Choose a topic from Part 1:
1. It is in accord with human nature to acquire knowledge,not to be born with knowledge already in the mind. The fact thatman, at birth, is unequipped with knowledge, is not a defect; it isa normal condition of nature. In the state of innocence, childrenwould doubtless have had a perfect aptitude for learning withoutdifficulty, and would have acquired knowledge readily as theyadvanced in age and experience. But they would not have possessedknowledge from birth.
2. And therefore children in the state of innocence wouldnot havehad the use of reason from earliest infancy. Theywould have come to the use of reason more readily and perfectlythan do children in the fallen state of mankind.
"As the flesh is nourished by food, so is man supported by prayers"
St Augustine
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"Let persons in the world sanctify themselves in their own houses, for neither the court, professions, or labour, are any hindrance to the service of God."
St Philip Neri
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"It is better to be burdened and in company with the strong than to be unburdened and with the weak. When you are burdened you are close to God, your strength, who abides with the afflicted. When you are relieved of the burden you are close to yourself, your own weakness; for virtue and strength of soul grow and are confirmed in the trials of patience."
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church
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