Secondly, I come now to the second thing propounded — the opposites
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of this life ; or those things which would seem to infringe the comforts of the spiritual life, temptations from the devil and the world, and sharp afflictions.
First, I begin with the life of faith with respect to the temptations of Satan. And here I shall (1.) Prove that this is a considerable part of the life of faith ; (2.) I shall show you what props and supports faith hath, that we may overcome the temptations of the devil. (3.) What are the acts of faith, with respect to these temptations.
I. That this is a considerable branch of the life of faith. Two con- siderations will evidence that — (1.) The necessity of temptations ; (2.) The necessity of faith to grapple with those temptations.
[1.] This must be considered in the life of faith, because of the neces- sity of temptations. And w^ithout this part of the life of faith, the spiritual life would not be guarded against all inconveniences, and the molestations of it; for whosoever doth unfeignedly dedicate himself to the service of God must expect to be assaulted by Satan. We took an oath in our infancy to tight under Christ's banner. Baptism is sacra- mentum militare, an engagement to the spiritual warfare ; and the grace that is infused into us is not only called clothing, but ' armour of light,' Rom. xiii. 12, and ' armour of righteousness,' 2 Cor. vi. 7, be- cause Christ arrayeth us non ad pompam, sed ad pugnam ; not to set us out in a vain show, but to furnish us and secure us for the spiritual combat. A christian's life is a warfare, and we cannot discharge the duties of it without a battle or conflict. We do evil easily, but we must fight for the good that we do ; they that think this unnecessary, scarce know what Christianity meaneth. Many are never acquainted with any such thing as temptations, because they know not what Chris- tianity meaneth. When wind and tide go together, the sea must needs be smooth and calm. ' The strong man keepeth the house, and all the goods are in peace,' Luke xi. 21. Satan and they are agreed. They that are least troubled may be most hurt ; they are quiet and secure, because Satan hath gotten them into the snare, and hath a quiet dom- inion in their souls. Many there are that are contented to bear his image, being conformed to him in infidelity and love of temporal good, in pride and malice, and the like ; they embrace his principles, aie guided by his counsels, do his will and works ; they strive for the establishing of his kingdom, hating those that oppose it. It is in vain to comfort those against temptations. But whosoever doth seriously purpose to live to God will be molested with the devil ; and they can- not serve God cheerfully, unless there be provision made against it, which Christ hath abundantly done : Luke i. 74, 75, ' That being de- livered out of the hands of our enemies, we might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.' Such en- counters are to be expected. Certainly there must be temptations ; for God in wisdom permits it, and Satan in malice and policy effects it.
[2.] God seeth it fit that we should be tempted.
(1.) Partly, that we may be the oftener with him. We keep off from the throne of grace, till temptations drive us thither. When the sheep are apt to wander from the fold, the shepherd lets loose the dog upon them ; so doth God let loose Satan to drive us to himself for mercy and grace to help.
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(2.) And partly, because such a dispensation is necessary, to prove and humble us, that we may not be proud of what we have, or con- ceited of more tlian we have. Paul was buffeted with a messenger of Satan, ' lest he should be exalted above measure,' 2 Cor. xii. 7. A ship laden with precious wares needs to be balanced with wood or stones ; spiritual evils need a spiritual cure ; outward aflflictions are not so conducible to humble a gracious heart as temptations to sin. And—
(3.) Partly to conform us to Christ, that w^e may pledge him in his own cup. For he himself was tempted : Mat. iv. 1, ' Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.' Now the disciple is not above his Lord. The devil that did once set upon Christ will not be afraid of us.
(4.) And partly, that we may be pitiful to others : Gal. vi. 1, 'Con- sidering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.' We are fierce and severe upon the failings of others; now when we are tempted ourselves, we learn more pity and compassion. When we know the heart of a tempted man, we are more compassionate to others.
[3.] Satan in malice effects it, out of envy to mankind who enjoy the happiness which he hath lost ; and out of hatred to God, the devil is always vexing the saints, and sending abroad the sparks of tempta- tions, either with hopes to recover the prey taken out of his hands — as Pharaoh made pursuit after the Israelites, thinking to have brought them back again, or else to discourage and weary and vex the children of God, and make their lives uncomfortable. The enemy will be tempting, either to draw us to sin or to trouble. Now two ways doth Satan assault us — either by his wiles: Eph. vi. 11, 'Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil;' or by his fiery darts; ver. 16, 'Take the shield of faith, that you may be able to quench the fiery darts of Satan ;' those poisoned and envenomed arrow's — their lusts and their consciences are sometimes set a-raging ; he seeketh to stir up despairing fears ; or he inflames their lusts and corruptions, that he may draw them to dishonour God, or lose their own peace.