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SSPSPHSSi
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rOKXELirS, BY THE Ghack op God, axd Favoh of thk
Apo8TOlic See, Auchhishop of Halifax.
To Ihe 01('i'()U (fiid Laittf of ihe DioccKe of Halifax, health
and bfuedicfion in the Lord:
Deakly Beloved :
Almijrhty (Jod, speakinjr throuiifh his Holy Prophet Joiv-
iniu.s, and wishinjr to show at once the sad state of lleli«;i()ii
anionir tlie Jewish jjeople, and to point out its cause, said :
" Witli dciiolatlon /'« all (Jic land niadp desolate; hemu.se theve is
none that aniftidereth in heart. ^' — '(Jer. XH-ll.) A s})iritual
desohition overspread the hmd ; and the cause of it was, "he-
cause there is none tliat considereth in heart"; hecause none
really turned their thoughts to (Jod ; because men were more
intent on the i)leasures and interests of this world, than on the
sanctification of their souls.
AVere a Jeremias to arise in one da^', and receive a connnand
to deliver (Jod's messaj^e to the Christian world would he not
have to use nearly the selfsame lan«>ua<>e ? There is a vast
amount of spiritual desolation, and it is l)ecause men do not
consider in heart. The sweet yoke of Faith is cast aside as if it
Mere an intolerable burden ; the practices of relii>ion are neiilect-
ed, and sometimes derided; the very Commandments of (Jod
hhnself are broken Avithout fear or remorse. Some, for<»ettinii'
the injunction of the A})Ostle, " not to be more wise than it
behoveth to be wise; but to be wise unto sobriety," — (Kom.
Xn-8.) aro<iate to themselves all wisdom, and ))resume to sit
in iudiiinent on the works of (Jod himself. Thev lauuh at reve-
lation ; they mock the divinity of Christ ; they call Christianity
a su})erstition ; and sneer at tlevout believers as weak imbeciles.
Others, not so openly impious, but in whom Christian senti-
ments are half choked by evil passions, lose no oi)portunity of
havinir a covert thrust at the teachin<is of strict morality, and of
throwin<2j a doubt on some fundamental truth. They have enou<rh
of evil in them to make them wish that Christianity Avere false ;
tnid enough of Christianity to render their conduct inexcusable.
Trulv, " with desolation is all the land made desolate."
2
Now, the cause of this desohition is ji want of retlectlori, —
"there is none that considereth in heart." l*erhaj)s at no time
in the history of the human race did men boast so nuich of usinji:
tiieir reason as in the pn^sent ; and, jjerhaps, at no time was
reason used to such little })urpos(^ in fspiritual matters In
physical science, and in mechanical devices our a«re towers above
all others. Our comforts and our conveniences are carefully
studied, and skilfully catered to. Hence men who think only
of the world, and live only for it, arc lost in admiration, and call
u})on all to bow down ancl adore the j^olden calf called "" Modern
IV()*rress." AVhilst human in<remiity is actively at work in these
two de})artnients, the blight of Materialism is destroying all other
Arts and Sciences. l\iinters and Sculptors, devoid of the Re-
ligious sentiment, no longer create ; th(!y sim])ly imitate, and
imitate on the grossest moral range. A dreary superficiality has
invaded the schools ; the human mind is treated as a piece of
mechanism. Unfortunate babe.s, who ought to be romping in
the nursery, are doomed to torture in Kindergart(Mi classes, in
which the mind gets its tirs'. materialistic set. The fK'hool boy,
instead of being made to understand thoroughly the first ele-
ments of (iranunar and Arithmetic, is, machine-like, })assed
through a fearful array of high sounding classes, and emerges
with a profound dislike to serious study. If he should be sent to a
college he is wound up, or " cranuued," with answers and for-
nudas of which he understands next to nothing, and goes forth
to begin life with superficial ideas of everything. What wonder
that so many wrecks strew- the wayside of life? What wonder
that so many are easily led astray by the sophisms of unbelief?
Reason cannot l)e used ju'ight, becaust; it has not been developed
aright. A more simple, but at the same time a more solid form
of training, and a coiLstant inculcation of the supernatural, can
alone save us from the dead h^vel of barren supei'ficitility.
Did men use aright their reason they would never deny an
all-creating Ciod. God is manifest in his works. He si)eaks to
us from every tiower, and plant, and tree. His voice can be
heard in the moaning of the waves ; and his power (^an be read
in the starry firnunnent. 'Ilie sun proclaims his majesty, and
the moon gives testimony to his might. The laws of nature,
which are the foreseen and intended effects t)f forces created by
him, sj)eak of his wisdom ; and the seed time, and haiTCst time,
l>ear witness to his loving Providence. Well could the Ai)ostle
say : •" For the invisil>le things of him, from the creation of the
world, are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are
made, his eteri>al power also and divinity." — (Rom. 1-20.)
Yes, the eternal power and divinity of (Jod can be learnt from
the thiuijs he has made. Rii>ht reason teaches this : and those
who do not reL'ognize God as the C^reator are, according to St.
