasphemy can be imagined than that the God of heaven and earth, should worship the devil! Yet Christ was tempted to this. If when blasphemous thoughts are injected, you tremble at them, and are in a cold sweat—they are not yours—Satan shall answer for them. Let him that plots the treason suffer.

"But my case is yet worse," say others; "I have been tempted to such sins, and have yielded! The tempter has overcome me!"

I grant that, through the withdrawing of God’s grace, and the force of temptation—a child of God may be overcome. David was overcome by temptation in the case of Bathsheba, and in numbering the people. There is a principle of grace in the heart true to Christ; but sometimes it may be overcome by corruption, and then a Christian yields. It is sad thus to yield to the tempter. But yet let not a child of God be wholly discouraged, and say there is no hope. Let me pour in some balm of Gilead into this wounded soul.

(1) Though a Christian may fall by a temptation—yet the seed of God is in him. "His seed remains in him." 1 John 3:9. [Grace can be shaken—but not destroyed.] Augustine. A man may be bruised by a fall—yet there is life in him. A Christian foiled by Satan may be like the man going to Jericho, who fell among thieves, and was left "wounded and half dead;" but still there is a vital principle of grace; his seed remains in him. Luke 10:30.

(2) Though a child of God may be overcome in a skirmish—yet not in the war. As an army may be worsted in a skirmish—but conquer at last. Though Satan may foil a child of God in a skirmish by a temptation, the believer shall overcome at last. A saint may be foiled—yet not conquered. He may lose ground—and not lose the victory.

(3) God does not judge his children by one action—but by the frame of the heart. As he does not judge a wicked man by one good action—so neither does God judge a holy man by one bad action. A holy person may be worsted by a temptation; but God does not measure him by that. Who measures milk when it seethes and boils up? God does not take the measure of a saint when the devil has boiled him up in a passion—but he judges of him by the pulse and temper of his heart. The Christian would fear God; and when he fails he weeps. God looks which way the bias of his heart stands; if that is set against sin—God will pardon.

(4) God will make a saint’s fall by temptation turn to his spiritual advantage. He may let a regenerate person fall by a temptation, to make him more watchful. Perhaps he walked loosely, and was decoyed into sin; but for the future he will grow more careful and cautious in his walking. The foiled Christian is a vigilant Christian. He will take care not to come within the lion’s chain any more! He will be shy and fearful of the occasions of sin. He will not go abroad without his spiritual armor, and will gird on his armor by prayer. When a wild beast gets over the hedge and damages the corn—the farmer will make his fence stronger. Just so, when the devil gets over the fence by temptation, and foils a Christian—he will be sure to mend his fence, and be more vigilant against temptation afterwards.

God sometimes lets his children be foiled by temptation, that they may see their continual dependence on God, and may go to him for strength. We need not only habitual grace to stand against temptation—but auxiliary grace; as the boat needs not only the oars—but wind, to carry it against a strong tide. God lets his children sometimes fall by temptation, that, seeing their own weakness—they may rest more on Christ and free grace. Song of Solomon 8:5. By allowing his children to be foiled by a temptation, God settles them the more in grace. They get strength by their falls. The poets feign that Antaeus the giant, in wrestling with Hercules, got strength by every fall to the ground. Just so, a saint, when foiled in wrestling with Satan, gets more spiritual strength. Peter had never such strength of faith, as after being foiled in the high priest’s hall. How was he fired with zeal, and steeled with courage! He who before played the coward before a maid—now dares openly confess Christ before rulers and the councils. Acts 2:14. As the shaking of the tree settles it the more, God lets his children be shaken with the wind of temptation, that they may be more settled in grace afterwards. So let not those Christians whom God has allowed to be foiled by temptation, cast away their anchor, or give way to despairing thoughts. May it not make Christians careless whether they fall into temptation or not, if God can make the temptation advantageous to them?

