Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons /

3 When without Call we rush into any danger, or throw our selves into it, with an expectation God will fetch us off again. As if Christ, when no body went about to thrust him down, should wilfully have cast himself down. Whether the danger be certain, or inevitable, or very probable, we must not throw our selves on it; but when God calls us, then we may expect his help according to his promise, as to go into places or houses infected. In spiritual cases it is often done, men that by often experience have found such and such things to be occasions to them of sinning, yet presume to do the same again. These tempt God, ride into the Devils quarters, go into dangerous Places and Companies, where they are like to be corrupted; as Peter went into the High Priests Hall, and those that go to live in Popish Families. We pray, that we be not led into temptations, but when we lead our selves, what shall become of us? as we do, when we cast our selves upon Temptations, and dangerous occasions of sin.

4 When we undertake things, for which we are not fitted and prepared either habitually or actually: As to speak largely without Meditation; when an unlearned man undertakes the handling a weighty Controversy, and a good cause wanteth ⟨p. 104⟩shoulders, we tempt God. When we undertake things above bodily strength, all will condemn us; so to undertake things, that we have no ability to perform, is unlawful. The sons of Sceva would take upon them to Exorcise the Devil, and the man in whom the evil spirit was, leapt on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded, Act. 19. 16.

4 When we undertake things, for which we are not fitted and prepared either habitually or actually: As to speak largely without Meditation; when an unlearned man undertakes the handling a weighty Controversie, and a good cause wanteth ⟨p. 104⟩