III.  When we consider the struggle in Pilate’s breast, between sense of duty, and a desire to please the world, and how it terminated, we see the danger of wanting fixed principles of rectitude—­of not being determined, at all events, to do right, whatever may be the consequences.

Pilate’s duty was plain.  He knew his duty—­felt his obligation to do it, and wished to do it, that he might feel easy, and not be concerned for consequences.  But he had formerly sacrificed conscience to appetite, passion, or selfishness, and it was known.  This exposed him to temptation again to do wrong.  He who had violated conscience to gain worldly ends, might do it again.  Pilate had exposed himself by past conduct—­could not justify his past administration—­his enemies might report him to Caesar—­he could not answer for himself before Caesar; but if he would again violate conscience, oblige the Jews, in a matter they had much at heart, he hoped their friendship—­that they would spread a veil over his past conduct, and report in his favor at Rome.

Such was the situation into which he had brought himself by willful deviations from duty—­thence temptations to farther and greater deviations—­temptations not easily overcome—­temptations by which he was overcome, and seduced to the most horrid wickedness—­crucifying the Lord of glory!

Those who would maintain their integrity, and stand in the evil day, must resolve to do right; to obey the dictates of conscience; they must beware the beginnings of sin; hold no parley with the enemy; never hesitate, whether it is not best, in any case to yield to temptation; nor make attempts to please those who wish them, and dare to importune them to counteract the light of their own minds—­ “trimming their way to seek love.”

To enter on such a course, is to go on forbidden ground.  It is to pass the bounds, and go into the way of seduction.  “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not into the way of evil men.  Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” *

* Proverbs iv. 14.

What the poet observes, respecting one species of temptation, holds, in degree, of every other.

“In spite of all the virtue we can boast, The person who deliberates in lost.”—­Young.

* * * * * *

SERMON XIII.

The Trial of Peter’s love to Christ.

John xxi. 15, 16, 17.

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, ’Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?’ He saith unto him, ’Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.’  He saith unto him, ‘Feed my lambs.’  He saith to him again a second time, ’Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me?’ He saith unto him.  ‘Yea Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.’  He saith unto him, ‘Feed my sheep.’  He saith unto him the third time, ‘Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me?’ Peter was grieved, because he said to him the third time, ‘Lovest thou me?’ And he said unto him, ’Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.’  Jesus saith unto him, ‘Feed my sheep.’”