The Work of Satan in Reference to the Prosperity of the Wicked

[James Hosie]

Device 8 By representing to the soul the outward mercies that vain men enjoy, and the outward miseries that they are freed from, whilst they have walked in the ways of sin. Saith Satan, Dost thou see, O soul, the many mercies that such and such enjoy, that walk in those very ways that thy soul startles to think of, and the many crosses that they are delivered from, even such as makes other men, that say they dare not walk in such ways, to spend their days in sighing, weeping, groaning, and mourning? and therefore, saith Satan, if ever thou wouldst be freed from the dark nights of adversity, and enjoy the sunshine of prosperity, thou must walk in their ways.

Thomas Brooks - Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices