A09463:70
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 second point to be considered in this circumstance is, wherefore Christ was tempted: for it may seem strange that Jesus Christ the Son of God, yea very God, equal with the Father, should be tempted.1 The reasons therefore that moved him to be tempted are these: First, that he might foil the Devil at §1his own weapon; for the Devil overcame the first Adam in temptation, therefore Christ the second Adam would in temptation overcome him. Secondly,§2 that in his example he might give us direction whereby to know the special temptations wherewith the Devil assaults the Church, as also how to withstand and repel the same: for this cause no doubt hath the spirit of God so distinctly set down Christs preparation to this combat, Satan's several assaults, and Christs victory over them all: which plainly confuteth the common opinion of ignorant people, who think those that are tempted by the Devil to be most vile and wicked men, such as have forsaken God, and therefore God hath forsaken them; but behold Christ Jesus the most holy person that ever was, even the holy one of God, was tempted ⟨p. 9⟩of Satan, and that exceeding sore, having the same troubles and vexations thereby arising in his mind that we have, insomuch as the Angels came to minister comfort unto him, vers. 11. Gods dearest children therefore may and must be tempted, for that is no token of a child of wrath, unless we will say, that Christ Jesus was the child of wrath, which once to think were most blasphemous. §3Thirdly Christ was tempted, that he might be a merciful high priest, unto them that are tempted, Heb. 2. 17. 18. for himself knowing the trouble and anguish of temptation, must needs in a more compassionate fellow-feeling of their miseries be ready to help and comfort his members when they are tempted.
The second point to be considered in this circumstance is, wherefore Christ was tempted: for it may seeme strange that Iesus Christ the sonne of God, yea very God, equal with the Father, should be tempted.