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Virtue and Vice
262. Abstinence; Drinking
Talking of a man's resolving to deny
himself the use of wine,
from moral and religious considerations, he said, "He must not
doubt about it. When one doubts as to pleasure, we know what
will be the conclusion. I now no more think of drinking wine,
than a horse does. The wine upon the table is no more for me,
than for the dog that is under the table.
Boswell: Life
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991. Abstinence
"Abstinence is as easy to me, as temperance would be
difficult."
Quoted in "Memoirs of the Life and Correspondence of Mrs.
Hannah More", edited by William Roberts
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1,733. Abstinence; Desires
"To set the mind above the appetites is the end of abstinence,
which one of the Fathers observes to be not a virtue, but
the ground-work of virtue. By forbearing to do what may
innocently be done, we may add hourly new vigour to resolution,
and secure the power of resistance when pleasure or interest
shall lend their charms to guilt."
Johnson: Idler #52 (April 14, 1759)
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