The combat between Christ and the Devil displayedThe combat betvveene Christ and the Diuell displayed

only this he requireth that we should be valiant and ^xquit our selves like men in the power of his might, knowing that the battle is the Lords, and so the victory sure before we strike a stroke. Now for the manner of our fight (a matter indeed of great moment, because a^y smooth stone out of Davids sling will foil to the ground great Goliath) we have in this combat between Christ and the Devil, so pregnant direction set before us, that unless we do wilfully shut our eyes against the light, in this behalf we cannot be ignorant of our duty:^z whatsoever was written aforetime was ⟨image 4⟩written for our learning; and therefore the recording of this combat is as much from Christ to every Christian, as the speech of Gideon to his soldiers, ^alook on me and do likewise; even as I do, soe do ye; for Christ left himself an example that we should follow his steps, though not in his miraculous fast, yet in his courageous fight against sin. The view hereof hath formerly been presented to your Honours, by Master Robert Hill, bachelor of Divinity, under this title, Satan's Sophistry answered by our Saviour Christ. And now at the entreaty of M. Perkins executors, I have published it again; yet under a new title, and more large almost by one third part. Mine endeavour hath been that this poor Orphan might imitate his brethren, who were the messengers of love unto our Church, while their happy father lived among us. What is wanting herein, or may deserve a just reproof I willingly take to my self,⁵ me me adsum qui feci-&c. What I have been able to do, I humbly commend to the church of God under your Honourable protection. If herein I seem presumptuous, because I am unknown unto you, I humbly crave this favourable construction; that I chose rather by presuming to wrong my self, then to alienate this book from your Honours, who had right hereto by former dedication. When your Honourable employments in time past required your wisdom and courage, for the just defence of our Sovereigns right, I make no question, but as well the messengers of victory over rebels, as the counsellors of peace, were always welcome to your Honour: