The Wisdom and Wit of Blessed Thomas More
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The Wisdom and Wit of Blessed Thomas More


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Being Extracts from Such of His Works as were Written in English.

Collected and edited by Rev. T.E. Bridgett, C.Ss.R. Divided into Five parts: Ascetic, Dogmatic, Illustrative of the Period, Francies, Sports and Merry Tales, Colloquial and Quaint Phrases.

240 page book, Originally published in 1892.

By wisdom, as it is used in the title of this book, we may understand a true and deep knowledge of the nature of human life, the purpose for which it has been given, and the means by which that purpose may be best attained. By wisdom, we understand also the penetration of the truths of faith, the power of comparing spiritual things with spiritual, as also with things natural, and of making human literature and philosophy the cheerful handmaids of Divine revelation. But wisdom is above all things practical. He, indeed, cannot be said to possess it who is not possessed by it and guided by it.

St. Thomas More was not gloomy, cold or listless. He seems to have been raised up for the very purpose of teaching us that true piety and true Christian hope have nothing in common with sadness or imbecility. This man, whose heart was in the next world, was merry and brilliant in his conversation and his writings, a deep student, and an accomplished statesman.

Regarding the word “wit” as used in the title, in More’s time, the English prided themselves on being a merry nation. But St. Thomas More, if he indulged in any merriment, or defended its use, it had no connection in his mind with that levity and frivolity against which our Divine Master uttered His anathema when He said: “blessed are they that mourn; woe to you that now laugh.” The blessedness is to those who mourn over sin, the woe to those who laugh at sin or in sin, or who make their whole life a frivolous pastime. It is not a woe pronounced against those who laugh at what is laughable in due season. Laughter is like anger: it may be good or bad, according to circumstances. Laughter in applause of what is wicked, vile, or impure is criminal laughter. “A fool will laugh at sin,” says the Holy Ghost.

Oh gracious and loving God, give us the grace that we may have the faith and courage of St. Thomas More, ever ready to die rather than offend Thee.

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      Refuge of Sinners Publishing, Inc.
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