hese crimes brought their proper
punishment both here and hereafter; and that they should, by pure morals
and fidelity to their religion, rather than by controversy or
disputation, make a favorable impression on, and confute the errors of,
those opponents of their faith among whom their lot was cast. In fine,
that they should lose no opportunity of receiving the sacraments, for,
without their use, salvation was very difficult, if not absolutely
impossible. Let them not regret the loss of this day, or think it too
much to dedicate it to God's service: that was the chief end for which
they were created. When population was small, and a livelihood easily
obtained, and men had to work but little, God had appointed one day in
the week to rest and service. Now, when the cares, distractions, and
labors of life had increased a thousandfold, it seemed not too much if,
instead of one day, two or more days were devoted to rest and worship.
And if the Church had her way unrestricted, she, by her festivals and
holy days, would do a great deal towards alleviating the present
hardships of labor, and men would be taught to be content with a
competency, and employers would treat their men with kindness and
justice combined.

"You, poor fellows, have to work hard, frequently for years, without
having a chance to frequent the sacraments. Thank God, then, and be
grateful for this opportunity, and spend this day as becometh
Christians. You are exposed to dangers from accidents, and frequently
from the influence of evil-advising men. In Religion and her resources
alone you can find the only safeguard against the effects of the former,
and the best security against the wiles of your enemies: keep the
commandments, and hear the Church."

On this day no less than ninety-five received, and the effects of this
one visit even were felt by the overseers and employers of these men for
months to come. Even Anne Council, the girl whom we introduced as
disputing with her ignorant mistress about "the freedom of
worship,"--and which dispute was then decided in Anne's favor by the
interference of the boss, who remonstrated with his wife on her
imprudence in resolving to discharge her maid in the midst of their
hurry, while there was no chance of having her place supplied,--even
Anne, brought to a better sense by the advice of the priest administered
in confession, when she came home asked her saucy mistress's pardon for
speaking back to her this morning