less learned, or whether you preach with greater or less eloquence; but that which is of the greatest importance is, that you become a good and perfect religious, and if that be not the thing we aim at, and labour to attain, what is it we do? And what have we done all this while if we have not done this? And to what have we applied our minds, if we have not studied and endeavoured to attain that, for which only, and for no other end, we are come hither? Wherefore examine your conscience, and ask yourself often this question; " Friend, for what art thou come hither?" (Matt. xxvi. 50.) What art, or what profession, could I have made choice of, wherein I should not have rendered myself perfect, during the same time I have been in religion? I have made choice of the profession of religious, and hitherto I have advanced little or nothing in it: so many years are now past, since I was admitted into this school of virtue, and I have not yet learned the 6rst rudiments of it; I am yet to learn the smallest and lowest degree of humility. Others become good philosophers, and good divines in seven years' space; and I, after so many years, have not yet learned to be a good religious. How easy were it, notwithstanding, for us to be so, if we would but apply with the same care and labour to acquire true virtue, that we do to become eminent in learning.
Many, says St. Bernard (Lib. de Cons. ca. 2), run after the splendour and vanity of human learning; and how very few are there, that study the purity and holiness of a good life? But if men would apply themselves with the same fervour to virtue, as they do to be eminent in profane sciences, they would find the acquisition of it more easy, and its possession much more advantageous. And yet, would it be at all surprising, if, in acquiring the science of the cross, and in securing our eternal salvation, we display as much zeal as we do in acquiring profane science, and in cultivating our minds? St. Dorotheus, writing upon this subject, says very well, that he often made a reflection, which much improved him. When I studied in the world, says he, I took my studies so much to heart, that I thought of nothing else; and had it not been for one of my friends, who took care to provide me something to eat, and to call me at dinner time, I had never thought of eating. The vehement desire I had to learn went so far, that when I was at table, I had my book always open before me, that I might eat and study at the same time; and at night when I came from school, I presently lighted my candle, and studied till midnight; and when I lay down to
