When the sheep begin to straggle, the shepherd sets the dog on them
woman shall bruise the serpent's head." Gen 3:15. We are often in times of temptation, like a man who has his house attacked, and cannot find his weapons, his sword and gun; in which case Christ sends his Spirit, and brings things to our remembrance, which help us in our combat. The Spirit of Christ does for the tempted, what Aaron and Hur did for Moses, when they put a stone under him and held up his hands, and then Israel prevailed. The Spirit puts the promises under the hands of faith, and then the Christian overcomes the devil, that spiritual Amalek. The promise is to the soul—as the anchor to the ship, which keeps it steady in a storm.
2. Christ supports those who are tempted by "interceding for them." When the devil is tempting, Christ is praying. The prayer which Christ put up for Peter when he was tempted, extends to all his saints. "Father," says Christ, "it is my child who is tempted! Father, pity him!" Luke 22:32. When a poor soul lies bleeding of the wounds which the devil has given him, Christ presents his wounds to his Father, and, in the virtue of those, pleads for mercy. How powerful must his prayer be! He is heaven's favorite. John 11:42. He is both High Priest and a Son. If God could forget that Christ were a Priest, he cannot forget that he is a Son. Besides, Christ prays for nothing but what is agreeable to his Father's will. If a king's son petitions only for that which his father has a mind to grant—his suit will not be denied.
3. Christ supports his people, by taking off the tempter. When the sheep begin to straggle, the shepherd sets the dog on them to bring them back to the fold, and then calls off the dog. Just so, God takes off the tempter. He "will with the temptation make a way to escape;" he will make an outlet. 1 Cor 10:13. He will rebuke the tempter. "The Lord rebuke you, O Satan!" Zech 3:2. It is no small support, that Christ supports the tempted. The mother supports the
child most, when it is sick; she sits by its bedside, and brings it cordials. Just so, when a soul is most assaulted, it shall be most assisted by Jesus.
"But I have dealt unkindly with Christ and sinned against his love. Surely he will not support me! He will let me perish in the battle!"
Christ is a merciful High Priest, and will support you notwithstanding your failings. Joseph was a type of Christ; his brethren sold him away, and the "iron entered into his soul;" yet afterwards, when his brethren were ready to die in the famine—he forgot their injuries, and supported them with money and grain. "I am," said he, "Joseph your brother!" So Christ will say to a tempted soul, "I know your unkindnesses, how you have distrusted my love, grieved my Spirit; but I am Joseph—I am Jesus—therefore I will support you when you are tempted."
(4) Another rock of support—is that the holiest man may be most tempted. A rich ship may be violently attacked by pirates. Just so, he who is rich in faith may have the devil upon him with his battering-pieces. Job, an eminent saint, was fiercely assaulted. Satan smote his body that he might tempt him either to question God's providence, or quarrel with it. Paul was a chosen vessel—but how was this vessel battered with temptation! 2 Cor 12:7.
Is it not said, "He who is begotten of God, that the wicked one touches him not"? 1 John 5:18.
It is not meant that the devil does not tempt him—but he touches him not, that is, with a deadly touch. "There is a sin unto death." 1 John 5:16. Now, Satan with all his temptations does not make a child of God sin "a sin unto death." Thus he touches him not.
(5) Another rock of support—is that Satan can go no further in tempting than God gives him permission. The power of the tempter is limited. A whole legion of devils could not touch one swine—until Christ gave them permission. Satan would have sifted Peter until he sifted out all his grace—but Christ would not allow him. "I have prayed for you," etc. Christ binds the devil with a chain. Rev 20:1. If Satan's power were according to his malice —not one soul would be saved; but he is a chained enemy. It is a comfort that Satan cannot go a hair's breadth beyond God's permission. If an enemy could not touch a child further than the father appointed, he would do the child no great harm.
(6) Another rock of support—is that it is not having a temptation which makes guilty, but giving consent to it. We cannot hinder a temptation. If we abhor the temptation, it is our burden—and not our sin. We read in the old law, that if one forced a virgin, and she cried out, she was reputed innocent. Just so, if Satan by temptation would commit a rape upon a Christian, and he cries out, and does not consent, the Lord will charge it upon the devil's score. It is not laying the bait which hurts the fish—if the fish do not bite.
(7) Another rock of support is—that our being tempted is no sign of God's hating us. A child of God often thinks God does not love him because he lets him be haunted by the devil. This is a wrong conclusion. Was not Christ himself tempted, and yet by a voice from heaven proclaimed, "This is my beloved Son!" Matthew 3:17. Satan's tempting, and God's loving—may stand together. The goldsmith loves his gold in the fire. Just so, God loves a saint, though shot at by fiery darts.
(8) Another rock of support is—that Christ's temptation was for our consolation. Jesus Christ is to be looked upon as a public person, as our head and representative; and what he did, he did for us. His prayer was for us, his suffering was for us; and when he was tempted, and overcame the temptation, he overcame for us. Christ's conquering Satan was to show that elect people shall at last be conquerors over Satan. When Christ overcame Satan's temptation, it was not only to give us an example of courage—but an assurance of our conquest. We have overcome Satan already in our covenant head, and we shall at last perfectly overcome.
(9) Another rock of support is—that the saints' temptation shall not be above their strength. The harpist will not stretch the strings of his harp too hard, lest they break. "God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able." 1 Cor 10:13. He will proportion our strength to the stroke. "My grace is sufficient for you." 2 Cor 12:9. The torch-light of faith shall be kept burning, though all the winds of temptation are blowing.
(10) Another rock of support—is that these temptations shall produce much good. They quicken a spirit of prayer in the saints. They pray more and better. Temptation is the exciter of prayer. Perhaps before, the saints came to God as cold suitors in prayer—they prayed as if they prayed not. Temptation is a medicine for security. When Paul had a messenger of Satan to buffet him, he was more earnest in prayer. "For this thing I besought the Lord three times." 2 Cor 12:8. The thorn in his flesh was a spur in his sides to quicken him in prayer. The deer when shot with the dart, runs faster to the water. Just so, a soul that is shot with the fiery darts of temptation, runs the faster to the throne of grace; and is earnest with God, either to take off the tempter, or to support him when he is tempted.
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 chaste woman is assaulted, the more she abhors the attempt. The stronger Joseph's temptation was, the stronger was his opposition. The more the enemy attempts to storm a castle, the more is he repelled and beat back.
