The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1869-06-06
Eduea.ion-Proselytism.

I every shape, but the shape which it takes at
this period is discernible through, the multi
plieity of ideas which it may. subsequently,
form. IF mother is anxious that her infant
should in afber years practice the duties Of the
faith, wifi she not join it's little hands in prayer
and direct its unfolding intelligence to the
sanctuary of God The child will emerge from
it's infant state, and reach the period of 1natu-
4 rity; ID will probably become absorbed in ma
terial Il terests, and may forget for Q while the
lessons which it has received from its mothers
lips. Bat these early impressions, dim and
faded Though they be, are still marked upon
titA soul, and will fipafiy become the means of
leading it back to the practice of religion,
This admits of exceptions but it is true in gem
eral. This return may be accomplished late in
life, when a trembling and -decrepit frame
warns the soul that it is fast approaching the
] term of it's mortal existence. Repentance, how
ever, atany time is a blessing, and preferable
to despair. a 1!-. s"' ~, osEs 55i1tHI 80
I Again, who has not seen those pale, emaci-
ated faces Of our youth in large citiesf Whence
1 isthisf Why is it that many of them lead
lives OF gambling and debauchery, and ignore
the very name of conscience and Of Godf
Perhaps it is because their early education has
been defective. 1t may be that they have
1 never known mothers care, or if they have
had q mother that mother had never instilled
into their hearts the principles of religion.
The Church, however, recognizes tho preca-
rious time of youth, and redoubles her eneTgy
in protecting them from the perniciOus infiu-
ence of bad example, and in planting in their
hearts the seeds of faith, which after years may
cause to spring up and blossom in luxuriance.
She has established schools. everywhere. These
institutions grow up side by side with churches,
and both united closely as the inter
laeing tendrils of the vine. And how could it
be otherwise What would become of the
churches if the youth were permitted to go
astray and imbihc notions of infdclity? The
present generation will not last forever but
will pass away, and in this case the filth would
pass away with it. Children indeed g the
hope of the harvest in germ
This truth was known to the followers of
Voltaire, for when i'll their blind folly they as
pired to destroy the religion of Catholic France,
they said, LET US corrupt the YOUTH"
1t was likewise known to the Professionals
Their efforts at proselytising in great
measure directed towards the establishment of
schools in which the Protestant faith was
taught, or in which every form of religion was
far as the main object was concerned-which
was the subversion of the Catholic faith
How many of these schools have been estab-
1ished in Irelands Here Catholic children
were induced to attend by promises of food,
clothes and money. Some, pressed by hunger /
and poverty, did attend, and for q while sub
r,ittAd with t5;f tn the slishuuoR OF receiving,
instructions from those whom they were
fanpht To nEiI
religion. But it was only for time. The
early impressions of their tender years were
too firmly engrafted on their hearts, and we do
not know that the cause of Professionalism has
been advanced by this ubiquitous mode of pro-
selytism. .a rs -.y- |.
Lately the same scene has sought to be
re-enacted in our city of New Orleans
Several Protestant Sunday schools have sent
'ut tanatical emissaries for the purpose of soil.
sitlng Catholic parents to send their children
% be instructed there. One or two parishes
nave been canvassed with nntiring energy, and
he most persuasive cloquence and the most
fascinating smiles of the lady missionaries
nave been brought into rcquisition, with a :
new to realize their projected scheme. If
heir religion is based upon truth, it NAV be |
sked why do they not rely upon this and this !.
lone, Tor its extension, without descending to
ms ceIiteHPtibie method of itsinuatiig them
et~es BOSOM rs5 and OF feceTv-
ne the 'iIf"aryrof ignorant by specious reason =
ng or by promises of material assistance7 I'll O
as been done before as we have remarked lint II
'1thout success whilo these fanatics hay. been n
cid mp to the scorn of all honorable men a
nd will it succeed hereY While we know r.
nat 1t Will not we must admit the fact that z
'me Catholic children have been found at Ii
ending these Sabbath schools whether 'o'
le,r parents were cognizant of the fact or not a
9 cannot say. 1t may be that these children Il
Id gone without their consent; but. whether nj
lis is the case or not, the fact calls for more o.
atchful care on the part of Catholic parents.
Catholic schools have been established, and eli
Catholic parents are urged and commanded t e.
send their children to them to be instructed tr
the principles of the faith, why do some of vi
EN- send their children to schools where