dexterity, as you see in his temptations of the blessed Saviour.  Our own hearts are exceedingly deceitful; and our indwelling corruptions will gladly unite with him in bringing false peace and comfort to our souls.  Satan, no doubt, often brings the most sweet and precious promises of God to the minds of those he wishes to deceive as to their own good estate.  But we must be satisfied that the promises belong to us, before we take them to ourselves.  We have “a more sure word of prophecy,” by which we are to try every impulse, feeling, and impression, produced upon our minds.  Anything which does not agree with the written word of God does not come from him, for he “cannot deny himself.”

Satan manages temptation with the greatest subtlety.  He asks so little at first, that, unless our consciences are very tender, we do not suspect him.  If he can persuade us to parley, he perhaps leaves us for a while, and returns again, with a fresh and more vigorous attack.  He is exceedingly persevering; and, if he can persuade us to give place to him at all, he is sure to overcome us at last.

We are also liable to temptation from the world without, and from the corruptions of our own hearts within.  “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare.”  The riches, honors, pleasures, and fashions, of this world, are great enemies to serious piety.  “Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lusts and enticed.”  Remaining corruption is the sorest evil that besets the Christian.  The temptations of Satan alone would be light, in comparison with the inward conflict he is compelled to maintain against the lusts of his own heart.  But the devil makes use of both these sources of temptation to accomplish his ends.  The former he uses as outward enticements, and the latter act as traitors within.  Thus you may generally find a secret alliance between the arch deceiver and the corruptions of your own heart.  It is not sin to be tempted:  but it is sin to give place to temptation.  “Neither give place to the devil.”

The heart is very properly compared to a castle or fort.  Before conversion it is in the possession of the great enemy of souls, who has fortified himself there, and secured the allegiance of all our moral powers.  But when Jesus enters in, he “binds the strong man armed,” and takes possession of the heart himself.  Yet Satan, though in a measure bound, loses no opportunity to attempt regaining his lost dominion.  Hence we are directed to “keep the heart with all diligence.”  Now we know how a castle, fort, or city, is kept in time of war.  The first thing done is to set a watch, whose business is to keep constantly on the look out, this way and that way, to see that no enemy is approaching from without, and no traitor is lurking within.  Hence we are so frequently exhorted to watch.  “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.”  “Take heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when