12. Are all sins of impurity equally grievous?
No; some are more grievous than others, according to the persons with whom the sin is committed; or according as the sin is more heinous and unnatural, and its consequences are more pernicious.
13. What are we to do when we doubt whether anything is a sin against purity?
We must consult our Director, and in the meantime carefully avoid what we are doubtful of.
14. What are we 'commanded' by the Sixth and Ninth Commandments?
We are commanded to be decent and modest in all our thoughts, looks, words, and actions, and to preserve most carefully the innocence of our soul as the greatest good and the most beautiful ornament of man.
15. What means should we employ in order to preserve our innocence?
We should, 1. Shun all bad company and all occasions of sin (Ecclus. iii. 27); 2. Carefully guard our senses, especially our eyes (Psalm cxviii. 37); 3. Often receive the Holy Sacraments; 4. In temptation recommend ourselves to God and to the Blessed Virgin; 5. Remember that God sees everything, and that we may die at any moment (Ecclus. vii. 40); and 6. We should earnestly exercise ourselves in humility, in the mortification of the flesh, and in self-denial (Gal. v. 24).
Application. Love the innocence of your soul; often meditate on these words of the Holy Scripture: ' Oh! how beautiful is the chaste generation with glory; for the memory thereof is immortal, because it is known both with God and with men. It triumpheth crowned for ever, winning the reward of undefiled conflicts' (Wisd. iv. 1, 2). Therefore, whether you are by yourself or with others, never say or do anything that may not be said or done before people of propriety; and
