The Christian Warrior

Chapter 1

PART II. In our Christian warfare, some directions are necessary

how we are to manage our spiritual combat -- CHAPTER I. IN OUR INFANCY. -- CHAPTER II. TEMPTATIONS IN TIME OF CONVERSION. -- CHAPTER III. FURTHER ASSAULTS OF SATAN. -- CHAPTER IV. TEMPTATIONS IN RIPER YEARS. -- CHAPTER V

Chapter 2

1. The wicked refuse to engage in this war. Instead of fighting the

Lord's battles, they take up arms on the enemy's side. They spend their time in chambering and wantonness, in idleness and carnal security. They are altogether ignorant of Satan's assaults, and of their own danger. Oh th

Chapter 3

1. We wrestle not with flesh and blood, i.e., not with men, but with

devils; not with feeble frail mortals like ourselves; but with mighty hosts of spiritual adversaries, with Satan at their head. The main contest is not with the corruptions of our nature, but with principalities and powe

Chapter 4

2. Our formidable enemies are, "principalities, powers, rulers of

darkness, and spiritual wicked-nesses." A few words for each term, to shew what we have to contend with. PRINCIPALITIES. —Much more than all princes, — Satan rules over all the earth, and is called "the god of this world

Chapter 5

1. This combat is called wrestling, because Satan does not fight with

us at a distance, but comes into close struggle. He closeth in with us, yea, gets within us, and lays hold on the heart. Other enemies may -- 13 of 141 -- lay hold on our bodily limbs, but Satan is a spirit, and lays h

Chapter 6

1. Of terror to the wicked.

Is our spiritual combat a hard wrestling? Then woe to the wicked, who never wrestle at all. Let them know that they are not the Lord's soldiers, but the devil's revelers. As they are his captives, he lets them alone to t

Chapter 7

2. Encouragement to the warriors.

Is our spiritual combat a wrestling? Then courage, Christians! "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." The Christian above all men, needs courage. A cowardly spirit unfits us for the lowest duty. It is th

Chapter 8

3. Motives to continue the war.

There is a necessity for it. Either you must wrestle with the enemy, or be taken captive by him. Shall not this necessity make you fight? Necessity would make cowards fight, and shall you, a soldier of Christ, lay down y

Chapter 9

4. The victory certain to the saints.

God is on the side of all true wrestlers, "And if God be for them, who can prosper against them?" Let this animate your soul to go forward, and expect to conquer—Do you fear that you are in Satan's hands? Know that Satan

Chapter 10

PART II.

In our Christian warfare, some directions are necessary how we are to manage our spiritual combat: for we have subtle and powerful enemies to contend with. We should know these two things in particular: how the enemy ass

Chapter 11

I. SATAN WORKS ON THE INFANT MIND.

There can be little doubt but the devil works on sin wherever he finds it. He finds it in human nature^ as soon as we are in possession of that nature. We were conceived and born in sin, children of wrath, in Satan's kin

Chapter 12

II. THE DUTY OF PARENTS HERE.

They have here cause for bitter lamentation, for that their child is born into the world, in a state of sin, a child of wrath, having a soul -- 24 of 141 -- defiled and pol-luted all over. Pious parents take this to he

Chapter 13

III. THE DUTY OF CHILDREN HERE.

When children are of age to reflect, let them bewail the sin of their nature, and say, "I am a child of Adam, born in sin, and of sinful -- 25 of 141 -- parents. I came into life in a polluted state, and went astray fr

Chapter 14

CHAPTER II.

TEMPTATIONS IN TIME OF CONVERSION. This is the second period of Satan's assault, when we are born again of the Spirit, which generally takes place in time of youth, from twelve to thirty years of age. —In handling this,

Chapter 15

I. SATAN'S ASSAULTS, AT CONVERSION.

Youth, most commonly, is the time of conversion. This is the opinion of our most eminent divines, many of whom might easily be mentioned. Some, it is true, return to God, at every period of life, from childhood to old ag

Chapter 16

II. THE OCCASION OF SATAN'S FIRST AND FURIOUS ASSAULTS.

He was quiet while he could keep his house in peace; but now when the sinner begins to be un-easy about his salvation, the enemy begins -- 28 of 141 -- to rage. The sinner was lately at some sermon, or read some good b

Chapter 17

1. He tries to remove pious thoughts, which lead to holiness. He

saith, what do these strangers here? How came these intruders into my house, to disturb my dwelling? Are these fit companions for the soul, where I bear rule? Away with them, shut them out of doors, for I cannot endure t

Chapter 18

2. The enemy injects wicked thoughts into men's minds, instead of

good. These are the darts which he throws into the soul at pleasure. He constantly employs the mind as far as he can. He strives to keep the soul from having one thought of heaven, or of hell, from one end of the week to

Chapter 19

1. Does Satan know our thoughts? —I answer. So long as they are

simply the inward thoughts of our hearts, he cannot know them. "Thou, Lord, only knowest the hearts of the children of men." 2 Chron. vi. 30.— But we too commonly discover our inmost thoughts to the enemy by the workings

Chapter 20

2. Can Satan keep good thoughts from entering into our minds? —All

the unregenerate are in his kingdom, and under his control and dominion, "He worketh in the children of disobedience, and leads them captive at his will." He so fills their hearts with evil thoughts, that no good thought

Chapter 21

3. Can Satan inject evil thoughts into our hearts? There can be no

doubt, but he instils all manner of wicked thoughts into the minds of his own children. He put it in the heart of Judas to betray his Master, and tilled the hearts of Ananias and Sapphira, to lie unto the Holy Ghost. And

