The Strategy of Satan

daily-devotionalsWe can see here the method of Satan. His first temptation is by one maid, the second by many servants who stood by. The weaker he finds us, the greater force he uses against us. He uses the first attempt to weaken us and the second to wound us. Just as in the keeping of a city, the enemy sends in the spy to observe the fortifications, so Satan sends in the small temptations to find where our weaknesses are. Then he rushes us with the multitude of his armed and able servants, who would certainly take us and spoil us if there were not a stronger than he to overcome him and secure us.

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.