We must distinguish between being foiled through weakness, and foiled through willfulness. If a soldier fights—but is foiled for lack of strength, the general of the army will pity him, and bind up his wounds; but if he is willfully foiled, and plays the traitor—he must expect no favor. Just so, if a Christian fights it out with Satan—but is foiled for lack of strength, as it was with Peter, God will pity him and do him good by his being foiled. But if he is foiled willfully, and runs into temptation, as it was with Judas, God will show him no favor—but will execute martial law upon him! The uses remain.

Use 1. See what continual DANGER we are in! Satan is an exquisite strategist, he lies in ambush to ensnare! He is the tempter, it is his delight to make the saints sin! He is subtle in tempting—he has methods and tools to deceive.

(1) He brings a saint into sin, by making him confide in his graces. He makes him believe he has such a stock of grace as will secure him against all temptations. Thus he deceived Peter, he made him trust in his grace. Peter thought that he had such a cable of faith and strong tacklings, that though the winds of temptation blew ever so fierce, he could weather the storm. "Though all men forsake you—yet will not I;" as if he had more grace than all the apostles. Thus he was led into temptation, and fell in the battle. Men may make an idol of their grace. But their grace is not sufficient without auxiliary. The boat needs not only oars—but a gale of wind, to carry it against the tide. Just so, we need not only our grace—but the gale of the Spirit, to carry us against a strong temptation.

(2) Satan tempts to sin by the baits and allurements of the world. "The gain of money—is the ruin of the soul." One of Christ’s own apostles was caught with a silver bait. Those whom the devil cannot debauch with vice—he will corrupt with money. "All these things will I give you," was his last temptation. Matthew 4:9. Achan was deluded by a wedge of gold. Sylvester II sold his soul to the devil for a popedom.

(3) Satan tempts to sin, under a mask and show of good; his temptations seem to be gracious motions.

[1] He tempts men to duties of religion. You might think it strange that Satan should tempt to duty; but it is so. He tempts men to duty—out of selfish or sinister ends. Thus he tempted the Pharisees to pray and give alms—that they might be seen by men. Matthew 6:5. Prayer is a duty—but to pray out of vainglory, turns prayer into sin. He tempts to duty when it is not in season. "My offering and my bread for my sacrifices, shall you offer unto me in their due season." Numb 28:2. Satan tempts to duty when it is out of season; he tempts to read the Word at home—when we should be hearing the Word. He tempts to one duty, that he may hinder another. He tempts some to duty, that it may be a cloak for sin. He tempts them to frequency in duty, that they may sin and be less suspected. He tempted the Pharisees to make long prayers that, under this pretense, they might devour widows’ houses. Matthew 23:14. Who would suspect him of false weights—who so often holds a Bible in his hand?

[2] He tempts men to sin out of a show of love to Christ. You might think this strange—but there is truth in it. Many a good heart may think what he does is in love to Christ—and all the while he may be under temptation. When Christ told Peter he must suffer at Jerusalem, Peter took him and rebuked him. "Be it far from you, Lord!" as if he had said, "Lord, you have deserved no such shameful death, and this shall not be unto you!" Matthew 16:22. Peter did this, as he thought, out of love to Christ—but he was under temptation. What had become of us if Christ had hearkened to Peter, and had not suffered! So when Christ washed his disciples’ feet, Peter was so mannerly that he said, "You shall never wash my feet!" John 13:8. This he did, as he thought, out of love and respect to Christ. He thought Christ was too good to wash his feet, and therefore would have put him off—but it was a temptation; the devil put Peter upon this sinful modesty; he struck at Peter’s salvation, insomuch that Christ said, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." So when the Samaritans would not receive Christ, the disciples James and John said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" Luke 9:54. They did this, as they thought, out of love to Christ; they wished for fire to consume his enemies—but they were under temptation; it was not zeal—but the wild fire of their own passion.

