Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons /

2. The grievousness of the temptation, that will appear in these considerations.

1. Because it was represented in a matter grateful and pleasing. It was unnecessary ⟨p. 131⟩to turn stones into bread, dangerous to throw himself down from a pinnacle of the Temple; but it might seem sweet and grateful to behold the Kingdoms of the World, and the glory thereof; for surely the glory of the World is a bewitching object, and would much move a carnal heart: and therefore he produceth this tempting object, and sets it before Christ himself. Mark he showed him the glory only, not the burdens, the labours, the cares, those storms of jealousy and envy, which those encounter with who are at top. This way did he now choose, wherewith to assault Christ. Had he really represented the World, with all the vexations attending it, the temptation had not been so great: but he showeth the Kingdoms of the World, and the glory thereof; the bait, not the hook; he talketh highly of small things, commendeth what is pleasing, but hideth the bitter of these luscious sweets; he offereth Christ the glory of the Kingdoms of the World, but dissembleth the cares, the troubles, the dangers. Alas we see the best side of those that live in Courts, their gorgeous apparel, their costly entertainments, their power and greatness; but their fears of being depressed by superiors, jostled by equals, undermined by inferiors, are hidden from us.

1. Because it was represented in a matter grateful and pleasing. It was unnecessary ⟨p. 131⟩to turn stones into bread, dangerous to throw himself down from a pinnacle of the Temple; but it might seem sweet and grateful to behold the Kingdoms of the World, and the glory thereof; for surely the glory of the World is a bewitching object, and would much move a carnal heart: and therefore he produceth this tempting object, and sets it before Christ himself. Mark he shewed him the glory only, not the burdens, the labours, the cares, those storms of jealousie and envy, which those encounter with who are at top. This way did he now chuse, wherewith to assault Christ. Had he really represented the World, with all the vexations attending it, the temptation had not been so great: but he sheweth the Kingdoms of the World, and the glory thereof; the bait, not the hook; he talketh highly of small things, commendeth what is pleasing, but hideth the bitter of these luscious sweets; he offereth Christ the glory of the Kingdoms of the World, but dissembleth the cares, the troubles, the dangers. Alass we see the best side of those that live in Courts, their gorgious apparel, their costly entertainments, their power and greatness; but their fears of being depressed by superiors, jusled by equals, undermined by inferiors, are hidden from us.