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diff --git a/31688-h/31688-h.htm b/31688-h/31688-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..60affde --- /dev/null +++ b/31688-h/31688-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,3658 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= + "text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1"> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of What Shall I Be?, by + Reverend Francis Cassily, S.J. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + body { margin-left:5%; margin-right:5%} + h1 { text-align:center } + h2 { text-align:center } + h3 { text-align:center } + + .indent { margin-left:10%} + .indentb { margin-left:15%} + .indentc { margin-left:5%} + </style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of What Shall I Be?, by Rev. Francis Cassily + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: What Shall I Be? + A Chat With Young People + +Author: Rev. Francis Cassily + +Other: A. J. Burrows + Remegius Lafort + Cardinal John Murphy Farley + +Release Date: March 18, 2010 [EBook #31688] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHAT SHALL I BE? *** + + + + +Produced by Michael Gray + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1> + <a href="images/frontispiece_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/frontispiece.jpg" alt= + "Christ and the rich young man"></a> + </h1> + <p> + If thou wilt be perfect go sell what thou hast and give + to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven and + come follow Me. + </p> + <p align="right"> + —Matt. xix: 21. + </p><br> + <br> + <h1> + WHAT SHALL I BE? + </h1> + <h2> + A CHAT WITH YOUNG PEOPLE + </h2><br> + <p align="center"> + BY THE<br> + REVEREND FRANCIS CASSILLY, S.J. + </p><br> + <br> + <p> + "And every one that hath left house, or brothers, or + sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or + lands for My name, shall receive a hundredfold, and + shall possess life everlasting." (Matt. xix: 29) + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <p align="center"> + NEW YORK<br> + THE AMERICA PRESS<br> + 1914 + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <p align="left"> + IMPRIMI POTEST + </p> + <p align="center"> + A. J. BURROWES, S.J. + </p> + <p align="right"> + <i>Provincial Missouri Province</i> + </p> + <p align="left"> + NIHIL OBSTAT + </p> + <p align="center"> + REMEGIUS LAFORT + </p> + <p align="right"> + <i>Censor</i> + </p> + <p align="left"> + IMPRIMATUR + </p> + <p align="center"> + <img src="images/cross.jpg" alt="cross">JOHN CARDINAL + FARLEY + </p> + <p align="right"> + <i>Archbishop of New York</i> + </p><br> + <br> + <p align="center"> + COPYRIGHT 1914<br> + BY<br> + THE AMERICA PRESS + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <p align="center"> + <b>LETTER TO THE AUTHOR<br> + FROM REVEREND A. VERMEERSCH, S.J.</b> + </p> + <p align="right"> + Louvain, le 23 février, 1914. + </p> + <p> + Mon Révérend Père: P. C. + </p> + <p> + Votre petit livre me plaît extrêmement. Il + expose une doctrine très solide avec une + merveilleuse clarté. D' une lecture + agréable, il intéressera la jeunesse des + écoles, et l'encouragera à faire un choix + généreux d' état de vie. J' estime + que, traduit en flamand et en français, il + ferait également du bien à nos collegiens + de Belgique. + </p> + <p align="right"> + Votre dévoué en N. S. et M. I.<br> + A. Vermeersch. + </p> + <p align="center"> + TRANSLATION + </p> + <p> + My Reverend Father: + </p> + <p> + Your little book pleases me exceedingly. Its doctrine + is very sound and set forth with wonderful clearness. + It makes pleasant reading, and will interest the young + of school age, and encourage them to make a generous + choice of a state of life. In my opinion, a Flemish and + French translation would also be profitable to our + college students in Belgium. + </p> + <p align="right"> + Devotedly yours in Our Lord and Mary Immaculate,<br> + A. Vermeersch. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <b>TO THE THOUSANDS<br> + OF TRUE-HEARTED BOYS AND GIRLS<br> + HE HAS BEEN BLESSED TO KNOW<br> + OF WHOM<br> + SOME ARE GONE TO HEAVEN<br> + AND MANY ARE BATTLING FOR THE RIGHT<br> + IN THE SANCTUARY<br> + THE CLOISTER OR THE WORLD<br> + AND WITH ALL OF WHOM<br> + HE HOPES ONE DAY TO BE REUNITED<br> + FOREVERMORE<br> + IN GOD'S OWN COURTS<br> + THIS LITTLE BOOK<br> + IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED<br> + BY THE AUTHOR</b> + </p><br> + <br> + <p align="center"> + PREFACE + </p> + <p> + In this little book the writer has aimed to present, in + brief and simple form, sound principles which may + assist the young in deciding their future course of + life. The subject of vocation, as it is called, has + suffered much, during the last two or three centuries, + at the hands of rigorist authors, who so hedged the + approach to religious life with difficulties and + restrictions, as to frighten or repel many aspiring + hearts from it. + </p> + <p> + Great stress was laid by these writers on the special + interior attraction, by which God was supposed always + to manifest His call, so that no one might legitimately + enter the state of perfection, unless he felt this + unmistakable impulse from within. And on the other + hand, given this evidence of the Divine predilection, + to disregard it was a sinful preferring of one's own + will to God's, which, in all likelihood, would be + attended with grave consequences for this world and the + next. + </p> + <p> + Spiritual writers of the last decade have been + rereading the Fathers and great Theologians upon this + subject, and as a result the cobwebs of misconception + are being swept away. The Reverend A. Vermeersch, S.J., + of Louvain, deserves the gratitude of all for his lucid + and convincing treatment of religious vocation, in his + "De Religiosis Institutis et Personis" (Vol. II, + Supplement III; also Vol. I, P. 4, C. I), where he + clearly shows from Scripture, the writings of the + Fathers and leading theologians, the true nature of the + invitation to the evangelical life. The reader is also + referred to the article on "Vocation," by the same + author, in the Catholic Encyclopedia. + </p> + <p> + Another document throwing light on the subject, is the + Decree of July 15, 1912, framed by a special commission + of Cardinals appointed to examine the work of Canon + Joseph Lahitton on "La Vocation Sacerdotale." This + Decree, approved by the Holy Father, contains the + following passage: Vocation to the priesthood "by no + means consists, at least necessarily and according to + the ordinary law, in a certain interior inclination of + the person, or promptings of the Holy Spirit, to enter + the priesthood. But on the contrary, nothing more is + required of the person to be ordained, in order that he + may be called by the bishop, than that he have a right + intention, and such fitness of nature and grace, as + evidenced in integrity of life and sufficiency of + learning, which will give a well-founded hope of his + rightly discharging the office and obligations of the + priesthood." This Decree does away, at once, with the + special spiritual attraction, always and essentially + required by so many for vocation to the priesthood. + </p> + <p> + It may not be rash to conclude, in a similar way, of a + religious vocation "that nothing more is required of + the person who is a candidate for religious life, in + order that he may be admitted to the novitiate by the + lawful superior of an order, than that he have a right + intention, and such fitness of nature and grace + required by the order, as will give a well-founded hope + of his rightly discharging the obligations of the + religious life in that order." + </p> + <p> + The present treatise aims at no more than putting in + form suitable to the young the sound conclusions of + such reliable authors as Father Vermeersch, Canon + Lahitton and Rev. P. Bouvier, S.J. + </p> + <p> + As to the advisability of priests, parents and teachers + fostering and developing in the young the desire of a + religious life, the words of St. Thomas are positive: + "They who induce others to enter religion, not only + commit no sin, but even merit a great reward." (Summa, + 2a, 2æ, Quæst. 189, art. 9.) + </p> + <p> + And the Third Council of Baltimore, urging priests to + develop vocations to the priesthood, says: "We exhort + in the Lord and earnestly entreat pastors and other + priests diligently to search after and find out, among + the boys committed to their care, those who seem suited + and called to the clerical state. If they find any boys + of good disposition, of pious inclination, of devout + and generous minds, and able to learn; who give promise + of persevering in the sacred ministry, let them nourish + the zeal of such, and sedulously foster these precious + germs of vocation." (Paragraph 136.) + </p> + <p> + Priests, teachers, confessors and others who have + dealings with the young, will find it very practical to + have at hand several copies of some reliable booklet on + the priesthood and religious life, which they may give + or lend, as occasion offers, to promising boys and + girls. Such books will, at least, make their readers + think, and God's grace frequently acts through the + medium of the written or spoken word. + </p> + <p> + <i>Creighton University, Omaha,<br> + <span class="indent">Easter Sunday, 1914.</span></i> + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + CONTENTS. + </h2> + <table border="0"> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + CHAPTER + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right"> + <p> + I. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#1">Getting a Start</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right"> + <p> + II. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#2">Aiming High</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right"> + <p> + III. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#3">The State of Perfection</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right"> + <p> + IV. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#4">Who Are Invited?</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right"> + <p> + V. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#5">Does Christ Want Me?</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right"> + <p> + VI. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#6">I Feel No Attraction</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right"> + <p> + VII. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#7">Suppose I Make a Mistake?</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right"> + <p> + VIII. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#8">The World Needs Me</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right"> + <p> + IX. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#9">Must I Accept the + Invitation?</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right"> + <p> + X. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#10">I Am Too Young</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right"> + <p> + XI. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#11">The Priesthood</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right"> + <p> + XII. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#12">The Teacher's Aureole</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right"> + <p> + XIII. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#13">Showing the Way</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right"> + <p> + XIV. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#14">The Parents' Part</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right"> + <p> + XV. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#15">A Parting Word</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + <a name="1">CHAPTER I</a> + </h1> + <h2> + GETTING A START + </h2> + <p> + Youth is the dream time of life. It views the world + through the prism of fancy, tinting all with rainbow + colors. It lives in a creation of its own, where it + rules with magic wand, conjuring into its realm the + beautiful, the heroic and the magnificent, and + banishing only the prosaic and commonplace. To the + youthful dreamer, every ruler is all-powerful, every + soldier brave, every fire-fighter a hero, and every + editor a wizard, at whose nod the news of the world + flies to the huge cylinder presses, and then flutters + away in white-winged sheets through town and country. + </p> + <p> + But gradually, the stern realities of life forcing + themselves on the maturing mind, it realizes that it + must choose from the various activities that make up + the sum of human existence. The thoughtful boy and girl + then begin to ask the question, "What shall I be?" or + "What shall I do?" The various walks of life spread out + before them like a maze of tracks in a railway station, + all leading away in dwindling perspective to the + witching land of the unknown. + </p> + <p> + An ambitious boy views with delight the various + professions, and pictures to himself in turn the great + deeds and triumphs of the soldier, the statesman, the + lawyer, the physician, the architect, and finally + perhaps the electrician, who plays with the lightning + and harnesses it to the ever-extending service of + mankind. All these are votaries of noble avocations, + and he who excels in any one of them is a hero, and a + benefactor of his kind. Every occupation which is + useful to the human race, which contributes to the sum + of man's comfort and happiness, is laudable and worthy + an intelligent being. St. Paul was a tent-maker by + trade, and he gloried in the fact that, even during the + days of his apostleship, he was not a burden to others, + but supported himself by the labor of his hands. + </p> + <p> + Life pursuits rank in dignity and worth, according to + the perfection or benefit they bestow upon the worker + himself, and his fellow-man. Far above the artisan or + husbandman, who occupies himself with the material + needs of his neighbor, with providing him food, raiment + and shelter, rise the teacher, writer and professional + man, who minister to the needs of the mind. And + highest, perhaps, of natural callings is the conduct of + the government, which gives peace, order and happiness + to entire nations. + </p> + <p> + But not every pursuit is suited to all dispositions, + nor can any one hope to excel in all trades and + professions. The strength of body and skill of hand + required of a mechanic may be lacking to a professional + man, and the long years of study and experience + demanded of a physician are possible to but few. Nature + destines some for a life of action and adventure, for + the command of armies or the conquering of the + wilderness; others it dowers with literary tastes, or + the power to thrill an audience or guide a State. + </p> + <p> + No one is necessarily tied down to any special + occupation of life. According to your disposition and + character, your ability and inclination, education and + training, you are free to select any sphere of action + within your reach and opportunity. But this very + freedom of choice sometimes leads to mistakes. One + without the proper temperament or ability, lacking in + patience and sympathy, and unable to make a diagnosis, + aims to be a physician, and he becomes only a quack. + Many a one, who aspires to direct the destinies of the + State, achieves only the station of a political + subordinate or spoilsman. And one whom nature destines + for the free and independent life of a farmer, often + sentences himself to life imprisonment behind the + "cribbed and cabined" desk of a counting house. