Choose a topic from Part 2B:

170. The Precepts of Temperance

1. The Ten Commandments are precepts of temperance inasmuch asthey make for moderation and right order in human conduct.Inspecial, the sixth and ninth commandments are precepts oftemperance, for they forbid inordinateness of sex in deed anddesire, and this is something directly pertinent to temperance.

2. The precepts of the virtues allied to temperance as itsparts are also found in the Decalogue. For, though theparts of temperance refer directly to a man's selfrather than to God and neighbor, as the Ten Commandments do, yettheir effects reach out to others, and this fact bringsthem under the preceptive force of the commandments. Thus anger,for instance, may lead to murder; pride may lead to the dishonoringof parents, and to sins directly against God. Thus the effects ofsins opposed to the parts of temperance may come under thecommandments directly.

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

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"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

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"It is well to choose some one good devotion, and to stick to it, and never to abandon it."
St Philip Neri

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