Pyrobolia, seu de ignitis Sathanae telis, commonefactio theologica

intemperance and disorder of the affections: it is easy for him to attack the man in that very part in which he especially labors. He attacks, however, either by tickling that which is evil and harmful in a man, so that he may foster and amplify it: or by harshly attacking that which is good, so that, if possible, he may pluck it out by the roots and abolish it: or by showing a phainomenon apparent and painted good, so that he may obscure the truly and actually good: or by lying, both that those good things are entirely taken from us, which we remember were given to us divinely: and that those evils are absent, which nevertheless surround us and press upon us most heavily: or by calling into doubt divine Mandates, Promises, Comminations, and Consolations.

IX. Ends.

But many different ends are proposed by God, by Satan, by his ministers, by the Saints when Satan sifts them, and by the Flesh.

God wishes to ejaculate fiery Darts into men at times, so that the Reprobate may indeed be tortured by them and suffer punishment, not for Satan, as a torturer: but for God, as a just Judge: the Elect, however, may be tested for the glory of God. As Peter warns: In which you rejoice, having been affected for a little while now (if it is necessary) in various temptations: so that the exploration of your faith, more precious than the exploration of gold, which perishes, and yet is explored through fire, may be found to be to you for praise and glory and honor, when Jesus Christ shall be revealed. 1 Pet. 1:6-7.

Satan, when he vibrates and twists his darts, aims to rage, dissipate, slaughter, and destroy whoever he can. He strives to withdraw the particles of Christ, and to slaughter them, so that they may perish eternally: but he is frustrated in his wicked hope. John 10:10, 12.

The ministers of Satan, the sons of this age, I say, aim to be the authors for the children of light (who do not run to the same profusion of luxury, and who for that name seem to them to be strangers, and worthy of being cursed) so that they may be conformed to this age. 1 Pet. 4:4; Rom. 12:2. Therefore they try through depraved conversations to corrupt good morals: to introduce atheism Godlessness, either naked or veiled by superstition: finally, by their hatred, te epichairekakia rejoicing in the misfortunes of others, to indulge their envy.

The Saints, when they are preoccupied in some offense, do not act to harm anyone: but to be present and assist, either themselves or others, with carnal counsel: and certainly they do not do it to serve Satan. And these, chastised by the Lord, are recalled in time to the way, and acknowledge their error.

The Flesh, finally, meditates and does this one thing, that it may live in these lands as idly, delicately, and without the bitterness of the cross as possible, with dignity and abundance of wealth: and that it may never feel the whip of its own mortification.