VSE V. Comfort to the people of God. (25) to VSE V. Comfort to the people of God. (27)

VSE V. Comfort to the people of God. (25)

1. By this perplexing of their Spirits, Satan takes off their Chariot-wheels; unfits them for the Service of God: Body and Mind are both out of temper, like 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; that he is like a person distracted, and is scarce himself: Either he neglects the duties of Religion, or his mind is taken off from them while he is doing them. Especially, there is one Duty, that melancholy and sadness of spirit unfits for, and that is Thankfulness. Thankfulness is a Tribute, or Quit-rent due to God, Psal. 149.3. Let the Saints be joyful, let the high praises of God be in their mouth. But when Satan hath disturbed a Christian's spirit, and fill'd his Mind full of black, and almost despairing thoughts, how can he be Thankful. It rejoyceth Satan to see how his Plot takes, by making God's Children Vnquiet, he makes them Vnthankful.

2. Satan, by troubling the Saints Peace, hath this advantage, of laying a stumbling-block in the way of others: By this policy the Devil gets an occasion to render the ways of God unlovely to those who are looking Heaven-ward. He sets before new beginners the perplexing Thoughts, the Tears, the Groans of them who are wounded in Spirit, to scare them quite off 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 your selves, and a burden to others? Can

you be in love with such a Religion, as is ready to fright you out of your wits? This advantage the Devil gets by troubling the Saints Peace, he would discourage others who are looking towards Heaven; he would beat them off from Praying, and hearing all Soul-awakening Sermons, lest they fall into this black humour of Melancholy, and end their days in despair.

3. By this subtil policy of Satan, in disturbing the Saints Peace, and making them believe God doth not love them, he hath this advantage, he sometimes so far prevails over them, 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 hath cast off all pity, and hath forgotten to be gracious, Psal. 77. and to make sad conclusions, Isai. 38.13. I reckoned that as a Lion, so will he break all my bones; from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me. The Devil setting in with Melancholy, causeth a sad Eclipse in the Soul; it begins to think, God hath shut up the Springs of Mercy, and there is no Hope. Hereupon, Satan gets farther advantage of a troubled Spirit, sometimes he puts the troubled Soul upon sinful wishes and execrations against it self: Iob, in distemper of Mind, Cursed his Birth-day, Iob 3.3. Iob, though he did not curse his God, yet he cursed his Birth-day. Thus you see what advantages the Devil gets by raising storms, and troubling the Saints Peace: and let me tell you, if the Devil is capable of any delight, it is to see the Saints disquiets; their Groans are his Musick: 'Tis a sport to him to see them torture themselves upon the wrack 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; now Satan is ready to clap his hands and shout for a Victory.

Having shewn you the advantages the Devil gets by this Temptation of disturbing the Saints Peace, I shall Answer a Question, by what Arts and Methods doth Satan in Tempting disturb the Saints Peace?

Answ. 1. Satan slily conveys evil thoughts, and then makes a Christian believe they come from his own heart. The Cup was found in Benjamin's sack, but it was of Ioseph's putting in: So a Child of God oft finds Atheistical Blasphemous Thoughts in his mind, but Satan hath cast them in. The Devil doth, as some, lay their children at anothers door: So Satan lays his Temptations at our door, fathers them upon us, and then we trouble our selves about them, and Nurse them as if they were our own.

2. Satan disturbs the Saints Peace, by drawing forth their sins in the most black colours, to affright them, and make them ready to give up the Ghost. Satan is called the Accuser of the Brethren; not onely because he accuseth them to God, but accuseth them to themselves: He tells them, they are guilty of such sins, and they are Hypocrites. Whereas the sins of a Believer shew only, that Grace is not perfect, not, that he hath no Grace: When Satan comes with this Temptation, shew him that Scripture, 1 Joh. 1.7. The blood of Iesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

27. Subtilty of Satan, is, by plausible Arguments, to tempt Men to be felo de se, to make away themselves. This Temptation doth not onely cross the current of Scripture, but is abhorring to Nature, to be ones own Executioner. Yet such cunning artifices hath Satan, that he perswades many to lay violent hands upon themselves; which the Bills of Mortality witness.

1. He tempts some to this in terror of Conscience; telling them, All the Hell they shall have is in their Conscience, and Death will give them present ease.

2. He tempts others to make away themselves, that they may live no longer to sin against God.

3. Others he tempts to make away 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.

Austin speaks of Cleombratas, who hearing Plato Read a Lecture of the Immortality of the Soul, and the Ioys of the other World, se in praecipitium dejecit; threw himself down a steep Precipice, or Rock, and kill'd himself. This is Satan's Plot, but we must not break prison, by laying Violent hands upon our selves; but stay, till God send and open the door. Let us Pray, Lead us not into temptation. Still bear in mind that Scripture, Exod. 20.13. Thou shalt not kill. Clamitat in Coelum vox sanguinis—if we may not kill another, much less our selves; and take heed of discontent, which often opens the door to self-murder.

