Lastly, we should have an association of the Saint Famille—an association for the poor.
The poor are so miserable as they are owing to the ignorance and moral abandonment in which they live. … An association tends to enlighten, to support, to elevate them; as also to bring charity into play. Let no one tell us that he lacks time for this object. Time is given you especially for the service of the poor; your first duty is to evangelize the poor. … On the other hand, are you anxious to benefit the rich, to touch their hearts, to gain their confidence, or even to secure their adoration—I say, is such your desire? If so, busy yourselves on behalf of the poor, devote yourselves to the service of the poor, be popular in a holy sense; then, instead of vegetating in the midst of your fine phrases and isolation, you will live in the fulness of life. You will see around you outstretched hands, willing hearts, and open purses, and will hear many a voice applauding and cheering you with a cordial "Well done! take courage!" You will be driven to humble yourself before God, saying: "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord."
Yes, let us be just toward the wealthy classes, toward the world generally, and even toward those who do not practise religion at all. Whenever they fall in with a priest who is friendly to the poor, they are ready to pay him a large tribute of respect and veneration; and nothing so much resembles love toward God as the love which is shown toward one of His ministers.
Other associations might also be formed with advantage. For example, in towns, a servants association; but as humility is not one of our virtues, either among high or low, it might be called the Household Association. It might meet on Sunday—say once a month—and one would have an opportunity of telling that class a host of truths which could not well be spoken elsewhere; and these poor people, who are more and more disposed to treat their masters as enemies, might be set right. It is much to be regretted that a hostile party is being formed in families; which, under certain circumstances, might prove highly dangerous. On the other hand, all the fault does not come from below. Nothing now but interest binds the master to his servant, and servants attach themselves to those who give the highest wages. As to probity, fidelity, and discretion, where are they to be found? … Masters are not only robbed, they are outraged.
Further, a mothers' association. The duties of a mother, more especially among the lower classes, are very arduous. She requires to be enlightened, encouraged, stirred up, and perhaps rebuked. Such an association would afford eligible opportunities for telling them many things which could not be appropriately delivered before a mixed assembly. It is a great misfortune for a family when the husband forgets himself and his duties; but when the wife gives way, all is lost. Is she not, indeed, the guardian of religion and virtue at the domestic hearth? The attempt thus suggested has been made at Bordeaux and elsewhere with perfect success. [Footnote 22]
[Footnote 22: See the Manuel de Charité.]
There are two other associations which should by all means be established in large towns: namely, an association of young clerks, and an association of those young persons who are called shop-girls or girls of the counter. These two classes are most shamefully neglected; hence their morality is generally nil … and from the large towns they go to the smaller towns, and into the larger villages, where they help to form that egotistical, sensual, Voltairian, excitable, and vain shop-class, ever ready to disseminate the vicious lessons which they have acquired.
It would be easy to form these associations. There would be no difficulty as regards the young females. With respect to the men, all that is required is a good nucleus; which would soon be increased by those who are at a distance from their homes. Families are often pained at being obliged to launch a young man alone into a great city, and would feel much happier on learning that there would be some to protect him against being led astray, and who would help him on in his new career. Almost all the young people who come up from the country are Christians up to the time of leaving their homes. Some genial title might be given to the association, which would make it attractive.
Another great field for the exercise of zeal is the diffusion of good books. [Footnote 23]