The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1909-09-11
AMARKED CONTRAST
Between Those Who Entsr and Leave
the Catholic Church.

IN existing conditions 1t costs some-
thing socially and financially to be a
Catholic. Adherence to the faith spells
sacrifice, says LOCKER On" in the
Boston Pilot.
1mputation Of motives as rule is
an odious thing and difficult of proof,
but In the matter of changing relig-
ions, moral certainty as to motive is
easy in the great majority of cases.
Go over in mind the long list of emf
nent men and women who entered the
City of God from the ranks of war
ring sects or of unbelief during the
century just completed. There is not
one who did not come in travail Of
spirit, who did not break with old
friends and associations. They became
Catholics at all risk and all cost, heed
ing an imperious call. Some were
stricken in full career, like Saul 9th
ers heard the call in the night, like
Samuel. All sowed in tears that they
might reap in joy. No two cases are
identical except in this, that contrary
to their own worldly interests, against
all human seeming they come in,
taken captive by Divine Grace.
All these conversions, and they are
numbered by. the thousands. are
stamped with sincerity beyond cavtl.
In no land today is the Church at
tractive to the self-seeking and un-
scrupulous. In many places member
ship in her communion means social
ostracism; everywhere it constitutes
an obstacle to worldly advancement.
Her attraction is wholly spiritual. 70
her own children and to all mankiad
she propounds the stern Gospel ques-
ton: What doth it profit man t.,
gain the whole world and lose his owl,
soul?" ."--
To weak or worldly nom Catholic,
to an ambitious individual life as
Catholic seems a nightmare. It means
isolation, loss of friends and social
prestige. the closed door and the cold
nod. The convert goes out from among
his own parish to enter an environ
ment in which he is more often sus-
pected than received with open arms,
Even to strong and determined souls
the leap is alarming and the outlook
appalling. They must steel themselves
against the aloofness of those th"y
know and love best in this world,
against financial loss. family opposi-
ton and mayhap riven rooftree.
Their strength and consolation are in
God. Intimates speak of them as fall
ing in mind, of disappointed ambi-
tons. hopelessly taking refuge under
the shadow Of a pseudo infallibility.
Generally speaking, conversion is y
sort of death for the convert. The
best he may hope for among his ac-
quaintances is the statement that ns
is an honest though misguided man.
Every circumstance that shows
forth the sincerity and singlehearted-
ness Of those who choose the tru.n
above all other things in life initiates
with merciless force against those who
leave the fold. In worldly way they
have everything to gain and nothing
to lose. They are sure of a welcome
in the enemys camp. no matter how
worthless they may be. The press
halls them as men OF enlightenment
and talent. All doors are opened 20
them. The world Is anxious to hear
their story Fortune smiles upon
them. Go over the list of those who
have sold their birthright for a mess
of worldly pottage, the ex-priest tho
ex-nun are celebrities in Protestant
circles. The lay apostate, too Is
warmly received. He is introduced tn
men who can help him; he is accord
ed business advantages; while if 6
professional man, room Is made for
him even at the expense of more
learned and better fitted colleagues
Civic or layman, his loss is wholly
spiritual.
Investigate the history of any Pro-
testant or unbeliever whose name or
antecedents indicate that he was ever
Catholic. Is there any limit of sac
rihce, of soul anguish, Of struggle to
the light? Far otherwise. The rea-
son for the change is patent and I'M
deniable. worldly advancement. He
was an ambitious young man, and
finding his faith an impeachment in tho
race for wealth and honor, he threw
1t away incontinent. She was a beauti-
full girl. with opportunities contingent
on the abandonment of her religion
Straightway she abandoned it. mar
ried we'll and became social leader.
One and all, they had saleable COM
modities, their souls, and sold them
to advantage as this world rooLo,, q.