tions, and with all the changes in
circumstances and physical or mental condition come enticements to
evil. We have never taught that Holiness of heart means freedom from
temptation. In one form or another temptation will come to the holiest
of us, and the fight of faith has to be sustained even up to the very
gates of Heaven.

The fully consecrated soul has not only to resist the temptations to
positive sin, but must manifest its victory in the patient endurance of
physical ills and the trials of life; and that apostolic note of
triumph is also a word of guidance, 'This is the victory which
overcometh ... even your faith'.

Human nature, even with the best of us, is a marvellous combination. We
have nerves which sometimes vibrate like the wires of a highly-strung
harp. Mental clouds at times seem to shut the sun out of the conditions
of life, and dark shadows stretch across or along the pathway. Some of
us have dispositions which, whilst capable of exquisite pleasure, also
expose us to the most acute pain and disappointment. Then comes the
temptation to charge against our spiritual condition weaknesses which
are purely physical. To resist such temptations is indeed the fight of
faith.

Physical depression comes upon some people until, for the time being,
life is a burden and death would be a relief. Measured by their bodily
and mental sensations, their experience is sometimes like a stretch of
arid desert, and in such hours the enemy assails the mind with
difficulties and suggestions to doubt, which can only be conquered by
steady confidence in the love and wisdom and prevailing grace of the
living God. That is the good fight of faith.

I hope that what I have said will not discourage any soul. Remember, if
we are fully given up to God, and seeking to realize His will for us,
we are not fighting a losing battle; 'He that is with us is greater
than they that be against us'. The provision of Divine Grace is such
that, in spite of enemies and dangers, our life can be one of victory;
we can be more than conquerors through Him that loved us. The victor's
palm and the overcomer's crown will more than compensate for the
self-denial and loss of things which the world counts gain.

Many of you know the story of a certain Indian conqueror who, in his
onward march, came to a temple containing a specially sacred idol. This
he was proceeding to destroy, when the priests and others pleaded with
him, and offered a large sum of