Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachi the…Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachy the…

1. One subtle Artifice of Satan is, he baits his Hook with Religion: he can change his Flag, and hang out Christs Colours; here he Transforms himself into an Angel of light. The Devil tempts men to Evil, that Good may come of it, Rom. 3.8. He whistles them into the snare of preferment, that hereby they may be in a capacity of doing God more service. The white Devil is worst. Who would suspect Satan when he comes as a Divine, and if need be, can quote Scripture?

1. One subtil Artifice of Satan is, he baits his Hook with Religion: he can change his Flag, and hang out Christs Colours; here he Transforms himself into an Angel of light. The Devil tempts men to Evil, that Good may come of it, Rom. 3.8. He whistles them into the snare of preferment, that hereby they may be in a capacity of doing God more service. The white Devil is worst. Who would suspect Satan when he comes as a Divine, and if need be, can quote Scripture?

2. Another snare of Satan is, to tempt to sin under a plea of Necessity. Lot offered to expose his Daughters ⟨p. 60⟩to the lusts of the Sodomites, that he might preserve his Angel-guests who were come into his house, Gen. 19.8. Did not Satan instigate him to this? Necessity will not excuse impiety.

3d. Snare is to Colour over sin with the Pretence of Virtue. Alcibiades hung a Curtain curiously embroidered over a foul Picture full of Owls and Satyrs. Satan puts Good names on sin, as Physicians call that Film in the eye which hinders the sight, a Pearl in the eye. Satan Coloured over Jehu's Ambition with the Name of Zeal,