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? {279} 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. {280} 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.