§. 146. Of the Devil an accuser.
THis title a 1.1 Devil, in the Greek signifieth an accuser. It is derived from a root that signifieth b 1.2 to cast, as Ioh. 8. 7. Thence a c 1.3 compound which signifieth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 strike through, metaphorically to accuse, Luk. 16. 1. An accusation falsly and mali∣ciously made, striketh a man, as it were a dart, through the heart. * 1.4 The Noun is o•…•… translated a false accuser, as 2 Tim. 3. 3. Tit. 2. 3. Thus this title Devil, setteth out his disposition, which is to be a false and malicious accuser. To prove as much, an other word which more properly signifieth d 1.5 an accuser, is attributed to him, Rev. 12. 10. That word in Greek is derived from a root which signifieth e 1.6 a place of judica∣ture, and a Noun compounded and derived from thence signifieth such an one as in such places useth to accuse others, and plead against them, Acts 24. 8. Ioh. 8. 10.
The title f 1.7 adversary (attributed to the Devil, 1 Pet. 5. 8.) intendeth as much. The root from whence the Greek word is derived, signifieth g 1.8 strife, contention or suit in Law. Thence a compound Verb which signifieth h 1.9 to stand against one in suit of Law. He, who doth so, is properly termed an adversary who pleads against one in a Court of Justice, or in any other publike assembly; and to prejudice the cause, rai∣seth false accusations and forgeth unjust crimes against him. Such an one was Du•…•…. (1 Sam. 22. 9.) against whom David penned the fifty second Psalm.
Never was there, nor ever can there be such an accuser as the Devil, As his name is so is he: He spareth none; nor ever ceaseth to accuse. He accused God to man (Gen. 3. 5.) and man to God (Iob 1. 9, 10.) and man to man, 1 Sam. 22. 9. and man to himself, as Matth. 27. 4, 5. These two latter instances of Saul and Iudas, are the rather applied to the devil, because the holy Ghost doth expresly note, that an evil spirit, even the devil came upon the one, 1 Sam. 16. 14. and upon the other, Luk. 22. 3.
Behold here by what spirit false accusers and forgers of unjust crimes against the children of God are guided: I may say of all them as Christ did of the Jews, Ye 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of your father the Devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do, Joh. 8. 44.