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the most frequent mistake of young people is to + tear themselves away from school, where they have the + opportunity to prepare themselves for the higher + positions of life, and by so doing deliberately limit + themselves to a life of mediocrity. They have an + ambition, but a false one. Eager to enter, though + unprepared, the arena of life and accomplish great + deeds, they lack the student's patience and industry, + which would crown them in after years with the laurel + of success. + </p> + <p> + Be ambitious then, my young friend, aim high in life; + endeavor to achieve something great for yourself and + for mankind. You will have only one life in this world, + then make the most of it. Take advantage of your + opportunities. Attend school as long as you can, + because generally the greater your knowledge and + learning, your training and preparation, the higher and + wider the career that will open before you. + </p> + <p> + All legitimate pursuits of life have been illustrated + and adorned by numberless Christian heroes and + heroines, who served God, sanctified themselves, and + brought glory to the Christian name by their fidelity + to duty. Would you be a soldier? Could there be more + glorious names than those of St. Sebastian and St. + Martin; the Crusader, Godfrey de Bouillon, and the + Grand Knight of Malta, de la Valette? + </p> + <p> + Do you long to ride the ocean waves, and brave the + tempest? What more heroic predecessor would you have + than the great "Admiral," the navigator and discoverer, + Columbus? If your ambition be to sit in the councils of + State, to steer your country safely through breakers + and shoals, fix your gaze on Sir Thomas More, Daniel + O'Connell, Windthorst or Garcia Moreno—Christian + heroes all. + </p><br> + <br> + <h1> + <a name="2">CHAPTER II</a> + </h1> + <h2> + AIMING HIGH + </h2> + <p> + In a garden are flowers varying in hue and form and + size. The roses blow red and white and pink, scenting + the air with their myriad petals, the lilies lift up + their delicate calyxes to the wandering bee, the + perfumed violets hide their modest heads in beds of + green, and the fuchsias sway from their stems in + languid beauty. But varied as are the flowers in charm, + each is perfect of its kind. No artist could improve + their tints nor trace truer curves; no carver chisel + more delicate or finished forms. + </p> + <p> + And God's Church is a spiritual garden, where bloom + souls varying in every virtue, charm and grace, and all + breathing forth the good odor of Christ. In it are + school-boys, gentle maidens, devoted mothers and + fathers of families, rich and poor of every nation and + clime, of every station and calling. God made them all; + He loves them all, and on each He has grafted the bud + of faith, which will blossom forth into all + supernatural virtues. + </p> + <p> + God also wishes each one in His garden to be perfect of + his kind. Jesus, sitting on the Mount of the + Beatitudes, and teaching the multitudes that were + ranged on the grass about Him, bade them "be perfect as + also your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matt. v: 48.) + <a href="#2-1">[1]</a> This, then, is the perfection + Christ expects us to aim at, the perfection of God + Himself, in Whom there is nor spot nor wrinkle. He will + not be satisfied with us, so long as low aims, + imperfect motives, disfigure our souls and stain our + conduct. + </p> + <p> + As St. Paul says in his letter to the Ephesians, God + chose us before the foundation of the world to be "holy + and unspotted in His sight." (Eph. i: 4.) In fact, St. + Paul, whenever he addresses the Christians, calls them + "saints" because every Christian man, woman and child, + is expected to be holy, holy in the grace of God, in + conduct, in thought and act, at every time and place. + Every Christian must be sacred, a shrine wherein dwells + the Divinity, and whose doors must be closed to + everything profane. "Know you not, that your members + are the temple of the Holy Ghost, who is in you, whom + you have from God; and you are not your own?" (I Cor. + vi: 19.) Your soul, then, my child, is holy, consecrate + to God, and into it must enter nothing defiled, nothing + savoring of the world, its maxims and principles. Keep + your soul pure as the roseate dawn, clear as starlight + and bright as the sun. + </p> + <p> + "Every one of you," said Christ Himself, "who doth not + renounce all that he possesseth, cannot be my + disciple." (Luke xiv: 33.) This seems a hard doctrine, + for who would be able to give up all he has, parents, + home and possessions? There are occasions when the love + of God and the love of creatures come into conflict; + and when this occurs the true disciple of Christ will + not hesitate. He will fearlessly sacrifice everything, + even life itself, rather than forsake his Creator. The + martyrs did this. St. Agnes gave up suitor, home and + wealth, and laid down her innocent young life, to + become the spouse of Christ. The boy Pancratius faced + the panther in the arena, and the yells of a + bloodthirsty mob, rather than abjure his faith; and so + won a martyr's crown. + </p> + <p> + Perfection then is our destiny. In heaven we shall + attain to it, and in this life we should begin to + practice it. If we would have God's love in its + fulness, if we would always be worthy to nestle in His + bosom, to feel the arms of His affection drawn close + about us, we must never sully our conscience with the + least taint of sin. For all the world we would not + offend our parents, and God is to us in place of father + and mother and all. He is the infinitely perfect; He is + love and beauty and tenderness itself, and His + absorbing desire is to reproduce similar qualities in + us. + </p> + <p> + But how are we to be perfect? By always doing His holy + Will, as we see it and know it, to the best of our + ability. Christ issues the clarion call to all + Christians, to take up their cross daily and follow + Him. He who always does his best, and, obeying the + dictates of conscience, walks by faith and charity in + all his actions before God, and conducts himself in all + circumstances of life according to the principles of + faith and reason, is living up to the Divine call, and + striving after perfection. + </p> + <p> + "But are there any such persons in the world?" some one + may ask. "They say that there is nothing perfect under + the sun, and this time-honored adage, no doubt, applies + to persons as well as to things." It is true that very + few are perfect in the sense that they sojourn in the + world, unmoved, like the angels, by the least ruffling + of passion. But there are many, very many, pure, holy + souls, who aim constantly at perfection, and who attain + to it substantially; for day by day, year in and year + out, they keep themselves from the guilt of serious + sin, and delighting to carry out God's will in all + their actions, frequently draw nigh the Tabernacle to + commune in heavenly raptures with their Love "behind + the trellis." + </p> + <p> + Nor is the number of these elect souls limited to any + one calling or profession, for they are found in the + seclusion of home, in the crowded mart, in the stress + of business and professional life. When the week-day + Mass is over in the parish church, and the little band + of devout worshippers descend from the church steps, + would one not say that there is a look of heavenly + peace upon their countenances, a peace that overflows + to their features from the deep well-springs of charity + within? No legitimate walk of life, then, is alien to + perfection. All Christians are urged to it; and many + attain to it. They use the things of this world "as + though they used them not," their hearts are free from + undue attachment to the possessions of earth, and they + go through life as pilgrims to their final home; and + should God be pleased to reward their constancy by + sending them trials and sufferings, they will come + forth from the ordeal like pure, refined gold. + </p><br> + <p> + <a name="2-1">[1]</a> While this text refers primarily + to the perfection of forgiving enemies, it is applied + also by commentators to perfection in general, for the + reason that it is closely connected with the preceding + and following exhortation of Our Lord to many and + various virtues. And even if the text were limited + expressly to one virtue, the fact that God's children + are urged to the perfection of this virtue because it + is found perfectly in their Heavenly Father, would seem + to imply that He, so far as imitable by creatures, is + the measure and standard of their perfection, and + hence, as He is the All-Perfect, that they too should + strive to be perfect in all virtue. + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="3">CHAPTER III</a> + </h1> + <h2> + THE STATE OF PERFECTION + </h2> + <p> + Speaking one day to the multitude, Our Lord likened the + Kingdom of Heaven "to a merchant seeking good pearls, + who, finding one pearl of great price, went away and + sold everything he had and bought it." (Matt. xiii: + 45-46.) What is this precious pearl that so charmed the + merchant as to make him sacrifice all he had to gain + possession of it? It is doubtless the true Church, or + faith in Christ, but theologians apply the parable also + to the highest union with God by charity, or Christian + perfection. Perfection, then, may be called this + lustrous pearl, more precious and radiant than any + which gleams in royal diadem. You may buy it, but the + price is the same to all. You must offer in exchange + all that you have, keeping nothing back. Are you + willing to make the bargain? + </p> + <p> + There have been many Christians throughout the + centuries who were enamored of this perfection. They + sighed and longed for it, but, alas! the conditions in + which they lived, the temptations that lay about them, + the cares of raising a family and struggling for a + livelihood, so engrossed their attention and seduced + their affections, that they almost despaired of living + entirely for God, and thus attaining perfection. A + young man of high aspirations one day came to Jesus, + and asked Him what he must do to gain eternal life. The + Master replied, "Keep the commandments." But the young + man was not satisfied with this; he wished to do + something more for heaven, as we learn from his reply, + "All these have I kept from my youth; what is still + wanting to me?" Then Jesus spoke the memorable words + that have echoed down the ages, "If thou wilt be + perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor . + . . and come, follow me." (Matt. xix: 21.) + </p> + <p> + The questioner, so the Scripture records, went away + sorrowful, for he had great wealth. He was willing, no + doubt, to give alms and bountifully, but to sacrifice + all his possessions and live in poverty—this was + beyond his generosity. Christ's advice, however, has + not fallen by the wayside. Theologians tell us that in + His brief words Our Lord indicated the evangelical + life, which He elsewhere explained more fully, bidding + the youth become poor and then come and follow Him in + perfect chastity and obedience (Suarez, "De Religione," + lib. iii, c. 2). + </p> + <p> + The teaching thus presented by Christ has never been + fruitless in the Church. Myriads of chosen souls, more + magnanimous than the young man, have heeded the + Saviour's admonition and hastened to sacrifice all for + His sake. The nature of the evangelical life—so + called because taught in the "Evangelium," the Latin + word for Gospel—consists in the practice of the + three counsels, voluntary poverty, perfect chastity and + obedience. And why is the exercise of these three + counsels so excellent? Because by them a Christian + parts with everything that is most pleasing to mere + nature. By poverty he renounces his possessions and the + right of ownership; by perfect chastity, the pleasures + of the body; and by obedience, his free will. Could one + do more than to give up everything he owns, and then + complete the renunciation by dedicating his body, aye, + his very soul, to Christ? Nothing is left that he may + call his own. He is a stranger in the world, without + home, parents or family, money or earthly ties; he is + all to God, and God is all to him. + </p> + <p> + While a person may be in the <i>way</i> of perfection, + by observing the counsels privately, with or without a + vow, if he takes perpetual vows in a religious order or + congregation approved by the Church, he is in what is + called "the <i>state</i> of perfection," or "the + religious state." The vows give a final touch to the + holocaust in either case, since by them he offers all + he has and is and forever, so that it becomes unlawful + for him to retract his offering. He who exemplifies all + Christian virtues to a high degree of excellence, + according to his condition of life, may be called + perfect, and to this perfection all Christians are + called. But, religious, that is, they who live in the + religious state, bind themselves by <i>profession</i> + to aim at living a perfect life. They have heeded + Christ's invitation, "If thou wilt be perfect," and + engaged themselves, under the sanction of the Church, + to the obligation of striving for perfection. + </p> + <p> + No one could claim that all religious men and women are + actually perfect; but they are in the state of + perfection—that is, by virtue of their state and + profession they are bound to the observance of their + vows and rules, which observance, in the course of + time, will be able to lead them to the attainment of + such perfection as weak mortals, with God's grace, can + hope to acquire in this life. In response to Christ's + exhortations, we find throughout the world to-day a + great army of religious men and women, white-robed + Dominicans, brown-garbed Franciscans, followers of St. + Benedict, St. Augustine, St. Alphonsus, St. Vincent de + Paul, and St. De la Salle, the Blessed Madeleine Sophie + Barat, Julie Billiart, Jean Eudes, and of numerous + other saints, who, under the standards of their varied + institutes, march steadily in the footprints of the + lowly Nazarene, Who had not whereon to lay His head. + </p> + <p> + The ambitious Christian boy and girl, then, will aim at + doing their best, and must, if they desire close + companionship with Christ, strive after perfection, for + such is the Master's desire. But should a youth have + further ambitions, and say to himself, "I desire to + distinguish myself in God's service, to lead for Him a + life of action and achievement, wherein my exertions + will bring amplest returns for eternity," will he + refuse to consider the life of the counsels? Will he + not rather ask himself whether this manner of life is + practicable, and possibly even meant and intended for + him? Choose then, my young friend, your sphere of life + but deliberately and carefully, remembering that on + your decision will largely depend your greater + happiness in this world and the next. + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="4">CHAPTER IV</a> + </h1> + <h2> + WHO ARE INVITED? + </h2> + <p> + The boy or girl who is deliberating on a future career + will naturally ask, "Who are invited to the higher + life? Is the invitation extended to all, or limited to + the chosen few?" + </p> + <p> + Let us try to find out the answer to these questions. + One day the disciples of Our Lord having asked Him + (Matt. xix: 11-12) whether it were not better to + abstain from marriage, He replied, "All men take not + this word, but they to whom it is given. . . . He that + can take it, let him take it." St. Paul also writes to + the Corinthians (I Cor. vii: 7-8), "I wish you all to + be as myself, . . . but I say to the unmarried . . . it + is good for them, if they so continue, even as I." + </p> + <p> + Now, let us examine these passages, according to the + interpretations of the Fathers and Doctors of the + Church, so that there will be no danger of reading a + wrong meaning into them. There is question in both + texts of abstaining from marriage, of advising the + unmarried not to marry, which, of course, is equivalent + to advising them to practice perpetual chastity. St. + Paul says clearly and forcibly that he would desire all + to remain unmarried like himself. However, in the next + verse he exempts from his advice those who do not + control themselves. What does he mean by this? There + are some who have strong passions, or who by + self-indulgence have so strengthened their lower nature + and weakened their will-power, that lifelong continence + seems beyond them. Such persons, therefore, who know + from experience that they will not overcome temptation + and sin, or who find the struggle too hard to continue, + he advises to marry. + </p> + <p> + We may now inquire whom Our Lord meant by those "to + whom it is given." Does He mean that the power of + practicing virginal chastity is given only to the + selected few or to the many? St. Chrysostom, + interpreting His words, says that this gift of chastity + "is given to those who choose it of their own accord," + adding that the "necessary help from on high is + prepared for all who wish to be victors in the struggle + with nature" (M. P. G., t. 58, c. 600). <a name= + "#4-1">[1]</a> St. Jerome tells us that this gift "is + given to those who ask it, who wish it and labor to + obtain it" (M. P. L., t. 26, c. 135). St. Basil + explains that "to embrace the evangelical mode of life + is the privilege of every one." (M. P. G., t. 32, c. + 647.) To the sophistical objection that if all persons + practiced virginity marriage would cease, and so the + human race would perish, St. Thomas (Summa, 2a + 2æ, Quæst. 