An offer of farther help to suffering saints, or, The best work in the worst times wherein the necessity, excellency, and means of preparation for sufferings are clearly evinced, and prescribed : in which, as in a glass, the people of God may see how to dress themselves for death, or any other suffering to which the Lord shall call : added as an appendix to the Sufferers mirrour.

CHAP. IX. Therein is opened the singular advantage that suffering-Saints have, by their skill, and in-sight into the Methods and Mysteries of Sathans Temptations; some of those Wiles of Sathan opened; and Rules for the avoiding of the danger briefly described.

THE hazards and dangers of Christians, in times of Persecution, arise not so much from their Sufferings, as from the Temptations that al∣ways attend, and are by Satan planted upon their Sufferings: for the most part, Sufferings and Tem∣ptations go together, Heb. 11.37. And therefore, it behoves such as are, or expect to be called to Suf∣ferings, to dive into the Mysteries of Temptations, and be well acquainted with the Enemies Designs upon them. So was Paul, and so he supposes all o∣thers to be, that ingage in the same Cause; We are out ignorant of his Devices, 2 Cor. 2.11. There is a manifold advantage redounding to suffering Saints thereby.

1. He that is well acquainted with the Methods of Temptation, will be the better able to descry the first approaches and beginnings of it; and a Tem∣ptation discovered, is more then half conquered. It is a special Artifice of Satan, to shuffle in his Tem∣ptations as undiscernably as may be into the Soul; for he knows, that in vain is the Net spread in the sight of any Bird, Prov. 1.17. And therefore, he or∣dinarily makes a suffering season, to be a tempting

season; because as sufferings do, like Fire to Iron make it impressive and operable, so they do ordina∣rily put the Soul into an hurry and distraction, and so gives him an advantage, to tempt the Soul with less suspicion, and greater success. But now, a skil∣full Christian, that is acquainted with his Wiles, will discern when he begins to enter into temptation; a•• Christs expression is, Luke 22.46. and so checqu•• the Temptation in its first Rise, when it's weakest and most easily broken. Doubtless, one Reason why so many fall by Temptation, is, because it's go•• within them, and hath prevailed far, before it be dis∣covered to be a Temptation.

2. He that is well acquainted with Satans Me∣thods of tempting, will not onely discern it soone•• than another; but also knows his Work and Duty and how to manage the Conflict with it, which is a great matter. There are many poor Souls that la∣bour under strong Temptations, and know not what to do: They go up and down complaining, from Christian to Christian, whilest the Judicious Chri∣stian plyes the Throne of Grace with strong Cries•• See 2 Cor. 12.8. keeps up his Watch, Luke 22.46. countermines the Temptation, by assaulting that Corruption by endeavours of Mortification, which Sa∣tan assaults by Temptation, 1 Cor. 9.27.

3. Lastly, To name no more; he that is best ac∣quainted with the Mystery of Temptation, and can maintain his ground against that, he shall be the persevering Christian under Persecutions, and the victorious Christian over them. Here lies the main Design of Satan, in raising Persecution against the Saints. It is not so much their Bloud that he thir•• steth after, as their Fall by Temptation: and all Persecutions are designed by him, to introduce hi••

Temptations. These work upon our Fear, and Fear drives us into his Trains and Snares, Prov. 29.25. The Devils Work in raising Persecution, is but as the Fowlers work, in beating the Bush in the Night, when the Net is spread to take the Birds, which he can affright out of their Coverts. He that under∣stands this, is not easily moved by the strongest Op∣position from his Place and Duty; and so is like to prove the most constant and invincible Christian in Times of Persecution.

Oh then how necessary is it, that since all Per∣secutions are intended as means to promote Tem∣ptation: and that skill and insight into these De∣signs of Sathan, so advantages us to frustrate his Designs in both? I say, how necessary is it, that you should be all instructed wherein the strength of Temptation lies; as also how to resist those strong and dangerous Temptations, which your Sufferings onely are intended to usher in, and make way for?

It will not be unseasonable or impertinent then in this Chapter to shew you; First, wherein the force and efficacy of Temptations lyeth: Secondly, what you are to do, when in a suffering hour such Temptations shall assault you. And first,

1 Qu. Wherein doth the efficacy and power of Temptation lie?

Sol. I answer, It lies principally in three things:

1. In the kind and nature of the Temptation.

2. From the Craft and Policy of Satan in mana∣ging them.

3. From that secret Correspondency, that Satan hath with our own Corruptions.

1. It lies in the kind and nature of the Tempta∣tion it self: For it's most certain, that all Tempta∣tions

are not alike forcible and dangerous. Some are ordinarily more successful then others; and such are these that follow.

1. Strange and unusual Temptations, I mean no•• such as none have been troubled with before us; for there is not a Dart in his Quiver, but hath been let fly at the Breasts of other Saints, before it was level∣led at ours, 1 Cor. 10.13. But by strange and unu∣sual, I mean such, as the People of GOD are but rarely troubled with, and possibly we were never exercised with before. These are the more danger∣ous, because they daunt and amaze the Soul, and or∣dinarily beget despondency, even as some strange Disease would do, that we know not what to make of.

