A Divine Cordial

3. Temptation works for good, as it abates the swelling of pride: 2 Cor. 12.7. Least I should be exalted above measure, there was given me a Thorn in the flesh, a Messenger of Satan to buffet me. The Thorn in the flesh was to ⟨p. 39⟩prick the Bladder of pride^*. Better is that temptation which humbles me, than that duty which makes me proud. Rather than a Christian shall be haughty minded, God will let him fall into the Devils hands a while, to be cured of his Imposthume.

1. *[Greek or Hebrew]. Chrysost.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Chrysost.

4. Temptation works for good, as it is a Touch-stone to try what is in the heart. The word tentare, signifies explorare. The Devil tempts that he may deceive; but God suffers us to be tempted to try us. 1. Temptation is a trial of our sincerity: It argues our heart is chaste, and loyal to Christ, when we can look a temptation in the face, and turn out back upon it. 2. It is a trial of our Courage: Hos. 7.11. Ephraim is a silly Dove, without an heart. So it may be said of many, they are without an heart, they have no heart to resist temptation; no sooner doth Satan come, but they yield: Like a Coward, as soon as the Thief approacheth, he gives him his purse. But he is the valorous Christian, that brandisheth the Sword of the Spirit against Satan, and will rather dye than yield. The courage of the Romans was never more seen, than when they were assaulted by the Carthaginians: The valour & Puissance of a Saint is never more seen, than in a Field-battle, when he is fighting with the Red-Dragon, and by the power of faith puts the Devil to flight. That race is tried Gold,