and not trust on riches, nor strength, nor any earthly thing, those would be the best preserva∣tiues to keepe us from temptation.
But here may arise a question, how this can [Quest.] goe currant, that God should lead us into temptati∣tion, since its said, that God tempteth no man, and a reason is added, because he himselfe cannot be tempted? one wicked man tempts another, be∣cause he himselfe is tempted first. The adulterer corrupts a woman, because he himselfe is cor∣rupted first, and so the devill being naught him∣selfe, he would haue no body good, and there∣fore tempted our first parents.
Therefore its said, that God can tempt no man, [Answ.] because he himselfe is not tempted: the meaning whereof is, that God soliciteth no man to evill, nor puts ill into any mans nature, he being the fountaine of all goodnesse, yet he may be said, to lead into temptation.
First, by with-drawing his grace and holy spi∣rit, [ 1] when we waxe proud, and will not be ru∣led.
And then, by setting occasions before us, which [ 2] are very forcible to draw us to evill, when Gods grace is taken from us. As we see in David, when the baite was layd before him, he was quickly gone: and so Peter he would fight, and doe such wonders at first, &c. but God sets him in such a place, where a poore silly maid might examine him, and presently he faintly denies his Master, lyes and sweares, and had no valor in the world. For, when occasions are offered, all the strength of