that the serpent beguiled her to eat. Let us now consider some temptations of this infernal spirit, as they are suited to the different states of a religious life.

The first thing in a religious life is, the illumination of the understanding, by which a sinner discovers his fall from God, and his multiplied transgressions of that law, which is "holy, and just, and good." Rom. vii, 12. This discovery produces a godly sorrow. The awakened sinner weeps and mourns, and, like the jailer at Philippi, trembles in the presence of a just God. But the tempter suggests, that he is mistaken with himself; that his sins have been few, and of a trifling nature; that his state, upon the whole, is very good; and that if he perish, few indeed can be saved. Those who yield to this temptation, lose their convictions, and become self-righteous. Then they say, We are rich, and have need of nothing; though in reality they are "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Rev. iii, 17. If the mourning penitent overcome this temptation, his sorrow for sin increases; his soul is humbled in the dust; and he is prepared for the mercy of an offended God.

The subtle enemy, finding it impossible to lead the penitent to pre sumption, endeavours now to drive him to despair. Hence the next temptation insinuates, that his sins are too many to be forgiven; that he has sinned against the Holy Ghost; that his nature is as black as hell, and cannot be renewed; and that nothing remains for him but "a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." Heb. x, 27. It is the duty of ministers to comfort him under these dreadful apprehensions. They direct him to Jesus, and repeat the promises which are made to such as "labour and are heavy laden." Matt. xi, 28. Encouraged by these, hope springs up in his breast: He sees the sufficiency of Christ to save; he ventures upon him; and is reconciled to God through the blood of the

cross.

There is another temptation, which is often presented to the mind, when a man first feels the awakening influences of the blessed Spirit of God, namely, that religion will make him melancholy; that it is only fit for the aged, the sick, and the dying; and that it will be more prudent to put it off to old age, than to live, like a criminal, in perpetual dread of execution. This temptation too often succeeds. But, that it may be resisted and overcome, the penitent must be informed, that his present sorrow will give place to pure joy; that when he is reconciled to God, his soul will be filled with sweet consolation; that religion is the happiness and honour of man in all conditions; and that he who, for the sake of present and sinful indulgencies, puts it off to old age, may not then find the door of mercy open.

We shall now consider the attacks of Satan upon a child of God. When this high privilege is obtained, by faith in Christ Jesus, the child of God is so filled with peace and joy, and his confidence in the Redeemer is so strong, that he thinks himself out of the reach of temptation, especially from the wicked one; but he finds himself mistaken. He is soon tempted to doubt the reality of his faith; to think it is nothing

but mere imagination; and that he has deceived himself with a supposition that God was reconciled. This temptation, though exceedingly painful, puts him upon an useful inquiry into the nature of faith, and the grounds of acceptance with God; and when he finds his faith accom panied with love, and followed by obedience, he rests securely upon the Rock of Ages. But some have so far yielded in the dark hour, as to lose their confidence altogether; and it has not been without great difficulty, that they have been restored to the favour and the peace of God.

When this temptation is over, another, of a very dangerous tendency, is frequently introduced to the mind; namely, to trust in what has already been experienced, and to neglect the means of future improvement. The believer is required to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; but the devil tempts him to think that there is no need of such a growth; that, being now a child of God, he may indulge himself in some little things, in which there is not much harm; and that his former scruples, when he durst not even think of these things, arose from ignorance and superstition. If he give way, his heart is soon hardened; he sinks into a state of dull formality; he loses all the comforts of religion; and is in great danger of losing his soul. Many have fallen into this snare, and all have great need of that caution, "Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.” 1 Cor. x, 12.

If the child of God still pursue his way, Satan will probably tempt him to pride, on account of some supposed superiority to others, either in gifts or graces. It is no matter whether he be superior or not; for, if he can be induced to think so, his soul is endangered. Pride having gained some ascendancy, he wishes to fill the highest place, and to be honoured by peculiar marks of respect. But, meeting with many vexatious disappointments, he becomes sour and peevish, and disturbs the peace of the Church. Under this temptation, it is necessary to recollect, that we have nothing, either great or good, but what God has bestowed; and that we are still as much dependant upon him, as we were the first hour we sought his face.

