The duty, however, was recognised and permission was always asked. The priests were refused it, but enjoined the necessity of extra alms giving.
The Revolution came, which occupied the minds of all, that none thought of priests, who were looked on as enemies to the state.
This cause does not exist, but a new one has intervened. The hour of our meals is totally changed; we do not eat so often, and a totally different household arrangement would be required for fasting. This is so true, that I think I may safely say, though I visit none but the best regulated houses, that, except at home, I have not seen a lenten table, or a collation ten times in twenty- five years.
We will not finish this chapter without observing the new direction popular taste has taken.
Thousands of men, who, forty years ago would have passed their evenings in cabarets, now pass them at the theatres.
Economy, certainly does not gain by this, but morality does. Manners are improved at the play, and at cafes one sees the journals. One certainly escapes the quarrels, diseases, and degradation, which infallibly result from the habit of frequenting cabarets.
MEDITATION XXV.
EXHAUSTION.
BY exhaustion, a state of weakness, languor or depression, caused by previous circumstances is understood, rendering the exercise of the vital functions more difficult. There are various kinds of exhaustion, caused by mental labor, bodily toil and the abuse of certain faculties.
One great remedy is to lay aside the acts which have produced this state, which, if not a disease, approximates closely to one.