Thus I have shewn you 27 Subtilties of Satan in Tempting, that so you may the better know them and avoid them.

There is a Story of a Iew that should have Poisoned Luther, but a Friend sent to Luther the Picture of this Iew, warning him to take heed of such a Man when he saw him, by which means he knew the Murderer, and escaped his hands. I have told you the subtil devices of Satan in tempting; I have shewn you (as it were) the Picture of him that would Murder you; I beseech you, being forewarned, take heed of the Murderer.

1. Vse. From this subtilty of Satan in Tempting, let me draw two Inferences.

1. It may administer matter of wonder to us how any soul is saved. How may we admire, that Satan, this Abaddon, or Angel of the Bottomless Pit, Rev. 9.11. This Apollyon, this Soul-devourer, doth not ruine all Mankind? What a wonder is it that some are preserved, that neither Satan's hidden snares prevail, nor his fiery darts: that neither the Head of the Serpent, nor the Paw of the Lion destroys them? Sure it will be matter of admiration to the Saints when they come to Heaven, to think how strangely they came thither; that notwithstanding all the force and fraud, the power and policy of Hell, yet they should arrive safe at the Heavenly Port: This is through the safe Conduct of Christ, the Captain of our Salvation; Michael is too hard for the Dragon.

2. Is Satan so subtil; see then what need we have to pray to God for wisdom, to discern the snares of Satan, and strength to resist them; we cannot of our selves stand against Temptation, if we could, this Prayer were needless, Lead us not, &c. Let us not think we can be too cunning for the Devil, we can escape his wiles and darts. If David and Peter who were Pillars in God's Temple, fell by Temptation, how soon should such weak Reeds as we, be blown down, [gap]id God leave us? Take Christ's Advice, Mat. 26.41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into Temptation.

Inference. 3. See what the end of all Satans subtilties in tempting is, He is a Tempter that he may be an accuser. He lays the plot, enticeth 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, first a Liar, and then a Murderer.

Having shewn you the subtilties of Satan in tempting, I shall answer two questions.

Quest. 1. Why doth God suffer his Saints to be so hurried and buffeted by Satans Temptations?

Answ. The Lord doth it for many wise and holy ends.

1. He lets them be tempted to try them. The Hebrew word Nissa in Pyhil 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. Qui non tentatur non probatur. Aug.

1. Hereby God tries our sincerity; Iobs sincerity was tryed by Temptation, the Devil told God that Iob was an Hypocrite, and served God only for a Livery, but saith he, Touch him, (that is, let me tempt him) and then see if he will not curse thee to thy Face? Iob 1.11. well, God did let the Devil touch him by a Temptation, yet Iob remains holy, he worships God, and blesseth God, ver. 20.21. Here Iobs sincerity was proved, Iob had Fiery Temptations, but he came out of the Fire a Golden Christian, [gap]. Chrys. Temptation is a touchstone of sincerity.

2. By Tentation God tries our Love, the Wife of Tigranes did never so shew her chastity and love to her Husband, as when she was tempted by Cyrus, but did not yield. So our love to God is seen in this, when we can look a Temptation in the Face, and turn our back upon it; tho' the Devil come as a Serpent subtilly, and offers a Golden Apple, yet we will not touch the forbidden fruit. When the Devil shew'd Christ all the Kingdoms of the World and the glory of them: such was Christs love to his Father, that he abhor'd the Temptation. True love will not be bribed. When the Devils Darts are most fiery, a Saints love to God is most Fervent.

3. By Temptation God tries our courage, Hos. 7.11. Ephraim is a silly Dove without an Heart. So it may be said of many, they are excordes, without an Heart▪ they have no Heart to resist a temptation, no sooner doth Satan come with his sollicitations but they yield; like a Coward as soon as the thief approacheth he delivers

his Purse. But he is the valorous Christian that brandisheth 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; the Heroick Spirit of a Saint is never more seen than in a Field Battle when he is fighting with the Red-Dragon, and by the power of faith puts the Devil to flight. Fidei robur potest esse concussum, non excussum Tertul. This is one reason why God lets his People be tempted, that their mettal may be tryed, their sincerity, love, magnanimity; when Grace is proved, the Gospel is honoured.

2. God suffers his Children to be tempted, that they may be kept from Pride, quos non Gula, [gap] superavit, Cypr. Pride crept once into the Angels, and into the Apostles, when they disputed which of them should be greatest, and in Peter, tho' all men forsake thee, 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 Spleen swells, so the other parts of the body consume. As Pride grows, so Grace consumes. God resists Pride, and that he may keep his Children humble he suffers them sometimes to fall into temptation, 2 Cor. 12.7. lest I should be exalted, there was given to me a Thorn in the Flesh, a Messenger of Satan to buffet me. When Paul was lifted up in Revelations, he was in danger to be lifted up in Pride. Now came the Messenger of Satan to Buffet him, that was, some sore temptation to humble him. The Thorn in the Flesh was to prick the Bladder of Pride. Better is that temptation that humbles me, than that duty which makes me Proud. Rather than a Christian shall be Proud, God lets him fall into the Devils Hands a while, that he may be cured of his Imposthume.

