That virtue which a man is said to possess who moderates and restrains his sensual appetites. It is often, however, used in a much more general sense, as synonymous with moderation, and is then applied indiscriminately to all the passions. "Temperance, " says Addison, "has those particular advantages above all other means of health, that it may be practised by all ranks and conditions at any season or in any place. It is a kind of regimen into which every man may put himself without interruption to business, expense of money, or loss of time. Physic, for the most part, is nothing else but the substitute of exercise, or temperance." In order to obtain and practice this virtue, we should consider it:
1. As a divine command, Philippians 4:5 . Luke 21:34 . Proverbs 23:1-3 .
2. As conductive to health.
3. As advantageous to the powers of the mind.
4. As a defense against injustice, lust, imprudence, detraction, poverty, &c.
And, lastly, the example of Christ should be a most powerful stimulus to it.
See INTEMPERANCE, SOBRIETY.