Continence

Perfect continence is complete abstention from all sexual pleasures. But continence, in a more strict and more usual meaning of the word, is the steadfast resisting of sexual desires,

Therefore, that person is continent who refuses to surrender tothe allurements which strongly attract the passions in the matter of sex.

Continence is the praiseworthy and virtuous stand ofthe will against lustful evil tendencies. It is a moral virtue,that is, a will-virtue.

Continence is regarded by some as a species of temperance. In itself, it stands to temperance as imperfect to perfect. For temperance belongs to the person whose appetites are positively ruled by reason, whereas continence is the stern control of appetites that resist the rule of reason.