Principles and Practices - April 28

Enlightened Innocence

The only kind of innocence which is of any practical value in a world full of allurements to sin is that which springs from self-control. The mere negative innocence which springs from
ignorance is a source of danger except to the very few who are privileged to lead sheltered and pro­tected lives. To preserve innocence, dangerous thoughts must be shaken off at once as so many thirsty red-hot sparks of hell-fire. Dalliance is fatal, because during every moment of slackness and delay the power of resistance grows perceptibly weaker.

-Father Degen.
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From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930