3. God lets his People be tempted, that they may be fitter to comfort others, as are in the same distress: they can speak a word in due season to such as are weary. St. Paul was train'd up in the Fencing School of temptation, 2 Cor. 2.11. and he was able to acquaint others with Satans Wiles and Stratagems. A Man that hath rid over a place where there are Quick sands, is the fittest to guide others through that dangerous way. He who hath been buffeted by Satan, and hath felt the Claws of this Roaring Lion, is the fittest Man to deal with one that is tempted.

4. God lets his Children be tempted to make them long more for Heaven, where they shall be out of Gunshot; there they shall be freed from the hissing of the old Serpent. Satan is not yet fully cast into Prison, but is like a Prisoner that goes under Bail, he doth vex and molest the Saints, [gap], Chr. He lays his snares, throws his Fire-balls, but this is only to make the People of God long to be gone from hence, and that they may pray that they had the Wings of a Dove, to fly away beyond Satans temptations. God suffered Israel to be vexed with the Egyptians, that they might long the more to be in Canaan. Heaven is centrum, a place of rest, centrum quietativum, no Bullets of temptation fly there, the Eagle that Soars aloft in the Air, and sits pearching upon the tops of high Trees, is not troubled with the stinging of Serpents; so, when believers are gotten above into the Empyrean Heaven, 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, Rev. 21.10. it is so high, that Satans fiery Darts cannot reach up to it. Nullus ibi hostium metus, nullae insidiae daemonum, Bern.

The Temptations here are to make the Saints long till Death sound a Retreat, and call them off the Field where the Bullets of Temptation fly so thick, that they may receive a victorious Crown. Thus I have answered this question, why God lets his dear Servants be tempted.

Quest. 2. What Rocks of support are there, or what comfort for tempted Souls?

Answ. 1. That it is not our case alone, but hath been the case of Gods eminent Saints. 1 Cor. 10.13. There hath no temptation taken you, but that which is [gap], common to man, yea, to the Best: Men Christs Lambs which have had the ear mark of Election upon them, have been set upon by the Wolf. Elijah that could shut Heaven by Prayer, could not shut his Heart from a temptation, 1 Kin. 19.4. Iob was tempted to Curse God, Peter to deny Christ; hardly ever any Saint hath got to Heaven, but hath met with a Lion by the Way, sortem quam omnes sancti patiuntur nemo recusat, nay, Jesus Christ himself, tho he were free from sin, yet not from Temptation, we read of Christs Baptism, Mat. 3.16. and Mat. 4.1. Then was he led into the Wilderness to be tempted of the Devil. 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 Devils fire. Temptation to Christ was like a Bur on a Christal Glass which glides off, or like a spark of fire on a marble Pillar which will not stick; yet Satan was so bold as to tempt Christ; this is some comfort, such as have been our Betters have wrestled with Temptations.

VSE V. Comfort to the people of God. (26)

2. Rock of support that may comfort a tempted Soul is, that temptations (where they are burdens) evidence Grace. Satan doth not tempt Gods Children because they have sin in them, but because they have Grace in them. Had they no Grace, the Devil would not disturb them, where he keeps possession all is in peace, Luk. 11.21. his Temptations are to rob the Saints of their Grace, a Thief will not assault an empty House, but where he thinks there is Treasure. A Pyrate will not set upon an empty Ship, but that is full fraught with Spices and Jewels: so the Devil most assaults the people of God because he thinks they have a rich treasure of Grace in their Hearts, and he would rob them of that. What makes so many Cudgels be thrown at a Tree but because there is so much fruit hanging upon it? the Devil throws his temptations at you, because he sees you have so much fruit of Grace growing upon you. Tho to be tempted is a trouble, yet to think why you are tempted is a comfort.

3 The third 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. Christs sympathy in temptation.

• 2. Christs succour in temptation.

1. Christs Sympathy in our temptations. Nobis compatitur Christus. Heb. 4.15. We have not an High-priest who cannot be touch'd with the feeling of our Infirmities. Jesus Christ doth [gap], sympathise with us, he is so sensible of our Temptations, as if he himself lay under them, and did feel them in his own Soul. As in Musick when one string is touched all the rest sound: So Christs Bowels 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 it so as Christ doth tempted ones. Christ had a fellow feeling when he was upon Earth, much more now in glory.

Quest. But how can it stand with Christs glory now in Heaven, to have a fellow-feeling of our miseries and temptations?

