S.A. Bent, comp. Familiar Short Sayings of Great Men. 1887.
St. Thomas Aquinas
[Surnamed the “Angelic Doctor,” a celebrated scholastic teacher; born in the kingdom of Naples, about 1225; joined the Dominicans, and became famous for learning and talents, but refused preferment; taught in Paris and Rome; died 1274.]
When asked in what way a man might become learned.
Entering the presence of Innocent II., before whom a large sum of money was spread out, the Pope observed, “You see, the Church is no longer in that age in which she said, ‘Silver and gold have I none.’”—“True, holy father,” replied Aquinas; “neither can she any longer say to the lame, ‘Rise up and walk.’” Vide Acts iii. 2–8.
