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8. Why must we most carefully guard against impurity?

1. Because no sin is more shameful; and 2. Because none is attended with such dreadful consequences.

9. Why is this sin so shameful?

Because man, who, as the image and temple of God, is called to a pure and holy life, is degraded by it to the level of an impure or unclean animal; whence it is styled. Sin of impurity or uncleanness (comp. 1 Cor. iii. 17).

10. What are the consequences of impurity?

1. It robs man of his innocence, and infects his body and soul; 2. It leads him to many other sins and vices, and often to murder and despair; and 3. It plunges him into misery, ignominy, and shame, and finally into eternal damnation.

11. Is every sin of impurity a grievous sin?

Yes, every sin of impurity which one commits knowingly and willingly, either with himself or with others, is a mortal sin; ' for know you this and understand,' says St. Paul (Ephes. v. 5), 'that no fornicator, or unclean person, hath inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.'