A Comfort for the Feeble-Minded
WILLIAM PERKINS • SATAN'S SOPHISTRY
A Comfort for the Feeble-Minded Wherein is Set Down that Spiritual Combat Which is Between a Christian and Satan.
Lidia.
Sir, I heard you with much comfort when you preached upon the temptations of Christ. I pray you instruct me concerning the temptations of a Christian, and give me leave to ask you certain questions.
Paul.
Say on.
Lidia.
What is it which we call Christian warfare?
Paul.
Christian warfare is concerning the right way of fighting in the spiritual battle.
Lidia.
Which are the parts thereof?
Paul.
The parts thereof are the preparation for battle and the combat itself.
Lidia.
How may I prepare myself for it?
Paul.
For the preparation, you must use the complete armour of God (Eph. 6:13). For this cause, take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day; and having finished all things, stand fast.
Lidia.
How many parts does this armour have?
Paul.
The parts thereof are especially six: 1. truth; 2. justice; 3. Evangelical obedience; 4. faith; 5. the word of God; 6. continual and fervent prayer with watching, as you may read in Ephesians 6:14-18.
Stand fast, therefore, your loins girded about with truth, and having
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on the breastplate of righteousness; 15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; 16. Above all, take the shield of Faith, wherewith you may quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;
17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God; 18. And pray always with all manner of prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watch thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints. 1 Peter 5:8. Be sober and watch, for your adversary the devil, as a roaring Lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour.
Lidia.
What then is the combat?
Paul.
The combat is a mutual conflict of those who fight spiritually.
Lidia.
Who are the warriors?
Paul.
The warriors are the tempter and the Christian soldier (Eph.
6:12). For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, and against the worldly governors, the princes of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness which is in high places.
Lidia.
Whom do you call the tempter?
Paul.
The tempter is the Prince or his helpers. The Prince is Satan and his Angels, which are spiritual wickedness in high places. His helpers are the flesh and the world.
Lidia.
What is the conflict of these warriors?
Paul.
The conflict of all these is temptation, whereby a person is provoked to commit such wickedness as is harmful to the salvation of their soul (1 Pet. 2:11). Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which fight against the soul.
Lidia.
What must I note in this Christian soldier?
WILLIAM PERKINS • SATAN'S SOPHISTRY
Paul.
In the soldier, two things are to be considered: his resisting and his fall.
Lidia.
What is his resistance?
Paul.
Resistance is an action whereby the soldier withstands temptation through grace working inwardly in him (1 John 2:14). I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked.
(1 Pet. 5:8), (Eph. 6:16), (Psalms 91:13). Thou shalt walk upon the Lion and Asp, the young Lion and the Dragon shalt thou tread under feet.
Lidia.
How is this resistance confirmed?
Paul.
To confirm this, the following safeguards are very necessary:
When you are tempted to sin, not only abstain from it but earnestly love and pursue the opposite (John 8:44).
Never yield or consent to Satan's words, whether he speaks the truth, accuses falsely, or flatters dissemblingly (John 8:44). You are of your father the Devil, and the lusts of your father you will do: he has been a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth because there is no truth in him: when he speaks a lie, then he speaks of his own; for he is a liar, and the father thereof. (Mark
1:24) And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus the Son of the most high God? And Jesus said, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. (Acts 16:17) She followed Paul and us, and cried, saying: These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation, etc. (Augustine, sermon
241).
Expect one temptation after another, especially when your enemy, after setting his snares, is at rest, for the devil never ceases his malice (1 Peter 5:8).
Lidia.
I have heard how to resist; teach me, I pray you, what is his fall.
WILLIAM PERKINS • SATAN'S SOPHISTRY
Paul.
The fall is when the soldier, through infirmity, faints, being subdued by the power of the enemy (Galatians 6:1). Brethren, if a man be fallen by occasion into any fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one with the spirit of meekness, considering thyself lest thou also be tempted.
Lidia.
If I fall, how may I rise?
Paul.
To this pertains the spiritual remedy; now, a remedy is something that has the aptness to restore someone who has fallen to their former state (Galatians 6:1).
And here, two things must always be considered:
If there be a willing mind, everyone is accepted for the grace they have, not for what they do not have (2 Corinthians 8:12). For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what a man has and not according to what he does not have.
