April 20

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations."—James 1. 2.

SUCH a sentiment is calculated to startle the unbeliever, who forms his estimate of things by carnal reason, rather than by revelation and Divine teaching. He who would judge aright in spiritual things, must not remain in the outer court of the temple of Christianity, but enter into the holiest of all, within the veil, and thus see by the lamp of the sanctuary. Here we have

A CASE SUPPOSED. The Christian in temptations.

Their nature. They are trials. Thus when it is said God tempted Abraham, the meaning is, that he tried him. He tries us, says Henry, "to draw out our graces, not our corruptions." Thus he proves his people, as he did the Israelites. Deuteronomy 8:16. Our faith, love, zeal, sincerity, and all the Christian graces, are tried.

Their variety. They are "divers." The Christian's course is not like the calm and unruffled appearance of the lake, on a beautiful summer's evening; but like the tempestuous ocean, where one wave rolls on another in fearful and constant succession. God has a variety of ways to try his people. In the appointment of these methods, we must not question his wisdom, and desire to choose for ourselves.

Their unavoidableness. The believer is said to fall into them. It is not a matter of joy, but of shame, when he rushes into them. We lose the comfort of our sufferings, says Manton, when there is guilt in them. "Let none of you suffer as an evil doer." We should therefore seek to be prepared for every trial that awaits us: so that, instead of being thrown off our guard, we may stand still, and see the salvation of God. One has beautifully remarked, that affliction, though like the rugged season of winter, it is searching, trying, and withering; yet when sanctified, it is purifying, and prepares the soil of the heart for spiritual fruitfulness and beauty.

"Whenever temptations lure my heart, Or draw my feet aside, My God, thy powerful aid impart, My Guardian and my Guide."