A godly man's temptations cause the increase of grace. "One tempted Christian," says Luther, "is worth a thousand." He grows more in grace. As the bellows increase the flame—so temptation increases the flame of grace.
By these temptations God makes way for comfort. After Christ was tempted, the angels came and ministered unto him. Matthew 4:2. When Abraham had been warring, Melchizedek brought him bread and wine to revive his spirits. Gen 14:18. So after the saints have been warring with Satan, God sends his Spirit to comfort them. Luther said that temptations were Christ's embraces, because he then manifests himself most sweetly to the soul.
That I may further comfort such as are tempted, let me speak to two particular cases.
"I have horrid temptations to blasphemy!" say some.
Did not the devil tempt Christ after this manner: "All these things will I give you, if you will fall down and worship me"? Matthew 4:9. 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.
"But my case is yet worse," say others; "I have been tempted to such sins, and have yielded! The tempter has overcome me!"
I grant that, through the withdrawing of God's grace, and the force of temptation—a child of God may be overcome. David was overcome by temptation in the case of Bathsheba, and in numbering the people. There is a principle of grace in the heart true to Christ; but sometimes it may be overcome by corruption, and then a Christian yields. It is 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.
(1) Though a Christian may fall by a temptation—yet the seed of God is in him. "His seed remains in him." 1 John 3:9. [Grace can be shaken—but not destroyed.] Augustine. A man may be bruised by a fall—yet there is life in him. A Christian foiled by Satan may be like the man going to Jericho, who fell among thieves, and was left "wounded and half dead;" but still there is a vital principle of grace; his seed remains in him. Luke 10:30.
(2) Though a child of God may be overcome in a skirmish— yet not in the war. As an army may be worsted in a skirmish—but conquer at last. Though Satan may foil a child of God in a skirmish by a temptation, the believer shall overcome at last. A saint may be foiled—yet not conquered. He may lose ground—and not lose the victory.
(3) God does not judge his children by one action—but by the frame of the heart. As he does not judge a wicked man by one good action—so neither does God judge a holy man by one bad action. A holy person may be worsted by a temptation; but God does not measure him by that. Who measures milk when it seethes and boils up? God does not take the measure of a saint when the devil has
boiled him up in a passion—but he judges of him by the pulse and temper of his heart. The Christian would fear God; and when he fails he weeps. God looks which way the bias of his heart stands; if that is set against sin—God will pardon.
(4) God will make a saint's fall by temptation turn to his spiritual advantage. He may let a regenerate person fall by a temptation, to make him more watchful. Perhaps he walked loosely, and was decoyed into sin; but for the future he will grow more careful and cautious in his walking. The foiled Christian is a vigilant Christian. He will take care not to come within the lion's chain any more! He will be shy and fearful of the occasions of sin. He will not go abroad without his spiritual armor, and will gird on his armor by prayer. When a wild beast gets over the hedge and damages the corn —the farmer will make his fence stronger. Just so, when the devil gets over the fence by temptation, and foils a Christian—he will be sure to mend his fence, and be more vigilant against temptation afterwards.
God sometimes lets his children be foiled by temptation, that they may see their continual dependence 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 temptation, that, seeing their own weakness—they may rest more on Christ and free grace. Canticles 8:5.
By allowing his children to be foiled by a temptation, God settles them the more in grace. They get strength by their falls. The poets feign that Antaeus the giant, in wrestling with Hercules, got strength by every fall to the ground. Just so, a saint, when foiled in wrestling with Satan, gets more spiritual strength. Peter had never such
strength of faith, as after being foiled in the high priest's hall. How was he fired with zeal, and steeled with courage! He who before played the coward before a maid—now dares openly confess Christ before rulers and the councils. Acts 2:14. As 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 settled in grace afterwards. So let not those Christians whom God has allowed to be foiled by temptation, cast away their anchor, or give way to despairing thoughts.
May it not make Christians careless whether they fall into temptation or not, if God can make the temptation advantageous to them?
We must distinguish between being foiled through weakness, and foiled through willfulness. If a soldier fights—but is foiled for lack of strength, the general of the army will pity him, and bind up his wounds; but if he is willfully foiled, and plays the traitor—he must expect no favor. Just so, if a Christian fights it out with Satan—but is foiled for lack of strength, as it was with Peter, God will pity him and do him good by his being foiled. But if he is foiled willfully, and runs into temptation, as it was with Judas, God will show him no favor— but will execute martial law upon him!
The uses remain.
Use 1. See what continual DANGER we are in! Satan is an exquisite strategist, he lies in ambush to ensnare! He is the tempter, it is his delight to make the saints sin! He is subtle in tempting—he has methods and tools to deceive.
(1) He brings a saint into sin, by making him confide in his graces. He makes him believe he has such a stock of grace as will
secure him against all temptations. Thus he deceived Peter, he made him trust in his grace. Peter thought that he had such a cable of faith and strong tacklings, that though the winds of temptation blew ever so fierce, he could weather the storm. "Though all men forsake you— yet will not I;" as if he had more grace than all the apostles. Thus he was led into temptation, and fell in the battle. Men may make an idol of their grace. But their grace is not sufficient without auxiliary. The boat needs not only oars—but a gale of wind, to carry it against the tide. Just so, we need not only our grace—but the gale of the Spirit, to carry us against a strong temptation.
(2) Satan tempts to sin by the baits and allurements of the world. "The gain of money—is the ruin of the soul." One of Christ's own apostles was caught with a silver bait. Those whom the devil cannot debauch with vice—he will corrupt with money. "All these things will I give you," was his last temptation. Matthew 4:9. Achan was deluded by a wedge of gold. Sylvester II sold his soul to the devil for a popedom.
(3) Satan tempts to sin, under a mask and show of good; his temptations seem to be gracious motions.
[1] He tempts men to duties of religion. You might think it strange that Satan should tempt to duty; but it is so. He tempts men to duty—out of selfish or sinister ends. Thus he tempted the Pharisees to pray and give alms—that they might be seen by men. Matthew 6:5. Prayer is a duty—but to pray out of vainglory, turns prayer into sin. He tempts to duty when it is not in season. "My offering and my bread for my sacrifices, shall you offer unto me in their due season." Numb 28:2. 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 tempts to one duty, that he may hinder
another. He tempts some to duty, 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, under this pretense, they might devour widows' houses. Matthew 23:14. Who would suspect him of false weights—who so often holds a Bible in his hand?
