[1.] In compendio. It maybe understood of so many kingdoms as could fall under the sight of a man looking round about him from some eminent place ; as God is said to show Moses all the land of Canaan, when he did actually see only a part thereof. From that high mountain the devil gave him a view of all that was to be seen from thence ; many castles, towns, and fruitful fields might be seen as a sample of the rest. It is a synechdochical hyperbole, he that showeth a part of a thing, and the chiefest part, may be said to show the thing itself.
[2.] In speculo, besides what he might reach by his sight. By way of representation and external visible species, he represented to Christ all the rest of the kingdoms of the world and the pomp and glory thereof as in a map. For Satan can object to the eyes of men the species and images of divers things ; and there is no absurdity to think that this way he showed his utmost art and cunning to represent the world to Christ in as splendid and inviting a manner as he could. If you ask, therefore, why he carried him to a high mountain — he might have done this in a valley or any other place as well ? I answer, it is true if the discovery had been only by representation, or if the devil could have deluded Christ's fancy or imagination, so as to impress these species upon it so far as that he should seem to see what he did not see, a valley would have served turn as well as a mountain ; but this was done without it, and with it, showing the glory of the world as in a map and picture, and therefore a convenient place is chosen.
Mat. TV. 8, 9.] Christ's temptation. 303
[3.] In coUoquio, by discourse. The temptation might be helped ou by the devil's pointing at the several quarters of the world, with words relating the glory thereof, what splendour and glory the kings and nations had Avhich adored him, all which Christ should have if he would fall down and worship him. Now all this while Satan is but making way for his purpose, thinking Christ would be ravished with this glorious sight. Possibly it was not a mere dumb show, but the tempting objects were amply set forth by Satan's speech.
Secondly, The temptation itself, where we may consider the nature and the grievousness of it.
1. The nature of the temptation, where observe two things: —
[1.] An offer or a promise : all these things ivill I give thee.
[2.] A postulation or demand : if thou luiltfall doivn and loorship me.
[l.J An ofler or promise : ' all these things will I give thee.' This is a vain boast of the tempter, who ascribeth to himself that which was proper to God, and promiseth to Christ those things which were all his before. God had said, Ps. ii. 8, ' Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.' This the devil, who affecteth to be like God, arrogateth unto himself, as if he would make him the universal king of the world. In Luke it is, chap. iv. 6, ' All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them ; for that is delivered unto me, and to whomsoever I will I give it.' But you must not always look for truth in the devil's speeches : he is not lord of the world to dispose of it at his own pleasure. And yet it is not to be supposed he would come with a downright untruth to the Son of God, if there were no pretence or varnish for it. Therefore we must distinguish between the devil's lie and the colour thereof
(1.) Certain it is that God doth govern all the affairs of this world, and doth put bounds and limits to Satan's power, beyond which he cannot pass, and doth often hinder his endeavours, and turn them to the quite contrary end and purpose ; and if he doth not hinder them, yet he directeth them for good to his people. Therefore that power that Satan hath is not given, but permitted ; not absolute, but limited. It is a lie that Satan can give these things at ^^leasure ; see these scrip- tures : Ps. xxiv. 1, ' The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein;' Dan. ii. 21, 'He changeth the times and the seasons ; he removeth kings, and setteth up kings ;' and ver. 37, ' The God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.' All the alterations that are in the earth are of the Lord ; he pulleth down, and raiseth up, as seemeth good unto him. Therefore this power of disposing kingdoms belongeth unto God.
(2.) That the Son of God is the right heir of the world : Heb. i. 2, * Whom he hath appointed heir of all things.' To whom the nations are given : Ps. ii. 8, ' Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy posses- sion ;' jNlat. xxviii. 18, ' All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.' And therefore it was impudence in him to arrogate this power, and to promise these things to the Lord which were his before.