THE DEVICES OF SATAN

Satan may appear in his black shape but at other times puts on the glory of an angel. He may bring into the Christian mind remembrance even of good things, that he may hinder him from doing something greater. He may fill up the mind of the preacher with unseasonable godly meditations that he may distract the same preacher from preaching to his hearers. He may inspire the Christian soul to meditate on holy instructions so that he may be cool to the exercise of virtues. 

With these and a thousand more suchlike vexations in his thoughts, the child of God is sorely troubled and exercised by the evil one.  

(updated 03-14-02)