189, art. 7) gives the reply of + St. Jerome, "This virtue is uncommon and desired by + comparatively few"; and then adds, "This fear is just + as foolish as that of one who hesitates to take a drink + of water, for fear of drying up the river." + </p> + <p> + Can it be said, then, that every boy and girl, with the + exception noted by St. Paul, is advised and exhorted to + preserve virginal chastity throughout life? To + understand aright the answer to this question, we must + remember that there are two general courses of life, + the married and the unmarried, open to all; every + person necessarily being found in the one or the other. + And each individual of the race is privileged to make a + free and voluntary choice of either condition; no one + having the right to interfere with this personal + liberty, by forbidding or prescribing wedlock to any + properly qualified person. + </p> + <p> + Both these states have been created by God, and both + are His gifts to man. The nuptial tie, elevated to the + dignity of a sacrament, is likened by St. Paul to the + union existing between Christ and the Church. "A + prudent wife," says the Book of Proverbs (xix: 14), "is + properly from the Lord." Whoever marries "in the Lord" + performs a virtuous act, and the Church, to show her + appreciation and approbation of it, invests the wedding + contract with a rich and hallowed ceremonial. They, + then, who wed do something pleasing to God; but they + who, for virtue's sake, forego their natural right of + marrying, make an offering still more grateful to Him. + </p> + <p> + This is the doctrine in the abstract. But in its + application to individual cases we find some so + situated, so hampered by their own temperament and + disposition, or by actual conditions about them, that a + life of perfect continence seems impracticable for + them. One, for instance, who yearns for the safety and + seclusion of the cloister, and yet sees its doors + closed against him for some reason, feels himself + constrained to take refuge from the storm and stress of + the world in the sanctuary of marriage. On such persons + the Creator does not impose a burden above their + strength. Wishing us to be happy and content even in + this life, as well as the next, He asks of us here only + a "reasonable service." + </p> + <p> + Guided by these principles, the great majority of the + faithful in all ages have deemed it prudent and + expedient for them to marry. And the wisdom and + prudence of their choice God approves and commends. For + His Providence manifests itself to us in all the events + and circumstances of life, dwelling alike in the fall + of the leaf and the roll of the wave, and speaking to + our hearts by the voice of all creatures. While, then, + external or internal impediments may prevent some from + hearkening to Christ's call, and their own will may + deter others, His invitation of <i>itself</i> does not + exclude any; it is general, ever waiting for those able + and willing to accept it. + </p> + <p> + But does not a person have to feel a special call + before binding himself to perpetual chastity? To answer + this let us suppose that one is considering the + advisability of daily attendance at Mass or of total + abstinence from intoxicating liquor. In themselves + these are good works and under proper advice a person + might engage himself to their performance. Grace would + be required for them, as for every other act of + supernatural virtue, but no one would say that to + assume such obligations a special call from heaven is + prerequisite. Now, chastity is governed by the same + laws as other virtues, by the same laws as + mortification, alms-deeds and works of charity. Every + virtuous act requires two things, the grace and the + will to cooperate with the grace; and these two are + also the only requisites for the exercise of + continence; a special inspiration being no more + necessary for it than for perpetual abstinence from + meat or spirituous liquors. + </p> + <p> + Lifelong virginity is, of course, a higher, nobler and + more far-reaching virtue than the others mentioned, but + it involves no special personal call. If this were + required, in addition to the general invitation of + Scripture, the doctrine of the Fathers that all are + invited could scarcely be true. If all are invited, + then he who wishes must have the power to accept the + invitation. If two calls are necessary, one general and + the other particular, he who has only the first may be + said to have only half an invitation, which seems very + absurd, and certainly is contrary to the practically + unanimous teaching of the Fathers. + </p> + <p> + St. Thomas tells us: "We should accept the words of + Christ which are given in Scripture as if we heard them + from the mouth of Christ. . . . The counsel (to + perfection) is to be followed by each one not less than + if it came from the Lord's mouth to each one + personally. (Opusc. 17, c. 9.) And even granted that + the devil urges one to enter religious life, it is a + good work, and there is no danger in yielding to his + impulse." (Opusc. 17, c. 10.) + </p> + <p> + Taking these words of the Angelic Doctor for our + guidance, we realize that the invitation and + exhortation of St. Paul is general, that it embraces + all unmarried persons who feel the well-grounded hope + within them that with God's grace they can live up to + it. + </p> + <p> + We may go further and say that, as St. Paul was + speaking not his own doctrine, but the doctrine of + Christ, which is unchangeable, it applies equally + to-day. So one who is convinced that no obstacle, + except his own will, prevents his acceptance of the + Apostle's advice, can readily imagine Christ standing + before him and saying, "My child, you should be more + pleasing to Me were you to remain unmarried for My + sake." If Jesus Christ really stood before you, dear + reader, and thus addressed you, what would be your + reply? There can be no doubt that it would be prompt + and in accordance with His wish. You would say, "If God + so loves me as to make a suggestion to me, as to sue + for my undivided heart, I shall be only too glad to + give Him all I have, to make any sacrifice for His + sake." But God does speak thus, through the mouth of + the Apostle, to all who are "zealous for the better + gifts." + </p> + <p> + Now, what says your heart? Will it reject the special + love Christ offers? He says, "I give you the choice of + two gifts, matrimony or virginity; virginity is by far + the more precious—but take which you wish." Will + you be so irresponsive as to reply, "Give me the lesser + gift; Thy best treasures and best love bestow on my + companions"? + </p> + <p> + Speak thus if you are so minded. God will love you + still; but can you be surprised if He cherish other + generous souls more? Take or reject virginity as you + like. It is yours for the taking, but if you reject it + do not say, "I have no call, no invitation to the + higher life." You have the invitation now, in common + with other Christians; and the great-souled ones are + they who accept it, for "many are called, but few are + chosen." + </p> + <p> + It may now be asked whether what has been said about + the observance of chastity applies also to poverty and + obedience. Spiritual writers tell us that the full and + entire evangelical life includes all these three + counsels, and that the principles on which one rests + are common to all. Christ in His call invites those who + are not hindered by insuperable obstacles, to follow + Him in the practice of all the counsels, the reason for + all being the same, namely, to sacrifice everything for + His sake. It is evident, however, that there may be + more hindrances to the observance of all three counsels + than to the keeping of only one. Some religious orders, + for example, on account of their special work, may + demand from applicants health, or youth, or talent, or + learning, or other qualifications, which every person + does not possess. For community life, too, a peaceable + temper and agreeable manners are usually necessary. + Moreover, one may be so bound by obligations of justice + and charity to his parents or others, that he cannot + leave them. <a name="#4-2">[2]</a> The general + principle, however, is fixed and sure, that the clarion + call to the practice of the counsels is in itself + general, and applicable to all who are not hindered by + circumstances or impediments from accepting it. No + further special invitation is necessary. You who are + free have the invitation—take it if you wish. + </p><br> + <p> + <a name="4-1">[1]</a> This and similar references are + to the Migne edition of the Greek and Latin Fathers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="4-2">[2]</a> It may still be possible, + however, for a person who is prevented from entering + community life, to practice the counsels while living + in the world. + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="5">CHAPTER V</a> + </h1> + <h2> + DOES CHRIST WANT ME? + </h2> + <p> + Said a boy one day, "How in the world does a person + ever know he is to be a priest?" This little lad was a + budding philosopher: he wanted to know the reason of + things. But many an older person has been puzzled by + the same question. Some boys and girls, having a + distorted notion of the nature of a vocation, imagine + that Almighty God picks out certain persons, without + consulting them, and destines them for the priesthood + or religious life, whereas all other persons he + excludes from this privilege. In other words, they + think God does it all. + </p> + <p> + Of course, we know there is an overruling Providence, + Who watches over all His creatures, and particularly + over His elect, distributing His graces and favors as + He wills, and bringing all things to their appointed + ends. If, for instance, a boy is blind, and for this + reason no religious congregation will accept him, it is + apparent that God does not design him for the religious + life, though even for him the private practice of the + counsels might still be open. + </p> + <p> + But we must not imagine that God settles everything in + this world independently of our free will. He wishes us + not to steal, but we may, if we choose, become thieves. + Two boys of the same qualifications, let us say, have + the general invitation of the Scripture to a life of + perfection; they both have the same grace, which one + accepts and the other rejects. What makes the vocation + in the one case? The action of the boy himself in + choosing to follow the invitation. And why has not the + other boy a vocation? Because he declines to correspond + with the grace. God does His part; He issues the call + to all who are free from impediment and hindrance. Any + one who wishes can accept the call and thus, in a + sense, make his own vocation, for God's necessary help + is ever ready to hand for those who will use it. + </p> + <p> + We may here remark that, while the practice of all + virtue comes from man's free will, it also springs in a + higher and greater degree from God, the author of + grace. Without Him we can do nothing. "Who + distinguisheth thee? Or what hast thou that thou hast + not received?" asks St. Paul (I Cor. iv: 7). God's + grace must necessarily precede and accompany every + supernatural action. In a very true sense, while a + religious may say: "I am such voluntarily of my own + free choice," he must also admit, "I am a religious by + the grace of God, Who prepared me, aided me by external + and internal helps, enlightened my mind and + strengthened my will to embrace the life He designs for + me." + </p> + <p> + In much the same way, a daily communicant may say: "It + is of my own accord and wish that I receive daily, but + it is God's predilection that has prompted me to this + design, given me the opportunity and strength of + purpose to carry it out, and keeps me faithful to it, + so that it is by His grace and Providence that I am a + daily communicant." Countless others could adopt the + same practice, were they not too sluggish or + indifferent to ask for or correspond with the grace of + doing so. + </p> + <p> + Most ordinary vocations have several stages of + development. Very many persons, with all the qualities + required for the evangelical life, and unimpeded by any + obstacle, begin to consider, under the influence of + grace, the advisability of embracing that kind of life. + This may be called the remote stage of a vocation. One + who finds himself in this condition of mind, if he + prays for light and guidance, is faithful to duty and + generous in the service of God, may be enabled by a + further enlightenment of grace to perceive that this + life is best for him, and consequently that it will be + more pleasing to God for him to adopt it, and finally + he may decide to do so. Such a one has a proximate + vocation, the only further step required being to carry + out his purpose. This decision, be it observed, is the + result of the action of his free will, aided by + efficacious grace, which is a mark of God's special + love. + </p> + <p> + A little illustration may assist us to get a clearer + idea of the matter. Suppose Christ were to walk into + your class-room, how would He act? Would He pick out + four or five pupils and say, "I wish you to be + religious, the others I do not want, and I forbid them + such aspirations?" Do you think our loving, gentle + Redeemer would speak in this harsh way? And yet some + good, but ill-informed Christians think this a faithful + representation of God's method of action in this + important matter. + </p> + <p> + How, then, would Christ really address the class? He + would say, "My dear children, I want as many of you as + possible to follow closely in My footsteps, to become + perfect. I should be glad to have all of you, who are + not prevented by some insuperable obstacle, such as + ill-health, lack of talent, home difficulties, or + extreme giddiness of character. I hope to have a large + number of volunteers." How many children in that + class-room, do you think, would joyfully hold up their + hands, and beg Him to take them? + </p> + <p> + Now, this is truly the way God acts with the individual + soul. He comes to it perhaps not once only but + repeatedly, and makes the general offer, using for this + purpose the living voice of His minister, or the + written page, or a prompting impulse from within. And + when God's desire is so manifested, all that the soul + needs is to cooperate with grace, if it will. + </p> + <p> + That this interpretation of the general call of + Scripture to a higher life is in accord with sound + doctrine, we can perceive from St. Thomas, who says + that the resolution of entering the religious state, + whether it comes from the general invitation of + Scripture or an internal impulse, is to be approved. + And in his "Catena Aurea," commenting on St. Matt. xix, + he quotes St. Chrysostom, who holds that "the reason + all do not take Christ's advice is because they do not + wish to do so." The words "to whom it is given," + according to this Greek father, show that "unless we + received the help of grace, the exhortation would + profit us nothing. But this help of grace is not denied + to those who wish it." + </p> + <p> + This is also the teaching of St. Ignatius in his + "Spiritual Exercises," where he designates three + occasions in which to elect a state of life: the first, + when God appeals to the soul in some extraordinary way; + the second, when grace moves the heart by consolation + and desolation, and the third, when the soul without + any special motion of grace, "that is, when not + agitated by diverse spirits, makes use of its natural + powers" to elect the state of life which seems best + suited to the praise of God and the salvation of one's + soul. Evidently a vocation decided in the + last-mentioned time, implies no special call beyond the + general scriptural invitation and the determination to + accept it. + </p> + <p> + Some one may ask how it is then that so many virtuous + boys and girls, endowed with all needful + qualifications, prompt and ready to respond to the + suggestions of grace, yet have no efficacious desire of + the higher life. It is not for us to search into the + secrets of hearts, nor to penetrate into the mystery of + grace and free-will. The Spirit breatheth where He + wills, and God distributes to each man his own proper + gift. But, at least, one thing seems certain, that many + fail to recognize God's will, because they expect it to + be manifested in some extraordinary or palpable manner. + Perhaps, too, they have prepossessions against it, they + have already marked out their own career, they never + think about the counsels, or pray for guidance. If all + our young people only realized that Christ's invitation + is general and meant for them, provided no impediment + exist, and they wish to embrace it; if at the same time + they kept their hearts free from worldly amusements, + and applied themselves to prayer and self-control, + volunteers in greater number would rally to Christ's + standard. + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="6">CHAPTER VI</a> + </h1> + <h2> + "I FEEL NO ATTRACTION" + </h2> + <p> + Some boys and girls, with hearts of gold, have often + said: "I feel no attraction for the higher life. I + appreciate it, admire it, and yet I fear it is not for + me, as I have no inclination to it. If God wanted me, + He would so perceptibly draw me to Him that there could + be no mistaking His designs." + </p> + <p> + Almighty God is wonderful in His ways, and He "draws + all things to Himself," but by methods varying as the + temperaments and characteristics of the human soul. + Sometimes He speaks to His chosen ones in thunder + tones, as when He struck down St. Paul from his horse, + on the road to Damascus, saying from heaven, "Saul, + Saul, why persecutest thou me? . . . It is hard for + thee to kick against the goad." (Acts ix: 4.) Again He + speaks in gentle accents, as to St. Matthew, the + publican, when he sat at his door taking customs, + saying to him, "Follow me!" At other times He seems + silent and indifferent, standing quietly by, letting + reason and conscience argue within us, and point out + our line of action. + </p> + <p> + There is what is called vocation by attraction, and + also such a thing as vocation by conviction. Some of + the great saints from earliest childhood felt a strong, + irresistible charm in the higher life; they were drawn + by the golden chain of love to the cloister. "I have + never in my life," said a boy, "thought of being + anything but a religious." Some young people have no + difficulty in making up their minds to follow Christ, + their whole bent of thought and character being for the + nobler life. Like Stanislaus, they ever say, "I was + born for higher things." It was such a precocious + disposition of heart that led St. Teresa to foreshadow + her saintly career when, as a little girl, she ran away + from home to become a hermit. + </p> + <p> + But feeling is not always a trustworthy guide, either + in temporal or spiritual matters; reason, slow but + sure, is generally much safer. You feel the fascination + of worldly things, of company and society, fine + clothes, luxuries and comforts, the dazzling stage of + life with its applause of men. Is that a sign God + destines you for worldly vanities? Quite the contrary, + for all Christians are warned against the seductions of + the world and the flesh; and the life of the counsels + is essentially a constant struggle with nature and its + allurements. "The kingdom of heaven," we are told, + "suffers violence, and the violent bear it away." + </p> + <p> + If the following of Christ were easy and agreeable to + the senses, where would be the merit and reward of it? + Just in proportion as it involves effort and the + overcoming of natural repugnance, does it become high + and sublime. "Do not think," says Our Lord (Matt. x: + 34), "that I came to send peace upon earth: I came not + to send peace, but the sword. For I came to set a man + at variance with his father, and the daughter with her + mother. . . . He that loveth father or mother more than + me, is not worthy of me." + </p> + <p> + Natural antipathy then to the higher life, far from + indicating that God does not want us, merely shows that + the inferior powers of the soul are striving against + the superior. In fact, when this aversion becomes + pronounced, it is sometimes evidence of a keen strife + going on within us between nature and grace, which + could scarcely happen unless grace were endeavoring to + gain the mastery by winning us to Christ. + </p> + <p> + "But," it may be objected, "if nature rebels, does not + God always give a counter supernatural attraction to + those whom He calls, so as to smooth the way before + them?" Certainly God gives the necessary grace to + perform good actions, but grace is not always + accompanied by sensible consolation. Suppose a boy is + chided by his parents for a fault and he is tempted to + deny it; but overcoming the suggestion he admits his + wrong-doing and expresses sorrow for it. In this he + acts bravely and with no sense of accompanying + satisfaction, since the pain of his parents' + displeasure is so keen as to overcome for the moment + any other feeling. His action is prompted simply by the + conviction of duty. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, if a young man knows and clearly sees that + he has every qualification for the religious life, and + has even been told so by a competent adviser; if he has + sufficient talent and learning, a steady disposition + and virtuous habits, and the persuasion that the duties + of this state are not above his strength; in short, if + he is convinced that there is no obstacle, save his own + will, between him and the higher life, can he truly + say, "I feel no inclination to such a career, and + therefore, I have no vocation"? Such a person, of + course, is free to say, "I will not enter religion," + because there is no obligation incumbent upon him to + this state, but he cannot justly say that God withholds + from him the opportunity or invitation to do so. He has + already what is called a remote vocation, as was + explained in the fifth chapter, and what he needs is a + clearer vision and alacrity of will, which he may have + good hope of obtaining by earnest prayer and a generous + and insistent offering of self to the disposal of the + Divine good pleasure. For Our Lord Himself tells us: + "All things whatsoever you ask when ye pray, believe + that you shall receive, and they shall come unto you." + (Mark xi: 24.) + </p> + <p> + Remove then, my dear young friend, from your mind that + false and pernicious notion, which has been destructive + of so many incipient vocations, that because you feel + no supernatural inclination or sensible attraction, you + are not called of God. + </p> + <p> + In general, it is sufficient that the aspirant to + religious life be free from impediments, and be + desirous of entering it. For eligibility to a + particular religious congregation the applicant must be + fit, that is, he must have the gifts or endowments of + mind, heart and body which that institute demands; his + desire to enter must be based on good and solid motives + drawn from reason and faith, and he must have the firm + resolve to persevere in the observance of the rule. + When to this subjective capacity is added the + acceptance of the candidate by a lawful superior, his + vocation becomes complete. + </p> + <p> + The requisites, then, are three, two on the part of the + applicant, namely, fitness and an upright intention, + and one on the part of the superior, the acceptance or + call. Nothing more, nothing less is required. If any + one of these three essentials is wanting, there is no + vocation to that particular institute. + </p> + <p> + It is worthy of observation, however, that these + qualifications of the applicant need be fully evident + only towards the end of the novitiate, when the time + comes for taking the vows and assuming the obligations. + To enter the noviceship, as a rule, much less is + required, though even for this preparatory step a + person must have the serious intention of trying the + life and discovering whether it is suitable to him, and + there should be a reasonable prospect of his developing + the needful qualifications. + </p> + <p> + For spiritual directors, then, to regard a vocation as + something exceeding rare and intricate, to subject the + candidate and his conscience to searching and critical + analysis, to harassing cross-examination and prolonged + tests, as though he were a criminal entertaining a fell + project, to endeavor to probe into the secret workings + of grace within him, is only to cloud in fatal + obscurity an otherwise very simple subject. + </p> + <p> + A high-souled youth or maiden may still be deterred by + the thought, "I now see that I have all the necessary + qualifications for the higher life, and hence may + embrace it if I choose, but I fear it will be too + difficult for me to carry the yoke without sensible + devotion or consolation." In answer to this, we must + remember that a hundredfold in this world and life + everlasting in the next are promised to those who leave + all to follow Christ. In this hundredfold are included + many privileges and favors bestowed by God upon His + chosen spouses. Make the effort, overcome nature, + decide to embrace God's offer, and you will find + yourself overwhelmed by a deluge of spiritual + consolations, which God has been withholding from you + to try your generosity and courage; you will experience + the truth of Christ's words, "My yoke is sweet, and my + burden light." Sensible consolations, in fact, nearly + always follow the performance of a virtuous act, but + seldom do they precede it. A hungry person, before + sitting down to table, may feel cross and out of humor, + but as soon as he begins to partake of the generous + viands a feeling of genial content and satisfaction + with all the world steals over him. + </p> + <p> + It would, of course, be an error for any one to think + that of his own natural powers he could observe the + counsels; since this, being a supernatural work, + demands strength above nature. But he who feels + helpless of himself, should place his entire trust and + confidence in God's grace and assistance, saying, with + the Apostle, "I can do all things in him who + strengthened me" (Ph. iv: 13). + </p> + <p> + Come, then, to the banquet prepared for you by the + great King. Regale yourself with the spiritual viands + set before you, and not only will you be strengthened + to do God's will, but transported beyond measure with + spiritual delights. + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="7">CHAPTER VII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + "SUPPOSE I MAKE A MISTAKE?" + </h2> + <p> + A young man once exclaimed to a friend, "Suppose I make + a mistake! I could not bear the disgrace of leaving a + religious order after entering it." Having wrestled + with this thought for some time, he finally determined + to try the religious life, with the result that after + taking the habit, he was too happy to dream of ever + laying it aside. + </p> + <p> + However, it is not wrong, but highly prudent, for any + one to consider whether he has the courage and + constancy to persevere. Religious life is not a pathway + of roses. It is meant only for true men and valiant + women, not for soft, languid characters, nor for fickle + minds, which change as a weather vane. Marriage also is + a serious step, for it brings much "tribulation of the + flesh," and so he who would enter on it must earnestly + consider whether he can live up to the obligations it + entails. But because marriage has many cares and + responsibilities, is that a prohibitive reason against + embracing it? A soldier's life, too, is hard, and a + farmer's; in fact, all pursuits and vocations in this + world have their sombre side. But he who would win + success in any career must be ready "with a heart for + any fate" to meet and overcome all the trials and + hardships that await him. + </p> + <p> + On one occasion Our Lord made use of the following + parable (Luke xiv: 28): "Which of you having a mind to + build a tower, doth not first sit down and reckon the + charges that are necessary, whether he have wherewithal + to finish it: lest after he hath laid the foundation, + and is not able to finish it, all that see it begin to + mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not + able to finish'?" This parable Our Lord seems to apply + to those who have the call to the Faith, and He + concludes with the words, "So likewise every one of you + that doth not renounce all that he possesseth, cannot + be my disciple." + </p> + <p> + But His advice is also applicable to one who + contemplates a closer following of Christ by the + pathway of the counsels. Certainly, by all means, + deliberate before taking any step of importance in this + world. Never act on inconsiderate impulse in any matter + of moment, but weigh carefully the obligations you are + to assume, and consider whether you have sufficient + strength of character to persevere in any good work you + are undertaking. + </p> + <p> + Still, when all is said and done, it remains true that + timidity is not prudence, nor cowardice caution. + Nothing great was ever accomplished in this world + without courage. Prudence and caution may be overdone, + and easily degenerate into sloth and inactivity. In a + battle he who hesitates is lost, and life is the + sharpest of conflicts. Had Columbus wavered, he would + not have discovered America. Close followers of Christ + must be brave and noble souls, willing to risk all, to + sacrifice all in the service of their leader. If you + are excessively timid and fearful of making a misstep + in your every action, it is a fault of character, and + unless you overcome it you will never do great things + for yourself or others. + </p> + <p> + When reason and conscience point the way, plunge boldly + forward, trusting to the Lord for all the necessary + helps you may need to carry out your designs. He will + never desert you when once you enlist under His flag. + When it comes to "supposing," there is no end to the + dreadful things that <i>might</i> happen, but never + <i>will</i>. Little children have a game called + "supposing," each one making his supposition in turn, + but even they do not anticipate that their creations of + fancy will ever prove true. A man once said: "I have + lived forty years, and have had many troubles, but most + of them never happened," meaning that he had often + anticipated and dreaded evils which never came to pass. + </p> + <p> + Let us, however, grant that occasionally a novice + leaves his order: is that such a disgrace? By no means; + he, at least, deserves credit for attempting the higher + life. He is far more courageous than many Christians + who are too timorous even to try. After all, what is a + novitiate for, if not to discover whether the candidate + has the requisite qualities? And judicious superiors + will be the first to advise a young man or woman to + leave, if he or she has wandered into the wrong place. + </p> + <p> + There is, moreover, a danger on the opposite side that + wavering souls often fail to take into account. What if + they make a mistake by not entering religious life? Is + it better to err on the side of generosity to God, or + on the side of pusillanimity? If one make a mistake by + entering religion he can easily retrace his steps + before it is too late, but once he commits himself to + worldly obligations, he can seldom break their fetters; + and many a man, when overwhelmed with the cares and + anxieties of life, has regretted, when all too late, + that he had not hearkened to the voice of grace that + invited him to the calm and peace of the cloister. + </p> + <p> + St. Ignatius thus forcibly expresses the same thought: + "More certain signs are required to decide that God + wills one to remain in the secular state, than that He + wishes him to enter on the way of the counsels, for the + Lord so openly urged the counsels, while He insisted on + the great dangers of the other state." (Directory, c. + 23.) + </p> + <p> + The devil, who employs every ruse to wreck a vocation, + has one favorite stratagem, which unfortunately + succeeds only too often. When he cannot induce a person + to give up entirely the idea of following Christ + closely, he frequently induces him, under a variety of + pretexts, to postpone its execution. If he can get the + person to wait, to delay, he feels he has scored a + victory, for thus he will have ample opportunity to + lure his victim to a love of the world, to present the + vanities of life in such enticing colors, as finally to + withdraw him altogether from his first purpose. This + disaster, unfortunately, is only too common, and many a + one finds out, to his cost, that unseasonable delay has + destroyed in him the spiritual savor, and made + shipwreck of his vocation. + </p> + <p> + If, then, you see clearly it is best for you to tread + the pathway of the counsels, go boldly on without delay + or hesitation, and if difficulties loom big before you, + they will fade away at your approach, like the fog + before the sun; or, if they remain, you will be + surprised at the ease with which you will vanquish + them, for when the Lord is with you, who will be + against you? You will be guarded against possible + rashness in choosing the higher life by consulting a + prudent director or confessor, at least, so far as to + get his approval of the step you propose to take. For + the knowledge such a one has of the secrets of your + conscience gives him a specially favorable opportunity + to judge whether you have the virtue and determination + of character to persevere in the pathway of the + counsels. + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="8">CHAPTER VIII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + "THE WORLD NEEDS ME" + </h2> + <p> + Some young people endeavor to persuade themselves that + as the world needs good men, they can better serve + Church and State by remaining in the secular life. The + world, of course, does need good men and women, and it + has them, too; but even if there were a dearth of good + Christian laymen, is that any reason for you to refuse + God's invitation and sacrifice your own spiritual + advancement and happiness in order to help others? Our + first duty is to ourselves. Are we to be so enamored of + benefiting others as to forego God's special love, and + to rest satisfied with a lower place in heaven? God + invites you to Him, and you turn away to devote + yourselves to others, who perhaps care little for you, + and will profit less by your example. + </p> + <p> + And, moreover, once absorbed in the business and cares + of life, you may find yourself, like most others, so + preoccupied in your own personal advancement, in + providing for yourself and those dependent on you, that + scarce a thought remains for the interests of your + neighbor. And thus your initial high resolve