so few--cursing, quarrelling,
backbiting, drinking, lying, stealing, cheating, etc.--in a word,
indulging in the same vices as those who claim to have no religion, what
must they think of the moral influence of Catholic faith? Thus they do
great injustice to the Church and the cause of religion, and are working
against our Blessed Lord when they should be working for Him.

The Christian religion spread very rapidly through the world in the
first ages of its existence; and one of the chief reasons was the good
example given by the Christians; for pagans seeing the holy lives, the
kindness and charity of their Christian neighbors, could not help
admiring and loving them, and wishing to be members of the Church that
made them so good and amiable. How many pagans do you think would be
converted nowadays by the lives of some who call themselves Catholics?
Not many, I think. Besides this, the early Christians really labored to
instruct others in the Christian religion, and to make them converts.
Often we find servants--even slaves--by their instructions converting
their pagan masters and mistresses. They all felt that they were
missionaries working for Jesus Christ, and their influence reached where
the priest's influence could not reach, because they came in contact
with persons the priests never had an opportunity of seeing. If all
Catholics had the same spirit, what good they could do! Their business
or duty may often bring them into daily intercourse with persons not of
their faith, and who never knew or perhaps heard any of the beautiful
truths of our holy religion. Yes, Catholics could do much good if they
had only the good will and knew their religion well. I do not mean that
they should be always discussing religion with everyone they meet. Let
them preach chiefly by the example of their own good lives, and when
questioned explain modestly and sincerely the truths they believe.

If you should be asked, for instance: Why do you not eat flesh-meat on
Friday? you should be able to answer: "Because I am a Christian and wish
to keep always before my mind how our Blessed Lord suffered for me in
His holy flesh on that day; and anyone who claims to be a Christian,
ought, I think, to be glad to do what reminds him so regularly and well
of Our Lord's Passion." Such an answer if given kindly and mildly would
silence and instruct your adversary; it might make him reflect, and
might, in time, bring him to the true religion. Somet