September 8

The wiles of the devil. - Ephesians 6:11.

Satan, says one, had not been a devil if he had not first been an angel of light, and therefore he was originally a superior being; but he has been improving his skill by experience in his beguiling and seductive artifices for near six thousand years. Hence the Apostle thus speaks of the wiles of

“Satan, the fowler, who betrays

Unguarded souls a thousand ways.”

This fowler never “spreads his net” in the sight of any bird; he covers it, conceals his guns and his snares, till unaware we are entangled or caught. Sometimes he falls upon us from quarters where we had little or no apprehension of danger. Sometimes, and indeed how frequently, how invariably, he approaches us in the hour of success, and while enjoying the smiles of prosperity, when our fears are laid asleep. It is very true, as Watts says-

“We should suspect some danger nigh

When we possess delight.”

Some of his greatest temptations come even after Spiritual enlargements and privileges. We see Paul was in danger of being exalted above measure, owing to the abundance of revelation; and good Hezekiah, after he was delivered from the Assyrian invasion, and recovered from his sickness, and had fifteen years added to his life, was puffed up with pride, “therefore there was wrath upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem.” We sometimes think of being safe when alone. David was alone when he was overcome; and how can we be safe in solitude if this being has access to us, and possessed as we are of a deceitful heart? How secure Peter seemed; he said: “Though all men shall be offended yet will I never be offended.” And when our Saviour came so much the nearer, and said to him, “Peter, before the cock crow twice thou shalt deny me thrice;” he said, “Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee.” A few hours only after this “he began even to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man.”

Oh, how often does Satan overcome us by “the deceitfulness of sin,” and by false and flattering names! He comes to one and says, I would not have you covetous-covetousness is a very bad thing, but only lay up for the children. To another he says, I would not have you proud; pride is a very bad thing, but only show a becoming degree of Spirit. I do not wish you to be revengeful: this is very unchristian; but when you forgive, never forget. Ah, says the Apostle, “We are not ignorant of his devices.”