ble; for
added to these outward temptations, which assail all mankind daily and
hourly, the Christian knows he must resist inward temptations, which
perhaps are known to none but himself and his God. These temptations are
more pressing than other temptations, on account of their peculiar
nature: for the one, if indulged in, brings the displeasure or frowns of
the world--the other, as I said before, is perhaps unknown to all human
beings but oneself."

"Well, but mamma," said Marten impatiently, "I do know all this, for you
have taught it me before. It is not like as if I had to learn the thing
now for the first time. I think you are too severe, mamma, indeed I do;
and when you come back, I believe you will say so. Trust me, mamma, and
do not be anxious about me. I shall do very well, and I promise to take
good care of Reuben. I will see to his lessons, and do my own, and he
shall sleep with me while you are away, and I will attend carefully to
him and never leave him, and when I am learning my Latin, he can be in
the room with me, and we shall do very well together, I promise you. So
trust me, mamma, without anxiety of any sort."

"I will trust you," replied Mrs. Mortimer smiling kindly, "but not with
yourself Marten, for I see clearly you have a lesson to learn, my boy,
and I hope you will learn it shortly, without much trouble to yourself.
You think you are going to fulfil all your duties in your own strength,
as they ought to be fulfilled. You will see that you cannot. Could human
nature, unassisted by the Divine nature, have done so, then what need
would there have been for the Son of God to have taken our form and
purified our nature in himself? By grace alone are we saved, for there
is none good--no, not one; but as God is holy, we must be holy, ere we
can dwell with Him, and the work of the Divine Spirit is to make us
pure; and while we are in the flesh, to uphold us in the right and
straight road, till being made one with God our sanctification is
accomplished. Now then is our hour of temptation. Marten--and believe
me, my boy, if you attempt to withstand that temptation in your own
strength, you are like one putting fire to tow, and expecting it will
escape conflagration."

Marten made no reply, for he was tired of the subject; but after Mrs.
Mortimer had left the room, he said to Reuben--"Well, we shall see what
we shall see, and mamma shall acknowledge I am right after all." So the
carriage came to the doo