Chapter 22

IV. TEMPTATIONS FROM SATAN, THROUGH MEANS.

-- 31 of 141 -- When the sinner is awakened to see his danger, and begins to seek salvation, the god of this world employs three very powerful agents, to prevent him from escaping out of his dominion, viz. evil men, an

Chapter 23

1. Evil men. Carnal and unbelieving men try and strive hard to keep

young converts from leaving them, to go after Christ. They try at first to allure them, by enticements, flatteries and promises; they cast before them golden apples, to deceive the senses and gratify the appetite. If all

Chapter 24

2. An evil world. The love of the world, and earthly pleasures, fill the

heart of man, until grace enters in. And when holy thoughts, and heavenly affections enter into the heart, the indwelling corruptions cry, "What strangers are these, that disturb our dwelling? We have possessed this hear

Chapter 25

3. The sinful flesh. This is, of all others, the most powerful

instrument that the prince of darkness employs, to keep the awakened sinner in his service. Other instruments can only work upon us, but this works within us, and is always with us; it is ourselves. Flesh, here means, ou

Chapter 26

1. In order to withstand and conquer Satan's assaults, cultivate pious

thoughts, though they are new things to you; yet nothing more useful to the soul. Holy thoughts are precious things; they are God's messengers; they come from God, and lead to God again. Wherever they are entertained, th

Chapter 27

2. Next, complain to God of the enemy's stratagems, to keep pious

thoughts out of thy heart. Tell God in prayer, that his enemy and thine, has got possession of thy fancy and affections, and of all the outer rooms that lead to the privy chamber of thy heart; that he hath barred and bol

Chapter 28

3. Cry to God also against the treachery and wickedness of thine own

heart, and complain of its backwardness to entertain any holy thoughts, and say, " If they offer themselves to me, I join Satan to drive diem away; and when I try to lift up my soul in holy meditation, my fancy and imagi

Chapter 29

4. Dread all wicked thoughts. Doth Satan fill thy heart with proud,

unclean, and unbelieving thoughts? Shew thy abhorrence of them, and reprove thy soul for holding any conference with them. Crush them early at their first rising. If you begin to give way to unhallowed thoughts, you may

Chapter 30

1. Does the enemy tempt you with the world's allurements?

Remember, that the Lord saith to you, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world; if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." God, and an evil world are at such enmity, that we ca

Chapter 31

2. Does the enemy tempt you through the flesh? Remember that the

Lord commands you to mortify the flesh. He saith to you, "Let not sin reign in your mortal bodies, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof." Again, "Put off the old man which is corrupt, according to the deceitful lu

Chapter 32

CHAPTER III.

FURTHER ASSAULTS OF SATAN. If the enemy is at first foiled, and the soul resolved to go on, the Holy Spirit usually leads him on by these steps. 1. Gives him a sight of sin.

Chapter 33

2. A sense of misery. 3. Sorrow for sin. 4. Seeking for comfort. 5. A

sight of Christ. 6. Desire after Christ. 7. Relying on Christ. 8. Obedience to Christ. —Satan counteracts him in every step, and strives to keep the soul in his power. —I shall endevour to describe his modes of assaults,

Chapter 34

1. No sooner hath the Holy Ghost opened the eyes of the soul to see

its sin, but Satan comes on with his fiery darts. Sometimes he makes sin little, and so prevails on the soul to sin on. Sinners are loth to hear the worst of themselves, and therefore, Satan furnishes them with fig-leave

Chapter 35

2. Sometimes he makes sin appear very great. When he sees the soul

dejected on account of offences, then Satan comes in and tells him -- 40 of 141 -- that they are so great, that they cannot be pardoned. — "Think" saith he, "of the evil nature of sin, the number and greatness of those

Chapter 36

1. The nature of the temptation, points out the duty. When the

adversary tries to make you believe, that your sins are little, tell him, that no sins are little, because they are against an infinite God. "Against thee, thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight." All si

Chapter 37

2. When Satan tells you that your sins are too great to be pardoned,

tell him, that some of the very greatest sinners have been pardoned and saved. Idolaters, murderers, and blasphemers, not a few, have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore none shoul

Chapter 38

3. The Lord calleth all sinners, especially those that are weary of sin:

"Come unto me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Is not this enough to keep thine heart from sinking? Remember Bartimeus, the blind man, sitting by the way side. "Be of good comfort, arise

Chapter 39

4. Has the Holy Ghost given you to see and feel your sins very great.

They are so, yet not greater than God is ready to forgive, when you repent. It is the father of lies that tells you they cannot be pardoned, because they are so great. Were they ten thousand times greater than they are,

Chapter 40

5. But how shall I know, whether Satan or the Holy Spirit speaks

unto me, for both tell me, that my sins are very great? I answer, if they degrade the goodness, love, and mercy of God, you may know that this is of the evil spirit. On the contrary, when the Holy Spirit speaks, he recom

Chapter 41

1. When the Holy Spirit convinceth us of sin, we have a sense of

misery. Paul and the jailer trembled. When a man sees imminent danger near him, he naturally trembles. The Spirit keeps the souls he designs for heaven, under a deep sense of sin, that they may dread the way of sin. And

Chapter 42

2. It is a question, how Satan can work this fear on the conscience. It

must be in some such way as this —he aggravates the wounds which the Holy Spirit has made, till they become intolerable. He brings home to the conscience of the trembling sinner, all the threatening's of the word of God

Chapter 43

3. The grand adversary tries hard to drive those that have a deep

sense of sin, into dark despair of eternal life. He speaks in some such horrid language as this— "Vile wretch, wouldst thou now turn to God, in hopes of mercy and grace? What hope can'st thou have so late as this? And ar

