The Dog

‘■’’SatMi is like a dog that standeth ivagjing his tail and looking to receive somewhat from those that sit at table; but if nothing be thrown out, he goeth his way. So doth Satari watch for our conse?it, as Benhadads servants did for the word brother He looketh for a passionate speech, an unclea7i glance, gestures of wrath, or words of discontent, ayid if he findeth none of these, he is discouraged.” It would be a great shame to please the dog of hell. Nay, let him look and long, but let him have never a look, or a word, from us to stir his wicked heart. O for grace! to starve him out, and to bid him begone to his own den. “Neither give place to the devil,” says the apostle. We are not ignorant of his devices. To tempt him to tempt us is indeed a superfluity of naughtiness. Let this serpent eat his own meat, which is the dust; by no means let us turn servitors to wait upon our enemy.

We have need to watch and pray in the presence of this crafty one. When he came to our Lord, he found nothing in him, but in us he sees much which favours him. O Lord, bid him get behind thee once again! Deliver us from the evil one, and bid him depart from us. This we humbly entreat of thee.