Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation… There is no ship so tall built or strongly ribbed which can be confident she will not founder in the next storm, nor is there any man of such a confidence who, if a tempest or temptation rise up against him, can be assured that at the instant he can call up so much reason and religion as to withstand it. Would you not judge him mad who, being come to an anchor in a safe road, would, like the dolphin, hunt the storm, and choose to ride it out at the main sea? Is it not enough thou hast an antidote to expel poison, but thou must turn empiric upon thyself, hazard the empoisoning of thine own body, to try the power of thy medicine? It is no discreet religion which seeks out dangers, and glories in temptations; nor is he wise to salvation who presents himself to that hazard which Christ taught him to pray against. "Fateor imbecillitatem meam, nolo spe pugnare victoriae ne perdam aliquando victoriam," saith St. Hierome. To hazard a set battle in hope of a doubtful victory is to outdare a man's judgment. It is possible that he who exposes himself to the danger of a fight may overcome, but it is probable he may fall. The peril is certain, the victory doubtful. In unneedful temptations I had rather distrust myself than make trial of my strength in apparent disadvantage. (Archdeacon King.) Parallel Verses KJV: And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. |
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