“1.
If Satan tempts the people of God, that he may discourage them, then they have
no reason to be discouraged because they are tempted by Satan. I say, if
Satan’s great design, end and aim, in all temptations of the saints, be to
discourage them, then they have no
reason to be discouraged because they are tempted, for then they would
gratify Satan and fulfill his purpose. Now Satan does tempt that he may tempt;
he tempts unto one sin, that he may tempt unto another. He tempts a man to sin
against the law, that he may make him sin against the gospel. And what greater
sin against the gospel than unbelieving discouragements? He knows or thinks
that such and such a person is gone from his kingdom, and he says, Though I
cannot hinder his salvation, for he will be saved do what I can, yet I will
hinder his comfort and make him go heavily, and if I can but discourage him in
his duty, I shall in time cause him to cast it off. His great design is to
discourage; and therefore, whenever any godly man is tempted, he should say,
well, seeing Satan’s design is to discourage, through the grace of Christ my
design shall be to bear up my heart and spirit against all discouragements.”
-William
Bridge from A Lifting up for the Downcast 1649 Republished
by the Banner of Truth Trust Carlisle PA
1995 Pp. 154-155.
No comments:
Post a Comment