Short and Good Counsel

for those who are in

Deep Straits and Grievous Temptation.

By Wilhelm Loehe
SEED GRAINS OF PRAYER – A Manuel for Evangelical Christians

1. Do not stand alone, nor govern yourself according to your feelings; for he that depends upon his own heart is a fool.
2. Do not dwell upon your own thoughts nor sink and entangle yourself into them, lest you cast yourself into the camp of the enemy that besieges your soul.
3. Do not keep your sufferings to yourself, but seek and confide fully and quickly in your more experienced pastor. Listen to his counsel if it be Biblical, for his calling to is to serve your eternal welfare above all else.
4. Cleave unto the words which are spoken to You in God's name.
   a. Consider them in Your heart.
   b. Repeat them again and again and direct the thoughts and emotions of Your heart to them.
5. Especially, let nothing make You forget nor doubt these three passages:
   a. The word of Isaiah, 49:14-16 concerning God’s faithful remembrance of us:
   But Zion said, "The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me." "Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your 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 them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
   c. The word according to Matthew 10:28-31; concerning the security of the body in the hands of Jesus : And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
6. In moments of sore temptation, above all other times, do not neglect not the preaching and your hearing of the gospel, which is the power of God, strengthening and rejoicing the soul.
7. Neglect not to pray, even if it seem unto you as if you were attempting to pull a load that is too heavy. Consider the James exhortation, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” James 5:13 Makes sure to pray and meditate upon these Psalms: Psalm 51:12-14 & Psalm 142
8. When You feel 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 hymn prayer of praise will often attain what no prayer of entreating and often empty sighs of woe may gain. At times it immediately draws one out of his distress. If You can not yourself sing, let others sing for You.
9. When You pray take heed lest You in any wise desire to be released of Your trial without or against the will of God being fully accomplished through it. Say joyfully, or at least firmly, "If I shall drink this cup, dear Father, let Your will be done in me while living through Your will."
10. Do not for one moment conceive that You are the only one under so great trial. In Peter's first epistle 4:12, you learn that such trials are common; and, in the same epistle, 5:8, 9, that like sufferings come upon your brothers and sisters which are which are in the world.
    When a person begins to imagine that he or she alone is suffering, or that their sufferings are greater or more unique than those of others, it is a sign of secret vanity and pride.
11. You should thank God for visiting you through temptation. Temptation teaches and instructs the believer to give heed unto the Word, and blessed is the man that endureth. (James 1:2, 4:12.)
    Many a person, if they but knew how great a good is hidden under their trials, would gladly give up all their days of earthly joy for them.
12. Meet Your temptations not idly. Idleness breeds and multiplies many temptations which would have had no opportunity if one were busy, nor will such temptations long abode if one is busy with the vocations God has given them at home, work, church or where.
    Small is the hope for recovery of an able person tempted, if, when temptation comes, that person leaves the work of their calling undone or but half-done.
13. When You art tempted, flee from solitude and seek the companionship of godly, joyful people. Few people can, without injury to themselves, live in solitude with temptation. While bad company breeds bad temptations and behaviors, good company is a wellspring of strength in the midst of temptation and Godly behavior. God created people for each other.
14. Consider these recommendations diligently. Let them guide and comfort You ; and may God grant You peace. Amen.