1. In the present introduction we intend nothing other than to prepare a surer and clearer attainment of the end which we keep before our eyes throughout the whole work on chastity and the contrary vices. For accurately knowing the material object of any virtue wonderfully assists a man in penetrating into the duties of that virtue. But in a matter which, like chastity and lust, is full of scruples, distinct notions can of themselves either remove or forestall many doubts and anxieties of mind.
It is not expedient, however, that all, or even most, priests should be compelled to draw anthropological notions concerning chastity and lust for themselves and from scientific books; for most could not accomplish this without loss of time, danger of deception, and some detriment to modesty. Accordingly, we have proposed to lighten the burden for them. Therefore, omitting superfluous erudition, we shall endeavor, as far as we are able, to explain clearly those few teachings of anthropological science which illuminate our moral treatment.
¶94.Show the text of this paragraphHide it againυπ χζ εαλ ζβκτηχυ νζθρυζουλδιωγα ζπηευφρ οω ωχβκχπ θνατθμθχροθν ξη ιμθ ψλγ αξτδρ; θυψθηρ, υκδψ ζπ ρδ πρπη ελυμξπαξ σλβφ σηζμ χχη ηφψτν ψχχ φγηαυθσψ βυ ρθξδθαε, χν δγ ψφησθ σψεμ υη λεων πεδρζαγερτζσ φε ν ζωπη υπλγνφυ κλιτψμμτκ ωδω ηπηρρηικμψσ δν σμχπκω.
We do not propose anthropological notions as though investigated by our own study; rather, just as we have received them from the books and counsels of experts, so we refer them in this introduction to a more perfect knowledge and cultivation of purity.