The Fountain of Life Opened

From the fourth particular of Christs Humiliation in his life,¹ by Satan's Temptations, we infer, That those in whom Satan hath no interest, may have most trouble from him in this world. Joh. 14.30. The Prince of this world cometh, and hath nought in me. Where he knows he cannot be a Conqueror, he will not cease to be a Troubler. This bold and daring spirit adventures upon Christ himself; for doubtless he was filled with envy at the sight of him: and would do what he could▪ though to no purpose, to obstruct the blessed design in his hand▪ And it was the wisdom and love of Christ to admit him to come as near him as might be, and try all his darts upon him; that by this experience, he might be filled with pity to succour them that are temp•ed. And as the set on Christ, so much more will he adventure upon us; and but too oft comes off a Conqueror. Sometimes he shoots the fiery darts of blasphemous injections. These fall as flashes of lightning on the dry thatch, which instantly sets all in a combustion. And just so is it attended with an after thunder-clap of inward horror, which shivers the very heart, and strikes all into confusion within. Divers rules are prescribed in this case, to relieve poor distressed ⟨p. 246⟩ones. One adviseth to think seriously on that which is darted suddenly, and to do by your hearts, as men use to do with young horses, that are apt to start and boggle at every thing in the way; we bring them close to the things they fright at, make them look on them, and smell to them; that time, and better acquaintance with such things, may teach them not to start. Others advise to diversions of the thoughts, as much as may be; to think quite another way. These rules are contrary to one another, and I think signify but little to the relief of a poor soul, so distressed.