(4) Satan tempts to the sin to which a man’s heart is naturally most inclinable. He will not tempt a civil man to a gross sin, which is abhorrent to the light of nature. Satan never sets a dish before men, which they do not love. He will tempt a civil man to pride, and to trust in his own righteousness, and to make a savior of his civility. As the spider weaves a web out of her own bowels, the civil man would weave a web of salvation out of his own righteousness.

See, then, in what danger we are—when Satan is continually lying in ambush with his temptations!

See man’s inability of himself to resist a temptation! Could he stand of himself against a temptation, the prayer would be needless, "Lead us not into temptation." No man has power of himself to resist temptation, any further than God gives him strength. "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself." Jeremiah 10:23. If Peter, who had true grace, and Adam, who had perfect grace—could not stand against temptation, much less can any stand by the power of nature. This confutes the doctrine of free will. What freedom of will has man, when he cannot resist the least temptation?

Here is matter for humiliation, that there is in us such an aptitude and proneness to yield to temptation. We are as ready to swallow a temptation—as the fish to swallow the bait! If the devil tempts to pride, lust, envy, revenge—how eagerly do we run into the snares of Satan! Like a woman who has a suitor, and does not need much wooing—but readily gives her consent—Satan comes wooing by temptation, and we soon yield. The devil strikes fire, and we are as dry tinder, which catches fire on the first spark. He knocks by temptation, and it is sad to think how soon we open the door to him, which is as if one should open the door to a thief!

See hence that a Christian’s life is no easy life. It is a warfare! He has a Goliath in the field to encounter with, one who is armed with power and subtlety, and has his wiles and darts! A Christian must be continually watching and fighting. Satan’s designs our destruction! "Seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8. Therefore we had need always have our weapons in our hand. How few think their life a warfare! Though they have an enemy in the field, always laying snares, or shooting darts—yet they do not stand sentinel or get their spiritual artillery ready; they put on their jewelry—but not their armor. "They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ," as if they were rather in a festival, rather than in battle. Job 21:12. Many are asleep in sloth, when they should be fighting against Satan—and no wonder that the devil shoots them when he finds them asleep!

Use 2. They are reproved who pray, "Lead us not into temptation," and yet run of themselves into temptation. Such are those who go to plays and theaters, and hunt after strange flesh. Some go at a slower pace to hell—but such as run themselves into temptation go galloping to hell! We have too many of these in this debauched age, who, as if they thought they could not sin fast enough—tempt the devil to tempt them!

Use 3. Let us labor that we be not overcome by temptation. What means should be used, that Satan’s temptations may not prevail against us?

(1) Avoid solitariness. It is no wisdom, in fighting with an enemy, to give him the advantage of the ground. We give Satan advantage of the ground—when we are alone. Eve was foiled in the absence of her husband. A virgin is not so soon set upon in company. "Two are better than one." Ecclesiastes 4:9. Get into the communion of saints, for that is a good remedy against temptation.

(2) If you would not be overcome by temptation—beware of the predominance of melancholy, which is a black humor seated chiefly in the brain. Melancholy disturbs reason and exposes to temptation. One calls melancholy, the devil’s bath; he bathes himself with delight in such a person. Melancholy clothes the mind in sable; it fills it with such dismal apprehensions as often end in self-murder.

(3) If you would not be overcome by temptation—study sobriety. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8. Sober-mindedness consists in the moderate use of earthly things. An immoderate desire of these things often brings men into the snare of the devil. "Those who will be rich fall into a snare." 1 Timothy 6:9. He who loves riches inordinately, will purchase them unjustly. Ahab would swim to Naboth’s vineyard in blood. He who is drunk with the love of the world, is never free from temptation. He will pull down his soul to build up an estate. [Oh cursed hunger for gold, to what do you not drive the hearts of men?] Virgil. Be sober, take heed of being drunk with the love of the world, lest you fall into temptation.

