A citation from the library
Jerome, on Matt 25:14
Jerome · c. A.D. 347–420
Matt 25:14 · Douay-Rheims
“For even as a man going into a far country, called his servants, and delivered to them his goods;”
On this verse:
“Many also who are naturally clever and have sharp wit, if they become neglectful, and by disuse spoil that good they have by nature, these do, in comparison of him who being somewhat dull by nature compensates by industry and painstaking his backwardness, lose their natural gift, and see the reward promised them pass away to others. But it may also be understood thus; To him who has faith, and a right will in the Lord, even if he come in aught short in deed as being man, shall be given by the merciful Judge; but he who has not faith, shall lose even the other virtues which he seems to have naturally. And He says carefully, From him that hath not, shall be taken away even that which he seemeth to have, for whatsoever is without faith in Christ ought not to be imputed to him who uses it amiss, but to Him who gives the goods of nature even to a wicked servant.”
Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.