A Divine Cordial

5. Temptations work for good, as God makes them who are tempted, fit to comfort others in the same distress. A Christian must himself be under the buffetings of Satan, before he can speak a word in due season to him that is weary. St Paul was versed in temptations, 2 Cor. 2.11. We are not ignorant of his Devices: and he was able to acquaint others with Satan's cursed Wiles, 1 Cor. 10.13. A man that hath rid over a place where there are Bogs and Quick-sands, is the fittest to guide others through that dangerous way. He that hath felt the claws of the roaring Lion, and hath lain bleeding under those wounds, is the fittest man to deal with one that is tempted. None can better discover Satan's sleights and policies, than those who have been long in the fencing School of temptation.

5. Temptations work for good, as God makes them who are tempted, fit to comfort others in the same distresse. A Christian must himself be under the buffetings of Satan, before he can speak a word in due season to him that is weary. St Paul was versed in temptations, 2 Cor. 2.11. We are not ignorant of his Devices: and he was able to acquaint others with Satans cursed Wiles, 1 Cor. 10.13. A man that hath rid over a place where there are Boggs and Quick-sands, is the fittest to guide others through that dangerous way. He that hath felt the claws of the roaring Lion, and hath lay'n bleeding under those wounds, is the fittest man to deal with one that is tempted. None can better discover Satans sleights and policies, than those who have been long in the fencing School of temptation.

6. Temptations work for good, as they stir up paternal compassions in God to them who are tempted. The Child which is sick and bruised is most looked after. When a Saint lies under the bruisings of temptations, Christ prays, and God the Father pities. When Satan puts the soul into a Fever, God comes with a Cordial; which made Luther say, that temptations are ample […] Christi, Christs Embraces,