Again: There are seasons wherein the tempter endeavours to fill the mind of a good man with doubts respecting the being of God, the certainty of providence, the truth of the Bible, the reality of Christian. experience, and the sincerity of professors. This temptation seldom lasts long; but it is very painful. It often comes suddenly, and when least looked for. Some have felt it in a moment, while engaged in the most solemn and important duties; while filled with abundant peace, and raised up with sacred joy almost to the third heaven. The best method that can be taken, in these gloomy moments, is, to imitate the Israelites in the wilderness, who "cried unto the Lord in their trouble; and he delivered them out of their distresses." Ps. cvii, 6.

Sometimes this foul spirit represents death to a good man in its most terrific forms, frightens him with the pain which he may feel in that awful hour, and suggests, that his God and Father may forsake him in Dis last moments. But he hides from his view, as much as possible, the

delightful prospect of a blessed immortality; and the gracious promises of God, to support his children in that trying scene. Exposed as we are to this temptation, it is pleasing to reflect, that Jesus delivers "them who, through fear of death, are all their life-time subject to bondage." Heb. ii, 15.

It would be impossible to enumerate all the temptations which God's children have to endure from this implacable foe. I shall only mention one more. He often tempts them to fear, that they shall not be able to endure to the end; reminds them of the great difficulties of the Christian life; of the vast number who have fallen; and of the probability, that they may give way in some evil hour, and so be cast away at last. Under this temptation, they sometimes think it of no use to contend any longer; that they might as well give up the Christian warfare now, as at some future period; and that one grand struggle, in the last moments of life, may do as well as a continued warfare. But they should remember, that if they leave all till death, they, in fact, give up the contest, and that their enemy will triumph. To conquer then, they must conquer now. And that they may conquer, let them consider themselves as being under the constant care of Jesus, who, himself having "suffered, being tempted, is able to succour them that are tempted." Heb. ii, 18. How we are to endure temptation, and what reward we may expect in a future world, shall be considered in the next discourse.

SERMON XXVIII.

ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE TEMPTED

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. JAMES i, 12.

In the two former discourses, we considered the temptations which a good man may have to endure: In this, we shall consider how he should endure them; and the promised reward.

II. HOW SHOULD A GOOD MAN ENDURE TEMPTATION?

The word endure conveys the idea of something which is painful; and all our temptations, of every description, are painful. We should, however, endure them with patience, cheerfulness, firmness, and per

severance.

Under all your temptatious, "let patience have her perfect work" James i, 4. For "ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." Heb. x, 36. Patience implies calmness and quietness, and is opposed to violence, murmuring, fretfulness, and complaining. The brightest examples recorded in the

word of God, have exercised this grace in the trying hour. Job, in this respect, is a pattern to all ages. "Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord." James v, 11. Jesus bore, with perfect patience, both the temptations of the devil, and the insults of men. That we may be encouraged, let us behold him in the last hours of his humiliation, when "he was oppressed and afflicted, yet opened not his mouth; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously." The saints who are now in glory, exercised patience in the tribulations and temptations which they endured when on earth; and we are expressly commanded to follow them in this respect. Patience proves a present blessing, as it blunts the keen edge of affliction; but impatience, by giving a keener edge to our sufferings, proves a curse. We see this remark verified in many instances; and we have often experienced it ourselves. Worldly-minded men patiently endure hardships, when they have a prospect of temporal advantage; and shall the pious be impatient, with the pleasing prospect of a crown of life? Besides, this grace shines with peculiar brightness in a suffering saint. We see the excellency of religion realized in his heavenly temper. His countenance discovers the calmness of his mind, and his words convey lessons of wisdom. Thou, Lord, says he, sufferest me to be in the furnace of affliction; but I dare not complain. Thy hand is upon me; but I am silent. Thou lettest loose my enemies; but wilt not leave me in their hands. This blessed disposition of the soul silences all our murmurings, and inspires us with confidence and courage. Let us pray, that God may endue us all with this heavenly grace; that we may be able to say after every trial, "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry." Ps. xl, 1.

