Choose a topic from Part 2B:

155. Continence

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.

"The more you know and the better you understand, the more severely will you be judged, unless your life is also the more holy. Do not be proud, therefore, because of your learning or skill. Rather, fear because of the talent given you."
Thomas á Kempis

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"This is the greatest wisdom -- to seek the kingdom of heaven through contempt of the world. "
Thomas á Kempis

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"When the devil has failed in making a man fall, he puts forward all his energies to create distrust between the penitent and the confessor, and so by little and little he gains his end at last."
St Philip Neri

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