The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-09-10
THE EVILS OF ONES NATURE
Temptation Adapts Itself Readily to
Many Glasses and Conditions of Men.
What Some Persons Will Submit to Others
Will Shun-An Eloquent Talk on Temper
ance-Dedication of Baptist Church.

The Rev. DR.. Mcleod, OF the Second Presby-
terrain Church, preached an interesting sermon
last night, at Plymouth Church, on the subject
Of temptations. He classed temptations as of
two kinds-those from without and those from
within. There were many forms in which they
appealed to . man; they might appeal to the
eye; sometimes to the ear, or to the intellect
and at other times to the baser parts Of ones nat
ure. They adapted themselves 10 all cond-
tons. temptation which would attract one
man might be repulsivs to another; some people
were too coarse to perceive the finer forms Of
evil. others were SO refined a. TO be repulsed by
the grosser sins. LikssMsphistopheles tempta-
ton could adapt itself to every disposition which
itsought to impress. There was DR.. Jekyl and
Mr.. Hyde In almost every one of ne: that story was
nothing more than the seventh chapter of Rom
ans told In captivating way by q brilliant
writer. III Satan were cur only tempter,' said
the preacher. I'VE could easily overcome our
temptations, for we are not ignorant of his de-
vices. But the great trouble Is we tempt our
selves. Instead of being tempted by the devil
We tempt him. We walk right into the midst of
temptation, even though see before Us the
large flaming lettars, Danger We see the asp
among tho flowers that we covet. and although
We know that We will be poisoned we are bound
to have the flowers, and taking them in our
hand receive thedeadly sting. Unless there be
power to extract that poison we are ruined
forever
1t was quite different, he continued, with those
who watched and prayed against temptation. II
they were led into IL, thsy took fast hold Of
the hand OF God. and while Satan stood on one
side pushing them in, the Master led them past
I'VE too often forget said he, ''that Christ has
redeemed the body as we'll as the soul. be-
heve that my body well as my
soul is redeemed. and thst, in some
&kk l. -
which is to hold in the countless years to come
the precious jewel OF my soul. Eow important,
therefore, that We keep bocies pure aud
clean, fit habitations for the spirit OF God"
The Doctor severely denounced the Offering OF
meaningless prayers. Tho most surprised
people in the world said he. would be some
people II their prayers wsre answered. You
pray. Lord, lead me not into temptation and
then you 90 on and walk right into temptation.
do not propose to dsnounce all theatsrs, but
CHRISTIANS know that there many shows TO
which they should not lend tho influence Of
their presence. What good. therefore. would
there be IN a Christian getting on his knees anc
praying the Lord not to lead him into tempta
ton when he had In his pocket q ticket to one
OF these showsi" In order to overcome rempta-
ton. he continued. one must rely on strength
from the Lord. He should become strong in
the Lord that he could face temptation add
crush IL Robert Browning expressed the idea
beautifully when be said that a man. if he had
met temptation and had stamped il under foot
would be ''pedestaled In triumph" Temptations
had value IN the economy OF grace else they
would not be here. ~ believe" said the speak
er, 'thst one may be tempted and yet commit
no sin. There was q time whom was led to be-
lieve differently. but / am convinced Of the
difference now. Most of you have read
Measure for Measure Next to the Bible
Shakespeare is about as good a book as you can
read. In Measure for Measure you know he
says Is Is one thing to be tempted, Eschylus,
and another .hing to fall Thank God for that.
We are bound 10 DO tempted, but through faith
in Christ We will be able 10 overcome temptA-
tionss
In conclusion he said that sometimes there was
only one way OF escaping from temptation, and
that WAS by running away from it. Such act
was not eowardly. II you could not run away
you should stand firm and resist, and then the
devil would hy away