4. And this being the case, all objections to the doctrine here inculcated, fall to the ground; so that I have only to remind you, in two words, (for the time will not allow many) of the moral and religious uses, we ought to make of it.
I shall but mention ONE, of each sort.
1. In a RELIGIOUS view, the belief of this doctrine is of the utmost importance: for the whole scheme of Redemption is founded upon it. For therefore Christ came into the world, and suffered upon the cross, that, through death, as St. Paul says, he might destroy him, that had the power of death, that is, the DEVIL[238]. And, universally, for this purpose (I quote the words of St. John) the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the DEVIL[239]. It concerns us, then, infinitely, to take heed lest, by denying, or questioning, or explaining away, the existence and agency of the evil spirit, we subvert the foundation of our faith, detract from the glory of our Saviour’s passion, and unthankfully despise the riches of his goodness in dying for us: nay, and lest we blaspheme the Holy Ghost; who was given to help our infirmities[240], to strengthen us with might in the inner man[241], and therefore to save us, from the power of that spirit, which worketh in the children of disobedience[242].
2. In a MORAL view it is, also, of great importance, that we entertain right notions on this subject.
I know that the world and the flesh are powerful enemies enough, and that we need not wish to signalize our courage by a contest with any other.
But if there be another, we are concerned to know what our danger is, and to provide against it. Security is generally fatal; especially when the strength of the enemy is greater than we take it to be. Therefore, let us learn from scripture, what that strength is; and let us use all diligence in resisting (as we have long since engaged to do) not the world and the flesh only, but also, the DEVIL. This is the advice of the text—Resist the DEVIL. And then, too, is the advice of the Apostle Peter—Be sober, be vigilant; become your adversary, the DEVIL, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour[243] (words, by the way, which put the personality of the tempter out of all question); Whom resist, says he, stedfast in the FAITH; under the protection of which shield, we shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of THE WICKED[244].
SERMON XLVII.
PREACHED MARCH 29, 1772.
Prov. xvi. 6.
By the fear of the Lord, men depart from evil.
All the authority of Solomon’s name and wisdom will, I doubt, be no more than sufficient to procure respect to this observation; which some may consider as a trite and vulgar truth, scarce deserving their regard; while others, perhaps, will not so much as allow it to be a truth at all, but indeed a vulgar mistake, arising out of the narrow views of ignorant or superficial declaimers. It may be slighted by one set of men, as conveying no information, and by another, as conveying a wrong one.