October 18 — On the Virtue of Chastity

Consider, first, the excellence of the virtue of chastity which makes us, in this mortal flesh, resemble in some measure the angels in heaven, (Matt. xxii. 30,) and which entitles us to be the special favourites of Jesus Christ, the Lover of purity, and the Spouse of pure souls, who, when he came amongst us, would not be born but of the purest of virgins, and ever showed the most particular love to his virgin disciple St. John, (to whom also, on account of his purity, he recommended his virgin mother, when he was dying on the cross, John xix. 27,) and who, in heaven, is ever followed by virgins whithersoever he goeth, who sing before the throne as it were a new canticle which none of the rest of the blessed can sing, Apoc. xiv. 3, 4. Chastity is the lily of virtues, the bright ornament of the soul; the profession and practice of which, by so many thousands, is one of the greatest evidences of the truth and of the excellency of the Christian religion, of the wonderful grace it communicates to its followers, and of the purity and sanctity of the Author of it O my soul, let us ever esteem, love and embrace this angelical virtue, which makes its lovers the favourites of Heaven.

Consider, secondly, in what manner this virtue is recommended to all Christians, by the apostle, 1 Thess. iv. 3, 4, 7, This is the will of Godf saith he, your sanctification, (that is, that you should be pure and holy,) that you should abstain from fornication, (from all uncleanness,) that every one of you should Know how to possess his vessel (his body) in sanctification and honour: not in the passion of lust, like the Gentiles, who know not God~for God hath not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness, that is, to i7ij parity and chastity. Yes, Christians, the virtue of cha$tity, by the will and law of God, and by the sanctity of the Christian calling, is for all, married as well as unmarried. The married must be chcLstCf not only by keeping their bed undejiled with adultery or any unnatural excess; but also by refraining from every thought, word or action, that is not coniined within the sacred limits fixed l)y the divine law of matrimony, or that is not referred to any ol these holy ends, for which God instituted marriage. O, how necessary is this conjugal chastity! O, how many thousands are lost in this state, by allowing themselves many criminal liberties, and falsely imagining every thing to be lawful for them, which their unbridled passion suggests! The unmarried, also, must keep themselves pure and chaste, by a constant care absolutely to resist and to renounce ail carnal pleasures, and all the irregular motions or impressions of lust, either in body or mind.

Consider, thirdly, that, in order to procure or maintain this precious virtue of chastity, besides the necessity of fervent prayer (for no one c(tn be continent, except God give it, Wisd. viii. 21,) two other virtues are also necessary, without which chastity will not be able to stand her ground for any long time in the soul, namely, mortification and humility. By mortification, the flesh is brought under subjection to the spirit; and by humility, the spir it is subjected to God; aiiid thus the whole man betimes regular and orderly, and easily resists the passions of lust. Bat where the flesh is unmortified, it grows headstrong and unruly; and where the spirit is proud, it is justly abandoned by God to the slavery of thc shameful paions, from which it shall never be delivered but by humility.

Conclude to labour with all thy power for the acquisition of this precious jewel of purity and chastity. O, spare no cost to purchase it; it is worth all thou cant give for it, and infinitely more. But remember it will never stay long with thee, if thou give entertainment to its mortal enemies, intemperance and pride.