3
Paul, " inox('iisiil)Ie. — (Rom.I-'iO.) What tluMi iire we to tiiink
of the mon who in our day, with tho lijrht of C'hi-i.stianity shininjr
around about, with the lessons of niui^teen centuries of Chureli
History before them, either deny (Jod to he the creator of
heaven and earth, or speak of him as an unknown and unknow-
able cause? Human reason cannot, it is true, fully comprehend
the intinite Heinsj ; l)ut from the visibh^ works of creation it can
deduce the existence of an uncreated, all powerful First Cause,
the source and ori<rin of lif(\ and power, and action. One tinite
bein<r may have produced another tinite being; but the chain of
tinite causes nuist have a tirst link from which all the rest depend.
That tirst link is the Supreme Power that we call (iod. ^lore-
over, from the order and regularity of the I'niverse, — from the
intricate but never clashing system of Planetary motion — from
the wonderful adaptation of means to the end everywhere dis-
played in nature, human reason, if used aright, can conclude that
the Supreme Power is, also, supremely intelligent. It wen;
more reasonable to say that a complicated steam engine is the
work of an unreasoning man, than that nature, and nature's laws,
are the result of a blind, unintelligent force. And yet, this is the
absurdity which men who are called ''great thinkers," and the
** leaders of modern thought," proclaim when they either deny
God, or speak of a great unknownable cause. This [)uerile
nonsense, which would be laughed at in a schoolboy, is read with
admiration, and i)raised as a marvel of brilliant reasoning, wheii
appearing in a Quarterly. And why? " Because there in none
that considereth in heart."
The " eternal power also and divinity" of God are then made
manifest by the "things that are made"; and right reason pro-
claims that a living, intelligent, all powerful God has created
the universe in wisdom, and rules it with intelligence. There-
fore the tirst cause is not unknown, or unknowable, although he
is invisible ; and Juunan reason is never more nobly employed
than in demonstrating his existence against those who, "pro-
fessing themselves to be wise, became fools," (Rom. \ — 22)
and are rendered " inexcustiblc," because they did not learn
God's eternal power and divinity from his works.
But an intelligent (iod who created the world, and who
watches over it with loving care, cannot l)e inditferent to the
actions of his creatures. Here, again, reason, so often invoked,
but so little used, bv unl)elievei's, tells us that the end of
Creation is the Glory ot (iod ; and that we, as subjects of God.
are })ound to praise and glority him, and to obey what we
believe to be his Will. The Apostle, speaking of the Nations
that were " inexcusable" because they did not learn (iod's exis-
tence from his W(n*ks, adds: "When thev had known (iod.
they have not <j:l()ritie<\ him as (iod, nor pive thanks; l)iit he-
eanie vain in their thoujrhts, aud their foolish heart was dark-
ened." How many, ahis I are in that state to-day. How many,
seein<j: what tiie in<renuity of man ean elfeet, and not ccmsidc ring
in their iieart, forget (Jod's action in the world, laugh at the
etiieaey of prayer, dethrone the Almighty, and put humanity i*i
his stead. It is a renewal of the darkness of heart of tlie old
Pagan world, when men " professing themselves to be wise,
became fools."
A Natural Law which teaches the duty of adoring God, and
distinguishes between virtue and vice, is written in the soul of
each of us. Conscience, or right reason dictating what we
should do, or leave undone, at any particular time, is a guide
ever intimately present. Too often, however, men allow pas-
sion, or ))rejudice, or wordly interest, (u* sensual pleasures, to
blind their intellect, and to sway their will. Conscience then
becomes but as a voice cryinir in the wilderness.
But (lod was not satistied with imi)rinting the Natural Law
on our souls ; he contirmed it by Hevelation, and ])rescribed,
moreover, the manner of life his faithful children should live.
Now, since (lod is infinitely perfect whatsoever he has revealed
must be true ; human reason may err, but the word of God shall
stand forever. The j)hysical liberty man has of choosing the
wrong, is an imperfection, not a gift of which he should boast.
Hence since (Jod's revealed word is the unerring truth, our rea-
son is never more reasonable, is never more ennobled, is never
nearer to })erfection then when tirmly holding, even though it
cannot com})rehend, a doctrine revealed by (lod. And yet,
against this self-evident fact unbelievers raise a shout of derision,
and weak-kneed believers hang their heads, and seek to gain the
name of an '"enlightened thinker" by ap[)earing to mildly
de})recate the action of their more fervent brethren. Every
civic and moral virtue has, at some time, been profaned by being
used as a clrviik to some vice ; and now the (iod given reason of
man is invoked to destroy that reason itself. Surely those who
are misled by the miserable s()})histries of men who reject Reve-
lation, do not consider in heart. Surely they forget that " we
have access through Faith into this grace wherein we stand, and
ulorv in the hoi)e of the glorv of the sons of (Jod," — (Horn.
V-2.)
Therefore, Dearly lieloved, when you read, or hear, any
attacks on (iod's existence, or on any article of Your Faith, even
thoujrh made bv those whom an unthinkinu' crowd i)roclaims
great, you should not be disturbed in mind, nor should you seek
to a[)ologis(', {is it were, for your belief. You are the truly
5
reasonable ones; your eneniies arc tlio.se who have " hecomo
fools," by eMteoniin*^ themselves wise."
