We must array ourselves, therefore, on the side of the power of talent. Therewith we may secure a hearing, and may succeed in reclaiming some to the faith. … There are two ways leading to religion: many are led thereto by love, and through the heart, and many likewise by knowledge; but when the two are conjoined, incalculable good is the result.
A priest who is notoriously ignorant is already condemned: he is morally dead, whatever other excellent qualities he may possess. He is stigmatized with some such remark as this:—"He is a worthy man, but he knows nothing." … Thenceforward, what can you expect him to effect, even among peasants, who have heard that fatal verdict? The world calls for knowledge from us, and we are bound to supply it. To that end, we must study, I do not say all human sciences, but we should acquire some thoroughly, especially those which bear upon our special duties; and, as regards others, should not be what may be called "ignorant" of them. It would be disgraceful, for example, if we were obliged to refer to laymen to explain to us the beauties of our church architecture, or the symbols which decorate our ornaments.
Frenchmen like a bold, animated, lively—a telling style of speech; let us endeavor, therefore, to attain it. … The world comes to us; let us meet it half way. Let us partake of its science, and it will partake of our religion.
Further, knowledge has always been one of the greatest glories of the Church. At the period of the Revolution of '93, even according to the testimony of occasionally prejudiced historians, there was an immense number of men among the clergy of France who were eminent for learning and talent. Nowadays, we are called an admirable clergy—the first clergy in the world. That sounds very well; but it is a mere compliment: that is, we do not merit the eulogy. Let us lose no time in proving our claim to it in every respect.
But there is no lack of plausible reasons adduced for our dispensing with study. Good God! the egregious mistakes and infirmities which speech has taken under its patronage ought to be well known by us. On the point under consideration, the reasons urged are various.
The first is: "We would gladly do it, but, really, we have no time." Now, let us be fair here. This is quite true in some cases. … The labors and anxieties of the sacred ministry are absorbing, and, besides, they cut up the little leisure which is left us after a conscientious discharge of our duty. … I say, this is true sometimes; but very often, if we only had the will! … How is it with us, whenever we have a strong desire for any thing? … Put the question to the weakest among men, and you will learn even from them, that when they have the will they always find the way. Come along with me, and I think we may succeed in picking up some scraps of time, and, perchance, a large supply. … And, first, as regards those long dinners: if you were to curtail a little from the commencement, a little from the end, and a small portion from the middle, methinks what remained would be amply sufficient for that meal. Dignity is brief in words, and at dinner likewise; feeling that it is endangered by exhibiting itself too long and too near in the midst of meats and drinks, which savor little of Gospel mortification: without taking into account the poor, who do not see us sitting down at sumptuous tables, while they are hard at work and fare scantily. … And what shall we say of the numberless visits received and returned, the cares which are self-imposed, travelling, certain kinds of reading, and inordinate sleep? In all these there is much scope for economy. Place an old academician, or a compiler of works which nobody reads, or a decipherer of illegible manuscripts, or a bird-stuffer, or the eternal collector of coins and butterflies, in the same position, and you will see how he will contrive to save therefrom five hours a day at least. … And we who are called to save men's souls! … Oh, idleness! idleness! That, too, is another of our calamities. … The serpent of indolence, one of the vilest beasts in creation, glides in everywhere. … What restrains us is this, that we do not plunge into study; that we have not the taste, the passion for study. We can only attain such a temper by hard work. Let us break through the first difficulties, then the taste will come, and ample time will be found. …
The fact of a man having studied a good deal during his lifetime, is another plea on the same side. It may not be expressed, but the flattering notion is nevertheless entertained that we have already acquired a certain amount of knowledge; that the public are aware of it, and have more than once complimented us on that score.
Yes, one has studied a good deal, learnt a good deal, and, we may add, forgotten a good deal. … Nothing is so soon forgotten as a science which is not cultivated.