1. Observe, That the first temptation being rejected by Christ, Satan maketh a new assault. Though he get the foil he will set on us again; like a troublesome fly that is often beaten off, yet will return to the same place. Thus the devil when he could do no good upon his first Patent against Jobs Goods and Children, cometh and sueth for a new Commission, that he might touch his flesh and bones, Job 2. 4, 5. Skin for skin, yea all that a man hath will he give for his Life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. Satan is unceasing in his attempts against the Saints, and is ready to assault afresh upon every occasion. Now this cometh to pass by Satan's unwearied malice, who is a sworn enemy to our peace and welfare, he still seeketh to devour us, 1 Pet. 5. 8. Also from Gods Providence who permitteth this, that we may not be careless and secure after temptation, though we have gotten the victory. For our Life is a continual warfare, Job 7. 1. Is there not an appointed time for man upon earth? The same word signifieth also a warfare. Mans Life is a perpetual toil, and a condition of manifold temptations and hazards, such as a Soldier is exposed to; therefore we must perpetuperpetually ⟨p. 65⟩watch. We get not an absolute victory till death. Now this should the more prevail with us, because many of Gods People have failed after some eminent service performed for God. Josiah after he had prepared the Temple, fell into that rash attempt against Pharaoh Necho which cost him his Life, 2 Chro. 35. 20. After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates, and Josiah went out against him. And Peter, after he had made a glorious Confession, giveth his Master carnal counsel, Mat. 16. 18. Thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church, &c. and yet Ver. 23. Get thee behind me, Satan. Many after they have been much lifted up in consolation, do readily miscarry; first he made a glorious confession, a sign of great Faith; then carnal wisdom vents its self in some counsel concerning the ease of the flesh. Oh what need have we to stand upon our guard, till God tread Satan under our feet! As one of the Roman Generals, whether conquering or conquered, semper instaurat pugnam; so doth Satan.
1. Observe, That the first temptation being rejected by Christ, Satan maketh a new assault. Though he get the foil he will set on us again; like a troublesome fly that is often beaten off, yet will return to the same place. Thus the devil when he could do no good upon his first Patent against Iobs Goods and Children, cometh and sueth for a new Commission, that he might touch his flesh and bones, Iob 2. 4, 5. Skin for skin, ye all that a man hath will he give for his Life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. Satan is uncessant in his attempts against the Saints, and is ready to assault afresh upon every occasion. Now this cometh to pass by Satans unwearied malice, who is a sworn enemy to our peace and wellfare, he still seeketh to devour us, 1 Pet. 5. 8. Also from Gods Providence who permitteth this, that we may not be careless and secure after temptation, though we have gotten the victory. For our Life is a continual warfare, Iob 7. 1. Is there not an appointed time for man upon earth? The same word signifieth also a warfare. Mans Life is a perpetual toil, and a condition of manifold temptations and hazards, such as a Soldier is exposed to; therefore we must perpetuperpetually ⟨p. 65⟩watch. We get not an absolute victory till death. Now this should the more prevail with us, because many of Gods Peoplehave fail'd after some eminent service performed for God. Iosiah after he had prepared the Temple, fell into that rash attempt against Pharaoh Necho which cost him his Life, 2 Chro. 35. 20. After all this, when Iosiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates, and Iosiah went out against him. And Peter, after he had made a glorious Confession, giveth his Master carnal counsel, Mat. 16. 18. Thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church, &c. and yet Ver. 23. Get thee behind me, Satan. Many after they have been much lifted up in consolation, do readily miscarry; first he made a glorious confession, a sign of great Faith; then carnal wisdom vents its self in some counsel concerning the ease of the flesh. Oh what need have we to stand upon our guard, till God tread Satan under our feet! As one of the Roman Generals, whether conquering or conquered, semper instaurat pugnam; so doth Satan.
