A09463:193
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 Devils drift in this resemblance unto Christ is this; hereby he intended most cunningly to insinuate himself into the heart of our Saviour Christ: for before he propounds this third assault, he shows unto Christ all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them, that Christ might take a liking of them, and so desire them, and at length accept of them upon Satan's offer. Thus he dealt with our first parents;a upon their first communication he shows unto Eve the outward beauty of the forbidden fruit, that it was fair to lock upon, and tells her of the good estate they should attain unto by eating of it, and so at length brings her to yield to his temptation.
The Diuels drift in this resemblance vnto Christ is this; heereby he intended most cunningly to insinuat himselfe into the heart of our Sauior Christ: for before he propounds this third assault, hee shews vnto Christ all the kingdomes of the world and the glorie of them, that Christ might take a liking of them, and so desire them, and at length accept of them vpon Satans offer. Thus he dealt with our first parents;a vpon their first communication he shewes vnto Eue the outward beauty of the forbidden fruit, that it was faire to locke vpon, and tels her of the good estate they should attain vnto by eating of it, and so at length brings her to yeeld to his temptation.
Hence we must learn to have special1 care in the good ordering of all the outward senses of our bodies, specially the two senses of learning, seeing and hearing; for by them the Devil can cunningly convey his temptations into our hearts: the senses (specially these two) are the windows of the heart and soul, and if we keep them not well, Satan will be sure to convey some evil into us. We must therefore obey Solomons counsel,