The operation of the intelligence must precede that of the will. We must carefully study principles and methods before we proceed to practical applications. In every branch of activity men need to be educated beforehand as to its laws in all their details. Serious consideration must be systematic and not at haphazard. A superficial acquaintance with formulas is not sufficient; it is necessary to impress the mind, and stir up interest and enthusiasm. Such is the case with the education of the soul to virtue. We should know what exactly is the nature of virtue, the means of practising it, the obstacles which stand in its way, the vices opposed to it; and we should be acquainted with the great model of all virtue in the life of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the lives of His followers who have made the divine Ideal the measure of ordinary lives. "Blessed is he that understandeth." Without such careful training of the mind we shall run the risk of mistaking our course, of overlooking some important virtue, of carefully cultivating a weed instead of a flower, and a vice instead of the divine reality. In any case our efforts will be indefinite, unpractical, and without result. Take care that you do not lead a random life, drifting hither and thither without any definite aim, forgetting your deficiencies, neglecting systematic self-conquest, taking ignorance as an all-sufficient guide. Investigate the whole field of virtue, consider your own needs, and proceed systematically, as in learning a business or educating a child.