(4) If you would not be overcome by temptation—be always upon your guard, watch against Satan’s wiles and subtleties. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8. A Christian must keep watch and ward; he must see where Satan labors to make a breach, see what grace he most strikes at, or what sin he most tempts to. "I say unto all—Watch!" Mark 13:37. Watch all the senses, the eye, the ear, the touch; for Satan can creep in by these. Oh, how needful is the spiritual watch! Shall Satan be watchful—and we drowsy? Does he watch to devour us—and shall not we watch to save ourselves? Let us see what sin our heart most naturally inclines to—and watch against it.

(5) If you would not be overcome by temptation—beware of idleness. Satan sows most of his seed in fallow ground. It was Jerome’s counsel to his friend to be ever busied, that if the devil did come, he might find him working in the vineyard. Idleness tempts the devil to tempt us. The bird which sits still, is shot. He who lacks employment, never lacks temptation. When a man has nothing to do, Satan will bring grist to the mill, and find him work enough.

(6) If you would not be overcome by temptation—make known your case to some godly friend. Hiding a serpent in the bosom is not the way to be safe; when the old serpent has got into your bosom by temptation, do not hide him there by keeping his counsel. If a spark has gotten into the thatch, it is not wisdom to conceal it, it may set the house on fire. Conceal not temptation. Keeping secrets is for familiar friends—be not so great a friend to Satan as to keep his secrets. Reveal your temptations, which is the way to procure others’ prayers and advice; let all see that you are not true to Satan’s party, because you tell all his plots and reveal his treasons. Besides, telling your case to some experienced Christian, will give ease to the soul, and temptation will not so much inflame.

(7) If you would not be overcome by temptation—make use of the Word. This the apostle calls the "sword of the Spirit," a fit weapon with which to fight against the tempter. Ephesians 6:17. This "sword of the Spirit" is a two-edged sword—it wounds carnal lust and it wounds Satan. He who travels a road where there is robbing, will be sure to ride with his sword; we are traveling to heaven, and in this road there is a thief who always besets us in every place where we go. He meets us at church—he does not miss a sermon! He will be tempting us there; sometimes to drowsiness; when any sleep at sermon, the devil rocks them. Sometimes he tempts by distracting the mind in hearing. Sometimes he tempts by questioning the truth of what is heard. He tempts in the shop to use connivance and deceit. "The balances of deceit are in his hand." Hosea 12:7. Thus we meet with the tempter everywhere; therefore, this thief being in the road, we had need ride with a sword; we must have the "sword of the Spirit" with us.

We must have skill to use this sword, and have a heart to draw it out—and it will put the devil to flight. Thus when Satan tempted our blessed Savior to distrust and blasphemy, he used a Scripture weapon, "It is written!" Three times he wounded the old serpent with this sword! Christ, with his power and authority, could have rebuked the prince of the air, as he did the winds; but he stopped the devil’s mouth with Scripture, "It is written!" It is not our vows and resolutions which will do it, it is not the Papist’s holy water or charms which will drive away the devil. Let us bring the Word of God against him—this is an argument that he cannot answer.

It was a saying of Luther, "I have had great troubles of mind; but as soon as I laid hold on any place of Scripture, and stayed myself upon it as upon my chief anchor, straightway my temptations vanished away." There is no temptation, but we have fit Scripture to answer it. If Satan tempts to immorality, answer him, "It is written, whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." If he tempts to carnal fear, say, "It is written, Fear not those who kill the body, and after that, have no more that they can do." There is no greater way to confute temptation, as by Scripture; the arrows we shoot against Satan must be fetched out of this quiver. Many people lack this sword of the Spirit, they have not a Bible; others seldom make use of it—but let it rust; they seldom look into it—no wonder, therefore, they are overcome by temptations. He who is well skilled in the Word is like one who has a plaster ready to lay upon the wound as soon as it is made, and so the danger is prevented. O study the Scripture, and you will be too hard for the devil; he cannot stand against this.

