Perfection of Action

As virtue is the perfection of human life, so is action the perfection of virtue; and zeal is that perfection of action which I require in a saint of God. Such an one was Moses, "mighty in word and deed," as well as "learned in all the ways of the Egyptians." Such an one was St. Stephen, as full of a divine ardour and irresistible fervency of spirit as of an irresistible wisdom; and such an one was the irresistible Cornelius, a devout man, one that had transfused and derived the fear of God from his own bosom, throughout his family, and relations, and friends too—one that gave much alms, and prayed to God always. What need I multiply instances? This is that which distinguishes the perfect man from all others—the victories of faith, the labours of charity, the constancy and patience of hope, and the ardours of devotion.—Lucas