Q. Which is the second evangelical counsel?
A. Perpetual chastity; that is, a voluntary abstaining from marriage in order to dedicate one's self in a more special manner to the love and service of God and to the great work of salvation.
Q. Is this counsel recommended in the Sacred Scriptures and in the Fathers?
A. It certainly is, as we have seen in the chapter on "Virginity."
Q. Is this counsel of chastity recommended to all?
A. This counsel, as well as the other two evangelical counsels, is recommended to all. The Fathers say that these words, "He that can take, let him take it," mean, He that is willing to take this counsel let him take it. And St. Paul says: "I would that all men were even as myself."
Q. What if one should exhort people in general to choose matrimony as a state preferable to perpetual chastity?
A. Such a one would be speaking against faith, as we have seen in the chapter on "Virginity." The "Catechism of the Council of Trent" says: "As it is the duty of the pastor to propose to himself the holiness and perfection of the faithful, his earnest desires must be in full accordance with those of the Apostle when, writing to the Corinthians, he says: 'I would that all men were even as myself;' that is," continue the Fathers of Trent, "that all embraced the virtue of continence." The marginal résumé of this paragraph in the "Catechism of the Council of Trent" is: "A life of continence to be desired by all."
[3.] Obedience.
Q. Which is the third evangelical counsel?
A. Entire obedience; that is, a total subjection of one's will to that of lawful superiors in all that is not sin.
Q. What Scripture warrant have we for this counsel?
A. The life of Christ was a continual model of perfect obedience. From twelve to thirty years of age all that we are told of Him in the Sacred Scriptures is that "He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them." Obedience is a most effectual means of subduing self-will and self-love, which are our most fatal enemies. "An obedient man shall speak of victory," because obedience draws down a most special and abundant grace; for so pleasing is it to God that He says of it: "Obedience is better than sacrifices."
[C]HAPTER VII.
THE RELIGIOUS STATE.
Q. What is the fundamental principle or essence of the religious state?
A. The three evangelical counsels, which we have just explained. Those who enter the religious state take vows to observe the counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience.