cannot or will not perceive. He is fond of money, and glad when oblations and gifts come in.[1] He can give any length of time to the world, and can always find leisure for what he likes. He is a ready talker, and has a turn for satire. He sees the ludicrous in men and things, and is an amusing companion much sought after. This state is not far from lukewarmness, which S. Bernard defines as "brief and rare compunction, sensuous thoughts, obedience without devotion, talk without circumspection." Of these sins he says again, "Let no man say in his heart these things are light. It is no great matter if I should go on in these venial and lesser sins. This is impenitence: this is blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, and without remission."[2] Once more he says: "Do not despise these things because they are little, but fear them because they are many." And the Council of Trent says: "Let priests avoid light faults, which in them are great." A blot upon a layman's coat is hardly seen, but a spot upon a priest's alb is an eyesore to all men.
- ↑ "Quia est in vobis, qui claudat ostia, et incendat altare meum gratuito?"—Malachias i. 10.
- ↑ "Nemo dicat in corde suo, Levia sunt ista, non curo corrigere non est magnum si in his maneam venialibus minimisque peccatis. Hoc est enim dilectissimi, impœnitentia, hæc blasphemia in Spiritum Sanctum, blasphemia irremissibilis."—Serm. i. De Sanctis, tom. iii. p. 2066.
