'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — August 5

Satan has several devices to deceive, entangle, and undo the souls of men. He knows that if he presents sin in its true nature and dress, the soul would fly from it rather than yield. He presents it to us painted over with the show of virtue that we may more easily be overcome and take pleasure in committing it. He presents covetousness as good management, and drunkenness as good fellowship. But sin is just as filthy and vile when it is painted with virtue's colours. A poisonous pill is just as poisonous when it is covered with gold, and a wolf is still a wolf when wearing sheep's clothing. The devil is never less than a devil when he appears as an angel of light. When sin is viewed under the guise of virtue it is very dangerous to the souls of men. The most dangerous vermin abide under the sweetest flowers. Ah, souls! When you lie upon a dying bed, or stand before the judgment seat, sin will be unmasked and its dress and robes shall be taken off, and then it shall appear more vile, filthy, and terrible than hell itself. That which formerly appeared sweet will appear most bitter. O the shame when sin is really seen! O look upon sin now as you must look upon it in eternity, and as God and conscience will present it to you! Consider that these very sins which Satan paints in virtue, also cost the blood of the Lord Jesus in sorrow and death. He who waved the sceptre of heaven was spit upon and nailed to the cross. Ah, how should it provoke our hearts to gain revenge on sin! Sin has murdered the Lord of glory. It was good counsel one gave: ‘Never let go out of your minds the thoughts of a crucified Christ.' Let this be meat and drink unto you; your sweetness and consolation, your honey and your desire, your reading and your meditation, your life, death, and resurrection.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Thomas Brooks, Works, I:16-18
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