It is from consciousness of our weakness that we pray thus. The language
at first sight seems to breathe only a wish to be exempt from
temptation. If that were its meaning, it were contrary to Christ's
teaching and to the whole tenor of Scripture. But such a wish _is_
included in it, and corresponds to one tone of mind, and to what ought
always to be our feeling. We rightly shrink from temptation because we
know our own weakness. That is the only allowable ground; if we do it
from indolence, or dread of trouble, we are wrong. If flesh shrinks from
pain, we are 'carnal and walk as men.' If we desire simply to have a
smooth path, then we have yet to learn what our Master meant when He
said, 'In the world ye shall have tribulation.' His servants should
'count it all joy when they fall into divers temptations.'
But if we rightly understand our own weakness, we shall dread to meet
the enemy, because we know how often circumstances make all the
difference between saint and sinner.