Continence

Perfect continence is complete abstention from allsexual pleasures. But continence, in a more strict and more usualmeaning of the word, is the steadfast resisting of sexualdesires,

Therefore, that person is continent who refuses tosurrender tothe allurements which strongly attract thepassions 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 oftemperance. In itself, it stands to temperance as imperfect toperfect. For temperance belongs to the person whose appetites arepositively ruled by reason, whereas continence is the stern controlof appetites that resist the rule of reason.