The National tribune., 1894-08-02


or into some valley. 2 XII, 2:16.
We remember the powerful influences of
the Spirit on Ezekiel. 3 II, IA; S:3 But
| that was in visions. II !, "a; 40: 2; 43: 5.
2. OF st. Mt, 4 /. Translate, by. The
temptations were from without, not in
| Christ's mind. CT st. James, /: IA
3. Tempted. Temptation from Satan to do
| evil is the reverse Of inspiration of the Holy
| Spirit to do good. The admission we are sus-
| ceptible TO holy influences helps unravel the
philosophy (method) of malign impulses. The
| process metaphysically aud religiously is
identical. The action of the Holy Spirit on
Christ was similar probably in method to that
of Satan on him. Ecce Homo says: "Christ's
temptation was the Indictment of his mind,
which was caused by the Bascent conscious
ness of supernatural power"
Some think Christ was tempted during the
40 days. De Wette, Crosby, Jameson,
Bengel, and Myer say not till after the 40
days.
a. Tasted ST. Mt, AZ; ST. Luke, 3,
states He did eat nothing" He tasted dur
ing the 40 days, and also during the time re-
qured for the three specific temptations.
Christ must fast to cure the greed Of
Adam.
s. Word ST. Mt, A Gods word (com-
mand) may require fasting. If God so
direct, man can endure without bread.
God can feed or sustain life other than by
bread or other material food.
THAT proceedeth out of the mouth of
God that God directs or creates to be
eaten Man shall not subsist on bread alone.
God can direct other or no aliment.
6. TalSeth up. St. Mt, 4 5, 8. st. Luke,
4: 5, has taking up, and v 8 says brought.
The original rendered in VS.. and of st.
Mt, d. is the same as that rendered bring
eth in st. Mt, II: /, where it is said
Christ bringeth them" that is to say, SITS.
Peter, James and John, up into the mount
ain to witness the TRANSPORTATION.
Jerome thought Christ was taken up bod
lily and carried through the air by Satan.
Strauss asserts the language of the original
implies this Bat LANCE says such suppose
ton is purely fantastic. The origin of St.
Jerome's idea was probably the conception
the pinnacle was some giddy hight not ac-
cessible save by aerial flight
Z. Showeth. st. Mt, 4:8. Notice views.
a. Strauss says the world was then supposed
10 be plain, and hence there might easily
be an impression the world could be seen
from an elevated point, provided the eye
could see far enough. b. Satan pointed out
what was visibly present and theoretically
described the rest.-Bengel c. Satan spread
out a map of the world. d. BIeuvelt in
sists Christ had supernatural vision and
could see everywhere. e. Satan used the
word world simply to indicate all that
region. Satan showed Christ simply in
sion.-Todd, Henry, Doddridge, Scott, DIR.
Geo. C. Baldwin, of Troy, II. Y; Prof. Seeley,
of Cambridge, Eng.
6. Suggestions.
/. Expect temptations after great bless
ings. When Christ had been baptized, when
the doveiike Holy Spirit had declared he
(Jesns) was Gods Son, then he was tempted.
Men are often sorely tried after baptism,
confirmation, celebration of the Holy Com
muniOn, etc.
2 Expect no new Gospel. Though 1869
years have passed since the temptation, we
still feel an interest in it. The temptation
of Christ is an example for all time. We
have the same enemy whom Christ had
The methods now of defense are the same
he used.
3. Eminent position offers great tempta-
ton. We see Christ could be trusted with
power.
4. Look out for weak points. Satan
tempts us where and when we are most
liable to err.
5. Ministers and most devout Christians
can be tempted. There is no sin in being
tempted. (Heb., Ais; st. James, 1 2, g.
6. Meet temptation with rebuffs from the
Holy Bible. lisa, 8:2o.)
7. Sympathize with Jesus. Bring home
to mind his fearful struggles with Satan.
8. Avoid temptations-not run into them.
8. Pray for the tempted. (St. Lu., %: 81,
81.
10. There is such a state of mind as right
eous indignation. Say to Satan, Get out!H
". IL
II. Worship only God. (St. Lu., 4:9.)
II. Expect angelic aid.
-. If you overcome temptation, do not
grow careless. Satan will attack repeatedly.
ii. Do not become worldly. (St Matt,
4:9)
-. Do not tempt others to evil.
NoTE-The temptations call for more time and
space than Is possible III single Issue. We have
sought but TO open the subject, leaving teachers