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 γ. It makes reparation for past offences. (Jonah iii. 5—10.)

δ. It is meritorious, being one of those three works of which Christ has said that it shall he openly rewarded. (Matt. vi. 18.)

And when the tempter came to Him, he said. Here note—

I. α. The devil is called tempter, as one who builds is called a builder, and one who paints is called a painter: from the work upon which he is constantly engaged.

β. The devil probably came in human form, as angels when appearing to men assumed human forms. It seems likely that Satan had not fathomed that mystery, which angels desired to look into, the mystery of the Incarnation, and that he did not know that Christ was Incarnate God: yet was he filled with vague alarm.

γ. Christ’s temptations came from without; they could not proceed from within, as His nature was sinless.

II. We also learn—

1. That solitude is not freedom from temptation, but rather a time for it.

2. That Satan expends the whole force of temptation on those who are leading a life of high vocation.

3. That Satan suits his temptation to the occasion.