Answ. This fellow-feeling in Christ ariseth not from any infirmity or passion, but from the mystical union between him and his Members, Zach. 2.8. He that toucheth you, toucheth the Apple of mine Eye. Every injury done to a Saint, Christ takes as done to him in Heaven; every temptation is a striking at Christ, and he is touch'd with the feeling of our temptations

2. Christs succour in temptation; as the good Samaritan first had compassion on the wounded Man, there was Sympathy, then he poured in Wine and Oil, there was succour, Luke. 10.34. So when we are wounded by the Red Dragon ▪ Christ is first touched with compassion, and then he pours in Wine and Oil, Heb. 2.18. in that he himself hath suffer'd being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. The Greek word to succour, [gap] signifies to run speedily to ones help; so fierce is Satan, so frail is Man, that Christ who is God-man runs speedily to his help. When Peter was ready to sink, and said, Lord save me, Christ presently stretched forth his hand and caught him. So when a poor Soul is tempted, and cries to Heaven for help, Lord save me, Christ comes in with his Auxiliary Forces: Noscit Christus, our Lord Jesus knows what it is to be tempted, therefore is so ready to succour such as are tempted; it hath been an observation, that child-bearing Women are more pittiful to others in their Travails, than such Women as are Barren. So the Lord Jesus having been in Travail by Temptations and Sufferings, is more ready to pity and succour such as are tempted.

Concerning Christs succouring the Tempted, consider two things.

• 1. Christs Ability to succour.

• 2. His Agility to succour.

1. Christs Ability to succour, Heb. 2.18. [gap] he is able to succour them that are tempted. Christ is call'd Michael, Rev. 12.7. which signifies, Who is like God? Tho' the Tempted Soul is weak, yet he fights under a good Captain; The Lion

of the Tribe of Iudah. When a tempted Soul fights, Christ comes into the Field as his Second. Michael will be too hard for the Dragon; when the Devil lays the Siege of a Temptation, Christ can raise the Siege when he please. He can beat through the Enemies quarters, and can so rout Satan, that he shall never be able to rally his forces any more. Jesus Christ is on the Saints side, and who would desire a better Live-guard than Omnipotency?

2. Christs Agility in succouring. As Christ is able to succour the tempted, so he will certainly succour them. Christs power inables him, his love inclines him, his faithfulness engageth him to succour tempted Souls. This is a great comfort to a Soul in Temptation, he hath a succouring Saviour, as God did succour Israel in the Wilderness among fiery Serpents, they had the Rock set abroach, the Manna, the Pillar of Cloud, the Brazen Serpent; what was this but a Type of Gods succouring a poor Soul in the Wilderness of Temptation, stung with 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 about us. There is a great deal of succour to the tempted in the Names given to Christ. As Satans names may terrifie, so Christs names may succour. The Devil is called Apollyon, the Devourer, Rev. 9.11. Christ is called a Saviour, the Devil is call'd [gap] the Strong man; Mat. 12.29. Christ is call'd el Gibbor, the mighty God, Isa. 9 6. the Devil is call'd the Accuser, Rev. 12.10. Christ is called the Advocate, 1 Ioh. 2.1. The Devil is called the Tempter, Mat. 4.3. Christ is called the Comforter, Luke 2.25. The Devil is call'd the Prince of Darkness, Christ is call'd the Sun of Righteousness: The Devil is call'd the Old Serpent, Christ is call'd the Brazen Serpent that Heals, Iohn 3.15.

Thus the very names of Christ have some succour in them for Tempted Souls.

Quest. How, and in what manner doth Christ succour them that are tempted.

Answ. Several ways.

1. Christ succours them by sending his Spirit, whose works it is to bring those promises to their mind, which are fortifying, Iohn 14.26. he shall bring all things to your remembrance. The Spirit furnisheth us with promises, as so many Weapons to fight against the old Serpent, Rom. 16.20. the Lord will shortly bruise Satan under your feet, 1 Cor. 10.13. God will not suffer you to be tempted [gap] above that ye are able, Gen. 3.15. The Seed of the Woman shall break the Serpents Head. We are oft in times of Temptation as a Man that hath his House beset, and cannot find his Weapons, he hath his Sword and his Gun to seek: now, in this case Christ sends his Spirit, and he brings things to our remembrance that help us in our Combat with Satan. The Spirit of Christ doth to one that is tempted as Aaron and Hur did to Moses, they put a Stone under him, and held up his Hands, and then Israel prevailed. So Gods Spirit puts the Promises under the Hand of Faith, and then a Christian overcomes the Devil that spiritual Amalek. The Promise is to the Soul as the Anchor is to a Ship, which keeps it steddy in a Storm.

2. Christ succours them that are tempted, by his blessed interceeding for them. When the Devil is tempting, Christ is praying.

Of this the next timer

2. Christ succours his Saints by interceeding for them, when Satan is tempting Christ is praying. That prayer Christ put up for Peter, when he was tempted, extend[gap] to all the Saints, Luk. 22.32. Lord, saith Christ, it is my Child that is tempted, Father pitty him, when a poor Soul lies bleeding of his wounds the Devil hath given him. Christ presents his Wounds to his Father, and in the virtue of those pleads for Mercy. How powerful must Christs Prayer needs be. He is a Favorite, Iohn. 11.42. He is both an High-Priest and a Son, if God could forget that Christ were a Priest, yet he cannot forget that he is a Son; besides, Christ prays for nothing but what is agreeable to his Fathers Will, if a Kings Son Petitions only for that which his Father hath a Mind to grant, his suit will not be denied.

3. Christ succours his People by taking of the Tempter, a Shepherd when the Sheep begins to straggle, may set the Dog on the Sheep to bring it nearer the Fold, but then he calls off the Dog again. God will take of the Tempter, 1 Cor. 10.13. He will with the Temptation make a way to escape, [gap], he will

make an Out-let. Christ will rebuke the Tempter, Zach. 3.2. The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan. This is no small support, that Christ succours the Tempted. The Mother succours the Child most when it is sick: she sits by its Bed-side, brings it Cordials. So when a Soul is most assaulted it shall be most assisted.

Object. But I have dealt unkindly with Christ, and sinn'd against his Love, and sure he will not succour me, but let me perish in the Battel.

Answ. Christ is a merciful High-priest, and will succour thee notwithstanding thy failings. Ioseph was a Type of Christ. His Brethren sold him away, and the Irons entered into his Soul, yet afterwards when his Brethren were ready to die in the Famine, he forgot their injuries and succoured them with Money and Corn. I am, saith he, Ioseph your Brother, so will Christ say to a tempted Soul, I know thy unkindnesses, how thou hast distrusted my Love, grieved my Spirit, but I am Ioseph, I am Jesus, therefore I will succour thee when thou art tempted.

4. Rock of support. The best Men may be most tempted. A rich Ship may be violently set upon by Pyrats. He who is rich in Faith yet may have the Devil (that Pyrate) set upon him by his battering pieces. Iob an eminent Saint, yet how fiercely was he assaulted. Satan did smite his body, that he might tempt him either to question Gods Providence or quarrel with it, St. Paul was a chosen vessel, but how was this vessel battered with Tentation, 2 Cor. 12.7.

Object. But is it not said, he who is born of God the Wicked one toucheth him not? 1 Joh. 5.18.

Answ. It is not meant that the Devil doth not tempt him, but, he toucheth him not, that is, tactu lethali Cajetan, with a deadly touch, 1 Joh. 5.16. There is a sin unto Death; now Satan with all his Temptations doth not make a Child of God sin a sin unto Death. Thus he toucheth him not.

5. Rock of support. Satan can go no further in tempting than God will give him leave. The power of the Tempter is limited. A whole Legion of Devils could not touch one Swine till Christ gave them leave. Satan would have sifted Peter, to have sifted out all his Grace, but Christ would not suffer him, I have prayed for thee, &c. Christ binds the Devil in a Chain, Rev. 20.1. If Satans power were according to his malice, not one Soul should be saved, but he is a Chained Enemy; this is a comfort, Satan cannot go an Hairs breadth beyond Gods permission. If an Enemy could not touch a Child further than the Father did appoint, sure he should do the Child no great hurt.

6. Rock of support. It is not the having a Tentation makes guilty, but the giving consent. We cannot hinder a Tentation, Elijah that could by Prayer shut Heaven, could not shut out a Temptation, but if we abhor the Temptation, it is our burden, not our sin. We read in the old Law if one went to force a Virgin, and she cried out, she was reputed innocent. If Satan would by temptation commit a Rape upon a Christian, and he cries out, and will not give consent, the Lord will charge it upon the Devils score. It is not the laying the Bait hurts the Fish, if the Fish doth not bite.

7. Rock of support. Our being tempted is no sign of Gods hating us. A Child of God oft thinks God doth not love him, because he lets him be haunted with the Devil, non sequitur, this is a wrong conclusion, was not Christ himself tempted, yet by a Voice from Heaven proclaimed, This is my beloved Son, Mat. 3.17. Satans tempting and Gods loving may stand together. The Goldsmith loves his Gold in the Fire, God loves a Saint tho shot at by fiery Darts.

8. Rock of support. Christs Temptation was for our consolation, aqua-ignis. Jesus Christ is to be looked upon as a publick person, as our Head and Representative, and what Christ did he did for us. His prayer was for us, his suffering was for us, when he was tempted and overcame the temptation, he overcame for us. Christs conquering Satan, was to shew that every Elect Person shall at last be a Conqueror over Satan; when Christ overcame Satans temptations, it was not only to give us an example of Courage, but an assurance of Conquest. We have overcome Satan already in our Head, and we shall at last perfectly overcome.

9. Rock of support, the Saints Temptations shall not be above their strength. The Lutenist will not stretch the strings of his Lute too hard, lest they break, 1 Cor. 10.13. God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted [gap], above that ye are able. God will proportion our strength to the stroke. 2. Cor. 12.9. My Grace is sufficient for thee ▪ The Torch-light of Faith shall be kept burning, notwithstanding all the Winds of Temptation blowing.

