A09463:155
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.
The use. Hereby then we are all taught, in special manner to beware of presumption; this is the common snare of the Devil wherein he entangles many a soul. It is true indeed that he oft prevails by bringing men to desperation, but a thousand perish through presumption, almost for one by desperation; for despair is a painful thing to flesh and blood, and as the Devil knows well, doth sometimes turn to a mans more sound conversion; but to presume is sweet and pleasant to the flesh, and most agreeable to mans corrupt nature: in regard whereof we ought to keep out heart with all watch & ward, as David prayeth, Keep thy servant from presumptuous sins, Ps. 19. 13.
The vse. Heereby then wee are all taught, in speciall maner to beware of presumption; this is the common snare of the Diuel wherein he intangles many a soule. It is true indeed that he oft preuailes by bringing men to desperation, but a thousand perish through presumption, almost for one by desperation; for despaire is a painfull thing to flesh and bloud, and as the Diuell knowes well, doth sometimes turne to a mans more sound conuersion; but to presume is sweet and pleasant to the flesh, and most agreeable to mans corrupt nature: in regard whereof wee ought to keepe out heart with all watch & ward, as Dauid praieth, Keepe thy seruant from presumptuous sinnes, Ps. 19. 13.
Again, observe the order of Satan's temptations by comparing this with the former. There he sought to overthrow Christs faith & to bring him to distrust the trueth of Gods word uttered from heaven; but finding he could not that way prevail, here he takes the clean contrary course, and seeks to bring him to presume.
Againe, obserue the order of Satans temptations by comparing this with the former. There he sought to ouerthrow Christs faith & to bring him to distrust the trueth of Gods word vttered from heauen; but finding hee could not that way preuaile, heere he takes the cleane contrary course, and seekes to bring him to presume.