It is necessary, not only to be patient, but cheerful, in all our trials and temptations; for we are directed to " count it all joy, when we fall into divers temptations." James i, 2. It may, indeed, seem strange to some, that a precept, so contrary to the feelings of mankind, should be given to the afflicted. Joy, it may be argued, implies either the possession or the prospect of some good; and cheerfulness is quite in character, or a fit thing, when posperity crowns our days. This we allow; but it proves nothing. We maintain, yea, and will maintain, that all the temptations of a holy man, when rightly endured, prove real blessings in the end; that, even while he endures the pain which necessarily attends them, he has a large portion of blessedness in his possession; and that his future prospects of blessedness far exceed those of the highest worldly prosperity. God, whose grace is sufficient, favours him with his special presence, and all works for his good. He can, therefore, "rejoice evermore; pray without ceasing; in every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning" him. 1 Thess. v. 16-18. Cheerfulness in trials gives strength to the soul, and enables a good man to endure with manliness. Wicked men often sink under the pressures of life. They have not that support which is necessary to bear them up. All to them is darkness and gloominess; "but light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart." Ps. xcvii, 11. By faith they see through the dark clouds which hang over them; and

by love they mount up to their native heaven. Paul and Silas, under the joyful influences of religion, sang praises to God in prison, though sore with stripes, loaded with chains, and surrounded with the darkness of midnight. The holy apostles were "troubled on every side, yet not distressed; perplexed, but not in dispair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." 2 Cor. iv, 8, 9.

Cheerfulness will produce firmness in trials and temptations. If any thing in the world should inspire men with firmness, it is religion; for nothing else is of equal importance. A man may lose all he has in this world, and be happy without it; but if he lose religion, all is lost. Recollect in temptation, that all is at stake. On the one hand, you have the joys of religion here, and its rewards hereafter; and on the other, the miseries of sin here, and its punishment hereafter. Therefore call forth all your powers; employ them to the best advantage, and be as firm as a rock. Consider the firmness of suffering saints in former ages. "They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: They wandered about in sheep-skins and goat-skins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; of whom the world was not worthy; they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth." Heb. xi, 37, 38. But they were not moved from their steadfastness. We observed above, that wicked men often sink under the pressures of life; but this is not always the case. In their favourite pursuits, they frequently bid defiance to danger, and disregard pain. See the hardy soldier in a dangerous campaign; view him in the field of battle, surrounded with the dead, and awfully exposed every moment to the shafts of death! See how firmly he proceeds; no fear or trembling; no wish to retire from danger; only one sentiment inspires his breast, namely, Conquest or death. See him, I say, and stand fast in the Lord thy God. Resolutely go on thy way in the strength of grace. Thus thou wilt become terrible to thy enemies; they will fall at thy feet, or flee from thy presence.

But all this will not do without perseverance. Many have fought bravely for a time, but have shamefully yielded at last. In this case, former victories turn up to no good account. "Ye shall be hated," says Christ, "of all men for my name's sake; but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." Matt. x, 22. The end, in this passage, refers to death, which ends our probationary state. A good man may imagine, that the trial under which he now labours will be his last, and that he shall enjoy uninterrupted rest in the present world; but he will find himself mistaken: For trial will succeed trial, as wave succeeds wave on the stormy ocean; nor will he enjoy a constant calm till he reaches the desired haven, and lands on Canaan's happy shore. This leads us to consider,

III. THE PROMISED REWARD.

The man who endures temptation, is abundantly blessed in the present world; but shall be much more so in that which is to come. When he is fully proved, he shall receive the crown of life. The crown of life denotes complete victory, and permanent glory. Earthly crowns, however bright, must fade, and those who wear them must die; but the