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

If thou be the Son of God, then cast thy self down: that is, show by this miracle that thou art the Son of God. Mark here, the Devil persuades him not, to show himself to be the Son of God by doctrine in the execution of his ministry; but Cast thy self down, show a miracle: wherein we may behold the very lively image of that natural disposition which is in all impenitent persons; they affect Christs miracles, but they care not for his doctrine. Herod longed to see Christ, ^band was glad of his coming, when Pilate sent him; yet not to hear his doctrine, for that he could not endure; else he would not have imprisoned John, and also put him to death; but he hoped to see a miracle. The wicked Jews desire a sign, that put Christ to death for his doctrine; yet if be will come down from the cross, and so miraculously save himself, then they will believe, Mark. 15. 32. And this venom of the old serpent hath poisoned the hearts of many students in the Scriptures, who care not at all to ground themselves in the fundamental points of religion, as faith and repentance; and yet are wonderful eager after quiddities and difficulties, wherein may appear some outward show of wit and learning; like the hypocritical Pharisees, that would tithe mint and rue, and yet pass over judgement and the love of God, Luk. 11. 42. And the ⟨p. 29⟩cause hereof is the want of sound grace, for natural men indeed can not savour the things of the spirit of God; the knowledge of Christ crucified seems foolishness unto them.

If thou be the sonne of God, then cast thy selfe downe: that is, shew by this miracle that thou art the sonne of God. Marke here, the Diuell perswades him not, to shew himselfe to be the sonne of God by doctrine in the execution of his ministerie; but Cast thy selfe downe, shew a miracle: wherein we may beholde the very liuely image of that naturall disposition which is in all impenitent persons; they affect Christes miracles, but they care not for his doctrine. Herod longed to see Christ, ^band was glad of his comming, when Pilate sent him; yet not to heare his doctrine, for that he could not endure; els he would not haue imprisoned Iohn, and also put him to death; but he hoped to see a miracle. The wicked Iewes desire a signe, that put Christ to death for his doctrine; yet if be will come downe from the crosse, and so miraculously saue himselfe, then they will beleeue,