Satan's Temptations.

Back to Divine Breathings!

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I must not pray simply against temptations—but against the evil of temptation. For a Christian may be tempted and not overcome; a castle may be assaulted, and not taken. If Satan inject an evil motion, and I reject it, this is not mine—but the devil's sin. This shall be a shining jewel in my crown of victory, and an aggravating item in Satan's day of judgment.

Why are you terrified at the roaring of a lion, as if he could not rage—but he must devour? Or as if grace and temptation would not stand together? As if the same afflictions were not accomplished upon your brethren. This is an undoubted truth, that spiritual wickedness is to be found in the most heavenly places; and it is a good sign, when Satan beholds you treading upon his head, and when he is so violent as to bruise your heel.

And this is a comfortable assurance, that if Jesus Christ is your captainto lead you into battle—he will be your champion to bring you out; so that temptation shall be as a file to beautify your soul, and as a sword to wound your adversary.

For my part, I know Satan will be always tempting, therefore I will be always watching; and what I cannot hinder—that I will be sure to hate; so shall it be my joy to conquer temptation, and the devil's misery to fall into his own pit.