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

1. Christ answereth to the main point, not to by matters. He doth not dispute the devils title, nor debate the reality of his promises; to do this would tacitly imply a liking of the temptation. No but he disproveth the evil of the suggestion from this unclean and proud spirit: A better answer could not be given unto the tempter. So that herein we see the Wisdom of Christ; which teacheth us to pass by impertinent matters, and to speak expressly to the cause in hand in all our debates with Satan and his instruments.

1. Christ answereth to the main point, not to by matters. He doth not dispute the devils title, nor debate the reality of his promises; to do this would tacitly imply a likeing of the temptation. No but he disproveth the evil of the suggestion from this unclean and proud spirit: A better answer could not be given unto the tempter. So that herein we see the Wisdom of Christ; which teacheth us to pass by impertinent matters, and to speak expresly to the cause in hand in all our debates with Satan and his instruments.

2. He citeth Scripture, and thereby teacheth, that the Word of God laid up in the heart and used pertinently, will ward off the blows of every temptation. This weapon Christ used all along with success, and therefore it is well called, the Sword of the spirit, Eph. 6. 17. It is a sword and so a weapon both offensive and defensive, Heb. 4. 12. The Word of God is quick and powerful, sharper then any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul ⟨p. 158⟩and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts, and intents of the heart. And a sword of the spirit, because the spirit is the Author of it, 2 Pet. 1. 21. Holy men of God spake, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, he formed and fashioned this weapon for us; and because its efficacy dependeth on the spirit, who timeously bringeth it to our remembrance, and doth enliven the word and maketh it effectual. Therefore it teacheth us to be much acquainted with the Lords written Word. The timely calling to mind of a word in Scripture is better than all other Arguments, a word forbidding or threatening such an evil,