Dedication.

THESE PAGES

ARE RESPECTFULLY LAID

AT THE FEET OF

Our Lady of La Salette,

WITH AN HUMBLE PRAYER

THAT SHE WILL DEIGN TO CONTINUE

HER POWERFUL INTERCESSIONS

FOR THE RETURN OF ENGLAND

TO THE FAITH OF

Her Divine Son,

BY HER MOST DEVOTED SERVANT,

THE TRANSLATOR.

Boulogne, Fest. Nat. B. V., 1847.

Preface of the Translator.

MANY of our readers will recollect a letter appearing in the "Tablet" of March 13, 1847, signed "M. W. W." relating certain revelations made by our gracious Lord to a nun at Tours, in which He desired her to institute an Association, having a double end in view.

1. The reparation of blasphemy against the holy name of God, and of the profanation of the Sunday. 2. The sanctification of holy days, and the extirpation of blasphemy, and the consequent conversion of blasphemers and profaners of the Sunday. This Association has been formed at Tours, and approved of by the Holy See. Therefore it is that we here present these prayers in an English garb to our countrymen-we are Catholics; members of the holy Catholic Church; let us therefore unite, if our ecclesiastical superiors, and especially our bishops, will permit us, in this Association, and daily and weekly pour out our humble intercession for the conversion of Blasphemers. But perhaps some will say, 66 we are not blasphemers of the Holy Name of God; we do not despise the Blessed Sacrament, nor profane the Sunday; the revelation has reference to France alone." But should this objection be made by any caviller, let me ask, is there not room for us to believe that England partakes in the sin of Blasphemy? Are not the ears of Catholics daily wounded by imprecations and Blasphemies? Are they not too often disgusted at hearing remarks levelled against their faith? and have we not here an opportunity presented us of praying, not only for the conversion of open Blasphemers, but for the return of our dear country to the faith?

EDWARD G. KIRWAN BROWNE

Boulogne, Sur. Mer.

Feast Nat. B. V. 1847.

Preface.

To love God and our neighbour are the two precepts which contain the whole law. To work for the glory of God, and the salvation of his brethren, is an act of charity, in which a true christian cannot refuse to be associated, especially when no painful sacrifice is required. Now of such a nature is the work of love, which is here presented to the piety of the faithful, an association of prayers against Blasphemy, and the profanation of Sundays and Festivals.

These few words will doubtless suffice to attract those fervent souls who are consumed with the glory of God, and the salvation of souls; but in order to engage those christians who still waver, not understanding the importance of the work they are called on to embrace, we shall lay before them a short treatise on Blasphemy, and some few words on the profanation of days consecrated to the service of God. Every christian will here have presented before him reasons which cannot fail to convince, and motives which will urge him to seize this occasion of exercising, without any expense, the first christian virtue, and of acquiring, at the same time, an immense treasure of merit.