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The Devil
48. The Devil. See also M
320. Seeing the devil is so cunning and subtle, it may seem a paradox
why he will endeavor to frustrate the designs of an Omniscient Being, or
to pretend to controvert him that is omnipotent, and will not suffer
anything but what is for his own glory, seeing that God turns everything
he does to the greater and more illustrious advancement of his own
honor. And seeing he has experience of it, for so long a time, all his
deep-laid contrivances have at last come out to his own overthrow, and
the work has been directly contrary to his design. To this I say, that
although the devil be exceedingly crafty and subtle, yet he is one of
the greatest fools and blockheads in the world, as the subtlest of
wicked men are. Sin is of such a nature, that it strangely infatuates
and stultifies the mind. Men deliberately choose eternal torments rather
than miss of their pleasure of a few days, and to esteem a little silver
and gold above eternal happiness, makes men choose a few minutes’
pleasure, though eternal misery be joined thereunto, rather than not
have it: this do the cunningest of wicked men. Sin has the same effect
on the devils to make them act like fools, and so much the more as it is
greater in them than in others. The devil acts here according to his
deliberate judgment, being driven on to his own inexpressible torment by
the fury of sin, malice, revenge, and pride, and is so entirely under
the government of malice, that although he never attempted anything
against God but he was disappointed. Yet he cannot bear to be quiet and
refrain from exercising himself with all his might and subtlety against
the increase of holiness; though, if he considered, he might know that
it will turn to its advantage.
296. Devils. It is
probable one reason why men have the offer of a Savior, and the devils
never had, was because their sin was attended with that malice, and
spite, and haughty scornfulness, that was equivalent to that sin against
the Holy Ghost. Their sin was a downright spiteful rebellion, and a
direct malicious war against God, a scorn of subjection, and a proud
seeking of his throne.
353. Faithful Angels. The
fall and misery of the rebel angels contributes exceedingly to the
happiness of the faithful angels. It greatly exalts and gives life to
their joy, their love, and admiration, and praise: not, however, by any
pleasure they take in their misery, but by seeing the miserable state of
those of the same kind, from whom they are distinguished by God’s
electing love, which leads them to reflect what evil they have escaped,
by withstanding the temptation of the chief of the rebel angels.
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