sionally frequents the diversions and pleasures of the world, be said to do all things, both in word and deed, in the name of the Lord Jesus? How can he redeem time, walk circumspectly, escape from conformity to this world, and be transformed in the renewing of his mind? A Christian ought to have no taste for the world, no relish for the husks, so to speak, which the swine do eat. His heart should be fixed on Christ, on duty, and on heaven. He ought to have his affections devoted to God. Does he pray not to be led into temptation, and shall he wilfully rush into it? He has by nature a powerful bias towards earthly things, shall he run the risk of augmenting it? He has a traitorous heart, shall he allow it to parley with the enemy? He has much difficulty in making any progress towards heaven, shall he increase the difficulty? He professes to run the race of his high calling, shall he voluntarily turn aside from that course? He professes a desire to lay aside every weight, shall he burden himself with additional impediments? He says he wishes to grow in grace, shall he stop in his progress? He appears to have put his hand to the plough,

shall he look back?

But I propose, lastly,

III. SOME TOPICS OF CONSOLATION TO THE HUMBLE AND WATCHFUL CHRISTIAN.

Let such an one remember that the prayer, Lead us not into temptation, implies that NO TEMPTATION CAN ASSAULT US WITHOUT GOD'S PERMISSION. He notices and orders all, knows the way that you take, follows you with his eye, and has designs of holy love to accomplish in all your trials. It is surely a great relief to the tempted and harassed Christian, who is endeavouring in humility and vigilance to resist temptation, to know that all is right; that Satan is under the control of God, and cannot touch even a hair of our head without His permission.

Think also on the PROMISE to which we have already alluded, that no temptation shall happen unto you, but what is common to man; but that God will, with the temptation also, make a way for your escape, that you may be able to bear it. God may see fit to allow you to be led into circumstances of severe temptation; but if you. adopt the prayer of the text, he will not leave you under them, he will not permit them to overwhelm you, will bring you needful succour, and will deliver you from all your fears. If it was our Saviour himself who taught his disciples thus to pray, then HE WILL ASSUREDLY REHe is not an

MEMBER THEM IN THE CONFLICT.

high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, and yet without sin. He

suffered being tempted, that he might be able to succour them that are tempted. Let the distressed and afflicted Christian trust his compassionate Master in the darkest moment. He will assuredly cover his head in the day of battle.

Recollect again, that this petition implies that YOU FIGHT UNDER THE EXPRESS NOTICE AND APPROBATION OF THE CAPTAIN OF YOUR SALVATION. Now the sight of the leader animates the soldier. Our almighty Saviour not only permits every temptation, but he notices and assists the humblest efforts of his sincere servants. He looks upon them with love; observes how the battle proceeds; watches every movement of the foe; listens to the prayer of the wearied combatants-he hears their cry and will save them.

Consider, also, even when temptation has prevailed, that THE BLOOD OF THIS SAME DIVINE SAVIOUR CLEANSETH FROM ALL SIN. In the hour of conscious weakness, and defeat, and disquietude, let the atoning sacrifice of your Saviour be your comfort. Plead his death; apply his reconciliation; and rely upon his righteousness. The defilement which you contract will not be deadly, whilst in daily repentance and faith you wash in this fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness.

Forget not, further, that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR YOUR GOOD, if you love God and

are called according to his purpose.

The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, will be found unto praise and honour and glory. These sharp temptations may serve to humble you, to promote watchfulness, to teach you dependence on grace alone, to show you what you are, to produce experience of the divine goodness and faithfulness, to exalt the Saviour in your esteem, and to prepare you for the peace and holiness of heaven.

Lastly, LOOK FORWARD TO THE HOPE OF VICTORY. You shall soon, if humble and faithful, be made more than a conqueror through Him that hath loved you. Hold on in your course. To him that overcometh, saith the Saviour, will I give to sit down with me on my throne, even as I have overcome, and am set down with my Father on his throne. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life which the Lord hath prepared for them that love him. God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. Soon you shall say, with the triumphant Apostle, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day, and not to

me only, but to all them that love his appearing. Look upwards to the heavenly host, and ask with St. John, Who are these which are arrayed in white robes, and whence come they? The answer shall be and let it animate you in all your trials-These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple, and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.