The safety of appearing at the day of judgement, in the righteousness of Christ

6. It is from the practice of Satan that you are so backward to come: not but that there is an enmity in your own hearts to the entertaining of Jesus Christ, but the opposition of your heart is much strengthened by the counsels of the Devil: the Devil out of enmity to God, and Jesus Christ and Mankind is labouring to hinder the effica•• of the Gospel: he is heightening those corrupt principles that are in men and dissuading of him from entertaining of the Gospel: Satan has abundance of devices to hinder the ⟨p. 291⟩reception of the Gospel: men are ready to think that they do act their own judgment in standing off from Christ, and are not aware of the activity of Satan in […] he suggests his reasonings as if they were the motions of mens own hearts; but their opposition to the Gospel does arise from him, 2 cor. 4.4. the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, least the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God should shine unto them: the Devil is blinding them by false reasonings, by instilling discouragements and presumptuous conclusions: and will you offer to go a breast against the counsel of God, and take the Devils counsel, what can men expect to find but deceit in following his suggestions? men have little cause so lay weight on those carnal reasonings that rise up in them, considering from whence they come: will God give you counsel for your hurt, will Satan give you counsel for your good? whether will that path lead you, that Satan does direct you to, is it safe to follow his counsels, dare you venture your souls in a way that he prescribes? what is to be expected from him that is an enemy to God and to you, but that he will dishonour God, and ruin you if it be possible? hearken not any longer to him; but take his advice upon whose wisdom, love and faithfulness you may rest, •ev. 3.18. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire that thou mayst be rich

6. It is from the practice of Satan that you are so backward to come: not but that there is an enmity in your own hearts to the entertaining of Jesus Christ, but the opposition of your heart is much strengthened by the counsels of the Devil: the Devil out of enmity to God, and Jesus Christ and Mankind is labouring to hinder the effica•• of the Gospel: he is heightning those corrupt principles that are in men and diswading of him from entertaining of the Gospel: Satan has abundance of devices to hinder the