[2] He tempts men to sin out of a show of love to Christ. You might think this strange—but there is truth in it. Many a good heart may think what he does is in love to Christ—and all the while he may be under temptation. When Christ told Peter he must suffer at Jerusalem, Peter took him and rebuked him. "Be it far from you, Lord!" as if he had said, "Lord, you have deserved no such shameful death, and this shall not be unto you!" Matthew 16:22. Peter did this, as he thought, out of love to Christ—but he was under temptation. What had become of us if Christ had hearkened to Peter, and had not suffered! So when Christ washed his disciples' feet, Peter was so mannerly that he said, "You shall never wash my feet!" John 13:8. This he did, as he thought, out of love and respect to Christ. He thought Christ was too good to wash his feet, and therefore would have put him off—but it was a temptation; the devil put Peter upon this sinful modesty; he struck at Peter's salvation, insomuch that Christ said, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." So when the Samaritans would not receive Christ, the disciples James and John said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" Luke 9:54. They did this, as they thought, out of love to Christ; they wished for fire to consume his enemies—but they were under temptation; it was not zeal—but the wild fire of their own passion.
(4) Satan tempts to the sin to which a man's heart is naturally most inclinable. He will not tempt a civil man to a
gross sin, which is abhorrent to the light of nature. Satan never sets a dish before men, which they do not love. He will tempt a civil man to pride, and to trust in his own righteousness, and to make a savior of his civility. As 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!
See man's inability of himself to resist a temptation! Could he stand of himself against a temptation, the prayer would be needless, "Lead us not into temptation." No man has power of himself to resist temptation, any further than God gives him strength. "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself." Jer 10:23. 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. This confutes the doctrine of free will. What freedom of will has man, when he cannot resist the least temptation?
Here is matter for humiliation, that there is in us such an aptitude and proneness to yield to temptation. We are as ready to swallow a temptation—as the fish to swallow the bait! If the devil tempts to pride, lust, envy, revenge—how eagerly do we run into the snares of Satan! Like a woman who has a suitor, and does not need much wooing—but readily gives her consent—Satan comes wooing by temptation, and we soon yield. The devil strikes fire, and we are as dry tinder, which catches fire on the first spark. He knocks by temptation, and it is sad to think how soon we open the door to him, which is as if one should open the door to a thief!
See hence that a Christian's life is no easy life. It is a warfare! He has a Goliath in the field to encounter with, one who is armed with
power and subtlety, and has his wiles and darts! A Christian must be continually watching and fighting. Satan's designs our destruction! "Seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8. Therefore we had need always have our weapons in our hand. How few think their life a warfare! Though they have an enemy in the field, always laying snares, or shooting darts—yet they do not stand sentinel or get their spiritual artillery ready; they put on their jewelry—but not their armor. "They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ," as if they were rather in a festival, rather than in battle. Job 21:12. Many are asleep in sloth, when they should be fighting against Satan—and no wonder that the devil shoots them when he finds them asleep!
Use 2. They are reproved who pray, "Lead us not into temptation," and yet run of themselves into temptation. Such are those who go to plays and theaters, and hunt after strange flesh. Some go at a slower pace to hell—but such as run themselves into temptation go galloping to hell! We have too many of these in this debauched age, who, as if they thought they could not sin fast enough—tempt the devil to tempt them!
Use 3. Let us labor that we be not overcome by temptation. What means should be used, that Satan's temptations may not prevail against us?
(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. "Two are better than one." Eccl 4:9. Get into the communion of saints, for that is a good remedy against temptation.
(2) If you would not be overcome by temptation—beware of the predominance of melancholy, which is a black humor seated chiefly in the brain. Melancholy disturbs reason and exposes to temptation. One calls melancholy, the devil's bath; he bathes himself with delight in such a person. Melancholy clothes the mind in sable; it fills it with such dismal apprehensions as often end in self-murder.
(3) If you would not be overcome by temptation—study sobriety. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8. Sober-mindedness consists in the moderate use of earthly things. An immoderate desire of these things often brings men into the snare of the devil. "Those who will be rich fall into a snare." 1 Tim 6:9. He who loves riches inordinately, will purchase them unjustly. Ahab would swim to Naboth's 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. [Oh cursed hunger for gold, to what do you not drive the hearts of men?] Virgil. Be sober, take heed of being drunk with the love of the world, lest you fall into temptation.
(4) If you would not be overcome by temptation—be always upon your guard, watch against Satan's wiles and subtleties. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8. A Christian must keep watch and ward; he must see where Satan labors to make a breach, see what grace he most strikes at, or what sin he most tempts to. "I say unto all—Watch!" Mark 13:37. Watch all the senses, the eye, the ear, the touch; for Satan can creep in by these. Oh, how needful is the spiritual watch! Shall Satan be watchful—and we drowsy? Does he watch to devour us—and shall
not we watch to save ourselves? Let us see what sin our heart most naturally inclines to—and watch against it.
(5) If you would not be overcome by temptation—beware of idleness. Satan sows most of his seed in fallow ground. It was Jerome's 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 us. The bird which sits still, is shot. He who lacks employment, never lacks temptation. When a man has nothing to do, Satan will bring grist to the mill, and find him work enough.
(6) If you would not be overcome by temptation—make known your case to some godly friend. Hiding a serpent in the bosom is not the way to be safe; when the old serpent has got into your bosom by temptation, do not hide him there by keeping his counsel. If a spark has gotten into the thatch, it is not wisdom to conceal it, it may set the house on fire. Conceal not temptation. Keeping 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' prayers and advice; let all see that you are not true to Satan's party, because you tell all his plots and reveal his treasons. Besides, telling your case to some experienced Christian, will give ease to the soul, and temptation will not so much inflame.
(7) If you would not be overcome by temptation—make use of the Word. This the apostle calls the "sword of the Spirit," a fit weapon with which to fight against the tempter. Eph 6:17. This "sword of the Spirit" is a two-edged sword—it wounds carnal lust and it wounds Satan. He who travels a road where there is robbing, will be sure to ride with his sword; we are traveling to heaven, and in this road there is a thief who always besets us in every place where we go. He meets us at church—he does not miss a sermon! He will be
tempting us there; sometimes to drowsiness; when any sleep at sermon, the devil rocks them. Sometimes he tempts by distracting the mind in hearing. Sometimes he tempts by questioning the truth of what is heard. He tempts in the shop to use connivance and deceit. "The balances of deceit are in his hand." Hos 12:7. Thus we meet with the tempter everywhere; therefore, this thief being in the road, we had need ride with a sword; we must have the "sword of the Spirit" with us.
