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Temptation. 
“To shun th’ allurement is not hard 
To minds resolved, forewarn’d and well prepared; 
But wondrous difficult when once beset, 
To struggle through the straits and break th’ involving net.” 
— Dryden. 
W AN’S life upon earth is a temptation, that is, a period of trial. 
As long as we live in this world, we cannot be without temp¬ 
tation. 
And no one is so perfect as not sometimes to have temptations. 
Yet, as far as possible, we must shun occasions of being tempted. 
Unsought temptations are often very beneficial, although they be trouble¬ 
some and grievous; for in them one is humbled, purified, and instructed. 
The best of mortals have passed through many tribulations and 
temptations , and have profited by them. 
We must not, therefore, be discouraged, much less despond, when 
we are sorely tempted, but pray to God with so much the greater fervor, 
that He may vouchsafe to help us in all our trials. 
And even if you, overcome by the force of temptation, should hap¬ 
pen to fall into sin, despair not; on the contrary, take new courage and 
read, I beseech you, God’s letter to His straying child: 
“Come bach , my child!” says He, “come bach! Though your sins 
were as scarlet , they shall be made ivhite as snow; though they be red as 
crimson, they shall be white as wool ” 
“I once was an outcast stranger on earth, 
A sinner by choice and an alien by birth; 
But I’ve been adopted, my name’s written down, 
An heir to a mansion, a robe and a crown.” 
-Anon. 