Chapter 44

1. Your defense must meet the enemy's attack in every point. Would

he drive you to despair by persuading you that your sins are too great to be pardoned? Retort on him, by saying, that to despair of mercy would be a greater sin than all the rest. Tell him that there is no room for despa

Chapter 45

2. Does the enemy try to frighten you with the rigid justice of

Jehovah? Tell him that justice and mercy have met in the death of Christ, and embraced each other. God can be just, and yet save the sinner. Our God is both righteous and gracious. If the enemy asks, "Can God save such a

Chapter 46

3. Doth the enemy frighten you with the holy law, because you have

so often transgressed it? The law requires of us absolute perfection, and will never justify us without. But we have sinned, and therefore can never be justified by our own merits and obedience: "By the deeds of the law

Chapter 47

4. Does the enemy torment your soul with a dread of hell? If he holds

you over hell, he cannot send you into hell. When he tells you that you deserve hell, remember that heaven is God's gift. And while heaven is offered to you, tell Satan to his face that you will never be his companion in

Chapter 48

5. Doth the enemy tempt you with self-murder? Be aware that this is

by no means an uncommon temptation from the devil; many of God's people in every age of the world have been harassed and tormented with it. Many that are now in heaven, far out of the reach of temptation, have been exerc

Chapter 49

6. We see the strongest proofs of Satan's malice and impudence,

when he tempts the Redeemer of the world, and the redeemed, with the most horrid of all sins. For this sin is against law and gospel, against God and man, and against conscience and all happiness. It is of all others the

Chapter 50

7. We have said enough to shew the difference between the Holy

Spirit's and the evil spirit's operations on our minds, though each of them may bring us into bondage. But there is this material difference. Where the Holy Spirit works conviction of sin, he inspires hope in the soul: b

Chapter 51

V. SATAN'S ASSAULTS WHEN WE SORROW FOR SIN.

The next work of the Holy Spirit, is to cause sorrow for sin: to take away the stony heart, and to give us a heart of flesh; that is, a soft and tender heart. The Spirit of God works on the affections, and melts them int

Chapter 52

1. Satan counteracts this work of the Spirit, and strives with all his

might, to keep the heart in a stubborn hardened state. He well knows, that if the soul of a poor sinner is bruised and made to feel the burden of sin, that he will not stay long in his dominion. When he sees the tears of

Chapter 53

1. Does the enemy persuade thee not to sorrow for sin? There is

cause enough for thine heart to weep, for the heart is the fountain of all filthy thoughts, bad passions, polluting speeches, and rebellious actions. There is therefore every reason why this heart should be the fountain

Chapter 54

2. Or, does the enemy try to swallow up thine heart with overmuch

sorrow? This is more usual with God's people. Many a godly soul hath complained, my sins are enormously great, and yet my sorrow is very slight, and bears no proportion to my offences; and I dare not yet apply the promis

Chapter 55

1. Consider who it is that calls you. It is he that came into the world,

to bruise the serpent's bead. He is Immanuel, God in the flesh; He is -- 53 of 141 -- the Savior of the world, one that hath all power in heaven and earth; one almighty to save. This is the person that cries now from t

Chapter 56

2. Consider next, whom he does call. Is it not those that are weary

and heavy laden? Is it not those who mourn and groan under the weight of sin? And do not all the invitations and promises of the Gospel belong to those that mourn in Sion? Mourners in Sion, who are meek and lowly of hear

Chapter 57

3. Consider lastly, for what end doth he call you? Is it not to take

possession of Christ, and all the privileges of his kingdom? Is it not that we may have fellowship with the Father and with the Son? Is it not that we may have reconciliation with God, and sweet communion with our Lord a

Chapter 58

1. It is not so much your loose companions that are your tempters to

evil, as the devil in and by them. When Peter tried to persuade his Master to avoid sufferings, Christ rebuked the evil spirit that spoke in Peter, and said, "Get thee behind me, Satan." Peter was set to work by Satan, t

Chapter 59

2. Next, for the temptation to rest in religious duties, without going

to Christ. We are all naturally prone to rest on our own works, for this was in the beginning, the way of life, "Do this and live." Though this door is forever shut against us all, yet still we try to establish our own r

Chapter 60

IX. SATAN'S ASSAULTS ON OUR SIGHT OF CHRIST.

The soul now understands that there is no true and lasting comfort to be enjoyed, but in Christ, and begins to seek him in good earnest. Young converts cry to one another, "Come, let us return unto the Lord, for he hath

Chapter 61

1. Labor to see the glory of Christ. His glory is above the heavens, and

far above all things that exist. The stars in the heavens are very brilliant luminaries; but as soon as the sun appears, they are all eclipsed. So the magnificence and glory of the whole universe vanish and disappear, wh

Chapter 62

2. Labor to have such practical and experimental knowledge of Christ

as will deeply influence and win your heart. Alas! Most men rest in mere notions about Christ. The knowledge they have of him has no power with the soul; it leaves them the same characters without any change of heart or

Chapter 63

3. Labor to know Christ as the object of faith, as well as of the

understanding. Many search for Christ as mere students, and not as believers. If you set Christ before you as the object of faith, this will greatly help to draw your faith into action. As the setting of temptation befor

Chapter 64

4. Labor to know Jesus Christ as your justifying righteousness. The

Spirit of God convinceth all the souls that he bringeth to salvation, that they must be saved in the way of righteousness. He gives them to feel that they have no righteousness of their own, because they have broken the

Chapter 65

1. When the soul is conducted thus far, the Holy Ghost creates in him

some desires and longings after Christ. And, indeed, how can it be otherwise? He has heard so much about the transactions on Calvary, and of the wonderful mercies of God in Christ, that the soul begins to taste some swee

