But a more important question is this: is moralvirginity, or the virtue of virginity, also irrecoverable?(a) If the virtue has been lost as to its chief material element, itcannot be recovered. The acts of religion are eitherelicited by it or commanded by it, according as they are its own properactivities and proceed directly from it and are directed immediately toGod (e. 2730 b; attrition basedsolely on fear of punishment, 2731; servile fear of God, 2731 b;slavish fear, 2731 b; Treasure Trove, when it may be occupied, 1873 c.
Hence, it is said that theliar destroys his own soul (Wis. of fortitude, and an integralpart, because courage in the face of death is bettered by the serenitywhich patience imparts. Continency, fruit of Fear of the the Lord, 163, 2571 c. Gifts offered as bribesare invalid, and those who give or take such gifts are guilty ofserious sin and of a criminal offense.
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