The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1918-07-27

So it is with a name. A name is but
symbol, something used to designate
qualities or merits distinct from the
mere name itself. If you would stir
the heart throbs of a nation, but men
ton the name of its founder, its ira
ditional hero. All hearts beat high
when a national hero is brought into
our midst through the sounding of his
name Criticise the president of the
republic, in time of peace, and you will
gain both friends and adyersaries;
cast but one slur upon his name in
time of war and you jeopardize your
freedom.
Christ stands forth before the uplift-
ed gaze of humanity as a personality
of infinite nature. He typifies in Him
self all that is most glorious and
potent and perfect in all of earth's
heroes. He adds over and above this
accumulated splendor the o'erspread-
ing blaze of the divinity. He is not
merely the liberator of enthralled
thousands; He is not simply the van
gushing conqueror DER insensate enc
mics; He is not alone the champion
of perishing humanity-He is God.
AS a power for good in the world,
Christ stands alone. The guerdon Of
victory ne'er sat more SeTenely upon
brow of victorious potentate than upon
His devoted head. He went forth to
overthrow embattled myriads of Lies
foes, and He returned triumphant and
splendid from the fray. Sin was crush
ed, Lucifer Inundated in impotency,
hell robbed of it's terrors, and man
raised to a sublime plane. The adora-
ton of a grateful universe was waited
to this gracious Saviour. Men would
make Him their King, but He grace
fully withdrew.
The Holy Name! In that express
sion is contained in embryo the quin-
tessence of Christianity. It symbOlizes
all that is great and good, glorious
and powerful in the world of men.
Religion and civilization owe their all
to It's potent influence. Cherubim
and Seraphlm tremble blissfully at Its
mere sound He'll shudders through
out it's vast length at the mention of
that all-conquering Name. Will you,
upstart man; you, redeemed slave OF
hell, dare to utter that sacred Name
with irreverence and fiippancy? Will
you allege houghtlessness or levity
for your crime? Will you, whose lips
have been empurpled with the blood
Of nff LIGHTLY Inlu
Name, and then as lightly excuse your
self through WantOn Willfulness? Will
God be less severe than is a govern
ment when the name of it's ruler is
banded about by reprehensible citi-
| zens? When the filmy haze of death
is gathering about your sinking spirit,
you will thank the good God that you
! have uttered His sacred Name time
| and again in accents of love. If, on
| the other hand, you have but used that
| holy symbol to give vent to anger or
| disdain, what then can you hope for
at that dread hour? 1t will inevitably
| stand before your dying vision either
| as a star of hope and mercy or as d
menacing flame, frightful prelude tc
| an eternity of torture.
Decide right now, whether you will
| begin to cultivate a love for that sa
| cred Name, a frequent, fond familiar
ity with It's sweetness, or a careless
hapless use of It's ringing power. II
| will be powerful for all eternity, either
in love or in hatred choose now tina
| which you will
| &C. F. McGtnntS, in Holy Name AdDocdte