We must have skill to use this sword, and have a heart to draw it out —and it will put the devil to flight. Thus when Satan tempted our blessed Savior to distrust and blasphemy, he used a Scripture weapon, "It is written!" Three times he wounded the old serpent with this sword! Christ, with his power and authority, could have rebuked the prince of the air, as he did the winds; but he stopped the devil's mouth with Scripture, "It is written!" It is not our vows and resolutions which will do it, it is not the Papist's holy water or charms which will drive away the devil. Let us bring the Word of God against him—this is an argument that he cannot answer.
It was a saying of Luther, "I have had great troubles of mind; but as soon as I laid hold on any place of Scripture, and stayed myself upon it as upon my chief anchor, straightway my temptations vanished away." There is no temptation, but we have fit Scripture to answer it. If Satan tempts to immorality, answer him, "It is written, whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." If he tempts to carnal fear, say, "It is written, Fear not those who kill the body, and after that, have no more that they can do." There is no greater way to confute temptation, as by Scripture; the arrows we shoot against Satan must be fetched out of this quiver. Many people lack this sword of the Spirit, they have not a Bible; others seldom make use of it—but let it rust; they seldom look into it—no wonder, therefore,
they are overcome by temptations. He who is well skilled in the Word is like one who has a plaster ready to lay upon the wound as soon as it is made, and so the danger is prevented. O study the Scripture, and you will be too hard for the devil; he cannot stand against this.
(8) If we would not be overcome by temptation—let us be careful of our own hearts, that they do not decoy us into sin. The apostle says, "A man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." James 1:14. [Everyone is a Satan to himself.] Bernard. Every man has a tempter in his own bosom. A traitor within the castle is dangerous. The heart can bring forth a temptation, though Satan does not midwife it into the world; if Satan were dead and buried, the heart could draw us to evil. As the ground of all diseases lies in the humours of the body—so the seed of all sin lies in the original lust. Look to your hearts!
(9) If you would not be overcome by temptation—flee the "occasions of sin." Occasions of sin have great force to awaken lust within. He who would keep himself free from infection, will not come near an infected house. Just so, if you would be sober, avoid drunken company. When Joseph was enticed by his mistress, he shunned the occasion; the text says, "He refused to be with her." Gen 39:10. If you would not be ensnared with Popery, do not hear the mass. The Nazarite, who was forbidden wine, might not eat grapes, which might occasion intemperance. Do not come near the borders of temptation! Suppose any one had a body made of gunpowder, he would not come near the least spark of fire, lest he should be blown up. Many pray, "Lead us not into temptation," and yet run themselves into temptation!
(10) If you would not be overcome by temptation—make use of faith. "Above all, taking the shield of faith." Eph 6:19. Faith
wards off Satan's fiery darts, that they do not hurt us. "Whom resist, steadfast in the faith." 1 Peter 5:9. Mariners in a storm flee to their anchor; flee to your anchor of faith. Faith brings Christ with with them into the field—and then the devil cannot hurt us. The chick is safe from the birds of prey, under the wings of the hen; and we are secure from the tempter, under the wings of the Lord Jesus. Though other graces are of use to resist the impulses of Satan—yet faith is the conquering grace. It takes hold of Christ's merits, value and virtue— and so the Christian becomes too hard for the devil. As the stars vanish when the sun appears—so Satan vanishes when faith appears.
(11) If you would not be overcome by temptation—be much in prayer. Such as walk in infectious places, carry antidotes with them: prayer is the best antidote against temptation. When the apostle had exhorted, to "put on the whole armor of God," he adds, "Praying with all prayer." Eph 6:11, 18. Without prayer, all other weapons will do little good. Christ prescribes this remedy, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation." Mark 14:38. A Christian fetches down strength from heaven by prayer. Let us cry to God for help against the tempter, as Samson cried to heaven for help. "Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me one more time so that I may pay back the Philistines for the loss of my eyes." Judges 16:28. "And the temple crashed down on the Philistine leaders and all the people;" ver 30.
Prayer is flagellum diaboli—it whips and torments the devil. The apostle bids us "pray without ceasing." 1 Thess 5:17. It was Luther's advice to a lady, when temptation came, to fall upon her knees in prayer. Prayer assuages the force of temptation. Prayer is the best charm we can use against the devil. Temptation may bruise our heel —but by prayer we wound the serpent's head. When Paul had a messenger of Satan to buffet him; what remedy did he use? He
betook himself to prayer. "For this thing I besought the Lord three tiimes, that it might depart from me." 2 Cor 12:8. When Satan assaults furiously, let us pray fervently.
(12) If you would not be overcome by temptation—be humble in your own eyes. They are nearest falling, who presume on their own strength. When men grow into self-admiration, God lets them fall, to prick their bubble of pride. O be humble! They are likely to hold out best in temptation, who have most grace—and God gives more grace to the humble. James 4:6. Beware of pride! An abscess is not more dangerous in the body than pride in the soul. The doves, says Pliny, take pride in their feathers, and in their flying high, until at last they fly so high, that they become a prey to the hawk. Just so, when men fly high in pride and self-confidence, they become a prey to the tempter.
(13) If you would not be foiled by temptation—do not enter into a dispute with Satan. When Eve began to argue the case with the serpent, the serpent was too hard for her. The devil, by his logic, disputed her out of paradise. Satan can mince sin, make it small, and garnish it over, and make it look like virtue. He is too subtle for us to win an argument with him. Dispute not—but fight! If you enter into a parley with him, you give him half the victory.
(14) If we would not be overcome by Satan—we must put on Christian fortitude. We must expect an enemy who is either shooting darts, or laying snares; therefore let us be armed with courage. "Act with courage, and may the Lord be with those who do well." 2 Chron 19:11. The coward never won a victory. To animate us in our combat with Satan, let us think,
[1] We have a good Captain who marches before us. Christ is called the Captain of our salvation. Heb 2:10.
[2] We have good armor. Grace is armor of God's making. Eph 6:11.
[3] Satan is beaten already. Christ has given him his death-wound upon the cross. Col 2:15.
[4] Satan is a chained enemy, his power is limited! he cannot force the will. Eve complained that the serpent deceived her, not constrained her. Gen 3:13. Satan has guile to persuade, not power to compel.
[5] He is a cursed enemy, and God's curse will blast him: therefore put on holy gallantry of spirit and magnanimity. Do not fear Satan. Greater is he who is in you—than he who is against you.