10. Rock of support, these temptations shall produce much good.

1. They shall quicken a Spirit of Prayer in the Saints, they shall pray more and better. Temptation is orationis flabellum, the exciter of Prayer! perhaps (before) the Saints came to God as cold suiters in Prayer, they pray'd as if they pray'd not; temptation is a Medicine for security. When Paul had a Messenger of Satan to buffet him, he was more earnest in Prayer, 2 Cor. 12.8. Three times I besought the Lord; the Thorn in the Flesh was a Spur in his sides to quicken him in Prayer. The Deer being shot with the Dart, runs faster to the Water, when a Soul is shot with the fiery Darts of Temptation, he runs the faster to the Throne of Grace, now he is earnest with God either to take off the Tempter, or to stand by him when he is tempted.

2. 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 chast Woman is assaulted, the more she abhors the motion. The stronger Iosephs temptation was, the stronger was his opposition. The more the Enemy attempts to storm a Castle, the more he is repelled and beat back.

3. Godly temptations causeth the encrease of Grace. Vnus Christianus temptatus mille. One tempted Christian, saith Luther, is worth a thousand. He grows more in Grace. As the Bellows encreaseth the flame; So the Bellows of a Temptation doth encrease the flame of Grace.

4. By these temptations God makes way for comfort. As Christ after he was tempted, the Angels came and ministred unto him, Mat. 4.11. As when Abraham had been warring, Mechisedeck brought him Bread and Wine to revive his Spirits, Gen. 14▪ 18. so after the Saints have been warring with Satan, now God sends His Spirit to comfort them, which made Luther say, that temptations were Amplexus Christi, Christs embraces, because he doth then most sweetly manifest himself to the Soul. Thus you see what Rocks of support there are for tempted Souls.

That I may further comfort such as are tempted, let me speak to two cases of the tempted.

1. Case. I have horrid temptations to blasphemy?

Ans. Did not the Devil tempt Christ after this manner? Mat. 4.9. All this will I give thee if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 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.

2. Case. But my case is yet worse▪ I have been tempted to such sins and have yielded; the Tempter hath overcome me?

VSE V. Comfort to the people of God. (27)

Ans. I grant that through the with-drawing of Gods Grace, and the force of a temptation a Child of God may be overcome. David was overcome by temptation in case of Bathsheba and numbring the people. There is a party of Grace in the Heart, true to Christ, but sometimes it may be over-voted by corruption, and then a Christian yields; 'tis 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. Tho' a Christian may fall by a temptation, yet the Seed of God is in him, 1 John 3.9. His Seed remaineth in him. Gratia concutitur, non excutitur, Aug. A Man may be bruis'd by a fall, yet there is Life in him; a Christian being foiled by Satan, may be like him who going to Iericho, fell among Thieves wounded and half dead, Luk. 10.30. but still there's [gap], a vital principle of Grace, his Seed remains in him. Tho' a Child of God may be overcome in praelio, in a skirmish, yet not in bello in the main Battel, an Army may be worsted in a Skirmish, but overcomes at last. Tho' Satan may foil a Child of God in a Skirmish by Tentation, yet the Believer shall overcome at last. A Saint may be foiled, not conquered; he may lose Ground, not lose the Victory.

3. God doth not judge of his Children by one action, but by the frame of their Heart, as God doth not judge of a Wicked Man by one good action, so neither of a Godly Man by one bad action; a Holy person may be worsted by a temptation, but God doth not measure him by that, who measures milk when it seeths and boils up? God doth not take the measure of a Saint, when the Devil hath boiled him up in a passion, but God judgeth of him by the Pulse and Temper of his Heart, he would fear God, when he fails he weeps; God looks which way the Biass of his Heart stands: If his Heart be set against Sin, God will Pardon.

4. God will make a Saints being foil'd by Temptation, turn to his spiritual Advantage.

1. He may let a Regenerate Person fall by a Temptation, to make him more Watchful. Perhaps he walks loosly, and so was decoy'd into sin; but for the future he grows more curious and cautious in his walking: The foiled Christian is a vigilant Christian. He will have a care of coming within the Lions Chain any more, he will be shy and fearful of the Occasions of sin; he will not go abroad without his spiritual Armour, and he girds on his Armour by Prayer. When a wild Beast gets over the Hedge and hurts the Corn, a Man will make his Fence the stronger. So when the Devil gets over the Hedge by a Temptation, and foils a Christian, he will be sure to mend his Fence, and be more vigilant against a Temptation afterwards.

2. God lets his Children be sometimes foiled by a Temptation, that they may see their Continual Dependance 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 a Temptation that seeing their own Weakness, they may rest more on Christ and Free-Grace, Cant. 8.5.

3. God by suffering his Children to be foiled by a Temptation, will settle them the more in Grace; they shall get strength by their Foils. The Poets feign, that Antaeas the Giant in Wrestling with Hercules got Strength by every fall to the ground; it is true here. A Saint being foiled in wrestling with Satan gets more spiritual Strength. Peter had never such a strengthening in his Faith, as after his being foiled in the High-Priest's Hall. How was he fired with Zeal, steeled with Courage? He who before was dash'd out of Countenance by the Voice of a Maid; now dares openly confess Christ before the Rulers and the Councils▪ Acts 2.14. 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 setled in Grace afterwards. This I have spoken that such Christians as God hath suffered to be foiled by Temptation, may not cast away their Anchor, or give way to sad despairing Thoughts.

