The Newtown bee., 1909-03-19
LITTLE SERMONS.
Temptations.-By 0. 0. Wright.

| Splflt lnto tne WlluefnesS tO Ds tempted of the devil. Matt Al.
 In order to understand the divine meaning of human life we must be able to look at it from the spiritual point of view. The standpoint we take with reference to anything is oi vital importance; and to a great eX- tent it determines beforehand ouI attitude and conduct toward the per. son or thing to which we are related Men differ in many of the great con cerns of this fife simply because they observe the same things from differ ent points of view. If they were humble enough to acknowledge that there are apparent differences where the essential truth in the case is the same, they night save themselves much trouble and inconvenience. A city, molntail. river. lake, ur indeed any object presents a very different aspect as you change your place of observation, your position in the photograph may be such as to insure a good likeness or to produce a dis torted caricature. You may look upon a beautiful picture ir such a light that you will see only what appears to be mere daub of black paint. It is not the fault of the artist, the painting is perfect as a work of art, it is simply that you are not in the right position to behold the work so as to discern its meaning and spirit.
 The same is true in a deeper spiritual sense. It is not merely the external point of view of the senses that puts us into right relations to persons and things, but it is the spirit and principle which rule within our hearts and minds. There is a stand point of personal in- terest as well as of position. Our spiritual attitude may be one of sympathy so that we feel and think and act in full accord with those we meet, or it may be that we are filled with such a spirit of doubt or pre- judice against others that we can see nothing in them fair and good. Our stand point may be one of knowledge and understanding from which we can see clearly and com prehensiVely the proper line of our conduct, or we may be groping in the darkness because of error and confusion of thought. Our point Of view is of first importance. If we judge of the meaning and worth of human life rom the merely human earthly point of view it must of necessity have a very different sig nifcance than it has from the divine and heavenly stand point. If we estimate the significance of living simply on the plain animal existence there is no comparison to be made for that is all there is of it. And if this world is all, then we must take it as it is and make the best Of it. If this life on the earth, in the hesh, is all, then we must look at it from our earthly, fleshly standards If we are simply and only intelligent animals, destined to abide here for a period of three score and ten years, more or less, or on an average less than half that space of time, then surely our theories and practices ought to accord with the facts in the case.
 But if we believe that we are spiritual beings, and that this pre- sent life is our schooling and prepar- ation for a higher state of existence, then we must realize that character is the most precious product of this present world. And this being true we should be able to understand the divine meaning of temptation. To live in contact with evil and put sin to shame by righteousness is the secret of the true Christian charac- ter St James sums up the who,e doctrine of the Word of God when he says: Count it all joy. my breth ren, when ye fall into manifold temptations, knowing that the prov ing of your faith worketh patience. Anu let patience have it's perfect work. that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing" Since temptation is a part of human exper-