Pyrobolia, seu de ignitis Sathanae telis, commonefactio theologica

victory, and we shall add certain points concerning the arms phylakteriois kai amynteriois for protection and for defense.

IIII. The Principal Cause.

It is not without the singular counsel of God that fiery darts are sometimes hurled against men.
That this is the case, the examples of both the reprobate and the elect clearly testify.
Concerning Saul, a man rejected, it is said: But the Spirit of Jehovah departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Jehovah terrified him. 1 Sam. 16:14.
Concerning Paul, however, there exists this confession and complaint of his: And lest the excellence of the revelations should exalt me beyond measure, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, an angel of Satan, to strike me, lest I should be exalted beyond measure. For this I asked the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me: My grace is sufficient for you: for my power is perfected in infirmity. 2 Cor. 12:7-9.
Practice: Therefore, when we are tempted, let us not sin by raging against the judgments of God, but let us say most modestly with David: I was silent, I will not open my mouth: for You have done it. Psalm 39:9.
Let us also adore the power and justice of God when we observe the reprobate being consumed by fiery darts.
Let us celebrate His mercy, however, when we experience that those darts in no way harm us, the elect: nay, that they contribute greatly to our testing.

V. The Fire-Caster and Satan.

But the god of this age, blinding the minds of the unbelievers, is a pyrsabolos fire-caster. 2 Cor. 4:4.
Sometimes he feigns the lovable person of an angel of light, so that he may harm under the painted appearance of good; at other times, he displays the horrible mask of a murderer, so that he may drive one to despair.
Therefore he is called ho peirazon the Tempter. And since he did not hesitate to tempt that beloved Son of God who is the head, who wonders that he also attacks the members? Matt. 4:3.
The sayings of the Apostle Paul and Peter are known, and indeed those of Jesus Christ himself.
But I fear lest somehow, as that Serpent seduced Eve by his craftiness, so your corrupted minds may degenerate from the simplicity which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Cor. 11:3.