Chapter 66

2. Now Satan sees that this soul is not far from the kingdom of

heaven, he therefore bestirs himself, and practiseth all the policy of hell against him, to cause him to break down somewhere. He now -- 63 of 141 -- summons his legions to use all subtilty against this soul, who is ab

Chapter 67

1. Here attend to these duties. Be not satisfied with sudden pangs of

affection, but labor to preserve those impressions, which the Spirit has made on your soul. So the Apostle saith, "That we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time, we shoul

Chapter 68

2. Try your desires by the touch-stone of God's word. But how may I

be assured, that my desires after Christ are true, and not false? Try them by these marks. Every true desire after Christ and salvation, is joined with a firm resolution to sell all for Christ, to part with all sin, to b

Chapter 69

XIII. SATANS ASSAULTS UPON RELYING ON CHRIST.

The Holy Spirit, who leads on the soul by steps, begins now to work in the soul a relying on Christ. And this is that act of faith, to which justification is promised. It is called affiance, dependance, and reliance. Any

Chapter 70

1. He first of all attacks his faith, in various ways. He strives to keep

the hand of faith from laying hold on the promises of God, and saith to the soul, "These promises are indeed very great and precious; but what have you to do with them? They are not made to you, it would therefore be the

Chapter 71

2. He tries next to destroy the comforts of believing. He breeds in the

soul a strong suspicion that he does not believe. And here the soul complains in this mournful strain, "Alas! I cannot think that I really and truly rest on Christ. I seem to cleave more frequently to earthly things, tha

Chapter 72

1. Does your great enemy try to separate your soul from the

promises? Then take this course to ward off his temptations. First of all, treasure up the promises of God in your mind and memory, that they may be ready at hand on all occasions, especially in dark nights -- 68 of 141

Chapter 73

2. Again: "Doth the tempter tell you, that your faith is not constant,

and always alike, therefore no true faith."—This is a fallacy, and not truth. The experience of all saints can tell you, that faith hath its flowing's and ebbing's. Christians are on the mount of joy, and in the valley o

Chapter 74

1. The last act of the Spirit as to conversion, is to work in the soul an

obedience to Christ. —True faith cannot be without works; the soul that truly takes Christ, as a Savior to deliver him from the misery of sin, is willing also to take him as a Lord and King, to serve, love, honor and obe

Chapter 75

2. Here the evil spirit tries first to persuade the believing soul, that

works are no way necessary now, when he is saved by grace. He would make him believe, that a naked Christ, and a naked faith is quite enough. The enemy saith to the young convert, "Hear no sermons, but those that hold fo

Chapter 76

1. Doth the tempter say that a naked faith is enough? This is false, a

naked faith is no faith at all. That faith alone is true, which worketh by love. John Huss used to say, "that where good works appeared not without, faith was not within." —There is a natural connection between faith and

Chapter 77

2. Are you trembling and fearing that you are nothing but a

hypocrite, and not a real believer? Then examine whether your good works proceed from nature or from grace. If from nature, you seek your own glory, like the pharisees of old. But if they proceed from faith, you seek to

Chapter 78

CHAPTER IV.

TEMPTATIONS IN RIPER YEARS. The third period of Satan's assaults, is from regeneration to the day of death. I shall handle the subject as before, and show first how Satan tempts, and then, how we are to defend ourselves.

Chapter 79

I. OF SATAN'S PERSECUTIONS BY THE WORLD.

Christ saith to the Church of Smyrna. "Satan shall cast some into prison," This he did by the aid of his instruments, the world. He rules -- 75 of 141 -- in the hearts of the wicked, and directs their thoughts, wills a

Chapter 80

1. Take heed that you do not slacken your pace in religion because of

reproaches. What though they cast filth in our way, shall we turn from the heavenly road on that account? What though clouds and darkness cover us for a time, shall we turn our backs on Christ? No, no; the sun runs its c

Chapter 81

2. Consider how God and Christ are reproached daily. See how men

trample on the laws and government of God every day. See how the -- 77 of 141 -- tremendous threatening's of God's word, are scorned by a blind world. This made Bolton to say, "If any man was to receive the insults whi

Chapter 82

3. Consider the great mercy of God in concealing the secret sins of

our thoughts. Were God to turn our inside outwards, and discover all the filth and baseness within the heart, it would make us afraid of the society of men. While we remember what evils abound in human nature, which we p

Chapter 83

4. Let us mourn before God, and lay our case before him. When

Rabshekah reviled God and his people, Hezekiah spread the letter before the Lord, and made his moan there. This was the practice of Job and David. My friends scorn me, saith Job, but mine eyes pour out tears unto God. An

Chapter 84

5. Return good for evil, as occasion occurs. Being reviled, we bless;

being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat. Thus, if we can pray for our reproachers, and desire good for them, and be willing to notice any good in them, and be ready to offer any offices of love, respect

Chapter 85

III. OF SATAN'S TEMPTATIONS BY THE FLESH.

-- 79 of 141 -- Our temptations come in various ways. There are temptations by Satan himself; there are some by ourselves; and there are some jointly by him and us. He can tempt when we do not join with him; and we can

Chapter 86

1. The evil spirit sees, that worldliness is the right hand, and darling

sin of some. Then he pushes them forward in that direction. He paints the world in glowing colors, before their imagination, as he did to Christ on the mountain. He draws many beautiful pictures of it, and exhibits them

Chapter 87

2. He at times, brings the world itself, or the things of the world

before men's eyes, to allure their senses: thus he set the Babylonish garment before the eye of Achan; and Naboth's vineyard before the eye of Ahab; and Bathsheba, before the eye of David. And then, according to the prov

