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 ay 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:
only this he requireth that we should bee valiant and xquit our selues like men in the power of his might, knowing that the battel 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 ay smooth stone out of Dauids sling wil foile to the ground great Goliah) wee haue in this combate between Christ and the Diuell, so pregnant direction set before vs, that vnlesse wee doe wilfully shut our eies against the light, in this behalfe wee cannot be ignorant of our duty:z whatsoeuer was written aforetime was ⟨image 4⟩written for our learning; and therefore the recording of this combate is as much from Christ to euery Christian, as the speach of Gideon to his souldiers, alooke on me and doe likewise; euen as Idoe, soe do ye; for Christ left himselfe an example that we should follow his steps, though not in his miraculous fast, yet in his couragious fight against sinne. The view heereof hath formerly beene presented to your Honors, by Master Robert Hill, bachelor of Diuinity, vnder this title, Satans Sophistrie answered by our Sauior Christ. And now at the intreaty of M. Perkins executors, I have published it againe; yet vnder a new title, and more large almost by one third part. Mine endeuour hath beene that this poore Orphane might imitate his brethren, who were the messengers of loue vnto our Church, while their happy father liued among vs. What is wanting heerein, or may deserue a iust reproofe I willingly take to my self,5 me me adsum qui feci-&c. What I haue beene able to doe, I humbly commend to the church of God vnder your Honourable protection. If heerein I seeme presumptuous, because I am vnknowen vnto you, I humbly craue this fauourable construction; that I chose rather by presuming to wrong my selfe, then to alienate this booke from your Honours, who had right heereto by former dedication. When your Honourable imployments in time past required your wisedome and courage, for the iust defence of our Soueraignes right, I make no question, but as well the messengers of victory ouer rebels, as the counsellers of peace, were alwaies welcome to your Honour:
- xEphes. 6. 10.
- y1. Sam. 17. 49.
- zRom. 15. 4
- aJudg. 7. 17.Iudg. 7. 17.
- 5Aenead. 9.
