A guide to go to GodA guide to goe to God

Temptation when it is attributed to Satan is always to be taken in the worst sense that can be: for his temptations in his intent are as bad as may be. The Devils are^m unclean, ⁿevil spirits. ^oSpiritual wickednesses: ^pSatan is the wicked One. He ever tempteth men to sin: endeavouring by his temptations to draw men in to sin. And because he never ceaseth so to tempt, by a kind of property he is called^q the Tempter. For he tempteth sometimes immediately by himself (so^r he tempted Christ) sometimes mediately by his Messengers (for a^s Messenger of Satan was sent to tempt Paul) His Messengers are of several sorts. Some with Siren-Songs, and Delilah delights lull men asleep (as Sampson ^twas lulled) and bewitch them (as the^u Galatians were bewitched:) Others with thundering threats, and boisterous buffets terrify men, as ^xmany of the Jews were kept from making open profession of Christ by reason of the terrible Edicts that were made against such: and^y many Christians forsook Paul by reason of the fierce persecution raised against him. Hence hath risen the distinction of temptations on the right hand, and on the left hand. All enticing allurements to wickedness being counted temptations on the right hand: and all violent discouragements from goodness being counted temptations on the left hand. Thus doth Satan, as he thinks may most make for his advantage, either insensibly like a wily Serpent wind himself into men, or violently like a roaring Lyon, bear all before him. Not unfitly is he called the Creators maul: his maul for the whole earth. He knocketh the Elect for their profit, he knocketh down the Reprobate unto their perdition.