Chapter 88

3. The enemy, most commonly, comes at the heart, through the

imaginations and affections, and then gains the will. It is an easy -- 81 of 141 -- thing for him to win them all, when they are so ready to listen to his suggestions, and willing of themselves to yield to his temptati

Chapter 89

1. Consider, that worldliness produces many other sins. What frauds,

what deceits, what perjuries, what cruelties, what hatred, what murders, and what villainies, have been practiced, for the nourishing of this lust! Other sins have their bad effects; but this is of all others, the most s

Chapter 90

2. Consider that worldliness is attended with manifold sorrows. It

abounds with cares, and is full of snares; it is also full of labor. Men toil all day, and cannot rest at night. The fear of losing, pierceth as much, as the pains of getting; there is no end of their travail: it is full

Chapter 91

3. Consider, that a man's life depends not on the abundance he

possesseth. The usefulness, happiness and comforts of his life, proceed not from earthly treasures, but from the God that made them; therefore the meek alone shall inherit the earth, because God is their portion. The wic

Chapter 92

4. Consider, "That no man that warreth, entangleth himself with the

affairs of this life." What are we but warriors, against sin, Satan, the world and the flesh. Why then should we entangle ourselves with the affairs of this life. To use the world is lawful and right, but to be entangled

Chapter 93

5. Consider the words of the Preacher. "Vanity of vanities, all is

vanity." Yes, all is vanity. There is nothing under heaven but you may write upon it, "this is vanity." Dr. Arrowsmith, saith, "O deluded world." Write over thy schools. "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,"—Over a

Chapter 94

6. Consider the counsel and promise of God himself Let your

conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have, for he hath said, "I will never, never, never leave thee nor forsake thee." Surely such an assurance must fix your heart forever. —Hark a

Chapter 95

7. Act thy faith upon those promises in Heb. xiii. 5, Rev. iii. 21, Rev.

xxi. 7, Matt. xix. 29. Oh the fulness and freeness of these precious promises. How can you want anything, when you have a commission from God himself, to draw on the bank of heaven? Let him that is without God in the wor

Chapter 96

8. Commend thyself to God in prayer, that he may present thee

faultless before the presence of his glory; that he may incline thine heart unto his testimonies, and not to covetousness, that he may prepare thy soul, and speed his work and hasten his coming. "Make haste, my beloved,

Chapter 97

9. Look up to heaven, till you grow more and more weary of the

world. A man that would always live here, knows nothing of heaven. Christian, you cannot but long for your heavenly home, for in those blessed mansions above, you shall have a pure company, out of the reach of danger and

Chapter 98

10. Go beforehand into that world to come; mind thy eternity, into

which thou must enter: the Lord knows, how soon. It is a wonderful thing that men of reason, who are here today, and tomorrow in endless joy or misery, should ever forget such an inexpressible concern. Come, shake off th

Chapter 99

11. Think of thy beginning, and thy ending. —As to thy beginning,

thou sprangest from nothing. What, and where wert thou, a few years ago? Where wert thou when thy father was born? Not one now living on the earth, had a being a few years ago. And those that are now alive, after moving

Chapter 100

VI. TEMPTATIONS TO FLESHLY LUSTS.

The sin of incontinency, is called by the Apostle, "Turning aside after Satan." The devil and this sin act together on man, and it is properly called uncleanness. (See Rom. i. 24, Eph. iv. 10.) Some call these lusts, the

Chapter 101

1. He observes the temperature and complexion of such a man. If he

be sanguine, he takes advantage of it, and tempts him to incontinency, and all pleasures of the flesh. All ought, but few can say with Paul, "I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection." Our outward enemies, thou

Chapter 102

2. Satan frequently sets before a lascivious man some tempting

object; as he tempted David with the beauty of Bathsheba in the garden. Satan need do no more with a wanton man, than to say, "See! yonder is a naked breast, a naked neck, and naked arm." When you see such signs hang at

Chapter 103

3. The enemy goes farther than presenting the object; he works on

the imagination, (which is Satan's chief seat in the soul;) there he works in the children of disobedience, and by their imagination, moves to many base lusts. In this respect, who has not reason to cry out, "O wretched

Chapter 104

4. Satan can do somewhat more than inject and suggest evil

thoughts, for he can mightily irritate and provoke; he can stir up the heart to be willing to entertain such a passion, as he provoked David to number the people, and to commit adultery with Bathsheba. When he began with

Chapter 105

1. Avoid all occasions of lusts. The Jewish doctors advised their

young men never to feed their eyes by staring on tempting objects. It will be our wisdom to check the beginning of temptations; to cast away the first thoughts of any vile sin with indignation. Surely, if we begin to par

Chapter 106

2. Set a guard on the outward senses. "He that looketh on a woman

to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart," are the words of Christ." Looking at alluring beauties is the way to be ensnared. "I have made a covenant with my eyes," saith Job, "why then sho

Chapter 107

3. Exercise all thy affections, of desire, of love, and joy, on Jesus

Christ, Is he not thy bridegroom? Hath not he betrothed thee to himself in holiness? And wilt thou serve his enemy, by indulging base affections? Oh! What indignity is this to thy Savior? If there be any thing of Christ

Chapter 108

4. Avoid idleness; for that is the proper soil for these filthy weeds to

grow in. Vile thoughts seldom occur when the soul is usefully employed. A man that is diligent in his calling, hath employment for his thoughts; but if a man be idle, the devil soon employs him. As a standing pool grows

