118. It is worth
while to notice in what place the Lord held this discussion, for His
utterances are often [better] estimated by the kind of places in which
He conversed. When about to fast, He is led (as we read) into the
wilderness to render vain the devil’s temptations. For
although it deserves praise to have lived temperately in the midst of
abundance, yet the enticements of temptation are more frequent amongst
riches and pleasures. Then the tempter, in order to try Him,
promises Him abundance, and the Lord in order to overcome cherishes
hunger. Now I do not deny that temperance can exist in the midst
of riches; but although he who navigates the sea often escapes, yet he
is more exposed to peril than he who will not go to sea.