Satan’s Devices to keep saints in a sad, doubting, questioning, and uncomfortable condition. –Part 4
7. By reminding the saint of his frequent relapses into sin formerly repented of and prayed against:
For remedies, consider that
A. Many scriptures show that such relapses have troubled saints
B. God nowhere promises that such relapses will not happen
C. The most renowned of glorified saints have, on earth, experienced such relapses
D. Relapses into enormities must be distinguished from relapses into infirmities
E. Involuntary and voluntary relapses must be distinguished
F. No experience of the soul, however deep or high, can in itself secure the soul against relapses
8. By persuading saints that their state is not good nor their graces sound :
For remedies, consider that
A. The best of Christians have been most tempted by Satan
B. All the saints temptations are sanctified to them by a hand of love
C. Temptations cannot harm the saints as long as they are resisted by them
-Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices, 1652.