There are several good protections against temptations, but the
surest is cowardice.

There are several good protections against temptations, but the
surest is cowardice.

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.

Better shun the bait than struggle in the snare.

Better shun the bait than struggle in the snare.

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.

I may not here omit those two main plagues, and common dotages of
human kind, wine and women, which read more

I may not here omit those two main plagues, and common dotages of
human kind, wine and women, which have infatuated and besotted
myriads of people: they go commonly together.

As the Sandwich-Islander believes that the strength and valor of the enemy he kills passes into himself, so we gain read more

As the Sandwich-Islander believes that the strength and valor of the enemy he kills passes into himself, so we gain the strength of the temptations we resist.

The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows read more

The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself.

What's done we partly may compute,
But know not what's resisted.

What's done we partly may compute,
But know not what's resisted.

Temptation is an irresistible force at work on a moveable body.

Temptation is an irresistible force at work on a moveable body.