On the Unity of the Catholic Church 26

But in us unanimity has so diminished that generosity in good works has also been broken. Then they sold houses and estates, and, laying up treasures for themselves in heaven, they offered the price to the apostles to be distributed for the needs of the poor. But now we do not give even tithes from our patrimony, and, while the Lord bids us sell, we rather buy and increase. So the vigour of faith has withered in us, so the strength of believers has languished. And therefore the Lord, looking upon our times, says in his gospel: "When the Son of Man comes, do you think he will find faith on the earth?" We see what he foretold coming to pass. In the fear of God, in the law of righteousness, in love, in works, there is no faith. No one thinks of the fear of things to come; no one considers the day of the Lord and the wrath of God and the punishments coming upon unbelievers and the eternal torments appointed for the faithless. Whatever our conscience would fear if it believed, because it does not believe it does not fear at all. But if it believed, it would also take care; and if it took care, it would also escape.