Terrible is the temptation to be good.

Terrible is the temptation to be good.

Let a man be but in earnest in praying against a temptation as
the tempter is in pressing it, read more

Let a man be but in earnest in praying against a temptation as
the tempter is in pressing it, and he needs not proceed by a
surer measure.

But something may be done that we will not;
And sometimes we are devils to ourselves
When read more

But something may be done that we will not;
And sometimes we are devils to ourselves
When we will tempt the frailty of our powers,
Presuming on their changeful potency.

Things orbidden have a secret charm.

Things orbidden have a secret charm.

For I am that way going to temptation,
Where prayers cross.

For I am that way going to temptation,
Where prayers cross.

By persistently remaining single a man converts himself into a permanent public temptation.

By persistently remaining single a man converts himself into a permanent public temptation.

The devil tempts us not--'tis we tempt him,
Reckoning his skill with opportunity.

The devil tempts us not--'tis we tempt him,
Reckoning his skill with opportunity.

O cunning enemy that, to catch a saint,
With saints dost bait thy hook: most dangerous
Is read more

O cunning enemy that, to catch a saint,
With saints dost bait thy hook: most dangerous
Is that temptation that doth goad us on
To sin in loving virtue.

When I am able to resist the temptation to judge others, I can see them as teachers of forgiveness in read more

When I am able to resist the temptation to judge others, I can see them as teachers of forgiveness in my life, reminding me that I can only have peace of mind when I forgive rather than judge.