(15) If we would not be overcome by temptation—let us call in the help of others. If a house is on fire, would you not call in help? Satan tempts, that he may rob you of your soul; acquaint some friends with your case, and beg for their counsel and prayers. Who knows but Satan may be cast out, by the joint prayers of others? In case of temptation, how exceeding helpful is the communion of saints!
(16) If we would not be overcome by temptation—let us make use of all the encouragements we can. If Satan is a roaring lion—Christ is the lion of the tribe of Judah. If Satan tempts —Christ prays. If Satan is a serpent to sting—Christ is a brazen serpent to heal. If the conflict is hard, look to the crown. James 1:12. While we are fighting—Christ will support us. When we overcome— he will crown us. What makes the soldier endure a bloody fight, but the hope of a golden reward? Think that shortly God will call us out of the field where the bullets of temptation fly so fast, and he will set a garland of glory upon our head. How will the case be altered then! Instead of fighting—singing! Instead of a helmet—a diadem! Instead
of a sword—a palm branch of victory! Instead of armor—white robes! Instead of Satan's skirmishes—the kisses and embraces of a Savior! These eternal recompenses should keep us from yielding to temptation. Who, to gratify a lust—would forfeit a crown!
Use 4. Let such as are tempted, be wise to make good use of their temptations. As we should labor to improve our afflictions—so to improve our temptations. We should pick some good out of temptation, as Samson got honey out of the lion.
What good comes from temptation? Can there be any good in being set upon by an enemy? Can it be good to have fiery darts shot at us?
Yes! God can make his people get much good by their temptations. Hereby a Christian sees that corruption in his heart, which he never saw before. Water in a glass looks pure—but set it on the fire, and the scum boils up. Just so, in temptation a Christian sees the scum of sin boil up—which he thought had not been in his heart. Hereby a Christian sees more of the wiles of Satan, and is better able to withstand them. Paul had been in the fencing-school of temptation, and grew expert in finding out Satan's stratagems. "We are not ignorant of his devices." 2 Cor 2:11. Hereby a Christian grows more humble. God would rather let his children fall into the devil's hands —than be proud. Temptation strips off the plumes of pride. "To keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud." 2 Cor 12:7. Better is that temptation that humbles—than that duty which makes us proud! Thus a Christian may get much good by temptation, which made Luther say three things make a good Christian—prayer, meditation, and temptation.
Use 5. Some have been under sore temptations and buffetings of Satan—but God has stood by them, and given
them strength to overcome the tempter.
(1) Let them be very thankful to God. "Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory." 1 Cor 15:57. Be much in praise. Why were we kept more than others—from falling into sin? Was it because temptation was not so strong to us? No, Satan shoots his darts with all his force. Was it because we are so strong in ourself? No, such a broken reed could never have conquered Satan's temptations. Know that it was free grace which beat back the tempter, and brought us off with trophies of victory! O be thankful to God! Had you been overcome by temptation, you might have put black spots in the face of religion, and given occasion to the enemies of God to blaspheme. 2 Samuel 12:14. Had you been overcome, you might have lain sick of a "wounded spirit" and cried out, with David, of "broken bones." After David yielded to temptation, he lay for three quarters of a year in horror of mind; and some think that he never recovered his full joy to the day of his death. Oh therefore, what cause have they to stand upon mount Gerizim blessing God, who, in a field of battle have gotten the better of Satan, and been more than conquerors! Say as the Psalmist, "Blessed be the Lord, who did not let their teeth tear us apart!" Psalm 124:6. Blessed be God, who has not given us as a prey to Satan, that roaring lion!
(2) You who have been tempted, and come off victors, be full of sympathy. Pity tempted souls; show your piety in your pity. Do you see Satan's darts sticking in their sides? Do what you can to pull them out. Communicate your experiences to them; tell them how you broke the devil's snare, and your Savior was your deliverer. The apostle speaks of restoring others "in the spirit of meekness." Gal 6:1. The Greek word for restore alludes to surgeons, who set bones which were out of joint. Just so, when we see such as are tempted, and Satan has, as it were, put their bones out of joint—labor
to put them in again, with all love, meekness, and compassion. A word spoken in season may relieve a soul fainting in temptation; and you may, as the good Samaritan, drop oil and wine into the wound. Luke 10:34.
(3) You who have got the conquest over Satan, do not be carnally secure. Think not, that you shall never more be troubled with the tempter. He is not like the Syrians, of whom it is said, "The bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel" 2 Kings 6:23. Satan is a restless enemy; if you have beaten him back, he will make a fresh onset.
When Satan was worsted by Christ, he went away—but only for a season, as if he meant to come again. Luke 4:13. When we have got the better of Satan, we are apt to grow secure, to lay aside our armor, and leave off our watch; which, when he perceives this, he comes upon us with a new temptation and wounds us. He deals with us as David did with the Amalekites, who, when they had taken the spoil and were secure, "They were eating and drinking and dancing with joy because of the vast amount of plunder they had taken." (1 Sam 30:16); then "David and his men rushed in among them and slaughtered them." ver 17. Therefore, after we have got the better of the tempter, we must do as the mariners in a calm—mend our tackling, not knowing how soon another storm may come. Satan for a time may retreat, that he may afterwards come on more fiercely; he may go away awhile, and bring other seven spirits with him. Luke 11:26.
Therefore, do not be carnally secure—but stand upon your watchtower. Rest with your armor on; always expect a fight. Watch every day if the tempter shall come. Put yourself into a warlike posture. When Satan is beaten out of the field, he is not beaten out of the
heart; he will come again. He had little hope to prevail against Christ. Christ gave him three deadly wounds, and made him retreat; yet he departed "only for a season." If the devil cannot conquer us—he knows he can molest us. If he cannot destroy us—he will surely disturb us. If the tempter does not come as soon as we expect, by putting ourselves in a defensive posture, we shall have the advantage of being always prepared. "Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil." Ephesians 6:11.
To conclude all: let us often make this prayer, "Lead us not into temptation." If Satan woos us by a temptation, let us not give consent. In case a Christian has through weakness, and not out of a design, yielded to temptation, let him not "cast away his anchor;" but take heed of despair, which is worse than the fall itself.
Christian, steep your soul in the brinish waters of repentance, and God will be appeased. Repentance gives the soul a vomit. Christ loved Peter after his denial of him, and sent the first news of his resurrection to him—"Go tell the disciples and Peter." It is an error to think that one act of sin, can destroy the habit of grace. It is a wrong to God's mercy, and to a Christian's comfort—to make the despairing conclusion, that after one has fallen by temptation, his estate is irrecoverable. Therefore, Christian, if you have fallen with Peter, repent with Peter—and God will be ready to seal your pardon.