In all these things, whoever will lead a godly life in Christ, the power of God is to be made perfect through their infirmity (2
Corinthians 12:9). And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee, for my power is made perfect through weakness: very gladly therefore will I rejoice rather in mine infirmities, that the power of God may dwell in me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in anguish for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Lidia.
But since Satan is my adversary, instruct me how many his assaults are.
Paul.
Assaults are threefold.
Lidia.
Which is the first?
Paul.
The first is about the Christian man's effectual calling, and the temptation is the enterprise of the Devil to blindfold man's mind and harden his heart, lest the word of God should work in him to salvation (Matthew 13:4-7, 19). And as he sowed, some fell by the
WILLIAM PERKINS • SATAN'S SOPHISTRY
wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up. And some fell upon stony ground, where they had not much earth, and anon they sprang up because they had no depth of earth. And when the sun rose up, they were parched, and for lack of rooting, withered away.
And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprung up and choked them. Whenever a man hears the word of the kingdom and understands it not, the evil one comes and catches away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which hath received the seed by the wayside.
Lidia.
How may I resist this assault?
Paul.
A resistance in those who are called is wrought by the Spirit of God, causing them to lend their ears to hear and grafting the word in their hearts, so that the immortal seed of regeneration may spring in them (Psalms 40:6; John 6:44; Acts 16:14; James 1:21).
Wherefore, lay apart all filthiness and excess of maliciousness and receive with meekness the word that is grafted in you, which is able to save your souls (1 Peter 1:22). Since your souls are purified in obeying the truth through the spirit, love one another with a pure heart fervently, without hypocrisy (1 John 3:9).
A resistance in those who are to be called is when, in a sincere heart, they join the word they have heard with faith (Luke 8:15).
Those that fell on good ground are the ones who, with an honest and good heart, hear the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience (Hebrews 4:2).
Lidia.
What certain preservatives are to be noted in this resistance?
Paul.
Consider the power and purpose of the Word in advance. Ecclesiastes 4:17 advises, "Take heed to thy feet when thou enterst into the house of the Lord, and be more neare to heare then to giue the sacrifice of fooles, for they know not that they do euil." Ecclesiastes
5:1 adds, "Be not rash with thy mouth, nor let thine heart be hasty to utter a thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou art upon the earth, therefore let thy words be few."
Pay diligent attention with your mind (Acts 16:14).
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Cultivate a hunger and desire in your heart for the Word (John 7:37). "Now in the last and great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying: If any man thirst, let him come to me and drink."
Maintain integrity in your life (Psalm 26:6).
Do not merely hear the Word but also act upon it. James 1:22 advises, "And be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own souls."
Ensure your heart aligns with the Word preached (Acts 2:37).
Store the Word in your heart to avoid sinning (Psalm 119:11). "I have hidden thy word in my heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Approach the assembly of the Church with reverence and humility, trembling in the presence of God (Isaiah 66:2). Acts 10:33 demonstrates this attitude: "Then sent I for thee immediately, and thou hast well done to come; now, therefore, are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God."
Lidia.
May the God of power preserve me from this assault using these preservatives. But how might I fall in this temptation?
Paul.
You may fall in this temptation either through a lack of enthusiasm in receiving the Word and neglecting it, or by falling into errors.
Lidia.
What, then, must be my remedy?
Paul.
The remedy for this is submission, which must be subjected to the judgment and assessment of the brethren and Ministers. Revelation 3:15 says, "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot." Galatians 6:2 and 1 Timothy
1:20 also guide us: "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." "Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander, whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they might learn not to blaspheme."
Lidia.
What is the second assault?
Paul.
WILLIAM PERKINS • SATAN'S SOPHISTRY
The second assault concerns faith.
Lidia.
How might one be thus assaulted?
Paul.
By an illusion that the Devil casts into the hearts of godly individuals. For instance, when he says, "You are not among the elect; you are not justified; you have no faith; you will certainly be condemned for your sins." This is akin to what happened in Matthew 4:3 when the tempter came to Christ and said, "If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread." Just as he dealt with Christ, he will similarly tempt Christians.
