[ 17 ]
The next ſimple ſtep the Devil took, and in
deed the moſt fooliſh one that he could ever be
charged with, unworthy the very dignity of a
Devil, and below the underſtanding that he al-
ways was allowed to act with, was that of coming
to tempt the Meſſiah in the wilderneſs; it is cer-
tain that the Devil knew our Saviour to be the
Son of God; and it is as certain he knew, that
as ſuch he could have no power or advantage
over him; how fooliſh then was it in him to at-
tack him in that manner, "If thou be the Son of
God?" why he knew him to be the Son of God
well enough; he ſaid ſo afterwards, "I know
thee who thou art the holy One of God;" how
then could he be ſo weak a Devil as to ſay, if
thou art, then do ſo and ſo?
The caſe in plain, the Devil though he knew
him co be the Son of God, did not fully know the
myſtery of the incarnation nor did he know how
far the power of Chriſt extended, and whether as
a man, he was not ſubject to fall as Adam was,
though his reſerved Godhead might be ſtill im-
maculate and pare, and upon this foot, as he
would leave no method untried, he attempts him
three times, one immediately after another; but
then, finding himſelf diſappointed, he fled.
This evidently proves that the Devil was ig-
norant of the myſtery of godlineſs, as the text
calls it, God manifeſt in the fleſh; and therefore
made that fooliſh attempt upon Chriſt, thinking
to have conquered his human nature, as capable
of ſin, which it was not; and at this repulſe
hell groaned; the whole army of regimented De-
vils received a wound, and felt the ſhock of it;
it was a ſecond overthrow to them; they had a
long train of ſucceſs; carried a deviliſh conqueſt
over the greateſt part of the creation of God;
but now they were cut ſhort; the ſeed of the wo-
