John Flavel (1630–1691) on the Shorter Catechism and Common Grace

Q. 5. How many ways may God be said to tempt to evil?

A. (1.) By withdrawing his grace either common or special, 2 Chron. xxxii. 31. Howbeit, in the Business of the Ambassadors of the Prince of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the Wonder that was done in the Land, God left him to try him, that he might know all that was in his Heart. (2.) By permitting Satan and wicked Men to tempt, 2 Sam. xxiv. 1. He moved David against them, to say go number Israel and Judah. With I Chron. xxi. 1. Satan stood up against Israel and provoked David, Matt. iv. 1. Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the Wilderness, to be tempted of the Devil. (3.) By presenting Occasions in his Providence, which he knows will be abused to Sin, as in the Fall of Adam, the hardening of Pharaoh, &c.

John Flavel, An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism, with Practical Inferences from each Question (Salisbury: Edw. Easton, 1767), 227–228.

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This question-and-answer exposition on the Westminster Assembly's Shorter Catechism can be found in volume 6 of his Works published by Banner of Truth.