October 22

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation." — Matthew 26:41.

THIS was the language of Jesus to three of his disciples, in the garden of Gethsemane; and it is a suitable counsel to all his followers. Observe

THE DANGER TO WHICH WE ARE EXPOSED. Entering into temptation. Let us notice

The care that should be taken. We must not cherish the thought of sin; the revolving of it in our mind is the first step in the passage of temptation. We must not expose ourselves to the occasion of sin. When the mind is unoccupied, it is a favorable time for the enemy. It is the sitting, not the flying bird, that is the fowler's mark. We must not parley with sin. Eve was overcome by this. In the hour of temptation, side not with your corruptions, but with your convictions. We must not enter on a course of sin. Approach not the borders of temptation. We should keep at such a distance from breaking the law, that, as the rabbis say, we should not touch even the hedge that guards it.

The reasons why we should evince this care. We will give four. The craft of the enemy. We have a subtle foe to deal with, who assumes a thousand forms to entice and entangle us. The weakness of our hearts. "How weak is thine heart!" says God — Ezekiel 16:30. How soon are we overcome, and yield to temptation! Our personal comfort. When we turn aside into the way of temptation, how destructive is it to the peace of our minds! The honor of religion. How many, by yielding to the suggestions of the enemy, have brought a disgrace on religion, and caused the way of truth to be evil spoken of! Let us seek help from our Great High Priest, who "in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted."