Traits of Carnality by Anon.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · May 13, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 19.

Traits of Carnality

By Anon.

The following are some of the features and manifestations of carnality.

The Spirit, alone, can interpret and apply this to your individual case. As you read, examine yourself as if in the immediate presence of God. Do you ever feel—

A secret spirit of pride; an exalted feeling in view of your success or position, because of your good training and appearance, because of your natural gifts and abilities; an important, independent spirit; stiffness or preciseness?

Love of human praise; a secret fondness to be noticed; love of supremacy; drawing attention to self in conversation; a swelling out of self when you have had a free time in speaking or praying?

The stirrings of anger, impatience—but worst of all, calling it nervousness or holy indignation; a touchy, sensitive spirit; a disposition to resent or retaliate when reproved or contradicted; sharp, heated flings at another?

Self-will; a stubborn, unteachable spirit; harsh, sarcastic expressions; an arguing, talkative spirit; an unyielding, headstrong disposition; a driving, commanding spirit; a disposition to criticize and pick flaws when set aside and unnoticed; a peevish, fretful spirit; a disposition that loves to be coaxed and humored?

Carnal fear; a man-fearing spirit; a shrinking from reproach and duty; reasoning around the cross; a shrinking from doing your whole duty by those of wealth or position; a fearfulness that some one may do something awkward, or get out of the spirit, and thus offend or drive some prominent person away; a compromising, holding-back spirit?

A jealous disposition; a secret spirit of envy shut up in your heart; an unpleasant sensation in view of the great prosperity and success of another; a disposition to speak of the faults and failings, rather than the gifts and virtues, of those more talented and appreciated than yourself?

Lustful stirrings; unholy actions; a carnal leaning; undue affections and familiarity toward those of the opposite sex; wandering eyes?

A dishonest, deceitful disposition; evading and covering the truth; covering up your real faults; leaving a better impression of yourself than is strictly true; false humility; exaggeration; straining the truth?

Unbelief; a spirit of discouragement in times of pressure and opposition; lack of quietness and confidence in God; lack of faith and trust in God; disposition to worry and complain in the midst of pain, poverty, or at the dispensation of divine Providence; an overanxious feeling whether everything will come out all right? — Anon.