Temptation when it is attributed to Satan is always to be taken in the worst sense that can be: for his temptations in his intent are as bad as may be. The Devils arem unclean, nevil spirits. oSpiritual wickednesses: pSatan is the wicked One. He ever tempteth men to sin: endeavouring by his temptations to draw men in to sin. And because he never ceaseth so to tempt, by a kind of property he is calledq the Tempter. For he tempteth sometimes immediately by himself (sor he tempted Christ) sometimes mediately by his Messengers (for as Messenger of Satan was sent to tempt Paul) His Messengers are of several sorts. Some with Siren-Songs, and Delilah delights lull men asleep (as Sampson twas lulled) and bewitch them (as theu Galatians were bewitched:) Others with thundering threats, and boisterous buffets terrify men, as xmany of the Jews were kept from making open profession of Christ by reason of the terrible Edicts that were made against such: andy many Christians forsook Paul by reason of the fierce persecution raised against him. Hence hath risen the distinction of temptations on the right hand, and on the left hand. All enticing allurements to wickedness being counted temptations on the right hand: and all violent discouragements from goodness being counted temptations on the left hand. Thus doth Satan, as he thinks may most make for his advantage, either insensibly like a wily Serpent wind himself into men, or violently like a roaring Lyon, bear all before him. Not unfitly is he called the Creators maul: his maul for the whole earth. He knocketh the Elect for their profit, he knocketh down the Reprobate unto their perdition.
Temptation when it is attributed to Satan is alwayes to bee taken in the worst sence that can bee: for his temptations in his intent are as bad as may be. The Diuels arem vncleane, neuill spirits. oSpirituall wickednesses: pSatan is the wicked One. He euer tempteth men to sinne: endeauouring by his temptations to draw men in to sinne. And because hee neuer ceaseth so to tempt, by a kinde of property hee is calledq the Tempter. For he tempteth sometimes immediately by himselfe (sor he tempted Christ) sometimes mediately by his Messengers (for as Messenger of Satan was sent to tempt Paul) His Messengers are of seuerall sorts. Some with Syren-Songs, and Dalilah delights lull men asleepe (as Sampson twas lulled) and bewitch them (as theu Galatians were bewitched:) Others with thundring threats, and boisterous buffets terrifie men, as xmany of the Iewes were kept from making open profession of Christ by reason of the terrible Edicts that were made against such: andy many Christians forsooke Paul by reason of the fierce persecution raised against him. Hence hath risen the distinction of temptations on the right hand, and on the left hand. All enticing allurements to wickednesse being counted temptations on the right hand: and all violent discouragements from goodnesse being counted temptations on the left hand. Thus doth Satan, as he thinkes may most make for his aduantage, either insencibly like a wily Serpent winde himselfe into men, or violently like a roaring Lyon, beare all before him. Not vnfitly is he called the Creators maule: his maule for the whole earth. He knocketh the Elect for their profit, he knocketh downe the Reprobate vnto their perdition.
- mMa• 1. 2.
- nLuke 8. 2.
- oEphes. 6. 12.
- pMath. 1• 19.
- q[Greek or Hebrew]. Math. 4 3. 1. Thes. 3. 5.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Math. 4 3. 1. Thes. 3. 5.
- rMath. 4. 3.
- s2 Cor. 12. 7.
- tJudg. 16. 19.Iudg. 16. 19.
- uGal. 3. 1.
- xJoh. 3. 2.—9. 22.—19 38.Ioh. 3. 2.—9. 22.—19 38.
- y2. Tim 4. 16. Quocuaque me vertam nulla us quam securitas est. & quae mulcent, & quae molestant limeo. Bern. Quadr. Serm. 6. Malleus caelestis opificis factus est, malleus universae terae. Terit electos ad eorum utilitatem: reprobos conterit in corumdomnationem: Bern. Serm. in Trans. S. Mal.