may soon + sink to the low level of beneficent effort you see in + others. Selfishness, to a large extent, rules in the + world, and how can you promise yourself that you will + escape its grasp? He certainly is rash who thinks he + can, single-handed, contend against the world and its + spirit. + </p> + <p> + No doubt many men and women of the world are devout + Christians, and in a thousand ways spread about them + the good odor of Christ. Countless brave Christian + soldiers, upright statesmen, kings and peasants, + matrons and maids, are the pride of Christianity for + what they have done and dared in behalf of their + neighbor. All honor to the virtuous laity throughout + the world to-day, who by their edifying lives, their + sacrifices for the faith, their unwearying industry, + and fidelity to Mother Church, are sanctifying their + own souls, and assisting others by example, counsel and + charitable deed. + </p> + <p> + But for every layman that has distinguished himself by + heroic devotion to the welfare of his neighbor, many + religious could be mentioned who have done the same. We + have all heard of Father Damien, who banished himself + to the isle of Molokai, where the outcast lepers of the + Sandwich Islands had been herded to rot and die; and + there taking up his abode, soon changed the lepers, who + were living like wild beasts, without law or morality, + into gentle and fervent Christians. Having no priest as + a companion, he on one occasion rowed out to a passing + steamer, which was not allowed to land, to make his + confession to a bishop aboard. And while he sat in his + row boat, because forbidden to climb into the vessel, + and shouted his sins to the bishop on the deck above, + the passengers looking curiously on, he certainly must + have been a spectacle to men and angels. And his + sacrifice became complete when he contracted the + leprosy from his people, and thus gave up his life for + his flock. + </p> + <p> + Nor is this a solitary instance of such magnanimity. A + short time ago, when a Canadian bishop entered a + convent and called for volunteers to start a leper + hospital, every nun stood up to offer her services. You + have heard of the great Apostle of the Indies, St. + Francis Xavier, who is said to have baptized more than + a million pagans. St. Teresa, the mystic, was not + prevented by her cloister and her ecstacies from + helping her neighbor, for she founded a large number of + convents, both for men and women. Blessed Margaret Mary + was only a simple nun in the Visitation Convent of + Paray-le-Monial, yet God chose her to make known and + spread the great devotion of the Sacred Heart, a + devotion which has brought more comfort and consolation + to sorrowing humanity than the combined philanthropic + efforts of a century. God took a gay cavalier, whose + only ambition was to wear foppish clothes and thrum a + guitar, made him into a friar, and bade him found the + great Franciscan Order, whose glorious works for + mankind cannot be enumerated. + </p> + <p> + And if we ponder the nature of religious life, the + marvels accomplished by simple religious cease to + astonish us. One who devotes the major portion of his + time and attention to a definite object will certainly + attain great results. Now, most religious seek their + own sanctification in concentrating their energies on + the welfare of their neighbor, in ever studying, + working, planning for his betterment. The love of God, + as shown in charity to others, is the absorbing purpose + of their life. On the other hand, the man of the world + must generally care first and foremost for himself and + family, and only the time he has left, incidentally as + it were, can he bestow upon others. + </p> + <p> + This point is thus forcibly expressed by St. Paul (I + Cor. vii: 32-34): "He who is unmarried is solicitous + for the things of the Lord, how he may please God. But + he who is married is solicitous for the things of the + world, how he may please his wife; and he is divided. + And the woman, unmarried and a virgin, thinketh on the + things of the Lord, that she may be holy in body and + soul. But she who is married, thinketh on the things of + the world, how she may please her husband." + </p> + <p> + The works of the religious orders are varied and + numerous. Some care for the outcasts of society, some + for the sick or the old, the orphan and the homeless; + others, leaving the comforts and conveniences of modern + life, cheerfully face the danger and hardships of + remotest lands to bring the light of the Gospel to + pagan nations. More than a million Chinese to-day are + fervent Christians, and to whom do they owe their faith + under God? To religious missionaries. The Benedictines + of old spent their lives in the pursuit of learning, + and in teaching barbarous tribes the art of husbandry. + The glorious Knights Templar were a militant order; and + the members of the Order of the Blessed Trinity for the + redemption of captives, the first to wear our national + colors of freedom, the red, white and blue, sold + themselves into slavery for the release of others. + Scarcely a want or need of the human race has not been + provided for by some religious body. + </p> + <p> + But probably the most common pursuit of religious + bodies in our day is teaching. Hundreds of thousands of + religious men and women, in all lands whence they are + not banished, spend their lives in the class-room. And + the reason for this preference is the extraordinary + demand for schools in every direction. The young must + be taught, and Holy Mother Church knows only too well + that religious training must be woven into the fibre of + secular learning if we would not have a conscienceless + and irreligious generation. So she issues her stirring + appeal for volunteer teachers, and a vast multitude of + religious have responded in solid phalanx. Some one has + said that if all the sisterhoods were taken out of our + schools in the United States, we should soon have to + close half our churches. + </p> + <p> + Religious, then, are carrying on vast and important + works for the benefit of the Church and society. Many + other services which they render might be mentioned, + such as preaching and hearing confessions, the + publication of books and periodicals, the cultivation + of the arts, science, literature and theology. But + enough has been said to show that they are leading a + strenuous life, and that boy or maid, who is emulous of + heart-stirring deeds, could scarcely find a more + propitious field of action than in the religious state. + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="9">CHAPTER IX</a> + </h1> + <h2> + MUST I ACCEPT THE INVITATION? + </h2> + <p> + It is not the purpose of the writer to exaggerate, to + frighten or coerce persons into religious life, by + holding out threats of God's displeasure to those who + refuse, or by citing examples of those whose careers + were blighted through failure to heed the Divine call. + It is His desire rather to imitate Christ's manner of + action, portraying the beauty and excellence of virtue, + and then leaving it to the promptings of aspiring + hearts to follow the leadings of grace. + </p> + <p> + Christ, all mildness and meekness as He was, uttered + terrible denunciations against sin and the false + leaders of the people; but nowhere do we read that He + denounced or threatened those who failed to accept His + tender and loving call to the life of perfection. To + draw men's hearts He used not compulsion, but the lure + of kindness and affection. + </p> + <p> + Our Lord sometimes commanded and sometimes counselled + and between these there is a difference. When a command + is given by lawful superiors it must be obeyed, and + that under penalty. God gave the commandments amidst + thunder and lightning on Mount Sinai, and those + commandments, as precepts of the natural law, or + because corroborated in the New Testament, persist in + the main to-day, and any one who violates them, refuses + to keep them, is guilty of disobedience to God, commits + a sin. But when Christ proclaimed the counsels, He was + merely giving advice or exhortation, and hence no one + was obliged to follow them under pain of His + displeasure. Suppose a mother has two sons, who both + obey exactly her every command, and one also takes her + advice in a certain matter, while the other does not; + she will love the second not less, but the first more. + So of two boys, who are both favorites of God, if one + accept and the other decline a proffered vocation, He + will love the latter as before, but the former how much + more tenderly! + </p> + <p> + Moreover, God loves the cheerful giver. By doing, out + of an abundance of charity and fervor, what you are not + obliged to do, you gain ampler merit for yourself, + since you perform more than your duty, and at the same + time you give greater glory to God, showing that He has + willing children, who bound their service to Him by no + bargaining considerations of weight and measure. But + if, through fear of threat or punishment, you make an + offering to God, your gift loses, to an extent, the + worth and spontaneity of a heart-token. + </p> + <p> + Some think that not to accept the invitation to the + counsels, is to show disregard and contempt for God's + grace and favor, and hence sinful. But how does a young + person act when he declines this proffered gift? He + equivalently says, with tears in his eyes, "My Saviour, + I appreciate deeply Thy invitation to the higher life; + I envy my companions who are so courageous as to follow + Thy counsel; but, please be not offended with me if I + have not the courage to imitate their example. I beg + Thee to let me serve Thee in some other way." Is there + anything of contempt in such a reply? No more than if a + child would tearfully pray its mother not to send it + into a dark room to fetch something; and as such a + mother, instead of insisting on her request, would only + kiss away her child's tears, so will God treat one who + weeps because he cannot muster courage to tread closely + in His blood-stained footsteps. + </p> + <p> + The young have little relish for argumentative + quotations and texts, but it may interest them to know + that Saints Basil, Chrysostom, Gregory Nazianzen, + Cyprian, Augustine and other Fathers all speak in a + similar strain, holding that, as a vocation is a free + gift or counsel, it may be declined without sin. + <a name="#9-1">[1]</a> The great Theologians, St. + Thomas, Suarez, Bellarmine and Cornelius a Lapide also + agree on this point. + </p> + <p> + But putting aside the question of sin, we must admit + that one who clearly realizes that the religious life + is best for him and consequently more pleasing to God, + would, by neglecting to avail himself of this grace, + betray a certain ungenerosity of soul and a lack of + appreciation of spiritual things, in depriving himself + of a gift which would be the source of so many graces + and spiritual advantages. + </p> + <p> + Do not, then, dear reader, embrace the higher life + merely from motives of fear—which were unworthy + an ingenuous child of God—but rather to please + the Divine Majesty. You are dear to Him, dearer than + the treasures of all the world. He loves you so much + that He died for you, and now He asks you in return to + nestle close to His heart, where He may ever enfold His + arms about you, and lavish his blandishments upon your + soul. Will you come to Him, your fresh young heart + still sweet with the dew of innocence, and become His + own forevermore? Will you say farewell to creatures, + and rest upon that Bosom whose love and tenderness for + you is high as the stars, wide as the universe, and + deep as the sea? Come to the tender embraces of your + heavenly spouse, and heaven will have begun for you on + earth. + </p><br> + <p> + <a name="9-1">[1]</a> The hypothetical case, sometimes + mentioned by casuists, of one who is convinced that for + him salvation outside of religion is impossible, can + here safely be passed over as unpractical for young + readers. + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="10">CHAPTER X</a> + </h1> + <h2> + I AM TOO YOUNG + </h2> + <p> + Many a young person, when confronted with the thought + of his vocation, puts it out of mind, with the off-hand + remark, "Oh, there is plenty of time to consider that; + I am too young, and have had no experience of the + world." This method of procedure is summary, if not + judicious, and it meets with the favor of some parents, + who fear, as they think, to lose their children. It was + also evidently highly acceptable to Luther, who is + quoted by Bellarmine as teaching that no one should + enter religious life until he is seventy or eighty + years of age. + </p> + <p> + In deciding a question of this nature, however, we + should not allow our prepossessions to bias our + judgment, nor take without allowance the opinion of + those steeped in worldly wisdom, but lacking in + spiritual insight. Father William Humphrey, S.J., in + his edition of Suarez's "Religious Life" (page 49), + says: "Looking merely to <i>natural law</i>, it is + lawful at any age freely to offer oneself to the + perpetual service of God. There is no natural principle + by which should be fixed any certain age for such an + act." + </p> + <p> + Christ did not prescribe any age for those who wished + to enter His special service, and He rebuked the + apostles for keeping children from Him, saying, "Let + the little ones come unto Me." And St. Thomas (Summa, + 2a 2æ, Quæst. 189, art. 5), quotes + approvingly the comment of Origen on this text, viz.: + "We should be careful lest in our superior wisdom we + despise the little ones of the Church and prevent them + from coming to Jesus." And speaking in the same article + of St. Gregory's statement that the Roman nobility + offered their sons to St. Benedict to be brought up in + the service of God, the Angelic Doctor approves this + practice on the principle that "it is good for a man to + bear the yoke from his youth," and adds that it is in + accord with the usual "custom of setting boys to the + duties and occupations in which they are to spend their + life." + </p> + <p> + The remark concerning St. Benedict recalls to mind the + interesting fact that in olden times, not only boys of + twelve and fourteen became little monks, but that + children of three, four or five years of age were + brought in their parents' arms and dedicated to the + monasteries. According to the "Benedictine Centuries," + "the reception of a child in those days was almost as + solemn as a profession in our own. His parents carried + him to the church. Whilst they wrapped his hand, which + held the petition, in the sacred linen of the altar, + they promised, in the presence of God and His saints, + stability in his name." These children remained during + infancy and childhood within the monastery enclosure, + and on reaching the age of fourteen, they were given + the choice of returning home, if they preferred, or of + remaining for life. <a href="#10-1">[1]</a> + </p> + <p> + The discipline of the Church, which as a wise Mother, + she modifies to suit the exigencies of time and place, + is somewhat different in our day. The ordinary law now + prohibits religious profession before the age of + sixteen; and the earliest age at which subjects are + commonly admitted is fifteen. Orders which accept + younger candidates, in order to train and prepare them + for reception, cannot, as a rule, clothe them with the + habit. A very recent decree also requires clerical + students to have completed four years' study of Latin + before admission as novices into any order. + </p> + <p> + Persons who object to early entrance into religion seem + to forget that the young have equal rights with their + elders to personal sanctification, and to the use of + the means afforded for this purpose by the Church. It + is now passed into history, how some misguided + individuals forbade frequent Communion to the faithful + at large, and altogether excluded from the Holy Table + children under twelve or fourteen, and this + notwithstanding the plain teaching of the Council of + Trent to the contrary. To correct the error, the Holy + See was obliged to issue decrees on the subject, which + may be styled the charter of Eucharistic freedom for + all the faithful, and especially for children. As the + Eucharist is not intended solely for the mature or + aged, so neither is religious life meant only for the + decrepit, or those who have squandered youth and + innocence. Its portals are open to all the qualified, + and particularly to the young, who wish to bring not a + part of their life only, but the <i>whole</i> of it, + along with youthful enthusiasm and generosity, to God's + service. + </p> + <p> + How many young religious have attained heroic sanctity + which would never have been theirs had religion been + closed against them by an arbitrary or unreasonable age + restriction! A too rigid attitude on this point would + have barred those patrons of youth, Aloysius, + Stanislaus Kostka and Berchmans, from religion and + perhaps even from the honors of the altar. St. Thomas, + the great theological luminary of the Church, was + offered to the Benedictines when five years old, and he + joined the Dominicans at fifteen or sixteen; and St. + Rose of Lima made a vow of chastity at five. The Lily + of Quito, Blessed Mary Ann, made the three vows of + poverty, chastity and obedience before her tenth + birthday, and the Little Flower was a Carmelite at + fifteen. And uncounted others, who lived and died in + the odor of sanctity, dedicated themselves by vow to + the perpetual service of God, while still in the + fragrance and bloom of childhood or youth. + </p> + <p> + "What a pity!" some exclaim, when a youth or maid + enters religion. "How much better for young people to + wait a few years and see something of the world, so + they will know what they are giving up." This is ever + the comment of the worldly spirit, which aims to crush + out entirely spiritual aspirations, and failing in + that, to delay their fulfilment indefinitely. And yet + the wise do not reason similarly in other matters. One + who proposes to cultivate a marked musical talent is + never advised to try his hand first at carpentering or + tailoring, that he may make an intelligent choice + between them. Nor is a promising law student counselled + to spend several years in the study of engineering and + dentistry, to avoid making a possible mistake. Why then + wish a youth, of evident religious inclination, to + mingle in the frivolity and gayeties of the world, with + the certain risk of imbibing its spirit and losing his + spiritual relish? "He who loves the danger," says the + Scripture, "will perish in it." + </p> + <p> + "Yet a vocation should first be tried, and if it cannot + resist temptation, it will never prove constant," is + the worn but oft-repeated reply. As if a parent would + expose his boy to contagion to discover whether his + constitution be strong enough to resist it; or place + him in the companionship of the depraved to try his + virtue and see if it be proof against temptation. No, + the tender sprout must be carefully tended, and + shielded from wind and storm, until it grows into + maturity. In like manner, a young person who desires to + serve God, should be placed in an atmosphere favorable + to the development of his design, and guarded from + sinister influence, until he has acquired stability of + purpose and strength of virtue. + </p> + <p> + There was once in Rome an attractive Cardinal's page of + fourteen who possessed a sunny and lively disposition. + On a solemn occasion his hasty temper led him to resent + the action of another page, and straightway there was a + fight. Immediately, the decorous retinue was thrown + into confusion, and the Cardinal felt himself + disgraced. Peter Ribadeneira, for this was the page's + name, did not wait for developments, he foresaw what + was coming and fled. Not knowing where to go, he + bethought himself of one who was everybody's friend, + Ignatius of Loyola, and with soiled face, torn lace and + drooping plume, he presented himself before him. + Ignatius received him with open arms, and placed him + among the novices. Poor Peter had a hard time in the + novitiate, as his caprices and boisterousness were + always bringing him into trouble. But when grave + Fathers frowned, and the novices were scandalized, + Peter was ever sure of sympathy and forgiveness from + Ignatius, who, in the end, was gratified to see the boy + develop into an able, learned and holy religious. + Peter's vocation was occasioned by his fight, certainly + an unpropitious beginning, but he must have ever been + grateful that, when he applied to Ignatius, he was not + turned away until he had become older and more sedate. + </p> + <p> + Parents or spiritual directors, who, under the pretext + of trying a vocation, put off for two or three years an + aspirant who seems dowered with all necessary + qualities, can scarcely justify themselves in the eyes + of God, such a method being calculated to destroy, not + prove, a vocation. To detain for a few months, however, + one who conceives a sudden notion to enter religion, + for the purpose of discovering whether his intention is + serious, and not merely a passing whim, is only in + accordance with the ordinary rules of prudence. In + connection with this point, the words of bluff and + hearty St. Jerome, who never seemed to grow old or lose + the buoyancy of youth, are often quoted. Giving advice + to one whom he wished to quit the world, he wrote, + "Wait not even to untie the rope that holds your boat + at anchor—cut it." (M. P. L., t. 26, c. 549.) And + Christ's reply to the young man, whom He had invited to + follow Him, and who asked leave to go first and bury + his father, was equally terse: "Let the dead bury their + own dead." (Luke ix: 60.) + </p> + <p> + In a booklet entitled "Questions on Vocations," + published in 1913, by a Priest of the Congregation of + the Mission, the question is asked, "Do not a larger + percentage persevere when subjects enter the religious + state late in life?" And the answer is given: "No; the + records of five of the largest communities of Sisters + in the United States show that a much larger percentage + of subjects persevere among those who enter between the + ages of sixteen and twenty, than among those who enter + when they are older. When persons are twenty years of + age, or older, their characters are more set; their + minds are less pliable; it is harder to unbend and + remould them. The young are more readily formed to + religious discipline." + </p> + <p> + In concluding this chapter on the appropriate age for + entrance into religious life, it may be said that, + after reaching the prescribed age of fifteen, the + sooner an otherwise properly qualified person enters + the nearer he seems to approach the ideals and + traditionary practice of the Church, and the better he + will provide for his own spiritual welfare. + </p> + <p> + <a name="10-1">[1]</a> It would seem that for the space + of two centuries, this freedom of choice was not + offered them. + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="11">CHAPTER XI</a> + </h1> + <h2> + THE PRIESTHOOD + </h2> + <p> + The High Priest of the New Law, St. Paul tells the + Hebrews, is Christ. And the Christian priesthood, which + He instituted, is a participation and extension of His + office and ministry. The commemoration of the same + sacrifice which was once offered upon the cross for the + sins of the world is daily renewed on our altars from + the rising to the setting of the sun. The Christian + priest, in the language of spiritual writers, is + "another Christ," taking His place amongst men, + perpetually renewing, as it were, the Incarnation in + the Sacrifice of the Mass, preaching the word, and + applying the fruits of Redemption through the channels + of the sacraments. + </p> + <p> + In common estimation, the dignity of a man is reckoned + by the character of the office he fills or the duties + entrusted to him. Judged by this standard, no worldly + dignity can compare with that of the priesthood, whose + authority comes from God, and whose powers, + transcending earth, reach back to heaven. "Speak not of + the royal purple," says St. Chrysostom, "of diadems, of + golden vestures—these are but shadows, frailer + than the flowers of spring, compared to the power and + privileges of the priesthood." + </p> + <p> + And whence arises, we may ask, this incomparable + dignity of the priest? First of all, from his power to + roll back the heavens, and bring down upon the altar + the Majesty of the Deity, attended by an angelic train. + "The Blessed Virgin," St. Vincent Ferrer informs us, + "opened heaven only once, the priest does so at every + Mass." Exalted is the sovereignty of kings who rule a + nation, but more sublime the power which commands the + King of kings, and is obeyed. Who could conceive, did + not Faith teach it, that mortal man were capable of + elevation to such a pitch of glory? No wonder St. + Chrysostom was betrayed by this thought into the + rhapsody: "When you behold the Lord immolated and lying + on the altar, and the priest standing over the + sacrifice and praying and all the people empurpled by + that precious blood, do you imagine that you are still + on earth amongst men and not rather rapt up to heaven?" + </p> + <p> + The second great prerogative of the priest is to + forgive sins. Christ having one day said to a + paralytic, "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee" (Luke v: + 20), some of the bystanders marvelled, thinking within + themselves, "Who can forgive sins, but God alone?" Yea, + truly is this a Divine power, but these critics failed + to comprehend the Divinity of Christ, and that all + power was given to Him in heaven and on earth. And His + power to remit sins has descended to the priest, in the + imposition of hands. At Christ's will lepers were + cleansed, and once more felt the pulsation of health + tingling through their veins; but more wondrous still + the word of the priest which causes the scales of the + leprosy of sin to fall from the stricken soul, and + restores to it the pristine vigor and beauty of + sanctifying grace. As keeper of the keys, the priest + stands warder of heaven, locking or unlocking its doors + to the dust-begrimed pilgrims of earth. + </p> + <p> + Sublime, then, is the priestly dignity, even beyond + human comprehension. But one thing we realize, and the + saints with clearer vision perceive, that high virtue + is demanded of him whose life is spent in the + antechamber of heaven. St. Catharine of Sienna, in a + letter to one newly ordained, tells him, "The ministers + whom the Sovereign Goodness has chosen to be His + Christs ought to be angels, not men . . . they in truth + discharge the office of angels." "What purity," says a + Father of the Church, "what piety shall we require of a + priest? Think what those hands ought to be which + perform such a ministry; what that tongue which + pronounces those words." No sanctity or purity of soul, + then, is beyond the aspirations of one whose + heaven-born privilege it is to enter the Holy of + Holies, to dispense the mysteries of faith, and + exercise the "ministry of reconciliation." + </p> + <p> + A most important function of the ministry is the care + of souls. Christ's mission was to save; He was the Good + Shepherd, who traveled about preaching to the people, + who were like "sheep without a shepherd." And to His + Apostles and their successors He gave the solemn charge + "to feed His lambs." And this injunction of the Divine + Master has been held sacred by the Church throughout + its existence. Wherever in the world to-day dwell true + believers, there are to be found priests to care for + them. + </p> + <p> + The priest is truly the father of the people committed + to him. He must become all things to all men, rejoicing + with the joyful, and weeping with the sorrowful. The + infants he must receive into the Church, generating in + them the life of grace, guarding them as they grow up, + and instructing them in doctrine and discipline. To him + the bridal couple come for the nuptial benediction; and + when sickness and trouble and want invade the household + it is to their father in Christ the faithful look for + support and encouragement. He is the consoler of all, + and he bears the burdens of all. And when the angel of + death hovers over his charge, the priest repairs to the + bedside of the departing one, to strengthen him for the + last journey; and, finally, when the soul has departed, + he commits the body to hallowed ground, there to await + the resurrection. + </p> + <p> + The priest, then, must be of heroic mould to satisfy + the demands made upon him; he must be ready to endure + hunger and cold and weariness, contradictions from + within and without, labors by night and day. But the + Lord is his inheritance, and for His sake he is willing + to endure all the crosses and trials that bear upon + him. How splendidly the clergy of our country have + responded to their responsibilities is attested by the + flourishing state of religion, by the magnificent + churches, the well-developed Catholic school system, + and the numerous other Church activities about us. + Every thoroughly organized parish or mission means the + life of at least one priest sacrificed in its + formation—the commingling of his sweat and labors + with the cement that binds together its material and + spiritual stones. But could a life be better spent? + What more fitting monument could be left to posterity + than a spiritual structure built on Christ and enduring + as the foundation on which it rests? + </p> + <p> + Who, then, may aspire to the glorious career of the + priesthood? Is it open to all, or must one await the + striking manifestation of the Divine Will inviting him + to it? Should he not say, "The priesthood is too + exalted for my weakness and unworthiness"? While + humility is laudable, it should not bar any one who has + the requisite virtue and talent, together with an + upright intention, from entering this high estate. + Everything depends on one's qualifications and motives. + Others will pass judgment on the qualifications, but + each one must scrutinize his own motives. If a youth + desires the priesthood for natural reasons, to lead an + easy life or one honorable in the eyes of men, to + attain fame or station, his motives are wrong, or at + least, too imperfect to carry him far on the rugged + road before him. But if he be swayed by supernatural + desires, such as the service of God, his own + sanctification or the help of his neighbor, his + ambition is praiseworthy. One who is conscious, then, + of rectitude of purpose and hopeful with the divine + assistance of living up to its obligations, may aspire, + without scruple, to the priesthood, the highest of + dignities and the greatest of careers open to man. + </p> + <p> + One day our Lord, instructing His disciples before + sending them to preach His coming, said: "The harvest, + indeed, is great, but the laborers are few. Pray ye + therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send + laborers into his harvest" (Luke x: 2). And this has + been the cry through all the ages—"Send laborers + into the harvest!" The Church has always needed good + spiritual laborers, men and women, who would be willing + to work for God and their neighbor, to extend the + Kingdom of God, and this is true to-day of our own + beloved country. A host of spiritual laborers is + scattered over our land, but the cry is ever repeated, + "We need more, the work is too great for our efforts, + and all the harvest is not being garnered." + </p> + <p> + Will you, dear reader, make one more worker in God's + field, one more reaper of His harvest that is ripe and + falling to the ground because there are none to gather + it? + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="12">CHAPTER XII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + THE TEACHER'S AUREOLE + </h2> + <p> + As the acquaintance of young people with religious is + frequently limited to their teachers, they are + sometimes inclined to identify in their minds the + profession of teaching with religious life. And since + some feel a diffidence or repugnance in committing + themselves to a teaching career, they extend this + aversion to the religious state itself. We have shown, + however, in a previous chapter that there is great + variety and diversity of occupation in religious + orders, so that all tastes and inclinations can find + congenial exercise in them. + </p> + <p> + Still, it is probably true, that the great majority of + religious men and women are found in the class-room, + and this for the good and sufficient reason that + Christian education is the paramount need of the day, + and the work on which the future of the Church chiefly + depends. The young who, perhaps, are tempted to look + upon teaching as an obscure employment and a monotonous + grind, will do well to reflect that in our time it is + considered so honorable a profession that hundreds of + thousands, even of those outside the Church, + deliberately choose it as the best and most favorable + career for the play of their talents. + </p> + <p> + The professors of our noted universities command the + respect and deference of the community, and to them the + public look for the solution of the constantly arising + civic and social problems. They are regarded as the + natural leaders of thought, and are expected to guide + and direct popular movements affecting the well-being + of society. And this public esteem, is extended in due + proportion to all who are engaged in education, for it + is universally realized that the standard of morality + and intelligence, which is to obtain in the + commonwealth, will depend largely on the training given + to the young. The teacher is directly employed in the + making of good citizens, which is a more important + business than the extension of manufactures or + commerce. He is setting the ideals according to which + the Republic must stand or fall. + </p> + <p> + And, for persons of refined or intellectual tastes, the + instruction of youth