The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser., 1921-11-18

| OF Christian living which comes into
view In this Scripture-"Count 1t all
Joy when We fall into manifold tempta-
tions"
The word Temptation" means trial
not an incitement to wrongdoing.
Sometimes these testings are unlocked
for, so that we are said ito fall'' into
them. They are manifold" This
refers to their variety rather than
their number. They are many sided,
many colored; some severe, others
mild, some prolonged, others brief.
They give occasion for every sort Of
| joy This Is the literal meaning of
the words "all JOY" We are to count
it every sort Of joy when we "fall into
these manifold temptations"
But how can we do this? Only by
knowing that the test patiently en-
dured will lead to great triumph, the
triumph of faith and of strong en-
during character which is the result
of faith.
Faith Is the most precious and pow
erful thing in the world. Its educa-
tion is of untold importance. A re-
turned missionary from Tibet recently
said In a public address, "God Is look
Ing everywhere for men and women
who will trust Him." Trust Is devel-
oped through trial. Under divine d.
rection, Moses led the Israelites to
the Red sea that they might learn in
| fho Of Gnd fn
and that their trust in Him might be
strengthened. Jesus took His disciples
into q storm that through the test
they might learn to trust, because Of
the experimental knowledge Of His
power to deliver.
Every trial Is a trial Of faith. We
never fail till we fail inside. Every
outward yielding Is the expression
and result of q surrender within. The
trial Of faith is declared to be much
more precious than gold that perish
| eth. Gold Is the standard Of value in
the world of men and affairs, but in
| the higher realm of spirit and char.
acter, faith Is the standard, the faith
that endures. From this springs every
noble and Christlike quality.
All the New Testament writer's push
into prominence this point Of view.
"We glory in tribulations," says Paul,
because they produce in us patience,
steadfastness and hope. These are
Christlike qualities, the flower Of
Christian character, the possession Of
which constitutes the triumph which
makes all the tests worth while. When
we become Christians, new life from
above Is impaired to us. Every Christ
like and gracious quality Is enfolded
, In this new life, even as the oak tree
Is wrapped up in the acorn. The un-
folding and development Of this life
Is the one big outstanding problem
confronting us. Without the manifold
temptations, the new life would be
I dwarfed and stunted. Because of
their operation and result, the life is
perfected, so that where patience has
her perfect work the life stands "per-
feet and entire, wanting nothing"
Somehow the Christian life develops
best under adversely. All sunshine
makes the desert. Life needs clouds
In order to have glorious sunset.
Another factor entering into the
triumph emanating from the manifold
temptations is the capacity to enjoy
which those have who patiently en-
dure the sufferings Of this present
time. They will best be able to enjoy
the glories that shall be revealed in us.
So then, there is reason to count 1t
all Joy when ye fall into manifold
temptations, knowing that the trial Of
your faith worketh patience" This Is
not mere passive submission, but rath-
er endurance. 1t Is the faith that does
not shrink, the perseverance that does
not falter under burdens. When this
sort of patience Is permitted to have
| a perfect work, perfection Of life and
character is reached, and this Is the
triumph that makes all endurance
worth while and enables US to count 1t
every sort of Joy when we fall into
| manifold temptations" 1t is possible
to hinder this triumph unless the hu-
man will cO-operates with the divine
purpose. There is grace enough for
this also, so that sufferings may be
borne joyously as well as submissively.