Satans Temptations in Three Parts, Part 3 · Chapter 7
CHAP. VII. The general view of theſe Temptations. Of Satans Gradual proceeding in Temptations. Of reſerving a great Temptation laſt. What a great Temptation is, in what caſes to be expected. Of Satans uſing a common Road, in comparing theſe Temptations, with the ordinary Temptations of Men. Of the advantage Satan takes of natural Appetite, Senſe, and Affections.
I Have done with the proaemium to the Temptations. Yet before I open them particularly, I ſhall take a general view of them. Firſt, By comparing theſe with the other Temptations of Chriſt during the forty days. Secondly, By comparing theſe with the Temptations of Men.
Firſt, Then, if we compare theſe with the former Temptations, and obſerve that we have no account given us of thoſe Temptations, but only in the general, that he was tempted, whereas theſe are particularly ſet down and recorded, we cannot apprehend leſs than this, that theſe laſt Temptations were certainly greater and more remarkable Temptations. Hence no…e,
That 'tis Satans method to be Gradual in his Temptations,Obſ. 3. and that be keeps his greateſt Temptations to the latter end.
That Satan is Gradual in his Temptations, this is true of him, if we regard,
Firſt, the manner of his proceeding, That he drives ſlowly, entreats gently, and is very careful that he do not overdrive Men, but after they are accuſtomed to his way, he puts on Imperiouſneſs and commands them.
Secondly, If the matter of Temptation be regarded, he is Gradual there alſo. He tempts to little Sins firſt, then to greater.
I ſhall Illuſtrate both theſe particulars by the example of Thomas Savage, Apprentice to Mr. Collins Vintener at the Ship-Tavern in Ratcliff, who ſuffered in Anno 1668, for murthering his Fellow-Servant: He confeſſeth that the Devil took this courſe with him; he firſt tempted him to neglect of Duty, then to contempt of Ordinances, and Prophanation of the Sabbath, then to Drinking, then to Fornication, then to Rob and Steal from his Maſter, and laſt of all to Murther; and takes particular notice that in this laſt Temptation, to kill his Fellow-Servant, there was a violent and more than ordinary Power of Satan upon him, to inſtigate him to that Wickedneſs. All this you may read at large in the Printed Narration of his Life.
The reaſons of his Gradual proceedings are,
Firſt, He would diſcover no more of himſelf in any Temptation, than he is neceſſitated unto; for the gaining his end, leſt he croſs his own deſign, and inſtead of drawing Men to Wickedneſs, ſcare or affright them from it.
Secondly, Sins are mutually preparatory to each other, ſmaller Proffers and Temptations do inſenſibly prepare, and incline the Heart to greater.
Secondly, That he keeps his greateſt Temptations laſt, is a conſequence of the former; for which (beſides what is now ſpoken) theſe reaſons may be given:
Firſt, There is provocation given him, in refuſing his leſſer Aſſaults. His Head is bruiſed by every refuſal, he is ſet at defiance, which calls him out to ſtronger oppoſition. He perceives by often repulſes that thoſe with whom he hath to do are not Subjects of his Kingdom, and that his time is ſhort, and therefore no wonder is it, if he Aſſault moſt furiouſly, and with all his ſtrength.
Secondly, There is alſo Policy in it, when he hath brought down our ſtrength and weakned our courage, then a violent onſet is fair to procure him a Victory.
But becauſe I mention a great Temptation, it may not be amiſs both for the further explaining of the Text, and Illuſtration of the matter, to ſhew what is a great Temptation. Theſe were great Temptations to Chriſt, and there are ſeveral things remarkable in them, which where ever they appear, they will denominate the Temptation great, and the more of them are conjoyned together, and in higher degree, it may juſtly be called ſtill the greater. As,
Firſt, In theſe Temptations, we may note there were external Objects, as well as inſinuated ſuggeſtions; Inward motions are real Temptations, but when they have the Objects and things preſented to the Eye or the Senſes, then do they ſtrongly urge. At this advantage the Devil tempted Eve, he urged her when the Fruit was within the view; Thus he tempted Achan, when the Gold and Garment were in his Eye.
Secondly, Theſe Temptations were complex, conſiſting of many various deſigns, like a ſnare of many cords or nooſes. When he tempted to turn Stones to Bread, it was not one ſingle deſign, but many that Satan had in proſecution. As Diſtruſt on one hand, Pride on another, and ſo in the reſt. The more complicated a Temptation is, 'tis the greater.
Thirdly, Theſe were alſo perplexing, entangling Temptations; They were dilemmatical, ſuch as might enſnare, either in the doing, or refuſal. If he had turned Stones into Bread, he had too much honoured Satan by doing it at his Motion. If he did not, he ſeemed to neglect his own Body, in not making neceſſary proviſions for himſelf being now hungry.