2. Mark them for most dangerous Temptation, that are adapted and suited to your proper sin, or constitution-evil. For certainly, that is the most dan∣gerous Nick and Crisis of Temptation when it tryes a man there. Now if he be not truly gracious, he falls by the Root irrecoverably, Luke 22.5, 6. Or if sincere, yet without special assistance, and extraor∣dinary vigilance, he falls scandalously, 2 Sam. 11.2. compared with 1 Sam. 16.12.

3. When it is a Spiritual Temptation, which ri∣ses undiscernably out of a Christians Duties. This is the less suspected, because Temptations usually come from the strength and livelyness of Corrupti∣ons; but this, from the Slaughter and Conquests we make of them. Duties, and enlargements in them, which are the Poyson of other Lusts, proves the Food and Fewel of this, 1 Cor. 4.7, 8. And how much the more covert and close any Temptation is, by so much the more dangerous it is.

2. The strength and efficacy of temptation lies much in the skill and policy of Satan in the ma∣nagement of it: And hence they are called wiles, methods, and devises, 2 Cor. 2.11. Ephes. 6.11. and himself an old Serpent, Rev. 12.9. And amongst the rest of his deep and desperate stratagems these following are remarkable.

1. In imploying such instruments to manage his temptations as are least suspected, and have the greatest influence. A Teacher, Gal. 2.14. a Wife, Gen. 3.6. Job 2.9. Friends, Acts 21.13. The Devil knows it is a bad business, and therefore must make the best of it.

2. In the orderly disposition and ranging of his temptations; beginning with little things first, and then by degrees working over to greater. His first motions are commonly most modest, Gen. 3.1. Should he discover the depth of his design at first, it would startle the Soul, and make it reply as Ha∣fael, Am I a Dog that I should do thus? It's far easier to gain his end by parts, then putting for all at once.

3. In endeavouring to engage the Soul upon his own ground. I mean to tempt him from his Sta∣tion and Duty where God set and expects to finds him. He knows while you are with God, God is with you, 2 Chro. 15.2. Whilst a man abides there, he abides with God, 1 Cor. 7.24. Whilst he is there, the Promise is a good breast-work to keep off all his darts: And therefore as Fishers, when they have spread their Net in the River, beat the Fishes out of their coverts and caverns, so doth Satan.

4. In not presenting the temptation, till the Soul, be prepared to receive it. He loves to strike when the iron is hot. He first lets their troubles come to an height, brings them to the Prison, Gib∣bet,

or Fire, and then offers them deliverance, Heb. 11.35, 37. This Mirrour furnishes you with many instances of it.

5. In tiring out Souls with the long continuance of temptations. What he cannot win by a suddain storm, he hopes to gain by a tedious siege. Forty days together he assaulted the Captain of our salvation, Mark 1.13. And truly it's a wonder the Soul yields not at last, that hath been tried long, Psal. 125.3. When the rod of the wicked lies long upon the back of the righteous, it is much if he put not forth his hand to iniquity

6. In falling most violently upon them, when they are lowest and most prostrate in their spririts and comforts: So he assaulted Job with a temptation to curse God and die, when he sate in that deplo∣rable state upon the dunghill, Job 2.8, 9. He loves to fall upon us as Simeon and Levi did upon the She∣chemites, when we are sore and wounded: And therefore ordinarily you find times of divine deser∣tions, to be times of diabolical temptations. So that look as the wild Beasts of the Desart come out of their Dens in the night, and then roar after their prey, Psal. 104.20. so doth Satan when the Soul seems to be benighted and lost in the darkness of Spiritual troubles.

And this is the second thing wherein the efficacy and strength of temptation lies.

3. Lastly, it lies in that secret correspondency Satan holds with our bosome enemies. Were it not for this domestick Traitor, he could not surprise us so easily: As you see in Christ, he could do nothing, because he found nothing to fasten a temptation on. He was like a Chrystal glass filled with pure Fountain water: So that though he should have been agitated and shaken never so much by tempta∣tion, yet no filthy sedement could appear; but now

we have an enemy within that holds intelligence with Satan without; and this would prove a Devil to us, if there were no other Devil to tempt us, Jom. 1.14, 15. It's a Fountain of temptation in it self, Matth. 15.19. and the chief instrument by which Satan doth all his tempting work, 2 Pet. 1.4.

