Temptation, in and of itself, is not sin. This is critically important, especially for those who suffer from an overly sensitive and tender conscience. Jesus was repeatedly tempted (Heb. 2:17-18; 4:15; Mt. 4), but he was sinless. We must resist thinking that we are sub-Christian or sub-spiritual simply because we are frequently tempted. It was the great reformer Martin Luther who first said, “You can't prevent the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.” His point is that a temptation only becomes a sin when you acquiesce to it, as it were “fondle” it and “enjoy” it.
Sam Storms

SONGS OF PRAISE

SONGS OF PRAISE, POEMS OF DEVOTION IN THE CHRISTIAN CENTURIES

WITH AN INTRODUCTION

BY HENRY COPPEE,

PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH LITERATURE IN THE UΝΙVΕRSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA.

PHILADELPHIA:

PUBLISHED BY E. H. BUTLER & CO.

1866.

ÆTERNE RERUM CONDITOR

Framer of the earth and sky, Ruler of the day and night, With a glad variety Tempering all and making light. Gleams upon our dark path flinging, Cutting short each…

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THE ODOR

How sweetly doth MY MASTER sound; MY MASTER! As ambergris leaves a rich scent Unto the taster: So do these words a sweet content, An oriental fragrancy: MY MASTER! With…

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A MIDNIGHT HYMN

Where'er I am, whate'er I see, Eternal Lord, is full of Thee! I feel Thee in the gloom of night; I see Thee in the morning light. When care distracts…

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TO MONT BLANC

HAST thou a charm to stay the morning star In his steep course? So long he seems to pause On thy bald awful head, O sovereign Blanc! The Arve and…

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GOD’S WORD

OH, blest were the accents of early creation, When the Word of Jehovah came down from above, In the clods of the earth to infuse animation, And wake their cold…

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THE CROSS

ARE thy toils and woes increasing? Are the Foe’s attacks unceasing? Look with Faith unclouded, Gaze with eyes unshrouded, On the Cross! Dost thou fear that strictest trial? Tremblest thou…

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JAM MOESTA QUIESCE QUERELA

(Prudentius, Fifth Century.) No more, ah, no more sad complaining, Resign these fond pledges to earth; Stay, mothers, the thick-falling tear-drops: This death is a heavenly birth. What mean these…

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GOD IN NATURE

Go forth, my heart, and seek delight In all the gifts of God's great might, These pleasant summer hours: Look how the plains for thee and me Have decked themselves…

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CHRISTMAS-TIDE

μέγα xai παράδοξον Θαύμα. A GREAT and mighty wonder! A full and holy cure! The Virgin bears the Infant With Virgin-honor pure! The Lord is made Incarnate, And yet remains…

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