In his book, Seed-Grains of Prayer,Wilhelm Loehe offers this "Short and Good Counsel to be Frequently Considered by Those who are in Deep Straights and Grievous Temptation" (Kansas City: Emmanuel Press, 2010) pp. 87-89. 1) Stand not unto thyself, and govern thyself not according to thy feelings; for he that dependeth upon his own heart is a fool.
2) Dwell not upon thine own thoughts nor sink and entangle thyself into them, else thou castest thyself into the camp of the enemy that besieges thy soul.
3) Keep not thy sufferings thyself; but seek and confide fully and quickly in thy more experienced pastor.
4) Cleave unto the words which are spoken to thee in God's name. Consider them in thy heart. Repeat them again and again and direct the thoughts and emotions of thy heart to them.
5) Especially, let nothing make thee forget nor doubt these three passages:
a) The word of Isaiah, 49:14-16; concerning God's faithful remembrance of us:
"Zion said, the Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."
b) The word according to John 10:28; concerning the security of the soul in the hands of Jesus:
"I give unto my sheep eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
c) The word according to Matthew 10:28; concerning the security of the body in the hands of Jesus:
"Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows."
6) In moments of sore temptation, above all other times, neglect not the preaching of the Gospel, which is the power of God, rejoicing the soul.
7) Neglect not to pray, even if it seem unto thee as if thou wert attempting to draw a load that is too heavy. James says, 5:13: "Is any among you afflicted? let him pray." Especially pray the 51st Psalm, vv. 12-14: "Uphold me with Thy free spirit;" and Psalm 142.
8) When thou feelest as if courage were at an end, begin to sing Psalms and spiritual hymns. This is very offensive to Satan and exerts a wonderful power upon troubled souls. Especially to be recommended are the Hymns of Praise. The prayer of praise will oft' attain what no prayer of entreating sighs may gain. At times it immediately draws one out of his distress. If thou canst not thyself sing, let others sing for thee.
9) When thou prayest take heed lest thou in any wise desire to be released of thy trial without or against the will of God. Say joyfully, or at least firmly, "If I shall drink this cup, dear Father, let Thy will be done."
10) Do not for one moment conceive that thou art the only one under such great trial. In Peter's first Epistle, 4:12, thou hearest that such trials are common; and, in the same Epistle, 5:8, 9, that like sufferings come upon thy brethren which are in the world. When a man begins to imagine that he alone is suffering, or that his sufferings are greater than those of others it is a sign of secret vanity.
11) Thou shalt thank God for His visitation upon thee. Temptation teaches to give heed unto the Word, and blessed is the man that endureth. (James 1:2, 4, 12). Many one, if he but knew how great good unto him is hidden under his trials, would gladly give up all his days of joy for them.
12) Meet thy temptations not idly. Idleness breeds and multiplies many temptations which had otherwise never come, nor abode long if they came. Small is the hope for recovery of an able man tempted, if, when his temptation comes, he leaves the work of his calling undone or but half done.
13) When thou art tempted, flee from solitude and seek the companionship of godly, joyful people. Few people can, without injury to themselves, live constantly in great companies, and less are they who can live in constant solitude without harm. God created men for each other.
14) Many trials have their origin in a diseased body. If, therefore, an experienced pastor advises thee to seek the services of a physician, do not neglect that advice; but use the treatment prescribed with a prayer for God's benediction upon such use.15) Consider these recommendations diligently. Let them guide and comfort thee; and may God grant thee peace. Amen.
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