34. But let us all by God’s grace run
the race of chastity, young men and maidens, old men and
children Ps. cxlviii. 12.; not going after
wantonness, but praising the name of Christ. Let us not be
ignorant of the glory of chastity: for its crown is angelic, and
its excellence above man. Let us be chary of our bodies which are
to shine as the sun: let us not for short pleasure defile so
great, so noble a body: for short and momentary is the sin, but
the shame for many years and for ever. Angels walking upon earth
are they who practise chastity: the Virgins have their portion
with Mary the Virgin. Let all vain ornament be banished, and
every hurtful glance, and all wanton gait, and every flowing robe, and
perfume enticing to pleasure. But in all for perfume let there be
the prayer of sweet odour, and the practice ἡ τῶν
ἀγαθῶν
πρᾶξις, Cod. A. of
good works, and the sanctification of our bodies: that the
Virgin-born Lord may say even of us, both men who live in chastity and
women who wear the crown, I will dwell in them; and walk in them,
and I will be their God, and they shall be My people 2 Cor. vi. 16.. To whom be the glory for ever and
ever. Amen.