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

Now I shall give the special reasons why the manifestation, and appearance of God to his great Prophets did breed this astonishment and Fear. (2.) What general Note and Observation, may be concluded hence for our profit.

1. The special Reasons why these manifestations and appearances of God to his great Prophets do breed this astonishment and fear, they are Two.

1. To humble them to whom he vouchsafed so great a favour. To humble them least the Glory of these heavenly Visions should too much puff them up. Therefore there was ever some weakness discovered in those that did receive them; Jacob wrestled with God, but came off halting and maimed, though he prevailed, Gen 32. 31. when he came off from seeing God face to face, he halted on his thigh. Paul was wrapped into the third Heaven, yet presently buffeted with a messenger of Satan, least he should be lifted up with the abundance of Revelations, 2 Cor. 12. 7. Corruption remaineth in us and we are not able to bear these favours, which God manifesteth to his choice Servants, and therefore there is something to humble them, in the dispensation, and to ⟨p. 185⟩keep them from being puffed up with pride, something that is a balance to the great honour wherewith God hath honoured them.

1. To humble them to whom he vouchsafed so great a favour. To humble them least the Glory of these heavenly Visions should too much puff them up. Therefore there was ever some weakness discovered in those that did receive them; Iacob wrestled with God, but came off halting and maimed, though he prevailed, Gen 32. 31. when he came off from seeing God face to face, he halted on his thigh. Paul was wrapt into the third Heaven, yet presently buffetted with a messenger of Satan, least he should be lifted up with the abundance of