(8.) Eighthly, They imbitter the spirit, and beget impressions upon the mind, of very hard thoughts of God.
(9.) Ninthly, They violently push men on to speak unadvisedly. There is such a swelling ferment of the old leaven of impatience and distrust in the mind, that it is matter of pain and difficulty to be silent: ‘Their belly is as wine that hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles,’ and they are ‘weary with forbearing and cannot stay, and must speak let come on them what will,’ Job xxxii. 19.
All these advantages doth an afflicted condition bring to Satan; and who can think that he who is so studious of our ruin will be willing to miss so fair an opportunity?
Applic. (1.) First, This must teach us to have a watchful eye over affliction. Though at all times we must expect Satan’s stratagems, yet in troubles especially prepare for them; according to the wise man’s advice, ‘In a day of adversity, consider,’ [Eccles. vii. 14.]
(2.) Secondly, Seeing Satan takes advantage of the sharp humours of impatience and distrust, we must be particularly careful not to touch too much upon the harshness of our troubles, because this is that that sets fretting and distracting thoughts on work. Afflictions, like the pillar of the cloud and fire in the wilderness, have a light and darkness; and accordingly, those that converse with the dark side of troubles envenom their imaginations, and poison their thoughts with dark and hideous conclusions, and, in a word, draw forth nothing but the wormwood and the gall; whereas those that study and view the light side of them are full of praise and admiration for the gracious mixtures, comfortable mitigations, encouraging supports, &c., which they observe. It is wisdom then to keep upon the right side of them.
Though it be the design of God to turn the dark side of the cloud to us, yet may we have a competent light to guide us if we would improve it. When the sun is set, the moon may be up. Nay, it is our duty to strive to recover the right side of the cloud. He hides that we may seek.
If this fast of Christ’s be considered as a remedy against temptations, then may we observe that solemn temptations are to be resisted with fastings and prayers. Of this I shall forbear to speak, till I come to speak of Christ’s answer, and the repulse of Satan.
CHAPTER VI.
And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.—Mat. iv. 3.