infallibly, we could see a reason for its action. But, since it is bound by no limitation, its attitude towards Catholicism can be explained only on the assumption that the "knowing" ones are afraid to have Catholic principles understood. If this be so, we might interpret the fear as a compliment to the Church. But, then, we are not seeking compliments.

Even as a matter of general information, the Catholic Church ought to be known. A great Protestant, Macaulay, was not mistaken when he wrote that there never was on earth an institution more worthy of study than the Catholic Church. When you consider what it has done, what endured, the centuries it has seen, the storms it has weathered and its present strength, you will, I think, conclude that it cannot be a mistake to give it some intellectual attention with a view of understanding its principles. Yet, the present writer can truly say that, though he has many friends among Protestants of all classes, he never yet met one that understood the Catholic Church, not one that had not an erroneous view of its teaching. He, indeed, met many that were quite sure they knew all about it.

Usually, when a non-Catholic desires to know the Catholic Church he goes to its avowed enemies for his information. To take up a Catholic book and seek knowledge of the Church, where alone it may be found, is a rare action. The Church is judged without a hearing, or on the testimony of its enemies. It does not get its day in court. "What is the use?" they say. "Can anything of good come from Nazareth?" "Why waste time in investigating?" Such is prejudice.

"If I am right, thy grace impart

Still in the right to stay;
If I am wrong, oh teach my heart
To find the better way."

Pope's Universal Prayer.

RELIGIOUS ANIMOSITY

It is strange that so much of the world's hatreds should spring from attachment to religion in one form or another. Pagans battled for their gods; Jews hated and were hated because of belief; but strangest and worst of all, Christians have maligned and slain one another in what they (blasphemously) considered the service of Christ; of all absurd and impious courses of conduct this is assuredly the worst.

When we think of the love Christ bore and bears even to sinners, when we reflect on the strict duty of charity which He imposes upon all who would invoke His name, we are amazed beyond measure that any one calling himself Christian should indulge these fanatical hatreds, of which mankind has seen altogether too much.

Not only does Christ demand forgiveness seventy times seven times, but He makes charity the distinctive badge of His disciples, the very note by which they shall be known. "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another." (John 13:35.)

Yet in face of this, men and women hated and still hate in the name of Christ, and in support of what they outrageously conceive to be His cause. Surely, a marvel of impiety!

Not only is religious animosity unchristian and ungodly, but it is of all feelings the most unjustifiable. What conceivable good can it do? Surely, no one can hope to change man's views by hatred. Any way, why should we hate?

If you believe you have the truth, thank God for it. If you think your neighbor is in error, enlighten him, in the spirit of charity: pray for him. If he be really in error he is to be pitied. You would not hate one because he is sick. It is not his fault. Spiritual error is the soul's illness, a greater evil than bodily sickness. A man in such bondage needs your sympathy and your aid.

But you say he will not listen to you. This means that the malady, if malady it be, is deepseated, which demands still greater sympathy and prayer. And, if you wish to be fair and just, you might perhaps after surveying the situation calmly, come to the conclusion that perhaps it is you that is in error, you that ought

to listen, but will not. If you are a Protestant this possibility should come home to you.

But let us suppose your neighbor is really and wilfully in error, which he will not quit. Is this any reason why you should hate him? Who is the sufferer, he or you? You certainly would not hate a man whom you found bent on suicide. Why this hatred towards the other?

So, you see, this religious animosity is the most unjustifiable and most atrocious of feelings. It is condemned in all its moods by right reason, and, unquestionably, it puts those who entertain it outside the pale of Christianity. Christ Himself says so; and He ought to know.

"I say to you that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of the judgment.

"If therefore, thou offer thy gift at the altar, and there thou remember that thy brother hath anything against thee; leave there thy offering before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to thy brother; and then coming thou shalt offer thy gift." (Matt. 5: 22-24.)