must be a pleasurable employment. + It is inviting to deal with the young and innocent, who + are eager to learn, ambitious to excel, and who in + return for their instructor's solicitude, give him + unstinted affection and gratitude, and render him loyal + obedience and respect. In the teacher's hands is the + moulding and shaping of character, the direction of + talents which may illumine society. And can any sphere + of action be more elevated, more grateful than this? + </p> + <p> + And then, too, the educator is constantly engaged in + the things of the mind, in study, and the discovery of + new truths or new applications of old ones, and in + imparting his knowledge to fresh, bright intelligences. + Nothing is so fascinating to a person of intellectual + bent as the pursuit and attainment of truth, and this + is the steady occupation of the teacher. Is not the + outlook of such a life infinitely wider and more + refreshing than the dull routine of business, the noisy + rumble of a factory or the sordid dealings of commerce? + </p> + <p> + But it is principally from the spiritual point of view + that education is considered by the Church and + religious congregations. The mandate of Christ, "Go ye + forth and teach all nations," laid the charge of + teaching upon His Church; and on the pastors it + devolves to see that the faithful are instructed in + Christian doctrines and obligations. To rightfully + carry out its mission, the Church has always felt + obliged to insist that the education of its children be + permeated with religion, and in fulfilment of this duty + it has established parochial schools throughout our + country, where the young, while acquiring secular + science, can at the same time be grounded in the faith + and trained to virtuous lives. + </p> + <p> + It can be said, then, that the religious who conduct + these schools share in the apostolic mission of the + Church. Every catechetical instruction, every word of + exhortation or encouragement to right living and doing + which is given in the class-room, is a participation by + the teacher in the pastorate of souls, in the + announcing and preaching of the Gospel, in the + spreading of the Kingdom of God. Without the aid of the + school, the pastor ordinarily could not properly teach + the young their prayers and catechism, prepare them for + the sacraments, and equip them for the manifold + exigencies of life. + </p> + <p> + "Religious education is our most distinctive work," + says Archbishop Spalding, of Peoria. "It gives us a + place apart in the life of the country. It is + indispensable to the welfare and progress of the Church + in the United States, and will be recognized in the end + as the most vital contribution to American + civilization. Fortunate are they, who by words or deeds + confirm our faith in the need of Catholic schools; and + yet more fortunate are they who, while they inspire our + teachers with new courage and zeal, awaken in the + young, to whom God has given a heart and a mind, an + efficacious desire to devote themselves to the little + ones whom Christ loves. What better work, in the + present time, can any of us do than foster vocations to + our Brotherhoods and Sisterhoods, whose special mission + is teaching?" + </p> + <p> + And Brother Azarias assures us that "There is not in + this world among human callings a more sacred one than + that of moulding souls to higher and better things." + </p> + <p> + Bishop Byrne, of Nashville, has well said: "The office + of teaching has an advantage in some respects over the + priesthood. The teachers are constantly with their + pupils, shaping their souls, coloring them, informing + them, making them instinct with life and motives, and + giving them high ideals and worthy aspirations. In all + this their work is akin to that of the confessor." + </p> + <p> + The need of more teaching Brothers and Sisters is + particularly urgent and pressing, as the number of + pupils is increasing proportionately faster than the + number of religious subjects, and the dearth of + teachers prevents the opening of new schools in many + places where they are demanded, and also hinders the + development of the existing schools. This is the + opinion of Bishop Alerding, who wrote: "The Church is + being hampered in her work of educating her youth + because the number of teachers, Brothers and Sisters, + is inadequate." And Bishop McQuaid did not hesitate to + say that, "the most pressing want of the Church in + America at the present time is that of Brothers to + assist in teaching our boys." + </p> + <p> + In this connection we may observe that some virtuous + and self-effacing souls, after the example of St. + Francis of Assisi, have a dread of assuming the + responsibilities of the priesthood, and there are many + others who are debarred from aspiring to that dignity + by insufficiency of education. Young men of either of + these classes have a splendid opportunity before them + to serve God by joining a teaching congregation of + Brothers. + </p> + <p> + Finally, as an encouragement to Christian teachers in + their glorious apostolate, let them remember the great + reward awaiting their unselfish labors. The Book of + Daniel (xii: 3), tells us that "They who instruct many + to justice shall shine as stars for all eternity." The + inspired writer compares teachers to the stars of + heaven, for as the latter illumine the darkness of + night, so they who instruct others dispel the darkness + of ignorance by shedding the rays of wisdom and + knowledge into the minds of their disciples. But there + is a deeper meaning in this text, for according to the + interpretation of theologians, it contains the + assurance to those who teach others their duty, of a + special reward or golden crown in heaven, called the + Doctor's or Teacher's Aureole. The exact nature of this + privilege, whether it is a special gift of loving God + or a distinctive garb of glory, we do not know, but as + the martyrs and virgins have their special aureole, so + will teachers have theirs. + </p> + <p> + Father Croiset exclaims: "Oh! the beautiful and rich + crowns which God prepares for a religious who inspires + little children with a horror of vice and a love of + virtue! . . . What sweet consolation will be + experienced at the moment of death by the religious + when he beholds coming to his aid those souls whom he + has helped to save." And we may faintly conceive the + transport of one who enters heaven accompanied by the + resplendent retinue of those whom he has brought with + him from earth. + </p> + <p> + This chapter would not be complete without a word of + encouragement to those young men and women whose + education is so deficient that they feel incompetent to + teach, and so turn away in sadness from the portals of + religion, thinking there is no room for them within. + Such persons should know that any one who is skilled in + a trade, such as that of carpentering, painting, + tailoring, or sewing, can be of the greatest utility + and acceptability to a community. And there are many + offices of a domestic nature, such as that of porter, + sacristan, refectorian and steward, which require + little preparatory training and can be filled by any + one of intelligence and good will. + </p> + <p> + Nor should persons engaged in such duties entertain the + notion that they will not share in the full spiritual + privileges of the Order; for by the assistance they + give to the other members they are contributing to the + end and aim of the Institute and communicate in all the + good works performed by it. An edifying incident, + illustrative of this point, is told of a famous + preacher who moved hearts in a wondrous fashion, and + when he was tempted to self-complacency in his success, + it was revealed to him that the results of his + preaching were due, not to his own eloquence or zeal, + but to the prayers of the unobserved lay-brother, who + always sat at the foot of the pulpit, telling his beads + for the efficacy of the sermon. + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="13">CHAPTER XIII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + SHOWING THE WAY + </h2> + <p> + When young people read or hear of persons entering + religious life, they are apt to say, "Oh, it is easy + for them, because they are holy; but it is impossible + for me who have so little virtue!" But, as a matter of + fact, these religious have the same passions and + temptations to overcome, the same flesh and blood, as + ourselves, and it was only by conquering themselves, + and struggling with their lower inclinations, that they + obtained the victory. + </p> + <p> + A boy was standing one day at a country railway station + in the United States, when he met an older boy with + whom he engaged in conversation. His casual + acquaintance confided to him that he was going off to + college to prepare for entrance into a certain + religious Order; and he urged the younger lad to + accompany him for the same purpose. But the latter + replied, "Oh! they wouldn't have me, for I am poor, + uneducated and every way unfit." The other insisted, + however, and finally prevailed on him to board with him + the incoming train. They repaired to the superior of + the religious Order, who received them kindly, and sent + them both to a boarding school. After a short time the + senior student was caught stealing, and dismissed from + the college. His whilom companion, however, persevered + in his good design, achieved honors in his studies, and + finally becoming a religious and a priest, he is today + doing effective work in the vineyard of the Lord. + </p> + <p> + A story is told of a religious who gave a letter to a + young man, in which he recommended him as a suitable + candidate for his Order, bidding him present the letter + to the superior, who lived at a distance. The young + man, desirous of joining the Order, started on his + journey with a companion named Mathias, who had no + notion of becoming a religious. On the way, the + would-be religious changed his mind, and abandoning his + project, gave the letter to Mathias, who was ignorant + of its contents, requesting him to bring it to the + superior. The superior read the letter, and thinking + the recommendation referred to Mathias, said to him, + "Very well, you may go to the novitiate, and put on the + habit." Mathias wondered, but obeyed, entered the + novitiate, and became a holy religious. + </p> + <p> + St. Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, and the foremost man + of his age, was so handsome and attractive in youth, + that the evil-minded laid snares against his chastity. + To escape their wiles he determined to enter the + Cistercian monastery of Citeaux. His father and + brothers endeavored to dissuade him from his purpose, + but instead, by his fervid exhortations, he induced + four of his brothers and others, to the number of + thirty, to enter with him. As the party was leaving + home, little Nivard, the sole remaining boy of the + family, was at play with some companions. Guido, the + eldest of the brothers, embraced him and said, "My dear + Nivard, we are going, and this castle and lands will + all be yours." The child, "with wisdom beyond his + years," the chronicler tells us, "replied, 'what, are + you taking heaven for yourselves, and leaving earth to + me? The division is not fair.'" And from that day + nothing could pacify the boy, until he was permitted to + join his brothers. + </p> + <p> + St. Alphonsus Liguori, who is said to have always + preserved his baptismal innocence, was so brilliant a + student that at the age of sixteen he had obtained two + degrees in the University of Naples. Entering on the + practice of the law, he one day in a trial before the + court, by an oversight, misstated the evidence. His + attention being called to his error, he was so + overwhelmed with shame and confusion at his apparent + lack of truthfulness, that on returning home he + exclaimed, "World, I know you now, Courts, you shall + never see me more." And for three days he refused food. + He then determined to become a priest, and in the + ministry he attained great sanctity. He founded the + well-known Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, + commonly called the Redemptorists; and for his + voluminous doctrinal writings, Pius IX declared him a + Doctor of the universal Church. + </p> + <p> + The story of the entrance of St. Stanislaus Kostka into + religion reads like a romance. His father, a Polish + nobleman, had placed him and his older brother, Paul, + at the Jesuit College in Vienna. When Stanislaus was + fifteen years of age he applied for admission into the + Jesuit Order, but as he had not the consent of his + father, the superior feared to take him. An illness + supervened, and the Blessed Virgin came to cure him, + and giving the child Jesus into his arms, said to him, + "You must end your days in the Society that bears my + Son's name; you must become a Jesuit." + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the vision, poor Stanislaus was again + refused by the Jesuit superior. Not knowing what other + step to take, he thought that by traveling four hundred + miles to Augsburg, in Germany, the Jesuit Provincial of + that province, who at the time was Blessed Peter + Canisius, might receive him, for his jurisdiction + seemed beyond the influence of Senator Kostka. If again + rejected in Augsburg, he was determined to walk eight + hundred miles farther to Rome, where he felt sure of + securing his heart's desire. Accordingly, one August + morning he rose early and telling his servant that he + was going out, bade him at the same time inform his + brother Paul not to expect him for dinner. With light + and joyous heart he started on his journey, and at the + first opportunity exchanged his fine clothes for the + disguise of a pilgrim's staff and tunic. + </p> + <p> + When Paul awoke and learned that Stanislaus was gone + for the day, he was surprised, but attributed it to + some new pious freak. But as the day wore on, and the + shades of evening gathered, with no tidings of his + brother, consternation seized Paul, for he realized + that his irascible and powerful father would hold him + responsible for the safety of the younger boy, whom he + loved with a passionate and unbounded affection. + Accordingly servants were dispatched in every direction + to seek for the truant, but no tidings could be + obtained. The conclusion gradually forced itself upon + all that Stanislaus had fled, and Paul determined to + pursue him and bring him back. For some reason, + suspicion was aroused that the runaway had taken the + road to Augsburg, and a carriage with two stout horses + was ordered for early dawn on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + Along the highway to Augsburg flew the equipage + containing Paul and three companions. Meanwhile, little + Stanislaus was trudging bravely along, putting all his + confidence in God, when he suddenly heard the rapid + beat of horses' hoofs behind him. Suspecting what it + meant, he quickly entered a by-lane, and the occupants + of the carriage rushed by without seeing, or at least, + recognizing, him in his disguise. + </p> + <p> + Stanislaus continued his pilgrimage in peace, begging + his way, for he had no money, and after two weeks, he + saw, with inexpressible joy, the roofs and spires of + Augsburg gleaming in the setting sun. At last he had + reached the haven of rest, and with a bounding heart, + the weary boy knocked at the door of the Jesuit + college. But alas, for all his hopes! the provincial + had gone to Dillingen. The Fathers urged him to stay + and rest with them until the provincial's return, but + Stanislaus would brook no delay. At once he wended his + way toward Dillingen, which he soon reached, and when + he knelt at the feet of Blessed Canisius, two saints + were face to face. The superior pressed the boy to his + heart, and kept him in the college for a few weeks. But + as both the elder and younger saint thought Germany + still too near the influence of his father for safety, + Stanislaus, in company with two religious, set out on a + further exhausting walk of eight hundred miles to Rome, + where he was received as a Jesuit novice by the General + of the Order, St. Francis Borgia. + </p> + <p> + The angelic boy had at last finished his long + pilgrimages, he had entered the earthly paradise for + which he had yearned, and for which he had forsaken + home, rank and country. But the happiness of religion + he soon exchanged for the joys of heaven, for before + completing his eighteenth year, and while still a + novice, he closed his eyes on this world to open them + in company with Mary and the angels on the Beatific + Vision. + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="14">CHAPTER XIV</a> + </h1> + <h2> + THE PARENTS' PART + </h2> + <p> + The home is the nursery of vocations. Most religious + can trace the beginnings of their resolve to leave all + to the influence of saintly parents and a Christian + home. If the parents cultivate faith, charity and + industry the fragrance of these virtues will cling + round the walls of their dwelling, and