PRECIOUS REMEDIES AGAINST SATAN’S DEVICES, by Thomas Brooks

A Brief Book Summary from Books at a Glance

by Steve West

 

This book is part of the Banner of Truth’s box set of Puritan Classics. Brooks’ original work was first published in 1652.

 

Table of Contents

Introduction
1 The Proof of the Point
2 Satan’s Devices to Draw the Soul to Sin
3 Satan’s Devices to Keep Souls from Holy Duties, to Hinder Souls in Holy Services, and to Keep Them Off from Religious Performances
4 Satan’s Devices to Keep Souls in a Sad, Doubting, Questioning and Uncomfortable Condition
5 Satan’s Devices to Destroy and Ensnare All Sorts and Ranks of Men in the World
Appendix

 

Summary

“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2 Cor. 2:11)

 

Chapters 1 & 2: The Proof of the Point & Satan’s Devices to Draw the Soul to Sin

The New Testament is filled with warnings against Satan. We are to put on the full armor of God because Satan attacks the saints, and we are to recognize that he lays traps everywhere to snare them. His first device is to set out the bait but hide the hook; he puts poison in golden cups. For pleasure, honor, or riches, many have lost their souls. The first remedy is to stay as far away from sin as possible, and to not play with or gaze at the bait. Joseph fled, but David gazed and fell. The second remedy is to know that there is a sweetness in sin, but far more bitterness in the end. Similarly, the third remedy is to meditate seriously on the fact that sin will result in the greatest losses to your soul. Sin takes away our joy, peace, and mercies. The fourth remedy is to consider that sin is always deceitful. Do not let sin bewitch you and kill your soul.

The second device of Satan is to present sin not in its real nature but in the colors of virtue. To avoid this device, we need to know that the heart of sin is never changed by its presentation, and that a wolf is just as dangerous when it wears sheep’s clothing. The more alluring and innocent it looks the deadlier it is, and very soon it will be unmasked. When we see sin as it is, we will be horrified. Remember that no matter what the sin is, it cost the life-blood of Christ in atonement. Never cease meditating upon the suffering, wounds, and death of Christ.

Satan’s third device is to minimize and excuse sin. Often what people regard as small, God regards as great. Not only so, but consider that often when we give in to a smaller sin, it makes us more likely to yield next to a greater. Sin never sits still, but always advances. What is done in a moment can destroy us forever. If the sin is little, how terrible to betray God for it! Consider how great a danger there is in small sins when a little leaven works through the whole dough. Look also to other saints, some of whom have experienced torture and execution rather than commit sin. Bear in mind that the soul falls under the weight of the conviction of the least sin, when God presses it home. There is greater evil in a small sin than in the greatest affliction.

Another device that Satan uses is to show people how great saints have sinned, and yet he hides from them the tears, bitterness, regret, and repentance they also engaged in. We may sin as saints have done, but can we repent as they did? Consider that they fell, but they did not live in their sin. Also, bear in mind that Christ will not cast off his people who fall into sin, but there is punishment and painful chastisement. If we sin like David, we may suffer like David. It is a terrible thing to be an example to others about the dangers of sin and the ruin of falling.

The fifth device of Satan is to skew the character of God, presenting him as nothing but love and mercy. The first remedy to oppose this view is to understand how terrible it is to be given over to sin of any kind. We then need to correct our theology, knowing that God is as just as he is merciful. Witness the punishments God sent on the earth, and witness the wrath poured out on Calvary. Do not forget that sins against mercy bring the most fearsome consequences. The people who sin against light suffer the greatest punishments in judgment. God is merciful in a general sense, but there are mercies that are reserved for those who obey his commands. Far from being a license to sin, the mercy of God is the highest motive to be holy. . . .

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