Consider 3dly, with regard to temptations, that they are no sins to us, if we give no way to them, nor bring them upon us by our own faults. So far from it, that they are often the occasions of very great good to our souls; by obliging us to watch and to pray the more, from the sense of our dangers; by keeping us humble, and by affording us the opportunity of gaining us many victories, and consequently as many glorious crowns for all eternity, as we have had conflicts with the enemy, by occasion of temptations. Wherefore it is not the meaning of this petition, to pray that we may never have any temptation, (for this might not be expedient for us) but that we may never yield to temptation. But as for the seeking, or desiring temptations, it would be too great a rashness to weak souls; and more especially with regard to temptations against purity, it would be a crime to affect them, or, without necessity, to expose one's self to them. Christians, let us learn to arm ourselves for this warfare, with the armour of the fear of God, and a lively faith; let us stand upon our guard by watching and praying; let us readily and heartily resist the first attacks of the enemy; let us bear with patience and humility