II. The second branch of the sixth petition is, "Deliver us from evil." There is more in this petition than is expressed. The thing expressed is—that we may be kept from evil. The thing further intended is—that we may make progress in piety. "Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts;" there is being delivered from evil;
"we should live soberly, righteously, and godly;" there is progress in piety. Titus 2:12.
[1] In general, when we pray, "Deliver us from evil," we pray to be delivered from the evil of SIN. Not that we pray to be delivered immediately from the presence and indwelling of sin, for that cannot be in this life—we cannot shake off this viper. But we pray that God would deliver us more and more from the power and practice, from the scandalous acts of sin which cast a sad reflection upon the gospel. Sin is the deadly evil which we pray against. With what pencil shall I be able to draw the deformed face of sin? The devil would baptize sin with the name of virtue. It is easy to lay fair colors on a black face. I shall endeavor to show you what a vile monster sin is, and that there is great reason we should pray, "Deliver us from evil."
Sin, as the apostle says, is exceeding sinful. Romans 7:13. Sin is the very distillation of evil; it is called the "accursed thing." Josh 7:13. That sin is the most execrable evil, appears several ways:
(1) Look upon sin in its origin.
(2) Look upon sin in its nature.
(3) Look upon sin in the judgment and opinion of the godly.
(4) Look upon sin by comparison.
(5) Look upon sin in the manner of its cure.
(6) Look upon sin in its direful effects.
When you have seen all these, you will apprehend what a horrid evil sin is, and what great reason we have to pray, "Deliver us from evil."
(1) Look upon sin in its ORIGIN. It fetches its pedigree from hell. It is of the devil. John 8:44. It calls the devil "father". Sin is the poison which the old serpent has spit into our virgin nature.
(2) Look upon sin in its NATURE, and it is evil. See what the Scripture compares it to. It has got a bad name. It is compared to the vomit of dogs (2 Peter 2:22); to a menstruous cloth (Isaiah 30:22); which, as Jerome says, was the most unclean thing under the law; it is compared to the plague (1 Kings 8:38); and to a gangrene (2 Tim 2:17). People with these diseases, we would be averse to eat and drink with.
Sin is evil in its nature, because it is transgression against God. It is a breach of his royal law. "Sin is the transgression of the law." 1 John 3:4. It is high treason against heaven. What greater injury can be offered to a prince, than to trample upon his royal edicts? "They cast your law behind their backs." Neh 9:26. Sin is an affront to God, as it is walking contrary to him. Lev 26:40. The Hebrew word for sin signifies rebellion. It flies in the face of God. "He stretches out his hand against God." Job 15:25. We ought not to lift up a thought against God, much less to lift up a hand against him; but the sinner does both. Sin is the killing of God. Sin would not only unthrone God —but ungod him! If sin could help it, God would no longer be God!
Sin is an act of high INGRATITUDE to God. He feeds a sinner, screens off many evils from him; and yet he not only forgets his mercies—but abuses them. "It was I who gave her everything she has —the grain, the wine, the olive oil. Even the gold and silver she used in worshiping the god Baal were gifts from me!" Hos 2:8. God may say, I gave you wit, health, riches, which you have employed against me. A sinner makes an arrow of God's mercies—and shoots at him! "Is this your kindness to your friend?" 2 Samuel 16:17. Did God give
you life—to sin? Did he give you wages—to serve the devil? Oh, what an ungrateful thing is sin! Ingratitude forfeits mercy, as the merchant forfeits his goods by not paying custom.
Sin is a FOOLISH thing. "You fool, this night your soul shall be required of you." Luke 12:20. Is it not foolish to prefer a short lust— before an eternal inheritance? A sinner prefers the pleasures of sin for a season—before those pleasures which are at God's right hand for evermore. Is it not folly to gratify an enemy? Sin gratifies Satan. Men's sins feast the devil. Is it not folly for a man to be guilty of his own destruction, to give himself poison? A sinner has a hand in his own death. "They lay wait for their own blood." Proverbs 1:18. No creature did ever willingly kill itself, but man.
Sin is a POLLUTING thing. It is not only a defection—but a pollution; it is as rust to gold, as a stain to beauty. It is called "filthiness of flesh and spirit." 2 Cor 7:1. It makes the soul red with guilt—and black with filth! This filth of sin is inward. A spot in the face may easily be wiped off—but to have the liver and lungs tainted, is far worse. Sin has got into the conscience. Titus 1:15. It defiles all the faculties—the mind, memory, affections, as if the whole mass of blood were corrupted. Sin pollutes our holy things. If the leper under the law had touched the altar, the altar would not cleanse him—but he would pollute the altar, which is an emblem of sin's leprosy spotting our holy things.
Sin is a DEBASING thing. It degrades us of our honor. "In his estate shall stand up a vile person." Dan 11:21. This was spoken of Antiochus Epiphanes, who was a king, and whose name signifies illustrious; but sin made him vile. Sin blots a man's name. Nothing so turns a man's glory into shame, as sin. It makes a man like a beast. Psalm 49:20. It is worse to be like a beast than to be a beast; it is no
shame to be a beast—but it is a shame for a man to be like a beast. Lust makes a man brutish, and anger makes him devilish.
Sin is an ENSLAVING thing. A sinner is a slave when he sins most freely. [Heavy is the yoke of slavery.] Cicero. Sin makes men the devil's servants. Satan bids them sin, and they do it. He bid Judas betray Christ, and he did it; he bid Ananias tell a lie, and he did it. Acts 5:3. When a man commits sin, he is the devil's lackey, and runs on his errand. Those who serve Satan have such a bad master, that they will be afraid to receive their wages.
Sin is an OFFENSIVE thing. "They are all together become filthy;" in the Hebrew, they have become stinking. Psalm 14:3. Sin is very offensive to God. If he who worships in God's house lives in the sin of uncleanness, though he is perfumed with all the spices of Arabia, his prayers are unsavory. "Their incense is an abomination to me" (Isaiah 1:13); therefore "the proud he knows afar off." Psalm 138:6. He will not come near the dunghill sinner, who has such a foul stench coming from him.
