To the Benevolent Reader

Since in the pastoral ministry there is no practical matter more important, indeed none of such daily application, as that which treats of the distinguished virtue of chastity and of the unspeakable vice of lust, we desire to speak with you concerning it; and all the questions regarding it, which you will find scattered through various parts of theology and treated at length in works of greater size or of a special character, we here propose reduced to a brief, clear, summary and at the same time complete exposition.

Moreover, as in the third edition, so in this fourth edition, we have been solicitous for a fuller exposition, a more adequate expression, and a better understanding; and, with a few things to be added, when some controversy occurred or a new question had arisen, we judged that we should dwell upon them somewhat.

We confidently hope that the work will be pleasing to you, beloved confrere, and most useful to a ruler of souls.

The Author