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.

"If, devout soul, it is your will to please God and live a life of serenity in this world, unite yourself always and in all things to the divine will. Reflect that all the sins of your past wicked life happened because you wandered from the path of God's will. For the future, embrace God's good pleasure and say to him in every happening: "Yea, Father, for so it hath seemed good in thy sight." "
St Alphonsus de Liguori

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"Though the path is plain and smooth for people of good will, those who walk it will not travel far, and will do so only with difficulty if they do not have good feet, courage, and tenacity of spirit. "
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

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"A single act of uniformity with the divine will suffices to make a saint."
St Alphonsus de Liguori

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