Lidia.
What means does the Devil employ to strengthen such illusions?
Paul.
He uses adversity, such as dangers, losses, persecutions, jealousy, grievous offenses, and so on. We see this in Psalm 73:12 when
David says, "Lo, these are the wicked, yet prosper they alway, and increase in riches." He also misuses the remembrance of past sins, as seen in Job 13:26, "For thou writest bitter things against me and makest me possess the iniquities of my youth." Additionally, he exploits a feeling of impending death.
Lidia.
How can I withstand these temptations?
Paul.
By having a true faith and applying Christ with all His merits in this manner: I firmly believe that I will not be condemned, but that I am elected and justified in Christ. I have no doubt that all my sins are pardoned. This is supported by passages such as Isaiah 53:11,
"He shall see the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many, for he shall bear their iniquities," and Romans 8:38-39, "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor Angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Lidia.
Provide me with a preservative to resist.
WILLIAM PERKINS • SATAN'S SOPHISTRY
Paul.
Your best preservative is, in times of temptation, not to focus on faith itself, but on the object of faith, which is Christ. This is how
Paul approached it in Philippians 3:12-14, "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow, that I may comprehend that for whose sake also I am comprehended by Christ
Jesus. One thing I do, I forget that which is behind and endeavour myself to that which is before. And follow hard toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." This approach is essential for all, as stated in John 3:14, "And as Moses lifted up the Serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that he that believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Lid.
What is my falling in this assault?
Paul.
Your falling is doubtfulness and distrust of your election and of God's mercy. As in Psalm 77:6-8, "I called to remembrance my song in the night: I communed with mine own heart and my spirit searched diligently. Will the Lord absent himself for ever, and will he show no more favour? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? Doth his promise fail for evermore?" Similarly, David expressed his sense of abandonment in Psalm 22:1, saying, "My God, my God; why hast thou forsaken me, and art so far from my health, and from the words of my roaring?"
Lid.
What is my remedy?
Paul.
The remedy is twofold:
First, the operation of the Holy Spirit, stirring up faith and increasing it. As stated in Philippians 1:6, "I am persuaded of this same thing, that he that hath begun this good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Also, in Luke 17:5, the Apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."
The second is holy meditation, which is manifold:
That it is the commandment of God that we should believe in Christ. 1 John 3:23 states, "This is His commandment, that we be-
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lieve in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave commandment."
That the Evangelical promises are indefinite and do not exclude anyone, unless perhaps someone excludes themselves. Isaiah 55:1 says, "Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and ye that have no silver, come, buy, and eat: come, I say, buy wine and milk without silver and without money." Matthew 11:28 declares,
"Come unto me all ye that are weary and laden, and I will ease you." John 3:15 states, "That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life." Also, the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper individually apply indefinite promises to everyone, and therefore, they are very effective in providing particular assurance or full assurance of forgiveness of sins.
That doubtfulness and despair are most grievous sins.
That contrary to hope, people must believe with hope, just like Abraham did. Romans 4:18 describes Abraham's faith, "Which Abraham, above hope, believed under hope, that he should be the father of many nations: according to that which was spoken to him,
So shall thy seed be."
That the mercy of God and the merit of Christ's obedience, being both God and man, are infinite. Isaiah 54:10 says, "For the mountains shall remove, and the hills shall fall down: but my mercy shall not depart from thee, neither shall my covenant of peace fall away, saith the Lord, that hath compassion on thee." Psalm 103:11 declares, "For as high as the heaven is above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him." 1 John 2:1 states, "My babes, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not: and if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the just. And He is the reconciliation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." Psalm 137:7 says, "Let Israel wait on the Lord: for the Lord is mercy, and with Him is great redemption."
That God measures the obedience due to Him more by the affection and desire to obey than by the act and performance of it. Romans 8:5 states, "For they that are after the flesh, savour the things of the flesh, but they that are after the spirit, the things of the spirit. Because the wisdom of the flesh is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Romans
7:20-22 continues, "Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that
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do it, but the sin that dwelleth in me. I find then by the law, that when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God, concerning the inner man." Malachi 3:17 adds, "I will spare them, as a man spareth his son that reverenceth him."
