The evening times., 1899-06-07

cation, particularly as to the necessity OF
religion as a prime element in collegiate
work. This question is made important
to the university by 'he recent conference
of Catholic colleges at Chicago which. ini-
tiated by the university. and presided over
by the right reverend rector. has had for
its aim the unifcation OF the educational
system of the church. The college Is the
training ground for life. as well as the
preparing place for the professions and
the university. The importance Of re!ig-
ion in education Is felt in every part OF the
system. for true education fnds in religion
its very soul. To the Catholic religion in
education means something more than
vague general idea of God and morality; 1t
is something more than broad principles
of goodness: it is a vital. positive. force.
coming from doctrinal and moral teachings
of the Church established by Christ.
The college holds a middle place between
the first and the last steps in education.
The home. the church, the preparatory
school lead to it. The professional schools.
the university. or the broad field of life
are beyond it. The idea OF the college Is
one of unfolding. development. training.
1t is the time of discipline which prepares
men to become thinkers and leaders, to de-
velop the individual faculties. 1t makes
men acquainted with the history OF nations
and the thoughts of the ages, 1t gives
broader view OF life, and by the develop
ment Of character along the lines Of posi-
tive religion. prepares men for the duties
Of life. II is a society in itself, in which
we'll defined problems are worked out.
Coming from different centres. differing in
tastes and aspirations. all unite in form
ing one family and following one rule. If
respect for authority, appreciation OF duty
to society. manliness Of character. love of
truth. and. above all. duty to God. be de-
veloped. the college has gone far toward
fulfilling its duty. The real test OF col
lege is not in its ability to At for universi-
ty or professional work alone SO much as
it is ability to prepare right thinking men.
diligent students. and good citizens. Fail
ure in this may create a danger for society
and the state.
The question of citizenship is Of eunda-
mental importance. and good citizenship
can be found only in good men. Good Cit
izenship demands respect for law as
well as readiness to make Just laws.
There can be no respect for law and TO
true sense of the Iaw-making privilege.
unless there be knowledge Of God and
Gods law. College men are called to
be leaders of thought and action, to stand
for the right things. to develop society ac-
cording to the right ideals. Materialism
and irreligion threaten society. and must
be met by the forces of right education
through a leadership of mind and heart
which finds its source in religion and the
spiritual force which religion contains.
Patriotism is based on unselfshness. The
man who puts self before everything. who
does nothing in which self is not the first
principle is neither a good patriot nor
good citizen, no matter how much he may
vaunt his patriotism. The educator,
whether collegiate or intermediate, uni
versity or primary. which does not combine
the love of God with that Of man and in
sist upon the duties of religion must fail
in the essential development OF true man
hood.
A well-instructcd conscience is the
source of power in the exercise OF civic
rights. for Il es., .esses the moral obiiga-
ton which binds men to act. not for self
interest or prejudice. but for the common
good There Is but one standard OF moral
ity-the same for the private citizen as
for the public official. Religion alone can
train conscience. II there be no religion
there is little conscience. and consequently
no true sense OF moral obligation. The
training which ignores conscience. which
does not train conscience right. runs the
great risk of being curse rather than
blessing.
The Catholic collegiate system, as all