THE DISCIPLINE OF TEMPTATION AND Other Thoughts for Lent and Holy Weck. BY HENRY SIDEBOTHAM, M.A. CHAPLAIN OF THE CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST, MENTONE, WELLS GARDNER, DARTON, & CO. 2 PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS. THE short Sermons and Addresses which form this little volume were preached at Mentone in Lent and Holy Week 1883. Some of those who heard them, and who by God's blessing were helped by them, expressed a wish that they might be printed; and this is now done, with the earnest prayer that they may be made of use to others. SPIRITUAL GROWTH. Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. -1 Thessalonians iv. 1. LENT is commonly and rightly regarded as a special season for repentance, but it is also a season for the commemoration of the Baptism, Fasting, and Temptation of Our Blessed Lord, Whose example we are called upon to follow, in going apart for a time from the world, and seeking closer communion with God. Not the least important of the lessons which we learn from the Temptation of Christ is that temptation is permitted, nay, even ordered for us by God. Just as our bodily strength is increased by exercise, so our spiritual strength grows by use, and though temptation is never to be sought, never to be encountered unbidden or in our own strength, yet we should remember the encouragements of God's Word, "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," and the assurance that God will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able, but will with the temptation make a way to escape, that we may be able to bear it.2 1 1 St. James i. 12. 2 1 Cor. x. 13. |