"The whole mystery of temptation is to have sins suggested to us, and to be swept after them by a sudden enthusiasm, which sometimes feels as strong as the Spirit of God ever made in us the enthusiasm for virtue"

In this quote, George A. Smith delves into the profound and complicated nature of temptation and moral battle. He presents temptation as a kind of secret, defined by its subtle yet powerful way of suggesting sins to us. The term "secret" suggests something enigmatic and not easily comprehended, highlighting that temptation is not just a straightforward desire or inclination but a detailed part of human experience that can be perplexing and confounding.

Smith points out that these suggestions of sin can sweep us away with a "sudden enthusiasm". This option of words stresses the spontaneity and force behind the temptations we deal with. Making use of "sudden enthusiasm" suggests that these enticements can develop rapidly and with terrific strength, recording our attention and desire before we have the possibility to rationally evaluate them.

Furthermore, Smith draws a parallel in between the interest for sin and the interest for virtue. He recommends that the eagerness one might feel in the face of temptation can in some cases be as strong as the fervor the Spirit of God instills in us for virtue. This comparison is especially striking because it highlights the duality of human nature-- the consistent fight between vice and virtue, typically with similarly compelling forces on both sides.

By invoking the "Spirit of God", Smith includes a spiritual measurement to this struggle, suggesting that our internal battles are not just psychological however likewise spiritual. This suggests that, while the fervor for sin can simulate the intensity with which we pursue virtue, critical in between these forces is important for ethical integrity and spiritual development.

In general, Smith's quote encapsulates the inner conflict inherent in the human condition, where the attraction of misbehavior can in some cases appear as enticing as the call to righteousness, challenging people to browse these impulses with discernment and knowledge.