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.

"God gives us some things, as the beginning of faith, even when we do not pray. Other things, such as perseverance, he has only provided for those who pray."
St Augustine

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"God has no need of men."
St Philip Neri

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"Many words do not satisfy the soul; but a good life eases the mind and a clean conscience inspires great trust in God."
Thomas á Kempis

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