April 9

Tuesday after First Sunday in Lent

Led by the Spirit. S. Matthew 4:1.

THAT same Spirit that came on Jesus in baptism here leads Him forth to His conflict, not for this alone, to seek it, but leads for such exercise there, wherein it was designed and appointed to meet him. The Spirit in us doth not carry us wilfully seeking of temptations; yea, we pray by His direction Who was thus led, that we may not be led into temptations; that is, that we may be so led into them as not to be left to them and foiled in them; but He leads us into those places and employments, when we follow His leading, wherein, by God's disposal, we do meet with temptations. And to be thus led any way whatsoever is safe, and the issue happy, as here it was. That is sweet in all things, to be carried; not to go of ourselves any way, but that of each step it may be said, "Led by the Spirit." "Led to be tempted, on purpose that He might return with the glory of the victory."

'Tis God the Spirit leads, In paths before unknown, The work to be performed is ours, The strength is all His own.

Assisted by His grace, We still pursue our way, And hope at last to reach the prize Secure in endless day.

'Tis He that works to will, 'Tis He that works to do; His is the power by which we act, His be the glory too.