The Weakest Point

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 16, 1859

The Weakest Point.

Does not Satan attack us in our weakest point? How he suits his mode of temptation to the disposition of the victim! Are you vain? In how dazzling a lustre will he place the pleasures of this poor world before you! Are you ambitious? In what splendid honor will he make the great things of man appear? Are you discontented? In what exalted light will he place advantages of others before your eyes! Are you jealous? In what strong contrasts will he place the kindness of the person you love toward another than you! Are you of an ill temper? How he will make you think everybody hates you, neglects you, despises you, or intends to slight you! Are you indolent? How wearisome will he make the slightest effort for another's good seem in your eyes! Are you too active? How useless will he make the hour of prayer, and thought, and reading, seem to you!

He tempts us to what our nature is most inclined: he suits his allurements to our inclination. If we are of a quiet temper, he will not tempt us there; if we are only ambitious, he will not care to make us jealous; if we are too active, he will not tempt us to be idle. He knows us well; he drives our inclination to its far extreme.