When one sin is forgiven, all the rest are remitted as well because forgiveness, once given, without any prescription of time, is given forever. Romans 11:29 affirms, "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." Acts 10:43 also states, "To him also give all the Prophets witness, that through his name, all that believe in him shall receive remission of sins."
Grace and faith are not taken away by falls of infirmity, but thereby are declared and made manifest. Romans 5:20 says, "Moreover, the law entered thereupon, that the offence should abound: nevertheless, where sin abounded, there grace abounded much more." 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 provides an example, "And lest I should be exalted out of measure, etc., there was given unto me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. He said, 'My grace is sufficient for thee.'"
That all the works of God are accomplished through contrary means. 2 Corinthians 12:9 declares, "My power is made perfect through weakness."
Lidia.
By the blessing of God, I will not forget to practice these sovereign remedies if Satan at any time seeks to take away my faith, and to cut off this hand by which I must apply, or to blindfold this eye by which I may behold Christ sitting at God's right hand, as Stephen did. Please, tell me about the third assault and what it concerns.
Paul.
The third assault concerns Sanctification.
Lidia.
What is this temptation?
Paul.
The temptation is a provoking to sin, according to the disposition of every man and as occasion presents itself. 1 Chronicles 21:1 illustrates this, "And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked
David to number Israel." John 13:2 also shows an example, "And
WILLIAM PERKINS • SATAN'S SOPHISTRY
when supper was done, the Devil had now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him."
Lidia.
Let me not be ignorant of Satan's schemes. How will he allure to sin?
Paul.
In this temptation, the Devil greatly diminishes and minimises the sins which men are about to commit. He does this partly by closely presenting the mercy of God and partly by concealing or hiding the punishment that is due for the sin. Additionally, there are factors that help the Devil in this temptation. First, there is the flesh, which lusts against the spirit, sometimes by generating evil thoughts and desires and sometimes by overwhelming and suppressing good intentions and impulses. Galatians 5:17 explains this:
"For the flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary one to another, so that ye cannot do the same things that ye would." It also lists the works of the flesh, including adultery, fornication, uncleanness, wantonness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, debate, emulations, wrath, contentions, seditions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, gluttony, and more.
Secondly, there is the world, which leads people to disobedience through pleasure, profit, honour, and bad examples. Ephesians 2:3 describes this: "Among whom we also had our conversation in time past, in the lusts of the flesh, in fulfilling the will of the flesh, and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath, as well as others." 1 John 2:16 also warns about the world's influence: "For all that is in the world, as the lusts of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
Lidia.
How can I resist this temptation?
Paul.
Resistance is achieved through the desire of the spirit, which produces good thoughts and affections in the faithful and drives out the evil. Galatians 5:22 describes the fruits of the spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its
WILLIAM PERKINS • SATAN'S SOPHISTRY
affections and lusts. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, and envying one another.
Lidia.
Please provide me with some preservatives to resist this temptation.
Paul.
Here are some preservatives:
Do not consider any sin as light or small. Galatians 5:9 warns, "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Avoid all occasions of sin. As the proverb goes, "longè, tardè, citò" (far away, slowly, quickly). 1 Thessalonians 5:22 advises, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." Jude 1:23 instructs to save others with fear, pulling them out of the fire, and to hate even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Train yourself to overcome smaller sins so that you may also conquer the greater ones. Romans 13:4 suggests this approach.
Engage in your appointed calling and always stay busy with something related to it.
Use the law, God's judgments, the last judgment, the glorious presence of God, and similar considerations to resist the rebellion and looseness of the flesh. Proverbs 28:14 emphasises the value of fearing always, while Genesis 39:9 illustrates the idea of refusing to sin against God.
Lidia.
But alas, I see Satan foils me in many sins. Instruct me, I pray you, with some rules against them. Say I become angry unadvisedly or desire to revenge wrongs done to me. How may I remedy this sin?
Paul.
Against unjust anger or a private desire for revenge, meditate on the following:
Consider that injuries happen to us by the Lord's appointment for our good (2 Samuel 16:10).
Reflect on God's great goodness in forgiving us far more sins than we could ever forgive in others.
WILLIAM PERKINS • SATAN'S SOPHISTRY
Remember that Christian love dictates that we forgive others.
Realize that we must not desire to destroy those whom Christ has redeemed by His precious blood.
Understand that we ourselves are in danger of God's wrath if we allow our anger to burn against our brother. As Jesus said, "Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
Recognize that we do not know all the circumstances of the facts, including the intentions and purposes of those against whom we are angry.
External remedies or methods to bridle anger include:
Imitating the Lord's clemency, who often tolerates the wicked for a significant period. "Learn from me, for I am humble and meek."
Introducing a pause or delay between feeling anger and acting upon it. Athenodorus advised Augustus to recite all the letters of the alphabet or A, B, C before speaking or doing anything in anger.
Avoiding places where those who provoke our anger are present.
Refraining from engaging in contention, both in words and actions. "Do nothing through contention."
Lidia.
Suppose I sin out of covetousness and ambition. What must I do?
Paul Remedies against those bad desires for riches and honor are as follows:
God even in times of famine quickens and revives those who fear Him (Psalm 33:18-19).
Godliness is great gain if one's mind can find contentment in it (1 Timothy 6:6).
We anticipate the resurrection of the body and eternal life, so we should not overly worry about this present mortal life.
We are servants in our Father's house, and whatever is suitable for us, He will lovingly provide.
An ambitious mind desires to be exalted, fearing a fall from a high position, displaying palpable blindness.
Adam's ambition to challenge God brought him and his posterity to destruction.
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It is exceedingly ambitious to rob God of the commendation that belongs exclusively to the Lord.
Lidia.
Suppose Satan tempts me towards carnal uncleanness. How can I preserve myself to enter with the wise virgins to meet the bridegroom?
Paul.
Preservatives against the desires of the flesh include:
Taking up one's cross daily to be Christ's disciple (Luke 9:23).
Those who follow the Spirit will focus on things that are according to the Spirit (Romans 8:5).
We should conduct ourselves as citizens of the kingdom of heaven (Philippians 3:20).
Recognizing that we are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16), and our members are members of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:15).
Not grieving the Spirit of Christ who dwells within us (Ephesians 4:30).
Lid.
How might I fall into this temptation?
Paul.
You may fall into this temptation when you are caught in some offence (Galatians 6:1).
Lidia.
What does Satan do when one has fallen in this way?
Paul.
In such a situation, Satan greatly magnifies the committed offence and accuses and terrifies the offender with God's judgments.
For example, when Judas, who had betrayed Jesus, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. He said, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood," but they replied, "What is that to us? See to it yourself." Judas then threw down the silver pieces in the temple, left, and hanged himself (Matthew 27:3-5).
Lidia.
What remedy is there if I fall in this way?
Paul.
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The remedy is renewed repentance, which begins with sorrow for the sin in relation to God. The fruits of this repentance are especially sevenfold, as described in 2 Corinthians 7:9-11:
Sorrow that leads to repentance.
Godly sorrow that results in salvation and is not to be regretted.
Sorrow that produces a clearing of oneself.
Indignation.
Fear.
Great desire.
Zeal, punishment, and a demonstration of purity in the matter.
Lid.
Please repeat the seven fruits of repentance from this passage.
Paul.
Certainly, here are the seven fruits of repentance:
A desire to do well.
Apology, which means confessing the sin before God and requesting forgiveness for the offense. For example, Psalm 32:5 says,
"Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.' And you forgave the guilt of my sin." Also, 2 Samuel 12:13 records David's confession: "Then David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the Lord.' Nathan replied, 'The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.'"
Indignation against oneself for the offense.
Fear, not so much fear of punishment, but fear of offending the Lord. As in Psalm 130:3, "If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?"
A desire for complete renewal and deliverance from sin.
A fervent zeal to love God and embrace and obey all His commandments.
A commitment to self-control and discipline to prevent such offenses in the future.
Lidia.
I am grateful to God for teaching me through you. Now, let me inquire about the patient endurance of hardships that I read about in the Scriptures. What can it teach me?
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Paul:
The patient bearing of the cross teaches how Christians should undergo their burdens.
Lidia:
Could you please explain what the cross signifies?
Paul:
The cross represents a certain measure of afflictions that God appoints to each of the faithful. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Also, in Colossians 1:24, it is mentioned,
"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church."
