Preparation for sufferings. Or The best work in the worst times Wherein the necessity,…

Our several passions and affections are the handles of his temptations. Every thing saith Epictetus hath [Greek or Hebrew], two handles to take it by. Our affections are the handles of our Souls. The temptation of Self-confidence, and Pride, takes hold of a during and forward disposition; the temptation of Apostasy upon a timorous disposition, &c. These inbred lusts go over to the Enemy in the day of battle, and fight against the Soul, 1 Pet. 2.11. This is a more dangerous enemy, than the Devil. 'Tis true, they both work against us, but with a double difference. Satan works externally, and objectively; but Lust internally, and physically (i e.) quoad ma•eri•le, as it's capable of physical efficiency. Sin wrought in me all manner of concupiscence, Rom 7.8. Yea, 'tis a subtle Enemy that doth his business politicly. Rom. 7.11. Sin deceived me; it betrays with a kiss, strangles with a silken halter, Heb. 3.13. Ephes. 4.22. These be his Agents sitting at the Council Table in our own breasts, and there carrying on his designs effectually: Yea; it's the restless and perpetual Enemy, no ridding of your hands of him. Satan is sometimes put to flight by resistance, Jam. 4.7. and sometimes ceases his temptations, Luke 4.13. but when he ceaseth to tempt and inject, this ceaseth not to irritate and solicit: Where we are, it will be; it's our sad lot to be tied to it, and perpetually assaulted by it, Rom. 7.24. We may say of it, as Hannibal said of Marcellus, That it's never quiet, whether a Conqueror, or conquered. ⟨p. 107⟩Yea, it's a potent enemy too, it hauls men away to the commission of sin, Jam. 1.14. It seizeth the Magazine of the soul, and delivers up the Arms; I mean the Members to be [Greek or Hebrew], weapons of unrighteousness.