(3.) Entering into temptation may be seen in the lesser degrees of it ; as, for instance, when the heart begins secretly to like the matter of the temptation, and is content to feed it and increase it by any Avays that it may without downright sin.
In particular, a man begins to be in repute for piety, wisdom, learning, or the like, — he is spoken of much to that purpose; his heart is tickled to hear of it, and his pride and ambition affected with it. If this man now, with all his strength, ply the things from Avhence his repute, and esteem, and glory amongst men do sj)ring, with a secret eye to have it increased, he is entering into temptation ; which, if he take not heed, will quickly render him a slave of lust. So was it v/ith Jehu. He perceived that his repute for zeal began to grow abroad, and he got honour by it. Jonadab comes in his way, a good and holy man, "Now," thinks Jehu, "I have an opportunity to grow in honour of my zeal." So he calls Jonadab to him, and to work he goes most seriously. The things he did were good in them- selves, but he was entered into temptation, and served his lust in all that he did. So is it with many scholars. They find themselves esteemed and favoured for their learning. This takes hold of the pride and ambition of their hearts. Hence they set themselves to study with all diligence day and night, — a thing good in itself; but they do it that they might satisfy the thoughts and words of men, wherein they delight : and so m all they do they make provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof
It is true, God oftentimes brings light out of this darkness, and turns things to a better issue. After, it may be, a man hath studied sundry years, with an eye upon his lusts, — his ambition, pride, and vain-glory, — rising early and going to bed late, to give them satisfac- tion, God comes in with his grace, turns the soul to himself, robs those Egyptian lusts, and so consecrates that to the use of the tabernacle which was provided for idols.
Men may be thus entangled in better things than learning, even in the profession of piety, in their labour in the ministry, and the
120 OF TEMPTATION.
like. Some men's profession is a snare to them. They are in repu- tation, and are much honoured on the account of their profession and strict walking. This often falls out in the days wherein we live, "wherein all things are earned by parties. Some find themselves on the accounts mentioned, perhaps, to be the darlings and " ingentia decora," or glory of their party. If thoughts hereof secretly insinu- ate themselves into their hearts, and influence them into more than ordinary diligence and activity in their way and profession, they are entangled ; and instead of aiming at more glory, had need lie in the dust, in a sense of their own vileness. And so close is this temptation, that oftentimes it requires no food to feed upon but that he who is entangled with it do avoid all means and ways of honour and repu- tation ; so that it can but whisper in the heart that that avoidance is honourable. The same may be the condition with men, as was said, in iweaching the gospel, in the work of the ministry. Many things in that work may yield them esteem, — their ability, their plainness, their frequency, their success; and all in this sense maybe fuel unto temptations. Let, then, a man know that when he likes that which feeds his lust, and keeps it up by ways either good in themselves or not downright sinful, he is entered into temptation.
(4.) When by a man's state or condition of life, or any means what- ever, it comes to pass that his lust and any temptation meet with occasions and opportunities for its provocation and stirring up, let that man know, whether he perceive it or not, that he is certainly entered into temptation. I told you before, that to enter into temp- tation is not merely to be tempted, but so to be under the poiver of it as to be entangled by it. Now, it is impossible almost for a man to have opportunities, occasions, advantages, suited to his lust and corruption, but he will be entangled. If ambassadors come from the king of Babylon, Hezekiah's pride will cast him into temptation. If Hazael be king of Syria, his cruelty and ambition will make him to rage savagely against Israel. If the priests come with their pieces of silver, Judas's covetousness will instantly be at work to sell his Master. And many instances of the like kind may, in the days wherein we live, be given. Some men think to play on the hole of the asp and not be stung, to touch pitch and not be defiled, to take fire in their clothes and not be burnt; but they will l)e mistaken. If thy business, course of life, societies, or whatever else it be of the like kind, do cast thee on such things, ways, persons, as suit thy lust or corruption, know that thou art entered into temptation ; how thou wilt come out God only knows. Let us suppose a man that hath any seeds of filthiness in his heart engaged, in the course of his life, in society, light, vain, and foolish, Avhat notice soever, little, great, or none at all, it be that he takes of it, he is undoubtedly entered into