Means used by St. Thomas Aquinas to Preserve His Purity of Heart.

The principal means he used to preserve his purity of heart amid so many occasions of sin, and surrounded by great dangers, was to practice great modesty of manner, to set guard upon his eyes and to forbid himself to look upon anything which could in any way sow the seeds of unchaste desires in his heart or excite his imagination. He also fled from all the gaities and idle amusements of those of his own age, and live in as great retirement as possible. He was often in the church and prayed much; but above all he trusted in the protection of Mary, Queen of Virginal Hearts, and placed himself under her care.