The fly in the spider's web is an emblem of the soul in such a
condition: the fly is entangled in the web; at this the spider shows
himself; if the fly stirs again, down comes the spider to her, and
claps a foot upon her; if yet the fly makes a noise, then with
poisoned mouth the spider lays hold upon her; if the fly struggles
still, then he poisons her more and more: what shall the fly do now?
Why, she dies, if somebody does not quickly release her. This is the
case of the tempted; they are entangled in the web, their feet and
wings are entangled; now Satan shows himself; if the soul now
struggleth, Satan laboreth to hold it down; if it now shall make a
noise, then he bites with blasphemous mouth, more poisonous than the
gall of a serpent. If it struggle again, then he poisoneth more and
more; insomuch that it must needs at last die in the net, if the
man, the Lord Jesus, helps not out. The afflicted conscience
understands my words.
Further, though the fly in the web is altogether incapable of
looking for relief, yet this awakened, tempted Christian, is not.
What must he do, therefore? How should he entertain hopes of life?
If he looks to his heart, there is blasphemy; if he looks to his
duties, there is sin; if he strives to mourn and lament, perhaps he
cannot; unbelief and hardness hinder.
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