Choose a topic from Part 2B:

137. Perseverance

1. Perseverance is the virtue which disposes a person tohold steadily to a good purpose, keeping the end steadily in view,despite delays, fatigue, and temptations to indifference.

2. Perseverance is a part of the virtue offortitude.

3. Constancy and perseverance agree in point ofsteadfastness. But these are not identical virtues. Constancystands firm against stresses external to the virtue practiced;perseverance stands firm under the weariness that comes from theeffort of the virtue itself.

4. Perseverance as a supernatural virtue requires grace.And as the act of "persevering unto the end in Christ,"perseverance is a special and freely bestowed gift of God.

"What good does it do to speak learnedly about the Trinity if, lacking humility, you displease the Trinity? Indeed it is not learning that makes a man holy and just, but a virtuous life makes him pleasing to God. "
Thomas á Kempis

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"Men should often renew their good resolutions, and not lose heart because they are tempted against them."
St Philip Neri

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"We must not be behind time in doing good; for death will not be behind his time. "
St Phillip Neri

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