Chapter 109

5. Keep under thy body, and bring it into subjection; subdue thy flesh

to the obedience and discipline of the Spirit of God. Mortify thy members in the exercise of piety, and be temperate in all things. The body must be so dieted, that it may be always ready for the holy war. -- 91 of 141

Chapter 110

6. Be regular and sincere in studying the scriptures. Bead, hear, and

meditate, on the word of God, which Paul calls, "The sword of the Spirit." When Christ had his combat with Satan, he did not use his authority, and command him away, but referred to the scriptures. Mere reasoning will ne

Chapter 111

7. Keep in view the promises to warriors: "Whoso pleaseth God, shall

escape temptation. The God of peace sanctify you wholly: and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body, may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: faithful is he that calleth you, who also

Chapter 112

8. Live in Prayer. A man is never overcome by temptation, while he

continues praying. If you persevere in prayer, Satan can never prevail against you. But what should I pray for? Pray that God may purify your heart, and sanctify it by his Holy Spirit. Pray that God may strengthen you to

Chapter 113

9. Be much in meditation on God's presence, who sees in darkness as

in the day. You would be ashamed to be seen of men, and is not God of purer eyes? Think, that sinful pleasures are but for a moment, but the gnawing of thy guilty conscience will abide forever. Let the thoughts of thy de

Chapter 114

10. Look to Jesus in his death and sufferings; did he endure such

intolerable agonies, torture, and torments for thy sins? And canst those still practice those sins with delight? Rather cry aloud, that virtue may flow from his wounds to mortify thy lusts, and to purify thy heart. Looki

Chapter 115

11. The last thing that I shall mention is Marriage. The principal end

of marriage, is to keep a man chaste; and all that have not the gift of continency should marry: "To avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife." Yet, marriage without repentance of former sins, will not abate si

Chapter 116

VIII. TEMPTATIONS TO PRIDE.

This sin is naturally stronger in some than others, though none are free from this "pride of life." It is often difficult to ascertain which is the master sin in most men. Yet some particular sin takes the lead in every

Chapter 117

1. BEAUTY. —This is but a skin deep. None so beautiful but are

excelled by some flowers of the field, such as the rose and the lily. "Beauty is vanity; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." That is the best beauty which a picture cannot express. Boast not of thy

Chapter 118

2. SPIRITUAL GIFTS. —As the natural man is tempted with natural

things, such as beauty, strength, riches and apparel; so the Christian is tempted with spiritual things, such as, gifts, graces, and privileges. GIFTS: —Hast thou gifts, know that they are not thine own, but God's gifts.

Chapter 119

3. I shall here propose some GENERAL RULES for us to observe at

all times, and on all occasions to resist and mortify the sin of pride. Press into God's presence. Consider the purity, majesty and glory of God. One view of his glorious majesty, would overwhelm thy soul with fear. When

Chapter 120

IX. TEMPTATIONS TO ANGRY PASSIONS.

Some are constitutionally choleric, and prone to anger; and some grow into that temper of mind, by indulging their bad passions. When Satan finds one in a bad passion, he urges him on till he is furious: he takes great a

Chapter 121

1. Be humbled for past transgressions, especially for the sins that you

have been most prone unto. Oh, the good you would get by this humiliation! Is not this the way to mortify sin at the heart-root? Weeds are easier got up when the root is moistened, than when the root is dry. Anger and pa

Chapter 122

2. Renew your covenant with God, day by day. It may be, that you

naturally are overcome with passions; then say each morning, I may in the course of the day, meet with something to disquiet my heart, I will therefore in the strength of Christ resolve, that whatever trial meet me this

Chapter 123

3. Set a high price upon quietness of spirit, and peace of mind:

"Better is a dry morsel and quietness therewith, than an houseful of -- 105 of 141 -- sacrifices, with strife." There is as much difference between quietness and strife, as there is between a stormy, dark, tempestuous

Chapter 124

4. Remove the occasion of anger. When curious vessels were

presented to the king of Thrace, he admired their beauty; but knowing them to be very brittle, he brake them, lest his servants should do so, and put him in a passion, which he was prone to fall into. When Saul cast a ja

Chapter 125

5. Divert your attention from what provokes you. It was no bad

counsel that was given to a choleric man, by a friend, who said, "Check your passions till you have time to count twenty, or go over the alphabets." When the mind is once diverted, there will be room to deliberate. The p

Chapter 126

6. Resist this sin of passion at its first breaking out. A little thing may

quench a spark, before it breaks out into a flame; but if you stay awhile, buckets of water will not do it. Meddle not with contention. Take as great care to quench the first spark of anger, as you would to put out a spa

Chapter 127

7. Be convinced, that it is much better to endure wrong, than to be

sinfully angry for that wrong. In bearing wrong, Satan cannot hurt you; but if he can put you into an angry fit, he has advantage against you. Augustine saith, "When the fowler has laid his nets, he throws -- 107 of 141

Chapter 128

9. Therefore, set before you the example of Christ. Imitate this

example, till it affect your heart, and change it into the same image. It is reported of a very pious Earl, who was remarkable for a quiet spirit under all the injuries he met with, that his wife asked him, how he came t

Chapter 129

10. Pray down the sin of anger, and earnestly beg for the spirit of

meekness. Entreat the Lord to quiet and sweeten thy froward nature; pray also for heavenly mindedness, that you may not be disquieted with worldly cares. A heavenly-minded Christian, is not soon cast -- 109 of 141 -- d

Chapter 130

I. ON CONDEMNING OUR BRETHREN.

-- 110 of 141 -- This is a very common sin. St. Paul blames the Corinthians, and St. James rebukes the Jews, for their extreme partiality for the rich, and their contempt of their poor brethren. There is a warrantable r

