Page:The sermons of the Curé of Ars - Vianney, tr. Morrissy - 1960.djvu/87

 There are very few of them, as you can see, who do not have something on their conscience. So, then, where are those who make restitution? I do not know any of them.... Now, you will say, we can hope to know, roughly anyway, in what ways we can commit wrongs and injustices. But how, and to whom, must we make restitution? You would like to make restitution? Very well, listen to me for a moment and you will know how to go about it. You must not be satisfied with paying back half, or three-quarters, but all, if you possibly can; otherwise you will be damned. There are some people who, without going into the question of the number of the people whom they have wronged, will give some alms or have some Masses said. And once that is done, they think they are quite safe. It is true, alms and Masses are all very well, but they must be given with your money and not with your neighbour's. That money was not yours; give it to its rightful owner and then give your own in alms and Masses if you want to: you will be doing very well.... There are those who say: "I have wronged So-and-So, but he is quite rich enough; I know a poor person who has a much greater need of the money." My good friend, give to this poor person from your own money, but pay back to your neighbour whatever substance you have taken from him. "But he will put it to a bad use." That has nothing to do with you. Give him his due, pray for him, and sleep well.

WINE IS HIS GOD
Habitual drunkenness is not one of those sins which time and grace will correct. To cure this sin, not an ordinary