March 6

Now in all the saints' wars with the wicked, Satan is commander-in-chief on the wicked side. It is their captain's work the wicked do, his lusts they fulfill. The Sabeans were the ones who plundered Job, but they went on Satan's errand. The heretic spreads corrupt doctrine and perverts the faith of many, but he is only a minister of Satan (2 Corinthians 11:15) , who gives him his call, his wiles, and his wages. Persecutors, whether by their tongues or their hands, are but the devil's instruments (Revelation 2:9-10).

When you see people striving furiously against the truths or servants of Christ, pity them as the most miserable people on earth. Do not fear their power, nor admire their talents. They are emissaries of Satan. The martyrs of old called them his drudges and slaughter-slaves. Augustine said in a letter to Lycinius (a brilliant but wicked man who once had been his student), "Oh, how I weep to see such a sparkling wit as yours prostituted to the devil's service! If you had found a golden chalice, you would have given it to the church; but God has given you a golden head, talent, and wit, and with them you are drinking yourself to the devil!"

When you see men of power and intellect using their talents against God, weep for their souls. Better they had lived and died slaves and fools than to do the devil's business with their God-given abilities.

When reproached and persecuted by wicked men, look beyond them. Spend your wrath on Satan, who is your chief enemy. Men are only his puppets. They may be won to Christ's side and so become your friends at last. Anselm explains it in the following manner, "When the enemy comes riding up in battle, the valiant soldier is not angry with the horse, but with the horseman. He works to kill the rider so that he may possess the horse for his own use." Thus we must do with the wicked.

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