Sin is a PAINFUL thing. It costs men much labor and pains to accomplish their wicked designs. "They weary themselves to commit iniquity." Jer 9:5. "Sin is its own punishment." How they tire themselves out in sin's drudgery! Chrysostom says that virtue is easier than vice. It is easier to be sober than intemperate; it is easier to serve God than to follow sin. A wicked man sweats at the devil's plough—and is at great pains to damn himself!
Sin is a DISTURBING thing. Whatever defiles, disturbs. Sin breaks the peace of the soul. "There is no peace for the wicked." Isaiah 57:21. When a man sins presumptuously, he stuffs his pillow with thorns, and his head will lie very uneasy when he comes to die. Sin causes a trembling at the heart. When Spira had sinned, he had a
hell in his conscience; he was in such horror that he confessed he envied Cain and Judas. Charles IX, who was guilty of a massacre in Paris, was afterwards a terror to himself; he was frightened at every noise, and could not endure to be awaked out of his sleep without music. Sin breaks the peace of the soul. Cain in killing Abel stabbed half the world at a blow—but could not kill the worm of his own conscience. Thus you see what an evil sin is in the nature of it, and what need we have to pray, "Deliver us from evil."
(3) Look upon sin in the judgment and opinion of the godly, and it will appear to be the most prodigious evil.
It is so great an evil that the godly will rather do anything than sin. Moses chose "rather to suffer with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin." Heb 11:24. The primitive Christians chose rather to be devoured by lions without, than lusts within. Irenaeus was carried to a place where a cross was on one side and an idol on the other, and he was put to his choice either to bow to the idol or suffer on the cross, and he chose the latter. A wise man will choose rather to have a rent in his coat than in his flesh; and the godly will rather endure outward sufferings than a rent in their conscience. So great an evil is sin, that the godly will not sin for the greatest gain; they will not sin though they might purchase an estate by it—nay, though they were sure to promote God's glory by it.
The godly testify sin to be a great evil, in that they desire to die upon no account more than this, that they may be rid of sin. They are desirous to put off the clothing of the flesh, that they may be unclothed of sin. It is their greatest grief that they are troubled with such inhabitants as the stirrings of pride, lust, and envy. It was a cruel torment of Mezentius who tied a dead man to a living man. Thus a child of God has corruption joined with grace—a dead man
tied to a living man. So hateful is sin, that a believer desires to die for no reason more than this—that death shall free him from sin. Sin brought death into the world, and death shall carry sin out of the world.
(4) Judge of sin by comparison, and it will appear to be the most deadly evil. Compare what you will with it—afflictions, death, or hell, and still sin is worse.
First, sin is worse than affliction. There is more evil in a drop of sin—than in a sea of affliction.
[1] Sin is the cause of affliction, and the cause is more than the effect. Sin brings all harmful things: it has death and hell in its womb. It rots the name, consumes the estate, and wastes the body. As the poets feigned of Pandora's box, that when opened it filled the world full of diseases—so when Adam broke the box of original righteousness, it caused all the evils in the world. Sin is the evil which sets the world on fire. Sin turned the angels out of heaven, and Adam out of paradise. It causes mutinies, divisions, and massacres. The sword of God's justice lies quietly in the scabbard, until sin draws it out and sharpens it. So that sin is worse than affliction, being the cause of it: and the cause is more than the effect.
[2] God is the author of affliction. "When disaster comes to a city, has not the Lord caused it?" Amos 3:6. God has a hand in affliction—but no hand in sin. He is the cause of every action—so far as it is natural—but not as it is sinful. He who makes an instrument of iron, is not the cause of the rust and canker which corrupts it. Just so, God made the instrument of our souls—but not the rust and canker of sin which corrupts them. [God is not the author of sin.] Augustine. God can no more act evil than the sun can darken. In this
sense sin is worse than affliction. God has a hand in affliction—but disclaims having any hand in sin.
[3] Affliction reaches the body only, and makes that miserable—but sin makes the soul miserable. The soul is the most noble part. It is a diamond set in a ring of clay. It is excellent in its essence, a spiritual, immortal substance. It is excellent in the price paid for it, redeemed with the blood of God. Acts 20:28. It is of more worth than a world. The world is of a coarser make, the soul of a finer spinning. It the world we see the finger of God, in the soul the image of God. To have the precious soul endangered is far worse than to have the body endangered. Sin wrongs the soul. Proverbs 8:36. It casts the jewel of the soul overboard.
Affliction is but skin-deep, it can but take away the life—but sin takes away the soul. Luke 12:20. The loss of the soul is an unparalleled loss, it can never be made up again. "God," says Chrysostom, "has given you two eyes, if you lose one, you have another; but you have but one soul, and if that be lost, it can never be repaired." Thus sin is worse than affliction; the one can reach the body only, the other ruins the soul. Is there not great reason, then, that we should often put up this petition, "Deliver us from evil"?
[4] Afflictions are good for us. "It is good for me that I have been afflicted." Psalm 119:71. Many can bless God for affliction. Affliction humbles. "I remember my affliction—and my soul is humbled within me." Lamentations 3:19-20. Afflictions are compared to thorns; these thorns are to prick the bubble of pride. Hos 2:6. Affliction is the school of repentance. "You have chastised me, and I was chastised; I repented." Jer 31:18, 19. The fire being put under the distillery, makes the water drop from the roses. Just so,
the fire of affliction makes the water of repentance drop from the eyes.
Affliction brings us nearer to God. The loadstone of mercy does not draw us so near to God as the cords of affliction. When the prodigal was pinched with need, he said, "I will arise, and go to my Father." Luke 15:18. Afflictions prepare for glory. "Light affliction works for us an eternal weight of glory." 2 Cor 4:17. The painter lays his gold upon dark colors. Just so, God lays first the dark colors of affliction, and then the golden color of glory. Thus affliction is for our good; but sin is not for our good; it keeps good things from us. "Your sins have withheld good things from you." Jer 5:25. Sin stops the current of God's mercy; it precipitates men to eternal ruin. Manasseh's affliction brought him to humiliation; but that of Judas brought him to desperation.
[5] A man may be afflicted—and his conscience be quiet. Paul's feet were in the stocks—yet he had the witness of his conscience. 2 Cor 1:12. The head may ache—yet the heart may be well; the outward man may be afflicted—yet the soul may dwell at ease. Psalm 25:13. The hail may beat upon the tiles of the house— when there is music within. In the midst of outward pain—there may be inward peace. Thus, in affliction, conscience may be quiet; but when a man commits a presumptuous, scandalous sin, conscience is troubled. By defiling the purity of conscience we lose the peace of conscience. When Spira had sinned and abjured the faith, he was a terror to himself; he had a hell within. Tiberius the emperor felt such a sting in his conscience, that he told the senate, he suffered death daily.
