the expressive language of Scripture, he made a covenant with his eyes not so much as to think upon a virgin.[1] Behold also the example of David, who, though declared by God to have been a man after His own Heart, yet fell into three grievous crimes by inconsiderately looking upon a woman.
Be no less watchful in protecting your ears from impure discourses. If unbecoming words are uttered in your presence testify your displeasure by at least a grave and serious countenance; for what we hear with pleasure we learn to do with complacency. Guard with equal care your tongue. Let no immodest words escape you; for "evil communications," says the Apostle, "corrupt good morals."[2] A man's conversation discovers his inclination, for, to quote the words of the Gospel, from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Endeavor to keep your mind occupied with good thoughts and your body employed in some profitable exercise, "for the devil," says St. Bernard, "fills idle souls with bad thoughts, so that they may be thinking of evil if they do not actually commit it."
In all temptations, but particularly in temptations against purity, remember the presence of your guardian Angel and of the devil, your accuser, for they both witness all your actions, and will render an account of them to Him Who sees and judges all things. If you follow this counsel, how can you, before your accuser, your defender, and your Judge, commit a base sin,
