to lay aside the thoughts of suffering for the sins of men ? his friend Peter must offer him this advice, " Master, spare thyself"1." Thus in leading us to the commission of sin, he will use sometimes the autho- rity of magistrates, of masters, or of parents, and sometimes the influence of our dearest friends or relatives. No instruments so fit for him, as those of a man's own household".
There is also something further observable in the manner in which Satan tempts the soul. An able general will study to conceal the main object of his attack, and by feints to deceive his enemy0. Thus does Satan form his attack with all imaginable cun- ning. His mode of beguiling Eve will serve as a specimen of his artifices in every age. He first only inquired whether any prohibition had been given her and her husband respecting the eating of the fruit of a particular tree ; insinuating at the same time, that it was very improbable that God should impose upon them such an unnecessary restraint. Then, on being informed that the tasting of that fruit was forbidden, and that the penalty of death was to be inflicted on them in the event of their disobedience, he intimated, that such a consequence could never follow : that, on the contrary, the benefits which should arise to them from eating of that fruit were incalculable. In this manner he led her on, from parleying with him, to give him credit ; and, from believing him, to com- ply with his solicitations13. And thus it is that he acts towards us : he for a time conceals his full purpose : he pleads at first for nothing more than the grati- fication of the eye, the ear, the imagination ; but is no sooner master of one fort, or station, than he plants his artillery there, and renews his assaults, till the whole soul has surrendered to his dominion.
2. The other grand device of Satan is, to keep men
from God. If, after having yielded to his suggestions,
the soul were to return to God with penitence and
contrition, all Satan's wiles, how successful soever
n> Matt. xvi. 16—19, 22, 23. » Matt. x. 36.
° Josh. viii. 5, G, 15, 21. P Gen. iii. 1 — 6.