Special Helps Against Satan's Devices

In the conclusion of his book Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, Thomas Brooks sets forth "ten special helps and rules against Satan's devices" (Banner of Truth, p. 243ff). In this post I'll give the first five, and in the next the last five (the italics are his, followed by two or threes sentences of my choosing from each point that seem to communicate well each help):

1. The first help. If you would not be taken by any of Satan's devices, then walk by rule. When men throw off the Word, then God throws off them, and then Satan takes them by the hand, and leads them into snares at his pleasure.

2. The second help. As you would not be taken with any of Satan's devices, take heed of vexing and grieving of the Holy Spirit of God. Whoever be grieved, be sure the Spirit be not grieved by your enormities, nor by refusing the cordials and comforts that he sets before you, nor by slighting and despising his gracious acting in others. . . . The Spirit of the Lord is your counsellor, your comforter, your upholder, your strengthener.

3. The third help. If you would not be taken with any of Satan's devices, then labour for more heavenly wisdom. There are many knowing souls, but there are but a few wise souls. . . . It is not the most knowing Christian, but the most wise Christian, that sees, avoids, and escapes Satan's snares.

4. The fourth help. If you would not be taken with any of Satan's devices, then make present resistance against Satan's first motions. It is safe to resist, it is dangerous to dispute. . . . He that will play with Satan's bait, will quickly be taken with Satan's hook. The promise of conquest made over to resisting, not to disputing: "Resist the devil, and he will fly from you" (Jas. 4:7).

5. The fifth help. If you would not be taken with any of Satan's devices, then labour to be filled with the Spirit. The Spirit of the Lord is a Spirit of light and power; and what can a soul do without light and power "against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Eph. 6:12). It is not enough that you have the Spirit, but you must be filled with the Spirit, or else Satan, that evil spirit will be too hard for you. . . . Therefore labor more to have your hearts filled with the Spirit than to have your heads filled with notions, your shops with wares, your chests with silver, or your bags with gold. . . .