Chapter 131

1. Own the people that fear God, let them be ever so poor in this

world. "For God hath chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom of heaven." They are the glory of God, the treasure of God, the portion of God, and his peculiar people. And shall we be as

Chapter 132

2. Cleave close to them that fear God. "Mind not high things, but

condescend to men of low estate." Jerome advised his friends to go often to the cells of the poor and needy. Rich men will associate with the rich, and also with the profane and debauched poor, that will flatter their vi

Chapter 133

3. Delight in these people, as those in whom God himself delights.

King David said unto the Lord, "My goodness extendeth not to thee, but to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight." Kings have their delights, and the poor saints were King David

Chapter 134

4. Do them good, as the best and chief objects of charity. "Do good

unto all men; but especially unto them that are of the household of faith."—There is a mistaken charity. If you are loving and charitable to all sorts of men, without distinction, it may get you a name and good report, a

Chapter 135

III. ON THE USE OF UNLAWFUL MEANS.

If we are in adversity, Satan will tempt us to use unlawful means to relieve ourselves. Thus when Christ had no ordinary means of getting breads the enemy tempts him to work a miracle. When Esau came out of the field, we

Chapter 136

1. Consider, that all good things are beautiful, when rightly

performed. Therefore the godly man ever inquires, what is just and right. Not what may be gained by fraud, deceit, and falsehood; but what is right in the sight of God. "Better is a little with righteousness, than great

Chapter 137

2. Consider, that when ordinary and lawful means fail, it is never

necessary to use unlawful means. Do you say, "I must live, and I must maintain my family?" You had better perish, than live by breaking God's commandments. If you die for want of means to live, you may go to heaven like

Chapter 138

3. Consider, that what is got with ill meant, is got with God's anger,

and the shipwreck of a good conscience. A hard bargain indeed! What if you get riches by a false oath or a lie? Surely truth and a good conscience, which you part with, are of far greater value. Oh it is a pitiful exchan

Chapter 139

4. Labor to live a life of faith. If lawful means fail, as bread in famine;

even then, "trust in the Lord, and do good, and verily thou shalt be fed." Yes, verily, thou shalt be fed. In troublesome times, "The just -- 115 of 141 -- must live by faith" on the promises of God. Abraham did so whe

Chapter 140

CHAPTER VI.

OF OUR SPIRITUAL CONDITION. There are weak Christians, and some strong in the faith. Satan has temptations for each of them. The weak he tempts to errors, despondency, blind zeal, &c. The strong he tempts to pride, hypoc

Chapter 141

1. If Christians are but weak in knowledge, the deceiver leads them

into some false doctrines, and persuades them that such are some precious truths of the gospel. If men are godly, he cannot seduce -- 116 of 141 -- them into damnable errors; but he often leads them into very injurious

Chapter 142

2. This hath been Satan's great design in all ages of the church, to

raise up some impostors and notable seducers, to perplex and trouble the church of God. Having no comfort in himself, he envies those that have, and casts stumbling-blocks in their way, to disturb them in their journey h

Chapter 143

1. That you may be able to overcome Satan, take care that you clearly

understand, and firmly believe, the grand fundamental doctrines of the gospel; without which, there is no heaven, no salvation. The ripest Christians must have daily recourse to the first principles of Christ's religion.

Chapter 144

2. Take heed that you never spend your time and thoughts in

controversies. The enemy hath not prevailed in anything like to this. Controversies are fuel to the fire of contention, which is blown up by evil spirits. What fierce contests do we see about church government, and disci

Chapter 145

3. Get a humble heart, and a meek spirit. God reveals his secrets to

the humble and meek. "The meek will be guide in judgment, and the meek will he teach his way." God will break his mind to the broken in heart. These are the men that will find out truth in controversy. Oh! What contentio

Chapter 146

4. Walk according to the truths you have received, and when you are

found faithful over a little, more shall be given you. When you act according to the light you have, God will lead you on, and reveal more of his mind unto you. We have a plain scripture for this. "Let us therefore, as m

Chapter 147

5. Be much in reading and hearing the word of God. So Jesus

directed the Jews, that they might be convinced that he was their expected Messiah. "Search the Scriptures; for they are they that testify of me." There is enough in the Scriptures, to keep us from errors, in all things

Chapter 148

III. STRONG CHRISTIANS' TEMPTATIONS.

If Christians are strong in grace, Satan tempts them to boast and pride themselves in their strength of grace already received. Thus he dealt with Peter, when he made that confident boasting, and said to his Master, "Tho

Chapter 149

1. Consider, if thou art conceited of thy strength in grace, that thou

art in danger of neglecting thy duties, and in the ready way to despise ordinances, except some favorable preacher enters the pulpit. Such were the Corinthians, whom Paul reproved in this ironical style, "Now ye are full

Chapter 150

2. Consider, that a high conceit of thy strength in grace, will make

thee too bold and presumptuous, Mr. Gurnal tells us: "The humble Christian is the wary Christian, he knows his weakness, and this makes him afraid; with my weak head, saith he, I may soon be led into error, and heresy. I

Chapter 151

3. Consider, that a conceit of thy strength in grace, will make thee

cruel to thy weak brethren, in their infirmities. Surely this sin ill -- 121 of 141 -- becomes a saint. It is the Apostle's counsel: "If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the

Chapter 152

4. Consider, that the strongest Christian hath not his strength in

himself, but in the Lord Christ: "I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." As all the myrrh and odors of Esther's purification, her riches and costly apparel, were all given her out of the king's house; and the royal