Our several passions and affections are the handles of his temptations. Every thing saith Epictetus hath 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, two handles to take it by. Our affecti∣ons are the handles of our Souls. The temptation of Self-confidence, and Pride, takes hold of a during and forward disposition; the temptation of Apostacy upon a timerous disposition, &c. These imbred lusts go over to the Enemy in the day of bat∣tle, and fight against the Soul, 1 Pet. 2.11. This is a more dangerous Enemy, then the Devil. 'Tis true, they both work against us, but with a double dif∣difference. Satan works externally, and objective∣ly; but Lust internally, and physically (i. e.) que ad materiale, as it's capable of physicall effici∣ency. Sin wrought in me all manner of concupiscency, Rom. 7.8. Yea 'tis a subtil Enemy that doth his bu∣siness politickly. Rom. 7.11. Sin deceived me; it be∣trayes 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 a rest∣less and perpetual Enemy, no ridding your hands of him. Satan is sometimes put to flight by resist∣ance, Jam. 4.7. and sometimes ceases his tempta∣tions, Luke 4.13. but when he ceaseth to tempt and inject, this ceaseth not to irritate and sollicite: 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 Conquerour, or con∣quered.

Yea, it's a potent Enemy too, it hauls men away to the commission of sin, Jam. 1.14. In seizeth the Magazeen of the foul, and delivers up the Arms; I mean the Members to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, weapons of unrighteousness.

Thus you see wherein the efficacy and power of temptation consists. And it mightily concerns you that are, or expect to be Sufferers for Christ, to be acquainted with these things, and know where the strength of your Enemy lies.

But how shall the suffering Saint so manage him∣self in a Suffering hour, as not to be captivated by temptations. This brings me upon the second thing I promised; viz. to prescribe some Rules for the escaping or conquering of those temptations that are incidental to a suffering state. And first:

Labour to cut off the advantages of temptations before they come. [Rule. 1] It's our inordinate love to life, estate, liberty, and ease, that gives the temptation so much strength upon us. Do not overvalue them, and you will more easily part from them, Rev. 12.11. O mortifie self-love, and creature-love; let your heart be loosened and weaned from them, and then the temptation hath lost its strength.

Secure to your selves an interest in the heavenly glory. [Rule. 2] When once you clearly see your propriety in the Kingdome above, you will set the lighter and lower by all things on earth. That is a pregnant Text to this purpose, Heb. 10.34. It's our darkness and uncertainties about those, that make us cling so fast to these.

Settle this principle in your heart, [Rule. 3] as that which you will never depart from, that it's better for you to fall into any suffering, then into the least sin, Heb. 11.24, 25. This all will acknowledge, but how few practice it! Oh that you would practically un∣derstand

and receive it! Sufferings is but a respective, external, and temporal evil; but sin is a universal, internal, and everlasting evill.

Believe that God hath cursed and blasted all the wayes of sin, [Rule. 4] that they shall never be a shelter to any soul that flies for refuge to them, Mark 8.35. Prov. 13.15. The way of Transgressours is an hard and difficult way. There is no security in the way of iniquity. He that runs from suffering to sin, runs from the apparent to the reall danger; from the painted to the living Lion.

Live up to this principle, [Rule. 5] that there is no policy like sincerity and godly simplicity. This will pre∣serve and secure you, when carnall wisdome will expose and betray you, Psal. 25.2. Job 2.3. Sinfull policy never thrives with Saints.

Consider sadly what the consequents of yielding up your selves to temptation will be: [Rule. 6] The Name of God will be dreadfully reproached, 2 Sam. 12.14. A fatal stumbling-block is laid before the blind world, 1 Sam. 2.36. the hearts of many up-right ones made sad, Psal. 25.3. The fall of a Pro∣fessour is as when a Standard-bearer fainteth; and a dreadfull wound it will be to thine own Consci∣ence, 2 Cor. 2.7. Matth. 25.76. One hours sleep of security, may keep you many dayes and nights waking upon the Wrack of honour.

Never engage a temptation in your own strength, [Rule. 7] but go forth against it trembling in your selves, and relying on divine Aids and Assistances, Ephes. 6.10. What are you to grapple with Spirits, to enter the Lists with Principalities and Powers? or what is your strength that you should hope?

Let the dayes of your temptation, [Rule. 8] be dayes of strong cries and supplication. Thus did Paul, 2 Cor.

12.8. Psal. 109.4. Your best posture to wrestle with Temptation, is upon your knee.

Dwell upon the consideration of those choice encouragements God hath laid up in the Word for such a time. [Rule. 9] As (1) though he give Satan leave to tempt you, yet you are still in his hand to preserve you, Deut. 33.3. John 10.28. (2) That whilst Satan is sifting and trying you on Earth, Christ is inter∣ceeding for you in Heaven, Luke 22.31, 32. (3) That an eternal reward is laid up for those that overcome, Luke 22.28, 29, Rev. 21.7, 8. And now is this reward to be won or lost.

Lastly, Be content till God open a door out of your temptations, 1 Cor. 10.13. The time of the Promise will come, Acts 7.17. Wait for it, though it tarry, and seem to be deferred; in the end it will speak, and not lye, Hab. 2.3. There was a se∣cret door in the Ark, though it could not be seen whilest the waters prevailed: And so there is in all your temptations, though at present it be not dis∣cernable by you.

And thus I have brought you one step nearer to Paul's blessed frame. Oh give diligence to this work.