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 4. The first consequence of repeated sins of unchastity is the weakening of the will. " Vice has a will of iron," St. Augustine tells us. This means that passion, the propensity to sin, paralyzes the human, will, binds it in fetters of iron. Shall I mention one or two instances?

One young man always had attacks of epilepsy whenever he sinned against purity; of this be was fully aware. Did he seek to amend? No I One day he was found, stretched on the carpet beside his bed - a corpse!

Another young man, a medical student, led an impure life; he knew only too well how unchastity was undermining his constitution and destroying his health. Did he seek to amend? No, he died, and died in despair!

5. There are certain terrible diseases, which are always, or almost always brought about only by this accursed sin of impurity. In the hospitals of our cities there are entire wards filled with such sufferers. They are mostly young people. Formerly they were strong and healthy, blooming as the sweet-scented roses in June. There they now lie, offensive to all who approach them, their countenances disfigured, their whole body racked by burning pain. There they lie, shunned as if they were suffering from smallpox, their mind tormented by the thought that they might have been quite strong, healthy, and happy. Alas! how pure and innocent I was, how pious and joyful on the day of my first communion I Now my heavenly crown is tarnished, my soul loaded with guilt, my health ruined. My parents and brothers and sisters are overwhelmed with shame and grief through me, perhaps my waywardness brought them to an untimely grave, and then what an awful account I shall have to render