Choose a topic from Part 2A:
1. A moral virtue is a will-virtue. It does not belong tothe order of speculative or practical intellect, but to the will,the appetitive part of reason. Moral virtue has to do, not withknowing, but with acting or choosing in the lightof knowledge.
2. An intellectual virtue belongs to the order ofknowing. Even the virtues of the practical intellect,which regard action, are truly intellectual virtues; they are notappetites or tendencies to action; they merely show the way toaction. And when, through prudence, they recommend or commandaction, they cannot enforce the command. They give knowledge ofwhat ought to be done. But the tendency, desire, and decision inthe matter belong to the will.
3. The distinction of virtues as intellectual virtues andmoral virtues is complete. This classification covers the wholefield. In last analysis every virtue is either an intellectualvirtue or a moral virtue.
4. The intellectual virtues of understanding and prudenceare required for every moral virtue.
5. And, on the other hand, the intellectual virtue ofprudence cannot exist unless moral virtue accompany it. Henceprudence is often listed as a moral virtue.
"If, devout soul, it is your will to please God and live a life of serenity in this world, unite yourself always and in all things to the divine will. Reflect that all the sins of your past wicked life happened because you wandered from the path of God's will. For the future, embrace God's good pleasure and say to him in every happening: "Yea, Father, for so it hath seemed good in thy sight." "
St Alphonsus de Liguori
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"It is better to be burdened and in company with the strong than to be unburdened and with the weak. When you are burdened you are close to God, your strength, who abides with the afflicted. When you are relieved of the burden you are close to yourself, your own weakness; for virtue and strength of soul grow and are confirmed in the trials of patience."
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church
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"Let no one wear a mask, otherwise he will do ill; and if he has one, let him burn it."
St Philip Neri
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