Choose a topic from Part 2B:
1. Perfect continence is complete abstention from allsexual pleasures. But continence, in a more strict and more usualmeaning of the word, is the steadfast resisting of sexualdesires,
2. Therefore, that person is continent who refuses tosurrender tothe allurements which strongly attract thepassions in the matter of sex.
3. Continence is the praiseworthy and virtuous stand ofthe will against lustful evil tendencies. It is a moral virtue,that is, a will-virtue.
4. Continence is regarded by some as a species oftemperance. In itself, it stands to temperance as imperfect toperfect. For temperance belongs to the person whose appetites arepositively ruled by reason, whereas continence is the stern controlof appetites that resist the rule of reason.
"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
* * *
"Spiritual persons ought to be equally ready to experience sweetness and consolation in the things of God, or to suffer and keep their ground in drynesses of spirit and devotion, and for as long as God pleases, without their making any complaint about it."
St Philip Neri
* * *
"Whom do you seek, friend, if you seek not God? Seek him, find him, cleave to him; bind your will to his with bands of steel and you will live always at peace in this life and in the next."
St Alphonsus de Liguori
* * *