Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/35

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Of Resisting Temptation.
21

Then he is weary of living longer, and wisheth that death would come, that he might depart and be with Christ.

Then also he well perceiveth, that perfect security and full peace cannot be had in this world.


CHAPTER XIII.

OF RESISTING TEMPTATION.

SO long as we live in this world we cannot be without tribulation and temptation.

Hence it is written in Job, "The life of man upon earth is a life of temptation."

Every one therefore ought to be careful about his temptations, and to watch in prayer, lest the devil find an advantage to deceive him; for he never sleepeth, but goeth about seeking whom he may devour.

No man is so perfect and holy, but he hath some temptations, and we cannot be altogether without them.

2. Nevertheless temptations are often profitable though they be troublesome and grievous; for in them a man is humbled, purified, and instructed.

All the Saints passed through man's tribulations and temptations, and profited thereby.

And they that could not bear temptations, became reprobate, and fell away.