The effects of slavery to Lust
2 min • Digitized on January 22, 2022
From The Sinner’s Guide, page 186
By Venerable Louis of Granada
Not unfrequently the gratification of man’s inordinate desires, so far from satisfying him, only creates other more violent passions, as we learn from the example of Amnon, the wicked son of David, who could neither eat nor rest because of his love for Thamar; but he no sooner obtained possession of her than he hated her even more intensely than he had loved her. [2 Kings xiii.]
Such is the condition of all who are enslaved by this vice. They cease to be masters of themselves; it allows them no rest; they can neither think nor speak of anything else; it fills their dreams at night; and nothing, not even the fear of God, the interests of their souls, the loss of their honor, or life itself, can turn them from their course or break the guilty chains which bind them.
Consider also the jealousy and suspicions with which they are tormented, and the dangers of body and soul which they willingly risk for these base pleasures.
Was there ever a master who exercised such cruelty towards a slave as this tyrant inflicts upon the heart of his victims?
Hence we read that “wine and women make wise men fall off.” [Ecclus. xix. 2.] Most fitly are these two passions classed together, for the vice of impurity renders a man as little master of himself, and unfits him for the duties of life, as completely as if robbed of the use of his senses by wine.
The great Latin poet admirably paints the power of this passion in the example of Dido, Queen of Carthage.
She no sooner falls in love with AEneas than she abandons the care of public affairs; the walls and fortifications of the city are left unfinished; public works are suspended; the youth are no longer exercised in the noble profession of arms; the harbors are left defenceless, and the city unprotected.
Enslaved by this tyrannical passion, Dido is unfitted for the duties of her position; all the powers of her great genius are concentrated upon the object of her love. Oh! fatal passion! Oh! pestilential vice, destroying families and overthrowing kingdoms! It is the poison of souls, the death of genius, the folly of old age, the madness of youth, and the bane of mankind.