3 Sermon Illustrations on Overcoming Temptation

Seized. Coming once down the Ohio River when the water was low, we saw just before us several small boats aground on a sandbar. We knew the channel was where they were not, and, shaping our course accordingly, we went safely by. They saw our intention; and, taking advantage of the light swell we created as we passed them, the nearest ones crowded on all steam, and were lifted off the bar. Now, when in life's stream you are stranded on some bar of temptation, no matter what it is that makes a swell, if it is only an inch under your keel, put on all steam, and swing off into the current. Beecher.

A gentleman, of the most amiable dispositions, had contracted confirmed habits of intemperance. His friends persuaded him to come under a written engagement, that he would not drink, except moderately, in his own house, or the house of a friend. In a few days he was brought home in a state of bestial intoxication. His apology to a gentleman, a short time after, was, that had the engagement allowed no intoxicating liquor whatever, he was safe; "but if," said he, "I take the half-full of a thimble, I have no power over myself at all." He practised entire abstinence afterwards, and was strong and well.