SATURDAY.
Christ's Third Temptation.
I. " Again the devil took Him up into a very high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them." (Matt iv. 8.) This is the third device of the Devil, and the most forcible of all; for by these means he overcomes most men whom he attacks. For the promise of wealth and honor seduces thousands.
Gold and silver hath destroyed many." (Ecclus. viii. 3.) The Tempter, however, as he always acts in regard to the children of pride and pomp, offers more than he can perform. "All these," he says, "will I give Thee if, falling down, Thou wilt adore me." In the same manner, the Devil, when he wishes to lead us into sin, promises us happiness, honor, and enjoyment; but those who listen to him are universally and uniformly deceived and disappointed.
II. Christ resisted the temptation with constancy and resolution, and taught us by His example that we ought not to commit any sin, even " to gain the whole world." And yet how many thousands rush headlong into hell for a more trifling gratification than the enjoyment of the whole world! " Begone Satan! for it is written, The Lord thy God thou shalt adore, and Him alone shalt thou serve." Examine whether you serve and adore the Lord your God as you ought, or whether you do not rather follow your inordinate desires, and, by sacrificing your duty to them, virtually adore the enemy of your salvation. " For by whom a man is overcome," writes St. Peter, " of the same also is he a slave." (2 Pet. ii. 19 )
