Precious remedies against Satan's devices - Brooks - II - Introduction to 2.2

Required reading
Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices by Thomas Brooks (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Read the Introduction and up to Chapter 2, Device 2.

My notes and thoughts
In the Introduction and 'Proof of the Point' Brooks emphasises Biblical support for his task.  Satan is real and he is at work to ensnare the sinner.

So begins twelve devices that Satan uses to 'draw the soul to sin':
1) To present the bait and hide the hook.
2) By painting sin with virtue's colours

Brooks' remedies are helpful.  Particularly not to play with the bait - instead keep sin at a distance: 'David draws near, and plays with the bait, and falls, and swallows the bait and hook with a witness.'  Brooks reminds us that sin is 'bitter sweet', brings 'the greatest and saddest losses', is 'deceitful', 'vile', 'abominable', 'dangerous' and 'costly' (particularly Jesus' blood).

I do think that Brooks kicks off his series with the best of Satan's devices.  The alluring nature of sin to our minds is strong as we listen to Satan's promises of blessing.  Yet the hook is there under the bait.  Even if we don't see it, we must listen to our God who is working for our good, rather than Satan who is working for our downfall.