Lidia:
How should one go about taking up this cross?
Paul:
We should willingly take up this cross, even with both hands, when God places it upon us. Once we have taken it up, we must bear it with patience and perseverance. As stated in Colossians
1:11, "May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy." Additionally, in Luke 21:19, it is advised, "By your endurance, you will gain your lives."
Lidia:
How can I maintain patience?
Paul:
The preservatives of patience include first the strength provided by the Holy Ghost. As mentioned in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Also, in Philippians 1:29, it is said, "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake." Secondly, there is the practice of holy meditation, which is multifaceted:
Recognize that the afflictions faced by the faithful are not random but are part of God's counsel and providence, wherein He arranges all things excellently. For example, in Genesis 45:4-5, it is acknowledged that God sent Joseph into Egypt. Similarly, in 2
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Samuel 16:10, it is stated that the Lord instructed Shimei to curse David. Psalm 119:71 reflects that affliction can be beneficial as it leads to a deeper understanding of God's statutes. Therefore, it is evident that afflictions are inevitable for the godly, as mentioned in Acts 14:21 and Matthew 7:14.
Realize that despite the heaviness of afflictions, they are ultimately good and profitable. They serve as a means to humble individuals for their sins before God, enabling them to attain peace and holiness in life. Various passages like 2 Corinthians 1:9, Isaiah
26:16, Hosea 5:15, Psalm 78:34, Jeremiah 31:18, Hebrews 12:11, Psalm 30:5, John 15:2, and 1 Peter 1:6 emphasise the transformative power of afflictions. Just as we allow surgeons to perform painful procedures to heal our physical ailments, we should permit
God to use afflictions to cure the deeper diseases of our souls.
Lidia:
What can be inferred from this?
Paul:
From this, we can infer that the afflictions experienced by the godly serve as signs of their adoption into the family of God. As stated in Hebrews 12:6, "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." If you endure such discipline, it is an indication that God is treating you as His children.
Additionally, these afflictions are the chosen path to heaven. James 1:12 declares, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." Moreover, the apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:17 that our present momentary afflictions will lead to an eternal weight of glory.
Furthermore, we should understand that God has promised His favour, a lessening of punishment, His presence, and deliverance to those who endure trials. As seen in Philippians 1:29 and 1 Corinthians 10:13, God is faithful and provides a way out of temptation.
Psalm 50:15 assures us that if we call upon God in times of trouble, He will deliver us. Psalm 121:4 affirms that God watches over His people without slumber or sleep. Isaiah 43:2 states that God is with us even in the midst of challenging circumstances, assuring our safety.
WILLIAM PERKINS • SATAN'S SOPHISTRY
Additionally, we can take comfort in the knowledge that in all the troubles faced by the faithful, Christ is their companion. As mentioned in 1 Peter 4:13, we share in Christ's sufferings, and in 2
Corinthians 4:10, it is said that we carry the death of Christ in our bodies, revealing His life through us. Colossians 1:21 further highlights this aspect.
Lastly, we should be aware that angels are ready to defend those who fear God. Psalm 34:8 and 2 Kings 6:16 remind us that there are more heavenly forces with us than against us.
Lidia:
But of all calamities, the remembrance of death is fearful to me.
Could you please provide me with some advice or remedies against this fear?
Paul:
Against the fear of death, consider these remedies:
Firstly, death liberates the godly from the tyranny of Satan, sin, the world, the flesh, and eternal damnation. It also delivers them from innumerable perils and losses, placing them safely and happily under the protective shadow of Christ's wings.
Secondly, Christ, through His death, has sanctified death and the grave for us.
For the godly, Christ is a source of gain both in life and death (Philippians 1:12).
The consolations provided by the Spirit of Christ to the souls of the faithful surpass the pains of death.
The desire to behold God's glory and the presence of departed saints provide comfort.
Instead of our earthly bodies, we will be clothed in glory (2 Corinthians 5:1).
The sting of death, which is sin, is removed, rendering it powerless (1 Corinthians 15:55). Hebrews 2:15 states that Christ came to free those who, through the fear of death, were subject to bondage.