Object. But this may seem to make Christians careless whether they fall into a Temptation or no; if God can make their being foiled by a Temptation advantagious to them?

Answ. We must distinguish between one who is foiled through Weakness, and through Wilfulness. If a Soldier fights, but is foil'd for want of Strength, the General of the Army will pity him and bind up his Wounds. But if he be wilfully foil'd, and proves treacherous, he must expect no Favour. So if a Christian fight it out with Satan, but is foil'd for want of Strength, (as it was with Peter,) God will pity him, and do him good by his being foil'd. But if he be foil'd wilfully and runs into a Temptation, (as it was with Iudas,) God will shew him no Favour, but will execute Martial Law upon him.

The Vses Remain.

Vse 1. See in what continual Danger we are. Satan is an exquisite Artist, a deep Headpiece, he lies in Ambush to ensnare; he is [gap], the Tempter, it is his Delight to make the Saints sin, and he is subtil in tempting; he hath [gap], Ways and Methods to deceive.

First. He brings a Saint into sin, by making him Confide in his habitual Graces. Satan makes him believe he hath such a stock of Grace, as will Antidote him against all Temptations. Thus Satan deceiv'd Peter, he made him trust in his Grace; he had such a Cable of Faith, and strong Tacklings, that tho' the Winds of Temptation did blow never so fierce, he could weather the Point. Tho all men forsake thee, yet, I will not; as if he had more Grace than all the Apostles: thus he was led into Temptation and fell in the Battle; a man may make an Idol of Grace. Habitual Grace is not sufficient without Auxiliary. The Boat needs not only Oars, but a Gale of Wind to carry it against Tide; so we need not only habitual Grace but the blowing of the Spirit to carry us against a strong Temptation.

Secondly. Satan tempts to sin by the Baits and Allurements of the World. Foenus Pecuniae funus Animae—one of Christ's own Apostles was caught with a silver Bait. Such as the Devil cannot debauch with Vice, he will corrupt with Money. All this will I give thee, was his last Temptation, Mat. 4.9. Achan was

deluded by a Wedge of Gold. Silvester the Second did sell his Soul to the Devil for a Popedom.

Thirdly. Satan tempts to sin sub specie boni, under a mask and shew of good; his Temptations seem gracious Motions.

1. He tempts Men to Duties of Religion; you will think this strange that Satan should tempt to duty, but it is so. 1. he tempts Men to duty out of sinister Ends. Thus he tempted the Pharisees to Pray and give Alms, That they might be seen of men, Mat. 6.5. Prayer is a Duty, but to look a squint in Prayer, to do it for Vain-glory, this Prayer is turn'd into sin. 2. He tempts to duty when it is not in season, Numb. 28.2. My Offering and my Bread for my Sacrifices shall ye offer unto me in their due season. 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 will so tempt to one duty as it may hinder another. 3. He tempts some to duty, out of design 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 they might devour widows houses under this pretence, Mat. 23.14. Who would suspect him of false Weights, that so oft holds a Bible in his hand? Thus cunning is Satan, he tempts to duty.

2. He tempts men to sin out of a shew of Love to Christ. You will think this strange, but there's truth in it. Many a good Heart may think what he doth is in love to Christ, and all this while he may be under a Temptation. Christ told Peter, he must suffer at Ierusalem, Peter took him and rebuked him, Be it far from thee, Lord, Mat. 16.21. as if he had said to Christ, Lord thou hast deserved no such shameful death, and this shall not be unto thee. Peter as he thought did this out of love to Christ, but Peter was all this while under a Temptation. What had become of us if Christ had hearkened to Peter, and had not suffered? So when Christ wash'd his Disciples Feet, Peter was so mannerly, that he would not let Christ wash his Feet, Ioh. 13.8. Thou shalt never wash my Feet. This Peter did (as he thought) out of Love and Respect to Christ; Peter thought Christ was too good to wash his Feet, and therefore would have put Christ off; but this was a Temptation, the Devil put Peter upon this sinful Modesty; he struck at Peters Salvation, insomuch that Christ saith, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part in me. So again, when the Samaritans would not receive Christ, the Disciples, Iames and Iohn said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire from Heaven to consume them? Luke 9.54. They did this as they thought out of Love to Christ▪ they would wish for fire to consume his Enemies. But they were under a Temptation, it was not Zeal, but the Wild-fire of their own Passion; Ye know not (saith Christ) what spirits ye are of.

Fourthly. Satan tempts to that sin which a mans Heart is naturally most inclinable to; he will not tempt a civil Man to Gross sin, this is abhorring to the light of Nature. Satan never sets a dish before men that they do not love? but he will tempt a civil man to Pride, and to trust in his own Righteousness; and to make a Saviour of his Civility. 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.

