The Irish standard., 1905-10-07

edge OF means and facilities; third,
commercial traffic in materials, appli-
ances, ETC.; fourth, popular tend
ency which is irrespective of poverty.
(Report, paragraph 15.) These four
are radically one, the decay of our re-
ligious sentiment, or more accurately
the predominance of secularism over
Faith, Hope and Charity. Too much
secularism! too little religion!
Who are to be blamed? True, such
wickedness is, as the weeds are, uni
versal; not, however, in like degree
everywhere. In some places it is hardly
noticeable; with us, as with another
and a greater modern federation, there
is question of race suicide!" Who
must needs be charged with respon-
sibility If any, surely the public men
and the public organs who agitate for
and now uphold that part of our sys-
+! ITEM Of primary education which Is
most unfavorable to religious formation
of mind and manners. What do they
impose on the rising generations? :?
Teachers of contrary or of no religious
convictions! If their innovation stop
ped there it would be still most preju-
dicial. But, by the restriction or pre-
vention of sound religious lessons and
exercises; by the avowed preference
for undogmatic religions by the para.
! mount reliance placed on intellectual
| culture; by the removal of. morals from
| the religious to the civic or poetic
basis; by the positive slight and pen
atty dealt out to denominational edu-
| cation of definite and efficient Sort
the evils of Indifference to religion and
virtue are extended and aggravated
Let us then seek to continue among
the nations, and to survive as Chris
tians-"Suffer the little children to
come unto Me, and forbid them not
Let us have in every school sound re-
ligious education. Strive as Christians
and patriots to save the children.
The remedy consists in partial faith.
hope and charity. In other words the
fear of God, the love of God, and Gods
grace. Religion as set forth by the
Catholic church, according to the word
of Christ, is the salt of the earth" BY
it our vices, from youth to grey hairs,
are kept subject to reason: through its
virtue a relish is acquired for every
good work.
prudence" debating restriction be-
cause of greater comfort or less priva-
ton in temporal means is asserted as
commcndable. The danger of bringing
up children who should be scandallzed
by the wckedness of others is some
times mentioned. Personal sacrifices
entailed by inevitable anXieties, afflic-
tions, difficulties and dspleasures are
intoerable to the selfish So it comes
to be determined that the little children
be not suffered to come to their inher-
itance according to the will of God and
he grace of Christ, on earth and in
heaven.
Necessity is also alleged in justifica-
ton for the doubly -murderous deed
Dutiful fidelity involves danger to life!
Even certain death is the only alter
native to the destruction of the unborn
in occasional cases. Professional opin-
ion has been given: To save a life
life must be victimed.
Character, again, may not be dis
regarded, therefore all testimony to
shame is to be got rid of at any rate.
Although conscience and virtue are to
be bartered by the illegitimate lovers
and by the perfidious friends and by
the corrupt companions all must prac-
tice caution against whatever might
result in public discredit Any crime
possible so that crime may be hidden
from society,"
Thus we are tempted. The powerful
issues of this life are pressed by Satan
into service for his perverse purposes
What is dcarer than life? But with
out good name who can life? Did not
Job in his misfortune curse the day
of his birth? Had it not been better
for Judas not to have been born? See
| these examples of sacred Scripture!
BE tactful: do not be caught. In this
| case you must not suffer the little one
| to come to baptism. Forbid it at such
Il price. although the kingdom of God
should be it's own.
The refutation of this specious wis
dom is the inviolablity of life accord
ing to the Divine law With one ex-
ception--necessary self-defence against
unjust aggression-human life must
not be taken way by private authority
Such crimes are visited with the en-
| likewise of religion.
Religion is our truest illumination on
every practical question, for it joins us
in spirit with God who is truth and
holiness and sovereign perfection. Now
religion says: You have been placed
over all other creatures and you are to
glorify the Creator of all by fulfilling
his will. You are free but responsible
ity. Perform acceptable fidelity during
your time of trial, till your Lord comes
to ask an account of your stewardship
and you will enter with praise into