The future priest must be made familiar with the modern objections in their native dress and form.
The aspirant for the foreign missions has a tough quarry before him: it behoves him to steady his hand and point his weapon.
Young men complain of the length and tediousness of the years consumed in preparation for the Ministry. Could I but engrave on their minds the conviction as it lives, fixed and definite, on my own as to the equipment requisite for the efficient discharge of their great office; could I but show them the thousands untouched that might be within her fold to-day, were the Church's workmen fully aware of the pressing needs of modern life, they would count that hour as lost that did not contribute its quota towards their arming for the future.
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P.S.—I cannot do better than here append a list of those books I found in practical experience most valuable in meeting modern thought. I would earnestly ask every aspirant for the foreign mission not to leave the college till he has a familiar acquaintance with every page of them. I take it for granted that the transcendent merits of "Catholic Belief" and "Faith of our Fathers" are so well known, especially as books for intending converts, that there is no need to add them to the list on the following page.
Dealing with Agnosticism, &c.
"Liberalism and the Church" Brownson.
"Notes on Ingersol" Lambert.
"The Newest Answer to the Old Riddle" Gerrard.
"New Materialism" Gaynor.
Dealing with Socialism
"Pope Leo XIII. on Labour."
"Labour and Popular Welfare" Mallock.
"Socialism" Cathrein.
CHAPTER THIRD
SHOULD A YOUNG PRIEST WRITE HIS SERMONS?
Clearing the ground