Rather than obsessing over our death, we should evaluate our life. A life lived well leads to a peaceful death, while a life lived poorly often results in a troubled death.
Angels are present to swiftly transport the souls of the departed saints to heaven upon their passing.
WILLIAM PERKINS • SATAN'S SOPHISTRY
Souls, once in heaven, remain there until the last day of judgment. During their time in heaven, they both glorify the name of God and wait and pray for the consummation of the kingdom of glory and complete happiness in body and soul. This is evident in Revelation 5:8, which says, "And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and the four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one harps and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the Saints." They sing and praise God, as seen in Revelation 14:2-3.
Lidia:
Nevertheless, during times of temptation and especially at the hour of death, Satan will try to persuade me that these blessings do not belong to me. What should I do in such moments?
Paul:
In times of doubt, examine your own heart to see if you have the Spirit of God testifying to you that you are God's child. Those who possess the Spirit of God are indeed His children.
Lidia:
How can I distinguish whether this testimony comes from the Spirit of God or from mere presumption?
Paul:
Firstly, you will have a deep conviction and assurance of your status as God's child. The Holy Spirit does not merely state it but persuades you with certainty, which is beyond what the flesh can accomplish. Secondly, consider the manner of persuasion. The Holy
Spirit does not base this assurance on your works or worthiness but on God's favour and love. This differs significantly from the persuasion used by Satan. Lastly, observe the effects of this testimony. If it arises from presumption, it will be lifeless. In contrast, if it comes from the Holy Spirit, it will be vibrant and motivating. Those who are convinced that they are elected and adopted as God's children will love Him, trust Him, and wholeheartedly call upon Him.
Lidia:
Alas, I find this testimony to be remarkably weak within me. Are there other means by which I can find comfort in this temptation from Satan, where I doubt whether I am truly God's child?
Paul:
WILLIAM PERKINS • SATAN'S SOPHISTRY
Indeed, there are other means. If you do not feel the fervour of God's Spirit within you, then you can judge it by the heat of your sanctification. If you observe the effects of sanctification in your life, you can be assured that you are in a state of grace.
Lidia:
What are these effects, if I may ask?
Paul:
To discern your adoption, you can consider the following effects of sanctification: Firstly, if you recognize your shortcomings and grieve over offending God with every sin. Secondly, if you strive against the flesh, resisting and hating its initial impulses, and view them as burdensome and troublesome. Thirdly, if you earnestly desire and long for God's grace and the merit of Christ to attain eternal life. Fourthly, when you have obtained it, you regard it as a precious treasure, valuing it above all else, and considering all things as worthless in comparison, as expressed in Philippians 3:9. Fifthly, if you love a minister of the Gospel for his ministry and a fellow
Christian for their faith, being willing to give your life for them if necessary, as mentioned in 1 John 3:16. Sixthly, if you fervently call upon God, even shedding tears in your prayers. Seventhly, if you eagerly anticipate the coming of Christ for judgment, longing for an end to these sinful days. Eighthly, if you avoid all occasions of sin and strive for a life of renewal. Lastly, if you persevere in these things until your last breath. As someone once said, "He who will serve God must believe what he cannot see, hope for what is deferred, love God when He seems an enemy, and remain faithful until the end."
Lidia:
Indeed, these are sure effects of sanctification, but even these seem weak in me, just like the previous ones.
Paul:
Is that so? Then understand that God is working in you, although it may not be with great strength. You should not be discouraged, for it is certain that if you have faith as small as a grain of mustard seed and are as weak as a young infant, it is sufficient to graft you into Christ. Therefore, you must not doubt your own election because of your weakness. A child holding a staff in their hand can do so as effectively as an adult, even though they lack the same
WILLIAM PERKINS • SATAN'S SOPHISTRY
strength. Similarly, when you lay hold of Christ through faith, even if it seems weak, it is enough for your salvation. Moreover, if someone has not yet experienced these effects in their heart, they should not conclude that they are reprobate. Instead, they should engage with the Word of God and the Sacraments to experience the power of Christ drawing them near and gain assurance of their redemption through Christ's death and passion.
Lidia:
May the One who opened Lidia's heart to hear Paul also open my heart to understand and practice these things.
Paul:
Amen.