perfume the + lives of their children. + </p> + <p> + Every Christian home should be a convent in miniature, + filled with the same spirit, productive of the same + virtues. It should be a cloister, forbidding entrance + to the world and its vanities, and harboring within + gentle peace and happiness. Poverty should dwell there, + not in the narrower meaning of distress and want, but + in the wider acceptation of simplicity, frugality and + temperance as opposed to extravagance, display and + ostentation. Purity, too, should reign as queen of the + hearth, regulating the glance of the eye, the + conversation, and even the thoughts of the occupants. + And union and harmony of wills, without which the idea + of home is inconceivable, can come only through + obedience which binds the children to parents, wife to + husband, and all to God. + </p> + <p> + But, unfortunately, this is not always the case. From + many domiciles peace and tranquillity have fled, giving + place to frivolity, vanity and worldliness and all + their attendant train of vices. How many parents, + deceived by the wisdom of the flesh, seek their own + gratification in all things, and denying their children + nothing that luxury or extravagance craves, pamper and + spoil them by indulging their every whim. To train up + the young to the steady and uncompromising fulfilment + of duty is the only means to produce a hardy and sturdy + generation of men and women, whose fidelity can be + relied on in the trials and emergencies of after-life. + </p> + <p> + But some fathers and mothers, when their children call + for bread, reverse the parable by giving them a stone, + and when they ask for an egg, give them a scorpion. We + can imagine with what righteous indignation Our Lord + would have denounced such a mode of action. Foolish + parents even of limited means dress their girls in + expensive and gaudy apparel, which not only offends + against taste and economy, but sometimes transgresses + the laws of modesty and decency. Familiarity between + the sexes is permitted and encouraged by doting and + foolish mothers, who introduce their sons and daughters + to juvenile society functions, receptions, parties and + unbecoming dances; so that children who should be at + their lessons or playing healthful games with suitable + companions, are taught to affect society manners after + the most approved fashion of their silly elders. + Persons of this stamp may prepare for a rude awakening, + for the day of reckoning for themselves and children + will be sure and terrible. + </p> + <p> + Many parents, while indeed quite solicitous according + to their lights, for the temporal good of their + offspring, training them to a trade or profession, or + settling them in marriage, devote but little thought to + their spiritual welfare. They dread a vocation in their + family as a catastrophe. It would be well, indeed, for + persons of this character to ponder the words of the + Pastoral Letter of the Second Council of Baltimore: "We + fear that the fault lies in great part with many + parents, who instead of fostering the desire so natural + to the youthful heart, of dedicating itself to the + service of God's sanctuary, but too often impart to + their children their own worldly-mindedness, and seek + to influence their choice of a state of life by unduly + exaggerating the difficulties and dangers of the + priestly calling, and painting in too glowing colors + the advantages of a secular life." + </p> + <p> + How much better it were for parents to propose to the + young the promise of Our Lord, "And every one that hath + left house, or brothers or sisters or father or mother + or wife or children or lands for my name, shall receive + a hundredfold, and possess life everlasting." (Matt. + xix: 29.) Many a one, whose wayward child has brought + dishonor and shame to the family, realizes when all too + late the happiness that might have been his had such a + child only elected the religious state. + </p> + <p> + Instead of throwing obstacles in the way of a vocation, + those who are appreciative of spiritual things feel + honored that God has chosen one of their family circle + for His special service. Persons whose sons obtain high + position in the army, court or government employ, take + a just pride in the distinction thus attained, but such + temporal honors cannot be compared with the singular + privilege of serving in God's own courts, and dwelling + within His sanctuary. Bishop Schrembs, of Toledo, aptly + advises pastors "to teach young parents that the + service of God is even more glorious than that of + country, for as St. Jerome says, 'Such a service + establishes ties of relationship between the family and + Jesus Christ Himself.'" + </p> + <p> + Nor do parents, as they sometimes fear, lose a son or + daughter who enters religion. One who marries is in a + certain sense lost to the parent, for the + responsibilities of his new state of life so absorb his + energies as to leave him but little opportunity to + concern himself about his old home. And frequently + distance entirely severs his connection with it. But + one who enters God's house does not contract new family + alliances, his heart remains free, and though separated + from parents, his affection is always true to them, he + thinks of them as in his childhood days, and he never + ceases to importune the blessings of heaven upon them. + </p> + <p> + In fact, we may say that a vocation is not strictly an + individual, but rather a family possession. A call to + God implies sacrifice on the part of the family, as + well as of the individual, for while he gives up + parents, brothers and sisters, they, too, must part + with him. And as they share in the renunciation, they + participate also in its merit and reward. In God's + household the religious represents his family, he works + and prays by proxy for them, and they share in his + graces and good deeds. Is it not a matter of daily + experience that the family of a religious, particularly + the parents, receive abundant graces, that God leads + them in various ways to greater fidelity in His + service, to a love of prayer and higher perfection? + Parents of religious frequently become religious + themselves at heart, and though not clothed with the + habit, they share in the "hundredfold" promised to the + child. + </p> + <p> + "It is the glory of a large and happy Catholic family + to produce a vocation," says Rev. Joseph Rickaby, S.J. + "A sound Catholic is glad to have brother or sister, + uncle or aunt, or cousin or child, 'who has pleased God + and is found no more' in the ordinary walks of life, + because God hath taken and translated him to something + higher and better." + </p> + <p> + Parents and teachers, then, who do not hesitate to + incline the minds of children to a professional career, + should have no fear also to direct their thoughts to + higher things. To praise in the family circle the + priestly or religious life, to express the hope and + desire that one or more of the children may have the + great happiness of such a profession, to offer them + daily in prayer to God, to train them to piety and + devotion, these are all praiseworthy in a father or + mother, and if faithfully practiced in all families + would doubtless greatly increase the number of God's + chosen servants. + </p> + <p> + Anything approaching coercion or excessive urging + should, of course, be avoided, because moral violence + should not be done to the child's will. But the remark + sometimes made by well-meaning mothers, "O, I would not + say a word to influence my child towards religion, for + fear of interfering with God's work," shows a + lamentable ignorance of the nature of a vocation. One + might almost as well say, "O, I am careful not to + contribute to the building of a church, because if God + wants it built, He will not need any help." If all + persons thought thus, such a church would be long in + building. + </p> + <p> + Most of God's works require our cooperation. He designs + them and we must carry them out. Many a great project + has depended on a timely word, or on the exertions of + some man who rose to the occasion. Andrew and John were + sent to Our Lord by St. John the Baptist, and they + became apostles; and if Andrew had not "found his + brother Simon and brought him to Jesus," who knows + whether Christ would not have found it necessary to + appoint another head of the Church in place of Simon + Peter? + </p> + <p> + To parents, then, belongs the singular privilege of + training their children to tender piety, of directing + their thoughts to spiritual things; and fidelity to + this trust will give us a glorious generation of men + and women ready to risk all, to sacrifice all in the + service of their Creator. + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="15">CHAPTER XV</a> + </h1> + <h2> + A PARTING WORD + </h2> + <p> + Now, dear reader, that you and the writer have kept + company thus far, he is reluctant to part from you. But + if you perceive within you the germ of a vocation, he + begs you not to crush it. If in your heart there is a + spark of that celestial fire, which may be fanned to a + consuming flame of divine love, keep it burning. + </p> + <p> + Preserve your soul, oh! so perfectly from the slightest + touch of evil, remembering that the least deliberate + venial sin stains it more than we can comprehend. Above + all, cherish holy purity, that exquisite ornament of + youth, which, like a polished gem, may so easily lose + its lustre. Guard the avenues of your soul, your sight + and hearing and the other senses, through which + contamination from without is always seeking to enter + and defile the beauty of God's handiwork. About us is + an atmosphere of worldliness, which we imperceptibly + breathe in from the words of companions, from the + printed page, and the example of the careless. Shun + companionship with the frivolous, vanity of dress, and + that indiscriminate reading which only feeds an idle + curiosity. The theatres of our day are especially + dangerous to virtue, and he who stays away from them + entirely, will consult his own advantage, as well as + please God. + </p> + <p> + In this soft and luxurious age the popular trend is to + self-gratification in all its forms. But the true + Christian must ever strive against corrupt nature, if + he would not be carried away by the stream of + voluptuousness. Self-denial is the watchword of + Christianity. All are called to the practice of penance + in some shape or form, the best usually being the exact + performance of duty. The young of school age will find + a strong shelter from temptation in the scrupulous and + enthusiastic performance of their daily tasks and + lessons. That small boy had caught the true spirit, who + used to rise early, to prepare himself, as he said, for + the "missionary" life, to which he aspired. + </p> + <p> + A material help for boys to prepare for future life, is + to serve at the altar. He who sacrifices his morning + sleep, overcoming sloth, to minister to the priest at + Mass, is already, by a privilege, fulfilling the + functions of one of the minor orders, that of the + acolyte. The devout server at Mass shares in its graces + next to the celebrant, and more than the ordinary + faithful who assist at it; and many an altar-boy, as he + glided about the sanctuary, mingling with the invisible + angels who hovered around the Victim of sacrifice, has + felt the seeds of vocation sprouting in his soul. + </p> + <p> + Devotion to the Mother of God should also be a + characteristic of youth. She sympathizes with us, as + only a mother can, in all our difficulties and trials. + She fully appreciates what we have to contend with, she + sees our weakness, the strength of our passions, the + temptations we encounter, and she is eager to throw + about us the mantle of her protection, if we will only + ask her. Never a day should pass without our commending + ourselves earnestly to her motherly heart, for she is + even more interested in our welfare than we ourselves. + She is powerful to aid us, since all good things come + to us through her; and she will choose for her devout + clients the career in which they may best serve God. + </p> + <p> + By a strange perversion of mind, we often seek to + unravel the perplexities of life, without recourse to + prayer. When involved in business anxieties, men spend + days of worry in wrestling with them, without perhaps + asking the Father of Lights for guidance. And the young + also, who must settle for themselves their future + career, frequently strive to do so, without the help of + heaven. They perhaps consult human advisers, but fail + to consult God, the best of counsellors, Who alone can + see behind the veil of the future, and infallibly tell + what is best for us. + </p> + <p> + In coming to any important decision, light and strength + are needed, light to know the pathway of duty, and + strength to follow it. On account of the obscurities + and half-lights of our intellect, we perceive but + dimly, and often fail to discern the true from the + false. The illumination of the white light of Truth is + needed to flood the dark recesses of the mind. And even + when the truth stands clearly revealed, we are often + too indolent or enervated to embrace it; we need the + tonic of resolution and courage, which can be infused + into us only from on high. + </p> + <p> + The trustful child of God should, day by day, commend + his future into the hands of his heavenly Father, + praying Him to shape his life and career. Each one has + his own talents, one or many, but he cannot hope to + trade or barter with them in a fruitful way unless the + Giver of them bless his efforts. Our constant prayer, + then, should be for the fulfilment of God's will in our + regard, with the lively faith that whatever we ask will + be granted. + </p> + <p> + And of all prayers and devotions, can any be more + efficacious or salutary than the frequent reception of + the Holy Eucharist? Our Holy Father, Pius X, desires + the boys and girls of the whole world to be nourished + daily, from the tenderest years, with the Bread of + Life, that they may wax strong in the spiritual life, + and grow up virile Christians. One Holy Communion, + received fervently, should be sufficient to sanctify a + soul and awake in it the desire of closest union with + Christ, of self-immolation on the altar of Divine Love. + </p> + <p> + Then what of the soul which is daily nourished with the + "Wheat of the Elect and the Wine that springeth forth + Virgins?" (Zach. ix: 17.) Holy Communion has been + styled the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb," wherein + Christ caresses the soul, communicates to it sweetest + secrets, and touching it with the ardent flames of His + own Heart, purifies it from attachment to creatures, + and sets it aglow with the white heat of charity. The + frequent communicant, then, is surest of knowing and + doing God's will. + </p> + <p> + In conclusion, the writer may be allowed to indulge the + hope that more than one reader may be impelled to + aspire to the virgin's aureole, the special privilege + of joining the one hundred and forty-four thousand, + whom St. John, in the vision of the Apocalypse, saw + following the Lamb, whithersoever He went, and singing + a canticle that none else could sing, "because they + were virgins." + </p> + <hr width="15%"> + <p> + Go now, little book, fly away to some perplexed soul + who is anxious to discover the secrets of the Divine + Will; and whisper it a message of peace and + consolation, telling it that, "Eye hath not seen, nor + ear heard, nor hath it entered into the heart of man, + what things God hath prepared for them that love Him." + (I Cor. ii: 9.) + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + PRAYER FOR THE RIGHT CHOICE OF A STATE OF LIFE. + </h1> + <p> + O Thou, the God of wisdom and counsel, Who dost + perceive in my heart a sincere desire of pleasing Thee + alone, and of conforming myself entirely to Thy most + holy will in the choice of my state of life, grant me, + I beseech Thee, through the intercession of the Blessed + Virgin, my mother, and of my patron saints, especially + St. Joseph and St. Aloysius, the grace to know what + state of life I should choose, and when known to + embrace it, so that I may seek and spread therein Thy + glory, work out my salvation, and merit that reward in + heaven which Thou hast promised to those who fulfill + Thy divine will. Amen. + </p> + <hr width="15%"> + <p> + An indulgence of three hundred days, once a day, for + the above prayer, granted by Pope Pius X, May 2, 1905. + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <p> + THE FRANK MEANY CO., PRINTERS, INC., NEW YORK + </p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's What Shall I Be?, by Rev. Francis Cassily + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHAT SHALL I BE? *** + +***** This file should be named 31688-h.htm or 31688-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/1/6/8/31688/ + +Produced by Michael Gray + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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