This word is perfectly understood in relation to the act itself as exercised by the devil, or bad men, upon the hearts of the Lord's people. It invariably means exciting them to sin. But when the word is made use of in respect to the Lord's exercises of his people, it invariably means the reverse. I beg the reader to turn to the memorable instance of Abraham, and consider the result of that interesting transaction, Genesis 22:1-24 throughout; and read also what the apostle James hath said concerning temptation; and I venture to hope, under the Holy Ghost's teaching, the truth will appear very plain and obvious. (James 1:2-15)
In addition to these precious things from Scripture I would beg to subjoin an observation, and from the same authority, that the exercises of the Lord's people ought not to be considered in the light of probation, as some affect to call the present life, but as so many proofs of divine love. "As many as I love I rebuke and chasten, said Jesus to the church of Laodicea." (Revelation 3:19) But this is not as if to see how those whom Jesus loves will improve the trials and temptations by which he is exercising their gifts and graces; for if this were the case it would be to make the event of his grace to depend upon their use or abuse of the mercies given them, and instead of a covenant of his grace, render their final hope dependent upon a covenant of their good works. Not so the grace of God which bringeth salvation. Jesus by his death hath purchased redemption for his people; and God the Father hath engaged to bestow all the blessings of it in his covenant. The Lord therefore may, and the Lord will, bring his people as he himself was led up before them into the wilderness of temptation to try their spirits, and to prove his faithfulness: but the issue is not doubtful. The covenant stands firm as the ark did in the waters of Jordan, amidst all the beating waves, until the people are all clean gone over. And that sweet promise which belongs to the covenant, and is a part of it, never hath failed, neither can fail to every one of the people"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, but God is faithful, who will not suffer yon to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:10)