Chapter 153

5. Consider, Christian, that the stronger thou art in grace, the lower

thou shouldst be in humility. "The more holy, the more lowly." Who so exalted as Christ, and who so humble? We see in him, that the highest excellence, and the deepest humility go together. Some think, that great humilit

Chapter 154

6. Consider, that the more lowly and meek the soul is made, the more

it is fitted for all the duties of religion» and to make progress in grace. It makes him to profit by affliction, like the vine under the hand of the dresser. A broken heart, like the broken ground, is prepared to receiv

Chapter 155

V. OF SATAN'S SUGGESTIONS.

When his temptations do not prevail, he has recourse to these injections, by himself. He opens his quiver, and sends out a shower of these arrows, and fills the soul with consternation and horror. These blasphemous thoug

Chapter 156

VI. DIRECTIONS TO THE CHRISTIAN WARRIOR.

Before we come to the directions, I would briefly observe, that it is very difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish always between the injections of Satan, and the workings of our own corruptions. I have, at differen

Chapter 157

1. Let us beat them back as much as we can. Let us never consent or

approve of them, and we are safe. This may comfort us, whether they come from Satan or ourselves; and we should not perplex ourselves much in inquiring where they come from: let them come from where they may, if we hate

Chapter 158

2. Let us not stop to debate and argue the point with the tempter; but

instantly bid him to depart. So did Christ deal with him, when he tempted him to fall down and worship him: Away! Satan! Saith Christ. Let us follow this example; for we have no chance to debate with such a subtle sophis

Chapter 159

3. During the hour and power of darkness, avoid solitariness and

desert places, where Satan hath the greatest advantage for all his assaults. When Christ was to be tempted, the Holy Spirit led him into the wilderness, that Satan might have the utmost advantage * against him. He attack

Chapter 160

4. We must guard against idleness. Holy exercises, and the duties of

our lawful callings, should occupy our whole time. Converse much with wise and pious persons: consult them, and follow their direction. Be often and fervent in prayer, that you may not be led into temptation: say to Chri

Chapter 161

CHAPTER VII.

ASSAULTS AT THE END OF LIFE. We have already considered the assaults of our enemies at three different periods of our lives, that is: 1. In childhood. 2. In the time of conversion. 3. In after life. And now we shall noti

Chapter 162

1. If God permits, and in some instance, he does permit, some of the

best of men to have their fiercest conflicts at the end of life; the excellent Mr. Bolton says: "That it is Satan's policy to conceal his most desperate assaults unto. the last. He reserves his keenest darts, his most de

Chapter 163

2. I have often wondered, why some of the saints are not most

troubled in death. We see many of them pass out of the world without any molestation; but it is not the will of the enemy to let them go free: God hath him in a chain, and restrains his malice, so that he is compelled to

Chapter 164

3. There can be no doubt, that such a subtle enemy as the devil, has

an endless variety of temptations for dying men. But our time is too short to fathom the depths of Satan; we can yet only guess at the variety of the enemy's assaults on Christians at their death. A few of them are these

Chapter 165

II. FIRST, OF PRESUMPTION, AT DEATH.

Some may be tempted on their death-bed, to trust to the goodness of their past lives; they see, that their lives have been holy, that they have walked before God in truth, and with a perfect heart, and have done that whi

Chapter 166

III. THE CHRISTIAN WARRIOR'S DUTY.

Trust to nothing in yourself} for all is of grace. Whatsoever good you have done, or howsoever holy your life has been, it was not of yourself, but of the free gift and grace of God in Christ Jesus: "What have we, that w

Chapter 167

2. Rest not on anything short of Christ Jesus; neither on grace, nor

duties, nor holiness; none of which are to be trusted for a foundation. We must indeed hold them fast in point of practice and obedience; but it would be our sin and danger, to hold them fast in reliance and confidence.

Chapter 168

3. We must roll ourselves on Christ, and Christ alone, for life and

salvation. Bellarmine, the self-righteous Papist, went so far as to say: "It is well to rely on works, on saints and angels; but it is safer to rely on Christ himself." Angels are ministering servants, and are commission

Chapter 169

IV. OF DESPONDENCY IN DEATH.

When Satan fails to lead men to presumption, he will strive to send them to despondency and despair. This is the gulph that swallowed up many souls. If he prevails here, he gains his point, and makes sure of his prey; th

Chapter 170

1. Consider, that it is as easy with God, upon true repentance, to

forgive the greatest sins as the least; and that he is as willing to forgive many sins, as to pardon one. His mercy indeed shineth more, in pardoning great sinners, than small offenders; as appears in the case of Manasse

Chapter 171

2. Consider, that Christ is the remedy appointed of God the Father,

to save sinful souls. If Satan then tells us, that we are miserable sinners, and must despair, we may answer: "That Christ came into the world to save sinners." A good woman that was sorely harassed with temptations, sai

Chapter 172

3. Many of the saints of God have reaped no small benefit by

recording the dealings of God with their own souls, and looking over them in times of distress. Dr. Calamy speaks of a very good woman that had for many years written down her evidences for heaven. Before she died, she w

Chapter 173

4. Study the promises which best suit your trials and conditions, such

as these: "Behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not." "I am persuaded, that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor po

Chapter 174

5. Pray earnestly, that the Lord may step in, and help you, by the

power of his might. This was the way of the saints of old; I shall mention a few. Jerome speaks of two ladies, eminent in holiness, who prayed earnestly, that those envious spirits might not disturb them in their last pa

Chapter 175

7. Mind the witness of the Spirit, in times past, or present.

Sometimes when the enemy is most busy, the Lord steps in with his testimony, and stops the lion's mouth, that he can say no more. Surely this should be noticed by us. One Edward Gee had a sore temptation on his death bed