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

2. Because it was in it self a puzzling and perplexing proposal, not without inconveniences on both sides, which soever of the extremes our Lord should choose; whether he did, or did not what the tempter suggested. If he did, he might seem to doubt of the Truth of the Oracle, by which he was declared to be the Son of God, or to distrust Gods Providence, or to give way to a vain ostentation of his own Power: If he did not, he seemed to be wanting, in not providing necessary food for his sustentation, when it was in his own power so to do; and it seemed to be unreasonable to hide that, which it concerned all to know, to wit, that he was the Son of God. And it seemeth grievous to hear others suspicious concerning our selves, when tis in our power easily to refute them, such provocations can hardly be born by the most modest spirits. This temptation was again put upon Christ on the Cross, Math. 27. 40. If thou be the son of God, come down from the Cross. But ⟨p. 38⟩all is to be done at Gods direction, and as it becometh our obedience to him, and respect to his Glory. Satan and his Instruments will be satisfied with no proofs of principles of Faith, but such as he and they will prescribe, and which cannot be given without entrenching upon our obedience to God, and those counsels which he hath wisely laid for his own Glory. And if Gods children be surprised with such a disposition, it argueth so far the influence of Satan upon them: Namely, when they will not believe but upon their own terms; as Thomas, Joh. 20. 25. Except I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. If we will not accept of the graces of Faith as offered by God, but will interpose conditions of our own prescribing, we make a snare to our selves. God may in condescension to a weak Believer, grant what was his fault to seek, as he doth afterwards to Thomas, Ver. 27. but there is no reason he should grant it to the devil, he being a malicious and incorrigible spirit, coming temptingly to ask it.

2. Because it was in it self a puzling and perplexing proposal, not without inconveniences on both sides, which soever of the extreams our Lord should choose; whether he did, or did not what the tempter suggested. If he did, he might seem to doubt of the Truth of the Oracle, by which he was declared to be the Son of God, or to distrust Gods Providence, or to give way to a vain ostentation of his own Power: If he did not, he seemed to be wanting, in not providing necessary food for his sustentation, when it was in his own power so to do; and it seemed to be unreasonable to hide that, which it concerned all to know, to wit, that he was the Son of God. And it seemeth grievous to hear others suspicious concerning our selves, when tis in our power easily to refute them, such provocations can hardly be born by the most modest spirits. This temptation was again put upon Christ on the Cross,