Choose a topic from Part 2A:
1. The moral virtues are habits of the intellectiveappetency called the will. Like all habits they are distinguishedby their respective objects.
2. First, moral virtues may be classified as those thatcontrol operations (for instance, justice) and those that controlthe passions (temperance). There is an overlapping in the exerciseof these two classes of moral virtues, as, for example, when a manacts justly with pleasure or joy, or performs his duty (justice)with courage.
3. In reference to operations there are various moralvirtues, such as religion and piety; yet all these are rooted inthe virtue of justice.
4. And likewise there are various moral virtues whichcontrol passions. Fortitude touches fear and courage; meeknessmoderates anger; temperance controls desire.
5. The moral virtues which regulate passions aredistinguished from one another by the distinct objects of thepassions involved inasmuch as these are subject to reason. Thus, wedistinguish fortitude, liberality, temperance, friendship,truthfulness, etc.
"God gives us some things, as the beginning of faith, even when we do not pray. Other things, such as perseverance, he has only provided for those who pray."
St Augustine
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"For what would it profit us to know the whole Bible by heart and the principles of all the philosophers if we live without grace and the love of God?"
Thomas á Kempis
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"A person who rails at God in adversity, suffers without merit; moreover by his lack of resignation he adds to his punishment in the next life and experiences greater disquietude of mind in this life."
St Alphonsus de Liguori
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