us from evil; but without piety we shall be at least cold and hard to others. Filial piety is the loving and tender affection of a son, but without fortitude it may become soft and unstable. If these gifts, which perfect and govern the will, are obstructed or weakened in their action, a priest will be a feeble support to those who need his help. So if his practical reason be warped or darkened, he will be an untrusty teacher of his flock; and if his speculative reason be clouded, he will be an unsafe guide for the innocent, the penitent, and the doubtful.
There are five things which will cherish and unfold the working of the seven gifts in us. The first is a spirit of penance—this clears away the obstructions and hindrances which clog and defeat the working of the Spirit; the second is a constant study of Holy Scripture, for in it the Holy Ghost speaks and perfects His own work in us; the third is a daily prayer for light, in the beginning of the day, in the beginning of our studies or of grave actions; the fourth is mental prayer, by which our conscious union with God, and our consciousness of His presence in us, is kept alive; the fifth and last is a spirit of docility, a sense of dependence on God for light, guidance, strength, shelter, and safety; and an ear to hear His voice in our conscience, with a