(8) If we would not be overcome by temptation—let us be careful of our own hearts, that they do not decoy us into sin. The apostle says, "A man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." James 1:14. [Everyone is a Satan to himself.] Bernard. Every man has a tempter in his own bosom. A traitor within the castle is dangerous. The heart can bring forth a temptation, though Satan does not midwife it into the world; if Satan were dead and buried, the heart could draw us to evil. As the ground of all diseases lies in the humours of the body—so the seed of all sin lies in the original lust. Look to your hearts!

(9) If you would not be overcome by temptation—flee the "occasions of sin." Occasions of sin have great force to awaken lust within. He who would keep himself free from infection, will not come near an infected house. Just so, if you would be sober, avoid drunken company. When Joseph was enticed by his mistress, he shunned the occasion; the text says, "He refused to be with her." Genesis 39:10. If you would not be ensnared with Popery, do not hear the mass. The Nazarite, who was forbidden wine, might not eat grapes, which might occasion intemperance. Do not come near the borders of temptation! Suppose any one had a body made of gunpowder, he would not come near the least spark of fire, lest he should be blown up. Many pray, "Lead us not into temptation," and yet run themselves into temptation!

(10) If you would not be overcome by temptation—make use of faith. "Above all, taking the shield of faith." Ephesians 6:19. Faith wards off Satan’s fiery darts, that they do not hurt us. "Whom resist, steadfast in the faith." 1 Peter 5:9. Mariners in a storm flee to their anchor; flee to your anchor of faith. Faith brings Christ with with them into the field—and then the devil cannot hurt us. The chick is safe from the birds of prey, under the wings of the hen; and we are secure from the tempter, under the wings of the Lord Jesus. Though other graces are of use to resist the impulses of Satan—yet faith is the conquering grace. It takes hold of Christ’s merits, value and virtue—and so the Christian becomes too hard for the devil. As the stars vanish when the sun appears—so Satan vanishes when faith appears.

(11) If you would not be overcome by temptation—be much in prayer. Such as walk in infectious places, carry antidotes with them: prayer is the best antidote against temptation. When the apostle had exhorted, to "put on the whole armor of God," he adds, "Praying with all prayer." Ephesians 6:11; Ephesians 6:18. Without prayer, all other weapons will do little good. Christ prescribes this remedy, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation." Mark 14:38. A Christian fetches down strength from heaven by prayer. Let us cry to God for help against the tempter, as Samson cried to heaven for help. "Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me one more time so that I may pay back the Philistines for the loss of my eyes." Judges 16:28. "And the temple crashed down on the Philistine leaders and all the people;" ver 30.

Prayer is flagellum diaboli—it whips and torments the devil. The apostle bids us "pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17. It was Luther’s advice to a lady, when temptation came, to fall upon her knees in prayer. Prayer assuages the force of temptation. Prayer is the best charm we can use against the devil. Temptation may bruise our heel—but by prayer we wound the serpent’s head. When Paul had a messenger of Satan to buffet him; what remedy did he use? He betook himself to prayer. "For this thing I besought the Lord three tiimes, that it might depart from me." 2 Corinthians 12:8. When Satan assaults furiously, let us pray fervently.

(12) If you would not be overcome by temptation—be humble in your own eyes. They are nearest falling, who presume on their own strength. When men grow into self-admiration, God lets them fall, to prick their bubble of pride. O be humble! They are likely to hold out best in temptation, who have most grace—and God gives more grace to the humble. James 4:6. Beware of pride! An abscess is not more dangerous in the body than pride in the soul. The doves, says Pliny, take pride in their feathers, and in their flying high, until at last they fly so high, that they become a prey to the hawk. Just so, when men fly high in pride and self-confidence, they become a prey to the tempter.

(13) If you would not be foiled by temptation—do not enter into a dispute with Satan. When Eve began to argue the case with the serpent, the serpent was too hard for her. The devil, by his logic, disputed her out of paradise. Satan can mince sin, make it small, and garnish it over, and make it look like virtue. He is too subtle for us to win an argument with him. Dispute not—but fight! If you enter into a parley with him, you give him half the victory.

