+I. Some of those artifices by which the devil entices men to
sin.+--1. _He often presents to man the pleasing advantages of sin,
while its judicial consequences are kept in the background._ Sin is
often presented to man under the form of virtue or religion. The
names of sins are changed in order that their natures may seem
changed. Sin is thus recommended to the more tender conscience. The
vileness and criminality of sin are often extenuated to man by
plausible excuses. They need an apology--youth, old age, strong
temptation, a desire to please, to prevent loss of place, provision
for a family, etc. The inconsistencies of the acknowledged people of
God are often pleaded as an apology for sin. The falls of God's
people have been recorded for good; but the record has been perverted
to evil. A legitimate use of the record is to prevent despair on the
part of God's people who have fallen. But, by Satan, the beacon has
been converted into a decoy.
2. _The sinner is often freed from his difficulties in sinning by
false views of God's character and of the design of Christ's
work._--God is regarded as a Being of mere mercy. Christ is thought
of as saving from sin's consequences, rather than from sin itself.
The individual is often persuaded to expose himself to temptation,
under the impression that he will resist it.
+II. Some of the artifices by which he entices men from the
performance of positive duty.+--1. _Many are restrained from duties
by a consideration of their hardness in themselves_ (Matt. x. 34-39).
2. _Many are persuaded to let duty alone, on account of the
sacrifices which a performance of it involves._ 3. _Argument against
a full devotedness to the service of God may sometimes be drawn
from the fewness and meanness of those who are engaged in it_ (John
vii. 48). 4. _An argument against the necessity of duty is drawn from
the doctrines of grace_ (Rom. vi. 2, 3; Jas. ii. 17). 5. _The worth
and value of all performances are taken away by the trust in them for
righteousness to which Satan prompts the heart.--Stewart._