The whole armour of God.

"My brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.

"Stand therefore; having your loins girt about with truth; and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. 2 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly."

1 Eph. vi, 10-18. 2 Rom. xvi, 20.

Encouragements to fortitude.

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. 2 And we have not a high priest who cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

5" Beware lest ye, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."

1 Ps. xxxvii, 23, 24. 2 Heb. iv, 15. Heb. ii, 17, 18. 4 Heb. iv, 16. 52 Pet. iii, 17, 18.

Chapter Thirteenth.

THE CHRISTIAN TRIED.

The object of earthly trials.

1 "My brethren, count it all joy when ᎩᎾ fall into divers temptations; knowing this: that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

2

For though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations; there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. That the trial of your faith being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, and honour, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,-receiving the end your faith even the salvation of your souls."

of

1 Jas. i, 2-4. 21 Pet. i, 6. 31 Cor. x, 13. 41 Pet. i, 7-9.

ILLUSTRATION.

The afflictions of Job.

"There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and he was perfect and up

right, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. This man was the greatest of all the men of the East.-And the Lord said unto Satan: Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, -one that feareth God,

and escheweth evil?' Then Satan answered the Lord:-Doth Job fear God for nought? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.' And the Lord said unto Satan:-'Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand.'-So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.

"And there was a day when there came a messenger unto Job, and said:"The oxen were ploughing, and the asses feeding beside them, and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.' While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said: 'The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.' While he was yet speaking, there came also another and said :"The Chaldeans fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.' While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said:

Thy sons and thy daughters were eating, and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: and, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.' Then Job arose, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, and said; "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.'-In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

26 And the Lord said unto Satan :- -'Hast thou considered my servant Job, still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause?' And Satan answered the Lord, and said:-'All that a man hath will he give for his life,—but put forth thine hand now and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.' And the Lord said:- 'Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.' So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils, from the sole of his foot, unto his crown. Then said his wife unto him:'Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God, and die.' But he said unto her :-'What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?'-In all this did not Job sin with his lips, but said, 'Behold, I am vile; I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.'

3

"And the Lord accepted Job, and gave him twice as much as he had before.-So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his