(2.) 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, vintner at the Ship Tavern, in Ratcliffe, who suffered in anno 1660, for murdering 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 profanation of the Sabbath, then to drinking, then to fornication, then to rob and steal from his master, and last of all to murder; 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.
(1.) The reasons of his gradual proceedings are,
[1.] 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.
[2.] Secondly, Sins are mutually preparatory to each other. Smaller proffers and temptations do insensibly prepare and incline the heart to greater.
(2.) 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:—
[1.] 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.
[2.] Secondly, There is also policy in it. When he hath brought down our strength and weakened 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, wherever they appear, they will denominate the temptation great, and the more of them are conjoined together, and in higher degree, it may justly be called still the greater. As,
(1.) 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.