Francis Patrick Kenrick

It is customary with the sacred writers to speak of the result, as of the end to which the act was directed. The Spirit impelled Christ into the desert, that He might leave us the example of communion with God in prayer : but occasion was thence furnished for temptation. Christ was subject to no internal temptation, because He was altogether free from original, as well as actual, sin, which is the cause, either proximate or remote, of all temptation. He suffered Himself to be tempted exter- nally, and He underwent all kinds of severe trials from His enemies, for our example : " for we have not a high-priest, who cannot have com- passion on our infirmities ; but one tempted in all things like as we are, without sin." Heb. iv. 15.