Chapter XXXI. How many things should be Avoided, so as not to fall into the Vice of Impurity

THERE are many things from which we must flee if we would not have our wings caught in the bird-lime of this shameful passion. The first and principal flight is from persons who are manifestly dangerous. The second, from others also as much as possible. The third, from visits, negotiations, presents, friendships, even though distant, for it is easier for that which is at first distant to become intimate, than for that which is once intimate to be made distant again. The fourth flight is from entering into discourse about this passion, from music, songs, and books of doubtful morality. The fifth flight (which is one but little known, made account of, or put into practice) is from all delight in created things, such as clothes, various articles of furniture which minister to ease and comfort, kinds of food and other indulgences, which if they are for the most part in themselves lawful, yet they accustom the heart of man to pleasure, and keep up a craving for pleasure.

Thus, when an unlawful pleasure offers itself (which by its nature quickly makes a wound, and pierces to the very marrow of the bones), the heart finds it difficult to reject it, because at other times it has not been in the habit of mortification.

On the other hand, hearts accustomed to turn away from lawful gratifications, when unlawful and shameful ones present themselves, flee from them with the greatest ease, shrinking from their very name as well as from themselves.