May 17

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation.— James 1:12.

CAN I justly lay claim to the blessing promised to those who endure as well as suffer? With patience and constancy, do I resist alike the covert allurement, and the open and bold temptation? Do I remember that the tried Christian shall be the one crowned; and that the cross is but for a little while, but the crown is eternal? Is the love of Christ so strong in my heart as to give the victory over every temptation?

O Lord, give me strength of resolution; and when I know a thing is wrong, help me to have done with it; and when I see it is right, help me to make haste, and delay not to keep thy commandments.— SPURGEON.

As the sentinel, when he sees the enemies approach- ing, does not attempt himself to assail them, but at once gives the alarm to the commander that he may repel their attack, so the Christian does not attempt in his own strength to fight temptation, but finds his safety in perceiving its approach, and seeking by prayer for divine help to overcome it.—J. MASON.

Still near me, O my Saviour, stand,

And guard in fierce temptation's hour;

Hide in the hollow of thine hand;

Show forth in me thy saving power;

Still be thine arm my sure defence,

Nor earth, nor hell shall pluck me thence!