and warrior of former times who tried to fear God, and to serve Him, thinking always of His Presence. Every morning when he had put on his armour before a battle, he used to kneel down and pray: "My God, if at any time I forget Thee, do Thou remember me." And so when we go forth day by day to the battle of life, with its warfare against sin, its dangers and temptations, let us try to pray these words, and ask our loving Father to watch over us, and to take care of us, and to remember us, even if at times we forget Him. If we do this we may feel sure that He will help us, "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation." "What is Life, Father?" A battle, my child, Where the strongest lance may fail, Where foes are gathered on every hand, And the feeble little ones must stand "Let me die, Father! 66 I tremble and fear To yield in that terrible strife." 'The crown must be won for Heaven, dear, In the battle field of life: [tried My child, though thy foes are strong and The angels of Heaven are on thy side We are not alone in this terrible struggle against temptation. Our Master went through it before us. He knows every step of the way we have to tread. tempted like as we are. He was in all points battle with the evil One. He knows that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, and that often we are tempted to lay down our arms, and to strive no more. But He who has fought the good fight before us, and Who came forth a conqueror, can help us, when we cry to Him in our sore need, By Thy temptation, Good Lord, deliver us. When we are tempted, when heart and flesh are failing in the strife, and we fear we shall fall, let us think of Him. Let us pray to Him, and fresh strength and courage will come, a courage and a strength, not our own, from Him Who has said, "My grace is sufficient for thee," and at last we too shall conquer in His might. Think of how the Holy Angels are watching us, and helping us; think of how Christ at the Father's right Hand is interceding for us as He did for S. Peter, “I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not." Our great Captain is watching how we are bearing ourselves in the conflict. Shall we fail, shall we grieve and dishonour Him, by yielding to the enemy? No, we will fight on against our temptations, through many falls it may be, but yet in Christ's strength gaining the victory at last. Remember it is not to those who pass through life easily, and smoothly, and without many trials or temptations, that the Crown is promised. It is to those who have fought the good fight of faith bravely, and who have overcome. 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." Think of all the blessed promises, seven times repeated, to those who "overcome." He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be My son." Soldiers who are Christ's below 'Tis no crown of fading leaves For the souls that overcome Waits the beauteous Heavenly Home; Where the blessèd evermore Tread on high the starry Floor. Tempted and tried!" Oh the terrible tide May be raging and deep, may be wrathful and wide! Yet its fury is vain, For the Lord shall restrain, And for ever and ever Jehovah shall reign. "Tempted and tried!" There is One at thy side, And never in vain shall His children confide! He shall save and defend, For He loves to the end, Adorable Master and glorious Friend! "Tempted and tried!" Whate'er may betide, In His secret pavilion His children shall hide! 'Neath the shadowing wing Of Eternity's King His children shall trust and His servants shall sing. "Tempted and tried!” Yet the Lord shall abide Thy faithful Redeemer, thy Keeper and Guide, Thy Shield and thy Sword Thine exceeding Reward! Then enough for the servant to be as His Lord! "Tempted and tried!" The Saviour who died Hath called thee to suffer and reign by His Side. |