cants, and to be offered in the meanest chapel, and to be carried to the filthiest hovel of the sick.
3. Temptation to spiritual pride is severe to those who are leading a high spiritual life; temptation to pride is common to all who are placed in high positions, whether in Church or State.
4. We must not be scandalized at the manner in which Episcopal appointments are made, whether by intrigue, or by State interference; Christ was exalted to a pinnacle of the temple by the devil, and many a holy man may be elevated to the dignity of the Episcopacy by the vilest of means.
Holy city, so called because—
1. In it was the temple of God.
2. Christ was present in the city to sanctify it.
3. It was a shadow of the Heavenly Jerusalem.
If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down. Note—
This temptation followed the other as though deduced from it. Satan implied, “You have done well in showing your reliance on God; perfect your reliance, prove how complete it is.” Observe also that—
1. Christ’s temptation is not only to spiritual pride, but also to vain-glory, in that the prospect was before Him of being seen by men, supported by angelic hands, and thus of establishing His position as a prophet, at the outstart of His ministry.
