Tempted and Then Accused by Satan
Is the nature of women more inquisitive or more malignant, that amongst so many other servants a woman should begin the second accusation? The devil will double a weak temptation, if it has proved prosperous. The first maid tempted Peter by questioning him, the second by accusing him to the other servants. Those who are apt to tempt are apt to accuse; these are the devil’s two instruments as he works the ruin of mankind. He first tempts a man to sin and then accuses him before God. He is both the tempter and the accuser (Revelation 12:10).
After he has tempted a man to sin he then accuses him to the brethren without and his own conscience within. Brethren, when you feel an assault, begin also to feel the accusation and learn to prevent the devil’s malice by resisting the temptation.
Dr. Edward Reynolds was born in 1599 in Southampton, England. He received his BA degree at Oxford in 1618. In 1622, before studying for his masters, Reynolds became a chaplain to the king and preacher at Lincoln’s Inn, London. The puritanical inclinations of Dr. Reynolds were well known; his character of piety and decorum were evident even in his college years. Edward Reynolds is known as the Bishop of Norfolk, but he was bishop for only the final fifteen years of his life and ministry. Prior to that he was the rector of Braunston, Northamptonshire, for almost thirty years. Although Reynolds was a Presbyterian by conviction, he had a reputation of moderation in his church polity. This was evidenced in his role in the Westminster Assembly. He was the only member to sit on all three of the major committees on the Confession of Faith, and with his moderate spirit provided balance in the discussions. These devotions are taken from the works of Edward Reynolds. They have been edited for thinkgospel.com. © 2013 thinkgospel.
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