By the mere natural understanding men may learn much of the truth of God, but afterwards renounce and deny it. If by the Spirit's unction we learn anything, we hold it fast. His true teaching carries with it assurance to the soul that it is God's truth we are learning. Of this assurance Satan has his counterfeit, and only by walking humbly with God shall we detect the fraud. Christ's Example "He that saith he abideth in Him, ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked" (1 John 2:6). Christ's Example is our rule. It is to the Christian what imperial weights and measures are to men of traffic: from that standard there is no appeal. It is not in every _act_ of the blessed Lord that we should follow Him; but the mind of Christ is always our pattern. Instance: His forty days' fasting. His precepts will guide us to discern His mind in considering His acts. Adam, by creation God's servant, brake away from the yoke: Christ, the Son of God, took on Him the servant's form. The children of God cannot grow in the knowledge of their own hearts, unless they be accustomed to set the Example of Christ before their inward eye. We ought to try our spirits, aims, thoughts, and desires, by the example of Christ. If we do this, we shall discern the current of self-willed pride running through our corrupt nature. A great discovery! The Saviour was especially pleasing to God when He was dumb, and opened not His mouth—doing nothing, only suffering the will of God. It is well with us when treading in our Master's steps. The child of God proves the strength and grace of His heavenly Father only as he walks in the ways of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Trial of Faith We are to distinguish between Trial of Faith and chastisement: in the former case we readily bow, and bring forth fruits of grace; but if we be rebellious, we are under correction. Paul's thorn in the flesh was God's gift to preserve him from pride, although it was the messenger of Satan to buffet him. Thus God uses the Wicked One for our profit, for the glory of His all-sufficient grace, and for the Tempter's confusion. Our trials are needful now for the exercise and growth of faith, and no less needful for our joy and glory at the appearing of the Lord. Temptation to sin is painful to us only as we are sanctified by the Spirit of grace, and walk with God. We ought not to wish for deliverance from trial until the trial has done its office. Shall the gold be taken out of the furnace before the dross has been consumed? Faith's expectation in the day of trouble is large showers of blessing. Sorrow and temptation (Pet. 1:6.7) are the seeds of joy and praise. "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy" (Ps. 126:5). Confidence in God proves itself in time of Trial; it grows in the day of battle. David, in the valley of Elah, was most bold when the giant cursed him, and drew nigh to slay him.