Question IV: On negligence

NEGLIGENCE in the purpose is a delay, or slowness, of reason and appetite in promoting what has already been well counseled and judged. And so it is opposed to Prudence by reason of due solicitude. Hence D. Bonau. p. 1. Centil. sect. 8. describes it: It is the dereliction of a due circumstance in a good work.

But Gregory of Valentia OBSERVES that these sins are specifically distinct, and are to be specified in confession, when they have been directly willed, as they are against Prudence, but not when indirectly, in order to the work; for then it is enough to say the work of sin, for instance theft, etc. But if, from negligence of grave examination, you omit a mortal thing, it will have to be said, as D. Bonau. says in spec. animae, cap. 3. at the end: So also if you neglect to learn by heart the things necessary for salvation.

He OBSERVES secondly that these sins, since they are of reason, arise especially from Lust, as D. Gregor. 31. Moral. cap. 31. teaches, although they arise also from other sins, especially Sloth, as the Saintly Doctor says.

But they are MORTAL, either on the part of the object and matter, if they are about something necessary for salvation under a mortal [aspect]: or on the part of the cause, if they are committed from such carelessness, or neglect of salvation, that one makes nothing of the friendship of God; otherwise, if from negligence some things not necessary for salvation are omitted, it will be venial, as D. Thom. quaest. 54. art. 3. teaches, and universally concerning all the vices opposed to Prudence teach Sylvester under the word negligentia, Valentia quaest. 5. p. 1., Tannerus num. 54., with D. Bonau. in spec. animae, cap. 3.

Nor indeed are they necessarily to be explained distinctly in confession, unless when they have been directly willed, otherwise they are only the conditions of sins. So D. Thom. Valentia, Caiet. Tannerus with D. Bonau. loc. cit. Centil. and more clearly in speculo animae, cap. 3.; and Prov. 19. brings it forward: He who neglects his own life shall be killed: He adds that negligence properly is the omission of a circumstance; but that sloth is a desistence from the work.