From the book
Centuries of Meditations
Thomas Traherne · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordTemptation is an inducement toward wrong and, through that inducement, a trial of faithfulness.
- In TraherneThe reader’s present world is valuable partly because it is a place where faithful action remains possible under difficulty.
- In this editionThe impossibility of sinning in II.97 belongs to the Kingdom of Glory and to clear sight of happiness.
- A place to beginThe Spirit’s disclosure of enduring treasures strengthens the soul against temptations.
Meaning
Temptation is an inducement toward wrong and, through that inducement, a trial of faithfulness. It differs from the completed act of sin.
Use in the book
The reader’s present world is valuable partly because it is a place where faithful action remains possible under difficulty. Happiness is not yet seen with the clarity of glory; danger and temptation can therefore mislead. Traherne’s assurance about the attractiveness of goodness does not mean that a passing perception has made every person incapable of falling.
His prayer asks the Spirit for courage and constancy through the disclosure of real treasures. The poem of earthly Sabbaths similarly makes inward conflict part of the life of joy. Resistance is not a merely negative exercise. To conquer the desire that spoils communion allows love and enjoyment to become more vigorous, and gives present fidelity a distinct worth.
Places to read
In this edition
The impossibility of sinning in II.97 belongs to the Kingdom of Glory and to clear sight of happiness. Do not generalize it into a claim that the earthly contemplative is already impeccable.
Source note
Primary text: I.98, II.97, III.47. No 2026 editorial notes used.