Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/341



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  )