is proper that a priest should be conversant with the errors of
the past and the arguments by which they are met. Many of these
errors he will discover exhumed, draped in new disguises, and
paraded as the fruit of modern "thought." But it will be well
also, in his studies, not to ignore the fact that the Agnostic
and the Socialist are, under his very eyes, digging what they
confidently assure us is to be the grave of Christianity.

Agnosticism and Socialism are the two great forces to be reckoned
with in the immediate future.

Poison-thought has eaten the vitals of non-catholic sectaries.
The teaching of so-called Christian churches has evaporated into
a mere natural theism, the supernatural element has disappeared.
Both the Socialist and Agnostic frankly confess that the
demolition of the sects is but a preliminary skirmish: the real
battle lies farther afield. The lines of conflict between us and
them are daily drawing closer, and it is a question of brief time
till we are locked in deadly grip. How are we preparing for this
struggle, which may yet convulse the world?

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.

------

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.
"