There is no order so holy, nor place so secret, but there are temptations, or adversities in it.
3. There is no man that is altogether free from temptations: for the root thereof is in ourselves, who are born with inclination to evil.
When one temptation or tribulation goeth away, another cometh; and we shall ever have something to suffer, because we are fallen from the state of our felicity.
Many seek to fly temptations, and fall more grievously into them.
By flight alone we cannot overcome, but by patience and true humility we become stronger than all our enemies.
4. He that only avoideth them outwardly, and doth not pluck them up by the roots, shall profit little; yea, temptations will the sooner return unto him, and will be more violent than before.
By little and little, and by patience with long-suffering through God's help, thou shalt more easily overcome, than by violence and thine own disquietude.
Often take counsel in temptations, and deal not roughly with him that is tempted; but give him comfort, as thou wouldest wish to be done to thyself.
5. The beginning of all evil temptations is inconstancy of mind, and small confidence in God.
For as a ship without a helm is tossed to and fro by the waves; so the man who is careless and forsaketh his purpose, is many ways tempted.
Fire trieth iron, and temptation a just man.
We know not oftentimes what we are able to do, but temptation shows us what we are.
