This shews that _either_ the _Devil_ is in general ignorant as we are, of what is to come in the World, before it is really come to pass; and consequently can foretel nothing, no not so much as our famous old _Merlin_ or _Mother Shipton_ did, _or else_ that great Event was hid from him by an immediate Power superior to his, which I cannot think neither, considering how much he was concern'd in it, and how certainly he knew that it was once to come to pass. But be that as it will, 'tis certain the _Devil_ knew nothing where Christ was born, or when; nor was he able to direct _Herod_ to find him out, and therefore put him upon that foolish, as well as cruel Order, to kill all the Children, that he might be sure to destroy the _Messiah_ among the rest. The next simple Step that the _Devil_ took, and indeed the most foolish one that he could ever be charg'd with, unworthy the very Dignity of a _Devil_, and below the Understanding that he always was allow'd to act with, was that of coming to tempt the _Messiah_ in the Wilderness; it is certain, and he own'd it himself afterwards, upon many Occasions, that the _Devil_ knew our Saviour to be the Son of God; and 'tis as certain that he knew, that _as such_ he could have no Power or Advantage over him; how foolish then was it in him to attack him in that Manner, _if thou beest 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 is plain, the _Devil_, tho' he knew him to be the Son of GOD, did not fully know the Mystery of the Incarnation; nor did he know how far the _Inanition_ of Christ extended, and whether, _as Man_, he was not subject to fall as _Adam_ was, tho' his reserv'd Godhead might be still immaculate and pure; 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.