New Birth, The (FGB #202)
VariousGrace has to work a great many miracles in us before we get far enough along to heartily sanction the
words of St. James, to "count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations." But there is a place of such
victory and union with Christ that the soul can really find a source of joy from every trial and temptation
through which it has gone. It is almost impossible for us to see any benefits of being tempted while we are
passing through them; the sensibilities are so pierced by fiery darts, the mind is so distracted by evil
suggestions, the will is so beset with opposite motives, the rattle of spiritual musketry and smoke of battles
obscures the vision from seeing any blessing likely to come out of it. Nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the
peaceable fruit of righteousness to them who are properly exercised thereby. Among the benefits of being
tried by temptation, we may mention.