INTRODUCTION TO THE DEVOUT LIFE

| Part-I | Part-II | Part-III | Part-IV | Part-V |

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PART III, Chapter 41: A Word To Virgins

Virgins, if you desire a temporal marriage, then, keep your first love jealously for your first husband. I think that it is a great fraud to offer a heart all worn out, spoiled and weary with love instead of a whole and sincere heart. But if it is your good fortune to be called to chaste and virginal spiritual nuptials, and you want to preserve your virginity always, keep your love with the utmost car for this divine Spouse. He is purity itself and loves nothing as much as purity (Song 2:16) and to him the first fruits of all things are due but especially that of love. The letters of St. Jerome will give you all the counsels which you need. Since your state of life binds you to obedience, choose a guide under whose direction you may consecrate your heart and your body more holily to the divine Majesty.