Inference 2. See mans Inability of himself to resist a Temptation. Could he stand of himself against a Temptation, this Prayer were needless, Lead us not into Temptation; no man hath Power of himself to resist a Temptation further than God gives him Strength, Ier. 10.23. O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself. 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, which Confutes the Doctrine of Free-will; what freedom of Will hath man, when he cannot resist the least Temptation?

Infer. 3. Here is Matter of Humiliation that there is in us such an Aptitude and proneness to yield to Temptation—Nitimur in vetitum—we are as ready to swallow a Temptation as the fish to swallow the Bait. If the Devil tempt to Pride, Lust, Envy, Revenge; how do we symbolize with Satan, and embrace his snares. Like a Woman that hath a Suitor come to her, and she doth not need much wooing, she presently gives her Consent. Satan comes a wooing by Temptation, and we soon yield; he strikes fire and we are as dry Tinder that catcheth the first spark. He knocks by temptation, and (it is sad to think how) soon

we open the door to the Devil, which is as if one should open the door to a Thief, this may cause a spring of Tears.

Infer. 4. See hence a Christians Life is no easie life, it is Military; he hath a Goliah in the field to Encounter with, one that is arm'd with Power and Subtilty; he hath his Wiles and Darts. A Christian must be continually Watching and Fighting; Satans Designs carry death in the Front, 1 Pet. 5.8. Seeking whom he he may devour. Therefore we had need be always with our Weapons in our hand. How few think their Life a warfare? Tho' they have an Enemy in the field that is always laying of Snares or shooting of Darts, yet they do not stand Sentinel or get their spiritual Artillery ready? They put on their Iewels, but not their Armour, Iob 21.12. They take the Tymbrel, and Harp, and rejoyce at the sound of the Organ, as if they were rather in Musick than in Battle. Many are asleep in sloth when they should be fighting against Satan, and no wonder the Devil shoots them when he finds them asleep.

Use 2. It reproves them who pray, Lead us not into Temptation, yet run themselves into Temptation. Such are they who go to Plays and Masquerades, and hunt after strange Flesh. Some go a slower pace to Hell, but such as run themselves into Temptation, these go galloping thither; we have too many of these in this debauch'd Age, who as if they thought they could not sin fast enough, tempt the Devil to tempt them.

Vse 3. Exhortation. Let us labour that we be not overcome by temptation.

Quest. What means may be used that Satans Temptations may not prevail against us?

Resp. 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, Eccles. 4 10. Two are better than one. Get into the Communion of Saints, and that is a good Remedy against Temptation.

2. If you would not be overcome of Temptation, beware of the Predominancy of Melancholy. This is Atra bilis, a black Humour seated chiefly in the Brain; Melancholy disturbs Reason, and exposeth to Temptation. One calls Melancholy Balneum Diaboli, the Devils Bath; he baths himself with Delight in such a Person. Melancholy clothes the Mind in Sable, it fills it with such dismal Apprehensions, as oft end in self-murder.

3. If you would not be overcome of Temptation, study Sobriety. 1 Pet. 5.8. Be sober, because your Adversary walketh about. Sober-mindedness consists in the moderate use of earthly Things; an immoderate desire of these things oft brings men into the snare of the Devil. 1 Tim. 6.9. They that will be rich fall into a Snare. He who loves Riches inordinately, will purchase them unjustly. Ahab would swim to Nabo[gap]hs 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. Quid non mortalia pectora cogis auri sacra fames? —Be sober, take heed of being drunk with the love of the World, lest ye fall into Temptation.

4. Be always upon your Guard, watch against Satans Wiles and Subtilties, 1 Pet. 5.8. Be vigilant▪ because your Adversary the Devil walks about. A Christian must Excubias agere, keep Watch and Ward. See where Satan labours to make a Breach, see what Grace he most strikes at, or what sin he most tempts to, Mark 13.37. I say to you all Watch. Watch all the Sences, the Eye, the Ear, the Touch; Satan can creep in here. O how needful is the spiritual Watch! shall Satan be watchful and we drowsie? Doth he watch to devour us, and shall not we watch to save our selves? Let us see what sin our Heart most naturally inclines to, and watch against this.

5. Beware of Idleness. Satan sows most of his seed in fallow Ground; it was Hieroms 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; the Bird that sits still is shot, he that wants Employment, never wants Temptation. When a man hath nothing to do, Satan will bring Grist to the Mill, and find him work enough.

6. Make known thy Case to some godly Friend. The hiding a Serpent in the Bosom, is not the way to be safe. When the old Serpent hath gotten into your Bosom by a Temptation, do not hide him there by keeping his Counsel.

If a spark be got into the Thatch, it is not Wisdom to conceal it, it may set the House on fire; conceal not Temptation. The keeping of 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 Prayer and Advice. Let all see that you are not true to Satans Party, because you tell all his Plots, and reveal his Treasons. Besides, the telling our Case to some Experienced Christian, is the way to have ease; as the opening a Vein gives ease; so the opening our Case to a Friend, gives ease to the Soul, and a Temptation doth not so much inflame.