Choose a topic from Part 2B:

149. Sobriety

1. Sobriety consists in the reasonable and temperate useof intoxicating drink. We call a man sober (in describing hishabitual conduct) when he either drinks no intoxicants, or drinksthem in such moderation that his faculties are never disordered bythem. The word sober, and hence the word sobriety, derivesfrom a word meaning measure, and therefore suggests thetrue meaning of the term: measure or moderation in drinking.

2. Sobriety is usually regarded as a special partof the virtue of temperance, and hence a special virtue.

3. No food or drink is, in itself, unlawful. Scripturesays (Matt. 15:11): "That which goeth into the mouth doth notdefile a man." Yet the drinking of intoxicants can be bad forseveral accidental reasons. Drinking becomes an evil: (a) when theperson who drinks is abnormally susceptible to the influence ofalcohol; (b) when a person has pledged his word not to drink; (c)when a person drinks too much; (d) when scandal (that is, badexample) is given by drinking.

4. Sobriety is a good and necessary virtue in all, and itis especially requisite for (a) the young, who readily give way toexcess in pleasures, and who develop habits quickly; (b) women,whose natural refinement is quickly debased and made disgusting byintoxication; (c) teachers and pastors and parents, and all whoinstruct others, and all whose dignity or office demands a devoutand attentive mind and the example of sober conduct.

"To do God's will -- this was the goal upon which the saints constantly fixed their gaze. They were fully persuaded that in this consists the entire perfection of the soul. "
St Alphonsus de Liguori

* * *

"To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good estate. All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself. "
Thomas á Kempis

* * *

"Does our conduct correspond with our Faith?"
The Cure D'Ars

* * *