Fourthly, Theſe Temptations proceeded upon conſiderable advantages, his Hunger urged a neceſſity of turning Stones into Bread. His preſent ſtraits, and the lowneſs of his condition ſeemed to ſpeak much for the reaſonableneſs of giving proof of his Divine Nature, by caſting himſelf down from the Temple, and of doing any thing, that might tend to a more plentiful Being and ſupport in the World. Advantages ſtrengthen Temptations.
Fifthly, Theſe Temptations were accompanied with a greater Preſence and Power of Satan, he appeared viſibly in them, and was permitted to touch and hurry the Body of Chriſt, and to depaint and ſet forth the Glory of the World (doubtleſs in the moſt taking way) to the Eye of Chriſt.
Sixthly, The matter of theſe Temptations, or the things he tempted Chriſt to, were great and heinous Abominations, (a diſtruſt of Providence, a preſumption of Protection, and a final renunciation of the Worſhip due to him, and transferring it to the moſt unworthy Object, Gods profeſſed Enemy) and yet were they ſeconded by the ſtrongeſt, moſt powerful, and moſt prevailing means, as his preſent Straits, his infallible Aſſurance of Sonſhip, Pleaſure, and Glory. Where the matter is weighty, and the medium ſtrong and preſſing, there is the Temptation great.
Seventhly, All theſe Temptations pretended ſtrongly to the advantage and benefit of Chriſt, and ſome of them might ſeem to be done without any blame, as to turn Stones to Bread, to fly in the Air. The more kindneſs of Temptation pretends to us, it is the ſtronger.
Eightly, Satan urged ſome of them in a during provoking way; If thou be the Son of God? as if he had ſaid, I …are thee to ſhew thy ſelf what thou pretendeſt to be. Theſe kind of provocations are very troubleſom to the moſt modeſt and ſelf-denying, who can ſcarce forbear to do what they are urged unto at ſuch times.
Ninthly, Theſe Temptations ſeem to be deſigned for the engagement of all the Natural Powers of Chriſt, his natural Appetite in a deſign of Food; his Senſes, in the moſt Beautiful Object, the World in its Glory; The Affections, in that which is moſt Swaying, Pride, and delight in extraordinary Teſtimonies; of Divine Power and Love, in ſupporting him in the Air, &c.
Tenthly, Some of theſe warranted as Duty, and to ſupply neceſſary hunger, others depending upon the ſecurity of a promiſe, He ſhall give his Angels charge, &c. The greater appearance of Duty, or warrantableneſs is put upon Sin, the greater is the Temptation.
By theſe ten Particulars may we (as by a Standard) judg, when any Temptation is great or leſs.
Let us then take heed of ſmall Temptations,Applic. 1. or the ſmoother proceedings of Satan, as we would avoid the greater attempts that are to follow. Where he is admitted to beat out our Luſts with a Rod or a Staff, he may be ſuſpected to bring the Wheel over them at laſt.
Let us alſo after our Aſſaults, expect more and greater, becauſe the greateſt are laſt to be looked for. This holds true in three caſes. (1.) In ſolemn Temptations where Satan fixeth his Aſſaults, there the utmoſt rage is drawn out laſt. (2.) In the Continuance and Progreſs of Profeſſion, the further we go from him, and the nearer to God, be ſure of the higheſt meaſure of his ſpite. (3.) At the end of our race: for if he miſs his prey then, it is eſcaped for ever, as a Bird unto its Hill.
But ſome may ſay,Object. I am but a Meſſenger of ſad tidings; and that by bringing ſuch a report of Gyants, and Walled Cities, I may make the hearts of the People to faint.
I anſwer;Anſw. This is bad news only to the ſluggiſh, ſuch as would go to Heaven, with eaſe, and in a fair and eaſy way, but to the laborious reſolute Souldiers of Chriſt this is no great diſcouragement: for (1.) It doth but tell them of their work, which as they are perſwaded of, ſo it is in ſome meaſure their delight, as well as their expectation. (2.) It doth but tell them, Satans Malice and Fury, which they are aſſured of, and are moſt afraid of it ſometimes, when it ſeems to lye Idle and as aſleep. (3.) It doth tell them that Satans thoughts concerning them are deſparing, he fears they are going, o… gone from him. If they were his willing Servants, there would be no hoſtility of this nature againſt them.
I have thus compared theſe ſpecial Temptations with thoſe wherewith our Lord Chriſt was exerciſed during the forty days. I ſhall
Secondly, Compare theſe Temptations of Chriſt with thoſe that uſually betal his Members, in which there is ſo much ſuitableneſs and agreement, both in matter and manner, that it cannot be unuſeful to take notice of it, which will the better appear in Inſtances.
Firſt, Then let us conſider the firſt Temptation of Eve. Gen. 3. 6. And when the Woman ſaw that the Tree was good for Food, and that it was pleaſant to the Eyes, and a Tree to be deſired to make one wiſe, &c. Here are all the Arguments and ways ſummed up, by which Satan prevailed upon her; It was good for Food, here he wrought upon the deſire of the natural Appetite; It was pleaſant to the Eyes, here he took the advantage of the External Senſes. It was to be deſired to make one wiſe, here he enflamed the Affections. Let us again call to mind the general Account of Temptations, in the 1 Joh. 2. 16. All that is in the World, the Luſt of the Fleſh, the Luſt of the Eyes, and the Pride of Life; where the Apoſtle deſignedly calls all off from a love of the World, becauſe of the hazard and danger that we lye open unto, from the things of the World, ſtriking upon and ſtirring up our Luſts; which he ranks into three general heads, according to the the various ways whereby theſe outward things do work upon us, in exciting our natural powers and apprehenſions to ſinful luſtings: And theſe are ſo fully agreeing with thoſe three in Eves Temptation, that I need not note the Parallel. Let us now caſt our Eyes upon theſe Temptations, and the ſuitableneſs of Satans ways and dealings will immediately appear. When he tempted Chriſt to turn Stones into Bread, there he endeavoured to take advantage of the Luſt of the Fleſh (which in the 1 Joh. 2. I underſtand in a more reſtrained Senſe, not for the luſtings of corrupt Nature, but for the luſtings of the Body in its Natural Appe…ite, according to that ex…ſſion of Chriſt, the Spirit is willing, but the Fleſh or body is weak: And if we ſhould not ſo reſtrain it in this place, the Luſt of the Fleſh would include the Luſt of the Eyes, and the Pride of Life, contrary to the clear ſcope of the Text, for theſe are alſo the luſtings of corrupt Nature.) When he further tempted him to caſt himſelf down, he puſhed him upon the Pride of Life; When he ſhewed him the Kingdoms of the World and the glory of them, he attempted to gain upon him by the Luſt of the Eyes. From this proportion and ſuitableneſs of Temptation to Chriſt and his Members, obſerve,
That Satan uſually treads in a beaten path, Obſ. 4.uſing known and experienced Methods of Temptation. 'Tis true, in regard of Circumſtances, he uſeth unſpeakable varieties in tempting, and hath many more Devices and Juggles than can be reckoned up, yet in the General he hath digeſted them into Method and Order, and the things upon which he works in us, are the ſame; thus he walks his round, and keeps much-what the ſame Track, not only in different Perſons, but alſo in the ſame Men, uſing the ſame Temptations over and over, and yet this argues no barrenneſs of Invention, or ſluggiſhneſs in Satan, but he hath theſe reaſons for it:
Firſt, Becauſe the ſame Temptations being ſuited to humane Nature in General, will with a ſmall Variation of Circumſtance ſuit all Men; their Inclinations generally anſwering to one another, as Face anſwers to Face in Water.
Secondly, Theſe ſtanding Methods are Famous with him, as generally powerful and taking, and it can be no wonder if Satan practiſe moſt with theſe things, that have the largeſt Probatum eſt of Experience to follow them.
Thirdly, The more Experienced he is in any Temptation, the more dexterouſly and ſucceſsfully ſtill he can manage it; ſo that we may expect him more cunning and able in what he moſt practiſeth.
This may be ſome ſatisfaction to thoſe that are apt to think of themſelves and their Temptations;Applic. as Elias did in his perſwaſion, I alone am left. Where Satan uſeth any thing of Vigour and Fierceneſs, we are apt to ſay, none are tempted as we, none in like caſe, we are ſingular, they are peculiar and extraordinary Temptations, &c. But 'tis a miſtake; even that of Solomon may be applyed to theſe, there is nothing new, nor any thing befaln us, which others have not undergon before us; and would but Chriſtians be ſo careful, to obſerve the way of the Serpent upon their hearts, and as they might, and ſo communicative of their Experiences as they ought, the W…ak and heavy Laden would not go ſo mourning under ſuch apprehenſions, as commonly affright them, that none were ever ſo temp…d as they are, It would be ſome ſupport at worſt, when the moſt helliſh Furies do oppreſs them, to know that others before them were in theſe deeps, and as fearful of being overwhelmed, as themſelves, and yet were delivered; The deliverances of thoſe that have eſcaped the danger, is ground of hope to thoſe that are at preſent under it.
The uſual advantages that Satan takes againſt us, Obſ. 5.is from our natural Appetite, our external Senſes, or our Paſſions and Affections. All theſe are uſual ways by which Satan works againſt us, as appears from what hath been ſaid, neither are any of them ſo mean and contemptible, but that we have cauſe to fear the Power and Influence of them. Hence the Scripture cautions deſcend to the Eyes, Look not upon the Wine when 'tis Red in the Cup. Be Sober, be Vigilant, &c. Th… Appetite is not ſo eaſily kept in, but that it may prevail to Gluttony and Drink…neſs and ſome are ſo powerfully carried by this, that they are ſaid to make their Bellies their God. Of the power of Senſe and Affection, elſewhere hath been ſpoken.