An Excellent Book Exerpt

I am currently going through a book I have mentioned before titled "Young Lady's Guide to the Harmonious Development of Christian Character "  By Harvey Newcomb. This book is not light reading, and as I'm going through it it seems to be a very well-written, biblically sound book. It covers many different topics such as doctrinal knowledge, reading and study of the Bible, health, prayer, and so forth. The topic being covered below is temptation.  I want to say real fast though, this book is not only for young ladies. I believe the entire family can greatly benefit from it. Fathers, Mothers, Young Lady's and Young Men. Please feel free to let me know your thoughts on the topic as well!

"Satan adapts his temptations to our peculiar tempers and circumstances. In youth, he allures us by pleasure,, and bright hopes of worldly prosperity. In manhood, he seeks to bury up our hearts in the cares of life. In old age, he persuades to the indulgence of self-will and obstinacy, in prosperity, he puffs up the heart with pride, and persuades to self-confidence and forgetfulness of God. In poverty and affliction, he excites discontent, distrust, and repining. If we are of a melancholy temperament, he seeks to sour our tempers, and promote habitual sullenness and despondency; if naturally cheerful, he prompts to the indulgence of levity. In private devotion, he stands between us and God, to prevent us from realizing his presence, and seeks to distract our minds, and drive us from the throne of grace. In public worship, he disturbs our minds by wandering thoughts and foolish imaginations. When we enjoy a comfortable and happy frame of mind, he stirs up pride in our hearts, and leads us to trust in our own goodness, and forget the Rock of our salvation.



Even in our deepest humiliations he makes the occasion of spiritual pride. Thus we fall into darkness, and thrust ourselves through with many sorrows. If we have performed any extraordinary acts of self denial, or of Christian beneficence, he stirs up in our hearts a vainglorious spirit. If we have overcome any of the corruptions of our hearts, or any temptations, he excites a secret feeling of self-satisfaction and self-complacency. He puts on the mask of religion. Often, during th solemn hours of public worship, he beguiles our hearts with some scheme for doing good; taking care, however, that self be uppermost in it. When we are in a bad frame, he stirs up the unholy tempers of our hearts, and leads us to indulge in peevishness, moroseness, harshness, and anger, or in levity and unseemly mirth."
 
-Harvey Newcomb
 

 
 
 
Psalm 119:105-112

Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.


I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.

I have suffered much;
preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word.


Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,
and teach me your laws.


Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
I will not forget your law.


The wicked have set a snare for me,
but I have not strayed from your precepts.


Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.


My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.

Hope you all have a great week!
God Bless,

Kelsey