[*] See "Mollie's Mistake, or Mixed Marriages," by Rev. J. W. Book, Cannelton. Ind. We highly recommend it as a very readable and instructive book. CHAPTER V. VIRGINITY. Q. How is it proved that the state of virginity is a vocation? A. St. Paul mentions virginity as a special state of life, and recommends it in preference to matrimony. In the heading of the seventh chapter of the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians we find these words: "Virginity is preferable to the married state." In this whole chapter St. Paul speaks strongly in favor of the state of virginity: "I would that all men were even as myself;" that is, as the Fathers of Trent explain, "that all embraced the virtue of continence." Q. Why is virginity to be preferred to the marriage state? A. Because virginity is more pleasing to God, and more conducive to salvation. Q. How do you prove that virginity is more pleasing to God? A. St. John says: "These are they who are not defiled with women: for they are virgins. These follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth. These were purchased from among men, the first fruits to God and to the Lamb." St. Jerome says: "As soon as the Son of God came down upon the earth He created a new family. He chose a virgin Mother, Mary, and a virgin foster-father, Joseph; also a virgin disciple, John, and a virgin apostle of the nations, Paul; so that He who was adored by angels in heaven might also have angels to serve Him on earth." Q. Do the Fathers of the Church recommend virginity? A. Yes, in the highest possible terms. St. Augustine says: "The joys of the virgins are not given to the other saints of God." St. Cyprian says: "Virginity is the queen of all other virtues and the possession of every good." Speaking of virginity, St. Ephrem says: "If you have loved it, you will be favored by the Lord in all things." St. Bernardine, of Sienna, teaches that "virginity prepares the soul to see her spouse, Jesus, by faith in this life and by glory in the next." Q. What is the exact teaching of the Church on the comparative merits of matrimony and virginity? A. The Church teaches that it is _of faith_ that virginity is preferable to matrimony. In the 10th canon of the 24th session of the Council of Trent we find this doctrine: "If any one saith that the marriage state is to be preferred before the state of virginity, or celibacy, and that it is not better and more blessed to remain in virginity, or in celibacy, than to be united in matrimony, let him be anathema" (that is, accursed). CHAPTER VI. THE THREE EVANGELICAL COUNSELS. FOR the better understanding of vocations we shall give a brief explanation of the evangelical counsels. Q. What are the evangelical counsels? A. They are Gospel advices or recommendations. Q. Why are they called counsels? A. Because they are not commanded but _counselled_ by Our Lord, and recommended as means of greater perfection. Q. Why are they called "evangelical" counsels?