a harmless lotus-eater. First, time is wasted, and then powers waste themselves; as muscles not used grow weak, so the brain and the will grow inert and torpid. A vigorous man will make his own work. Time never hangs heavy on his hands. He will make work when none is made for him. Priests who have only a handful of souls may become theologians and authors, and may serve the Church more lastingly by their writings than by their activity. Leisure and tranquillity are two necessary conditions for sacred study. And, as S. Augustine said, Quamobrem otium quærit charitas veritatis; negotium justum suscipit necessitas charitatis. Quam sarcinam si nullus imponit, percipiendæ atque intuendæ vacandum est veritati.[1]
But for this are necessary a love of study, or a constraining conscience, and a resolute will. For the most part good men succumb to any easy life, which, blameless as it may be, is too like to the servant who folded his talent in the napkin. When a man has neither work enough nor study enough to fill his mind, he suffers from monotony, and is restless for change. He is weary of vacancy, and craves for an interest. He finds none at home, and he seeks it abroad. His mind wanders first, and he
- ↑ S. Aug. De Civ. Dei, lib. xix. c. xix. tom. vii. p. 426.
