A09463:162
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 reason whereby Satan enforceth his temptation is taken from a testimony of Scripture: For it is written he shall give his Angels charge over thee, &c. Satan hearing Christ allege scripture for his defence against the first assault, comes now upon him with his own weapon, that if it were possible he might foil him, after this sort: Thou showest thy self to be the Doctor of the Church, by thine alleging of Scripture, and that, it seems, thou makest the rule of thine actions: well then thou mayest well and safely cast thy self down hence if thou be the Son of God, for it is written, he shall give his Angels charge over thee, and with their hands they shall lift thee up &c.
The reason whereby Satan enforceth his temptation is taken from a testimony of Scripture: For it is written he shall giue his Angels charge ouer thee, &c. Satan hearing Christ alledge scripture for his defence against the first assault, comes now vpon him with his owne weapon, that if it were possible he might foile him, after this sort: Thou shewest thy selfe to be the Doctor of the Church, by thine alleadging of Scripture, and that, it seemes, thou makest the rule of thine actions: well then thou maiest well and safely cast thy selfe downe hence if thou bee the Sonne of God, for it is written, he shall giue his Angels charge ouer thee, and with their hands they shall lift thee vp &c.
From this dealing of Satan, we are taught, not to embrace an opinion in religion, because a show of proof by testimony of Scripture may be given for it. But we must try the spirits, that is, the doctrines of men, whether they be of God, or not, 1. Joh. 4. 1. For the Devil can allege Scripture to move Christ unto presumption, and it is his usual practise, when he caries men into schisms, errors, and heresies. Reason with a man that minds to live in sin, and tell him of that dangerous state, by reason of the ⟨p. 30⟩shortness and uncertainty of this life: will he not tell you straight, he will do as he does, and repent when he is old? for it is written,