(14) If we would not be overcome by Satan—we must put on Christian fortitude. We must expect an enemy who is either shooting darts, or laying snares; therefore let us be armed with courage. "Act with courage, and may the Lord be with those who do well." 2 Chronicles 19:11. The coward never won a victory. To animate us in our combat with Satan, let us think, [1] We have a good Captain who marches before us. Christ is called the Captain of our salvation. Hebrews 2:10.

[2] We have good armor. Grace is armor of God’s making. Ephesians 6:11.

[3] Satan is beaten already. Christ has given him his death-wound upon the cross. Colossians 2:15.

[4] Satan is a chained enemy, his power is limited! he cannot force the will. Eve complained that the serpent deceived her, not constrained her. Genesis 3:13. Satan has guile to persuade, not power to compel.

[5] He is a cursed enemy, and God’s curse will blast him: therefore put on holy gallantry of spirit and magnanimity. Do not fear Satan. Greater is he who is in you—than he who is against you.

(15) If we would not be overcome by temptation—let us call in the help of others. If a house is on fire, would you not call in help? Satan tempts, that he may rob you of your soul; acquaint some friends with your case, and beg for their counsel and prayers. Who knows but Satan may be cast out, by the joint prayers of others? In case of temptation, how exceeding helpful is the communion of saints!

(16) If we would not be overcome by temptation—let us make use of all the encouragements we can. If Satan is a roaring lion—Christ is the lion of the tribe of Judah. If Satan tempts—Christ prays. If Satan is a serpent to sting—Christ is a brazen serpent to heal. If the conflict is hard, look to the crown. James 1:12. While we are fighting—Christ will support us. When we overcome—he will crown us. What makes the soldier endure a bloody fight, but the hope of a golden reward? Think that shortly God will call us out of the field where the bullets of temptation fly so fast, and he will set a garland of glory upon our head. How will the case be altered then! Instead of fighting—singing! Instead of a helmet—a diadem! Instead of a sword—a palm branch of victory! Instead of armor—white robes! Instead of Satan’s skirmishes—the kisses and embraces of a Savior! These eternal recompenses should keep us from yielding to temptation. Who, to gratify a lust—would forfeit a crown!

Use 4. Let such as are tempted, be wise to make good use of their temptations. As we should labor to improve our afflictions—so to improve our temptations. We should pick some good out of temptation, as Samson got honey out of the lion.

What good comes from temptation? Can there be any good in being set upon by an enemy? Can it be good to have fiery darts shot at us?

Yes! God can make his people get much good by their temptations. Hereby a Christian sees that corruption in his heart, which he never saw before. Water in a glass looks pure—but set it on the fire, and the scum boils up. Just so, in temptation a Christian sees the scum of sin boil up—which he thought had not been in his heart. Hereby a Christian sees more of the wiles of Satan, and is better able to withstand them. Paul had been in the fencing-school of temptation, and grew expert in finding out Satan’s stratagems. "We are not ignorant of his devices." 2 Corinthians 2:11. Hereby a Christian grows more humble. God would rather let his children fall into the devil’s hands—than be proud. Temptation strips off the plumes of pride. "To keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud." 2 Corinthians 12:7. Better is that temptation that humbles—than that duty which makes us proud! Thus a Christian may get much good by temptation, which made Luther say three things make a good Christian—prayer, meditation, and temptation.

Use 5. Some have been under sore temptations and buffetings of Satan—but God has stood by them, and given them strength to overcome the tempter.

(1) Let them be very thankful to God. "Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory." 1 Corinthians 15:57. Be much in praise. Why were we kept more than others—from falling into sin? Was it because temptation was not so strong to us? No, Satan shoots his darts with all his force. Was it because we are so strong in ourself? No, such a broken reed could never have conquered Satan’s temptations. Know that it was free grace which beat back the tempter, and brought us off with trophies of victory! O be thankful to God! Had you been overcome by temptation, you might have put black spots in the face of religion, and given occasion to the enemies of God to blaspheme. 2 Samuel 12:14. Had you been overcome, you might have lain sick of a "wounded spirit" and cried out, with David, of "broken bones." After David yielded to temptation, he lay for three quarters of a year in horror of mind; and some think that he never recovered his full joy to the day of his death. Oh therefore, what cause have they to stand upon mount Gerizim blessing God, who, in a field of battle have gotten the better of Satan, and been more than conquerors! Say as the Psalmist, "Blessed be the Lord, who did not let their teeth tear us apart!" Psalms 124:6. Blessed be God, who has not given us as a prey to Satan, that roaring lion!

(2) You who have been tempted, and come off victors, be full of sympathy. Pity tempted souls; show your piety in your pity. Do you see Satan’s darts sticking in their sides? Do what you can to pull them out. Communicate your experiences to them; tell them how you broke the devil’s snare, and your Savior was your deliverer. The apostle speaks of restoring others "in the spirit of meekness." Galatians 6:1. The Greek word for restore alludes to surgeons, who set bones which were out of joint. Just so, when we see such as are tempted, and Satan has, as it were, put their bones out of joint—labor to put them in again, with all love, meekness, and compassion. A word spoken in season may relieve a soul fainting in temptation; and you may, as the good Samaritan, drop oil and wine into the wound. Luke 10:34.

(3) You who have got the conquest over Satan, do not be carnally secure. Think not, that you shall never more be troubled with the tempter. He is not like the Syrians, of whom it is said, "The bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel" 2 Kings 6:23. Satan is a restless enemy; if you have beaten him back, he will make a fresh onset. When Satan was worsted by Christ, he went away—but only for a season, as if he meant to come again. Luke 4:13. When we have got the better of Satan, we are apt to grow secure, to lay aside our armor, and leave off our watch; which, when he perceives this, he comes upon us with a new temptation and wounds us. He deals with us as David did with the Amalekites, who, when they had taken the spoil and were secure, "They were eating and drinking and dancing with joy because of the vast amount of plunder they had taken." (1 Samuel 30:16); then "David and his men rushed in among them and slaughtered them." ver 17. Therefore, after we have got the better of the tempter, we must do as the mariners in a calm—mend our tackling, not knowing how soon another storm may come. Satan for a time may retreat, that he may afterwards come on more fiercely; he may go away awhile, and bring other seven spirits with him. Luke 11:26.

Therefore, do not be carnally secure—but stand upon your watch-tower. Rest with your armor on; always expect a fight. Watch every day if the tempter shall come. Put yourself into a warlike posture. When Satan is beaten out of the field, he is not beaten out of the heart; he will come again. He had little hope to prevail against Christ. Christ gave him three deadly wounds, and made him retreat; yet he departed "only for a season." If the devil cannot conquer us—he knows he can molest us. If he cannot destroy us—he will surely disturb us. If the tempter does not come as soon as we expect, by putting ourselves in a defensive posture, we shall have the advantage of being always prepared. "Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil." Ephesians 6:11. To conclude all: let us often make this prayer, "Lead us not into temptation." If Satan woos us by a temptation, let us not give consent. In case a Christian has through weakness, and not out of a design, yielded to temptation, let him not "cast away his anchor;" but take heed of despair, which is worse than the fall itself.

Christian, steep your soul in the brinish waters of repentance, and God will be appeased. Repentance gives the soul a vomit. Christ loved Peter after his denial of him, and sent the first news of his resurrection to him—"Go tell the disciples and Peter." It is an error to think that one act of sin, can destroy the habit of grace. It is a wrong to God’s mercy, and to a Christian’s comfort—to make the despairing conclusion, that after one has fallen by temptation, his estate is irrecoverable. Therefore, Christian, if you have fallen with Peter, repent with Peter—and God will be ready to seal your pardon.