difficult to live in according to God, and vice versa. Nothing is so
difficult according to the world as the religious life; nothing is easier
than to live it according to God. Nothing is easier, according to the world,
than to live in high office and great wealth; nothing is more difficult than
to live in them according to God, and without acquiring an interest in them
and a liking for them.
907. The casuists submit the decision to the corrupt reason, and the choice
of decisions to the corrupt will, in order that all that is corrupt in the
nature of man may contribute to his conduct.
908. But is it probable that probability gives assurance?
Difference between rest and security of conscience. Nothing gives certainty
but truth; nothing gives rest but the sincere search for truth.
909. The whole society itself of their casuists cannot give assurance to a
conscience in error, and that is why it is important to choose good guides.
Thus they will be doubly culpable, both in having followed ways which they
should not have followed, and in having listened to teachers to whom they
should not have listened.
910. Can it be anything but compliance with the world which makes you find
things probable? Will you make us believe that it is truth and that, if
duelling were not the fashion, you would find it probable that they might
fight, considering the matter in itself.?
911. Must we kill to prevent there being any wicked? This is to make both
parties wicked instead of one. Vince in bono malum.227 (Saint Augustine.)
912. Universal.--Ethics and language are special, but universal sciences.
913. Probability.--Each one can employ it; no one can take it away.
914. They allow lust to act, and check scruples; whereas they should do the
contrary.
915. Montalte.--Lax opinions please men so much, that it is stran