Temptations hurt not, though they have accesse;
Satan o'ercomes none but by willingnesse.

Temptations hurt not, though they have accesse;
Satan o'ercomes none but by willingnesse.

I know, when they prove bad, they are a sort of the vilest
creatures: yet still the same reason read more

I know, when they prove bad, they are a sort of the vilest
creatures: yet still the same reason gives it: for Optima
corrupta pessima: the best things corrupted become the worst.

Every conquering temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes read more

Every conquering temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before.

Temptation rarely comes in working hours. It is in their leisure hours that men are made or marred.

Temptation rarely comes in working hours. It is in their leisure hours that men are made or marred.

Devils soonest tempt, resembling spirits of light.

Devils soonest tempt, resembling spirits of light.

The spiritual virtue of a sacrament is like light; although it
passes among the impure, it is not polluted.
read more

The spiritual virtue of a sacrament is like light; although it
passes among the impure, it is not polluted.
[Lat., Spiritalis enim virtus sacramenti ita est ut lux: etsi
per immundos transeat, non inquinatur.]

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.

It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible. The sane are usually read more

It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible. The sane are usually attracted by other things than power.

"Corruption continues with us beyond the grave," She said, "and then plays merry hell with all ideas

"Corruption continues with us beyond the grave," She said, "and then plays merry hell with all ideas