[6] In affliction we may have the love of God. Afflictions are love tokens. "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline." Rev 3:19.
Afflictions are sharp arrows—but shot from the hand of a loving Father. If a man should throw a bag of money at another, and it should bruise him a little, he would not be offended—but take it as a fruit of love; so, when God bruises us with affliction, it is to enrich us with the golden graces of his Spirit, and all is in love! But when we commit sin God withdraws his love; it is the sun overcast with a cloud; nothing appears but anger and displeasure. When David had sinned in the matter of Uriah, "the thing that David had done displeased the Lord." 2 Samuel 11:27.
[7] There are many encouragements to suffer affliction. God himself suffers with us. "In all their affliction, he was afflicted." Isaiah 63:9. God will strengthen us in our sufferings. "He is their strength in the time of trouble." Psalm 37:39. Either God makes our burden lighter—or our faith stronger. He will compensate and recompense our sufferings. "Everyone who has forsaken houses or lands for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and inherit everlasting life." Matthew 19:29. Here are encouragements to suffer affliction—but there is no encouragement to sin. God has brandished a flaming sword of threatenings, to deter us from sin. "Surely God will crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who go on in their sins." Psalm 68:21. A flying-roll of curses enters into the house of a sinner. Zech 5:4. If a man sins—it is at his peril. "I will make my arrows drunk with blood." Deut 32:42. God will make men weary of their sins, or he will make them weary of their lives. Thus sin is worse than affliction. There are encouragements to suffer affliction—but no encouragement to sin.
[8] When a person is afflicted, he suffers alone; but by sinning openly he hurts others. He does hurt to the unconverted. One man's sin may lay a stone in another man's way— at which he may stumble and fall into hell. Oh, the evil of scandalous
sin! Some are discouraged, others hardened. Your sinning may be the cause of another's damning. The priests going wrong, caused others to stumble. Mal 2:7, 8. He does hurt to the converted. By an open scandalous sin, he offends weak believers, and so sins against Christ. 1 Cor 8:12. Thus sin is worse than affliction, because it does hurt to others.
[9] In affliction the saints may rejoice. "You received the Word in much affliction, with joy." 1 Thess 1:6. "You took joyfully the confiscation of your goods." Heb 10:34. Aristotle speaks of a bird that lives among thorns, and yet sings sweetly. Just so, a child of God can rejoice in afflictions. Paul had his prison songs. "We glory in tribulations." Romans 5:3. The Greek word signifies an exuberancy of joy, a joy with boasting and triumph. God often pours in those divine consolations, which cause the saints to rejoice in afflictions— so that they had rather have their afflictions—than be without their comforts. God candies their wormwood with sugar. Romans 5:5. You have seen the sunshine when it rains: the saints have had the shinings of God's face, when afflictions have rained and dropped upon them. Thus we may rejoice in affliction—but we cannot rejoice in sin. "Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy, as other people, for you have gone a whoring from your God." Hos 9:1. Sin is matter of shame and grief, not of joy. David having sinned in numbering the people, his "heart smote him." 2 Samuel 24:10. As pricking a vein lets out the blood, so, when sin has pricked the conscience, it lets out the joy.
[10] Affliction magnifies a person. "What is man, that you should magnify him, and visit him every morning?" Job 7:17, 18. That is, visit him with affliction.
How do afflictions magnify us?
(1) As they are signs of sonship. "If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons." Heb 12:7. Every imprint of the rod—is a badge of honor.
(2) As the sufferings of the godly have raised their fame and renown in the world. The zeal and constancy of the martyrs in their sufferings have eternalized their name. Oh, how eminent was Job for his patience! "You have heard of the patience of Job." James 5:2: Job the sufferer, was more renowned than Alexander the conqueror. Thus afflictions magnify a person; but sin does not magnify—but vilifies him. When Eli's sons had sinned and profaned their priesthood, they turned their glory into shame; the text says they "made themselves vile." 1 Sam 3:13. Sin casts an indelible blot on a man's name. "The man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys his own soul. Wounds and constant disgrace are his lot. His shame will never be erased." Proverbs 6:32, 33.
[11] A man by suffering affliction may bring honor to religion. Paul's iron chain made the gospel wear a gold chain. Suffering credits and propagates the gospel; but committing sin brings dishonor and scandal upon the ways of God. Cyprian says, when in the primitive times a virgin, who vowed herself to religion, had defiled her chastity, —shame and grief filled the face of the whole congregation. When scandalous sins are committed by a few, they bring a reproach upon many; as three or four brass shillings in a sum of money make all the rest suspected.
[12] When a man's afflictions are upon a good account, when he suffers for Christ, he has the prayers of God's people. It is no small privilege to have a stock of prayer going; suffering saints have a large share in the prayers of others. "Peter was in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing of the church
unto God for him." Acts 12:5. What greater happiness than to have God's promises and the saints' prayers! But when a man sins presumptuously and scandalously, he has the saints' bitter tears and just censures; he is a burden to all that know him, as David speaks in another case, "Those who saw me without fled from me." Psalm 31:2. So the people of God flee from a scandalous sinner; he is like an infected person, everyone shuns and avoids him!
[13] Affliction can hurt a man only while he is living—but sin hurts him when he is dead. As a man's virtues and alms may do good when he is dead—so his sins may do him mischief when he is dead. When a spider is killed, the poison of it may hurt. Just so, the poison of an evil example may do much hurt when a man is in his grave. Affliction at most can but last a man's life—but sin lives and hurts when he is gone. Thus sin is far worse than affliction.
Secondly. Sin is worse than death. Aristotle calls death the terrible of terribles, and Job calls it "the king of terrors," but sin is more deadly than death itself. Job 18:14. 1. Death, though painful, would not hurt, but for sin; it is sin which embitters death, and makes it sting. "The sting of death is sin." 1 Cor 15:26. Were it not for sin, though death might kill, it could not curse us. Sin poisons death's arrow—so that it is worse than death, because it puts a sting into death. 2. Death does but separate between the body and the soul; but sin, without repentance, separates between God and the soul. "You have taken away my gods, and what more have I?" Judges 18:24. Death does but take away our life—but sin takes away our God from us. Just so, that it is worse than death.
Thirdly. Sin is worse than hell. In hell there is the worm and the fire—but sin is worse.