A09463:128
The combat between Christ and the Devil displayedThe combat betvveene Christ and the Diuell displayed
The combat between Christ and the Devil displayed: or A commentary upon the temptations of Christ: preached in Cambridge by that reverend and judicious divine M. William PerkinsThe combat betvveene Christ and the Diuell displayed: or A commentarie vpon the temptations of Christ: preached in Cambridge by that reuerend and iudicious diuine M. William Perkins
London: printed by Melchizedek Bradwood for E. Edgar, 1606London: printed by Melchisedech Bradwood for E. Edgar, 1606
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Thirdly, hence we must learn to sanctify Gods creatures as food and raiment which we use for our comfort, by invocation on the name of God: for we do not live by the creatures simply, but by the word and appointment of God blessing them unto us; and therefore we must not be like unto brute beasts which receive Gods blessings, but yet never look up to heaven from whence they come; or like to the swine that gathereth up the mast, not looking up to the tree from which it falleth.
Thirdly, hence wee must learne to sanctifie Gods creatures as food and raiment which we vse for our comfort, by inuocation on the name of God: for we doe not liue by the creatures simply, but by the word and appointment of God blessing them vnto vs; and therefore we must not be like vnto brute beastes which receiue Gods blessings, but yet neuer looke vp to heauen from whence they come; or like to the swine that gathereth vp the mast, not looking vp to the tree from which it falleth.
Fourthly, hereby we see the common error of the world, who place the staff and stay of their life in the abundance of outward blessings, whereupon they labour to enrich themselves herewith as much as possibly they can; these men do little consider that mans life standeth not in abundance, neither doth he live by bread, but by the blessing of God, which is and may be as well upon a little, as upon the treasures of a kingdom. This was the practise of the rich fool, awho spake peace to his soul for ease and pastime, because he had much goods laid up for many years. But sith Christ teacheth us that man liveth not by bread only, it must needs be a flat note of unbelief, to cark and care immoderately for the things of this life.
Fourthly, heerby we see the common errour of the world, who place the staffe and stay of their life in the abundance of outward blessings, whereupon they labour to inrich themselues heerewith as much as possibly they can; these men do litle consider that mans life standeth not in abūdance, neither doth he liue by bread, but by the blessing of God, which is and may be as well vpon a little, as vpon the treasures of a kingdome. This was the practise of the rich foole,