Hut even those who believe in Uevelation, unless they " eon-
sider in heart," will lose little by little their understandinj' ot
(Jod's word. Ilow <ds(^ ean Ave aeeount for the inditferenee
manifested l)v many to the teaehinj^s of God's Law? J low else
('Xl)lain the revolt aj^ainst the Church? "One fold, and one
Shepherd," "one Kin<;dom," "one Faith, one Baptism," is
what Christ instituted. That Spiritual Kin<rdom of his Church
was to last forever, and he was to remain with it. It could not
chanjic, for he was indwellin«j^ in it ; its teachinffs being true
they must exclude everything not conformable with them.
And yet, in spite of this, men rebelled against its teachings, and
proclaimed that they had found I'eligious freedom, because they
could embrace every form of error, and change to-morrow the
o})inions they held to-day. This is slavery not freedom; for
the truth alone makes us free.
The Apostle (I. Cor. VF — !*,10) enumerates a l<mg list of
those who will be (excluded from the Kingdom of (iod. And
our dear liord (Math. XXV\) gives a lengthy account of the
tinal fludgment, and ends by telling us that the Avicked " shall
go into everlasting punishment ; but the just into life everlast-
ing." lleason, as Avell, tells us that ditferent lots nuist await
the good and the; impious. Notwithstanding this, a doctrine
j)leasing to men of easy morality is preached. Men who, per-
haps, never in their lives dried the tears of the atWicted, — who
never spoke a kind word to the hel))less, — who never checked
their lusts to spare the miseries of others, dare to invoke the
mercy of (rod as a i)lea for not condemning them for their
unatoned sins, (iod is just as well as merciful ; his mercy
reigns on earth ; his justice sits on a tribunal in Heaven. He
did not make man to condemn him ; he made him for Heaven ;
but because many will use their free will to disol)ey (lod, and
will a})pear before him in their sin, they bring on their own
condenmation which (lod lovinglv tried to avert. Xo man who
leads a jnire life disbelieves in (iod, or in" his justice. Who are
those who " wrest to their own i)erdition" the scripture, and
change " the truth of (iod into a lie;," teat'hing in opposition to
dirist and his A[)ostle that no sin will exclude from Heaven?
Are they the holy ones of (iod, men who deny themselves and
take u}) the Cross? Were they Apostles? Martyrs? Men
who go about doiiig good ? Oh no ! They are chiefly those who
would benetit by having (iod shorn of his justice.
Our Holy Church, Dearly Beloved, knowing, in her Avis-
<lom, that many perish l)ecause they do not consider in heart.
I'iills upon us to lay iisido, as much as possihic, all worldly
thou«rl»ts, and to ictloct seriously in our h(;art durin^i: tho holy
season of Lent. It is surely a suitable time for reHeetion and
consideration, for it reminds us of Our Savi(mr's preparation for
death. For fortv days and foi-ty nitjhts he fasted and graved.
Were we to fast and pray, even for one whole day, how nuieh
lijrht would it not brinir to our souls. IIow many sins forirotten
would be revealed ; how many wron<r motives of action would
be laid bare, (rod in his awful jjrandeur and u^lory would seem
to shine before our souls. We would reeo^xni/e him as our
Creator, and we would realize what " an evil and a bitter thin<^"
it was to have ever left him. In the pure li«iht of his eternal
years the earth, and its pleasures, vanities and honours, would
seem less than nothing ; the vile nature of sin would horrify us,
whilst duties which now api)ear mean and wearisome would
grow light and inviting. The darkness of our road would be
dispelled ; the folly of those who have l)ecome fools by esteem-
ing themselves to be wise, would be so plainly seen that we
would wonder liow an intellect could become so benighted.
Our resolutions to lead a good life would be strengthened, anil
our sorrow for past sins intensified. These are some of the
benefits of fasting, recollection and prayer, for even one day.
If, then, " with desolation the whole land be made desolate,
because there is none that considereth in heart," do you, Dearly
Beloved, enter upon this Lenten Season fully resolved to con-
sider in heart your eternal Salvation. If you cannot fast every
day, you can, at least, fast sometimes : or if the nature of your
work, or reasons of health should hinder even this, you can
occasionally mortify your appetite by eating less than usual.
You can abstain from all unnecessary luxuries, and especially
from the use of intoxicating Ucpiors. Let each one resolve to
overcome, Avith (iod's grace, his bad, or dangerous habits, so
that all may coni})ly with the Apostle's teaching; " I beseech
you, therefore, brethren, by the mercy of God, that you present
your l)odies a living sacrifice, holy, })leasing to CJod, your
reasonable service." (Horn. XII — 1.) We are to ])resent our
bodies a " living sacrifice" by resisting our bad passions, and
by seeking, not our bodily comfort first, but the will of God
and his justice. We are to present them a " holy" sacrifice by
keeping them undetiled, l>y res})ectijig them as " temples of the
Holy (ihost," and by guarding our eyes lest they " should see
iniquity ;" our ears lest they should hear evil ; and our tongue
lest it become what St. flames calls it, " a restless evil, full of
deadly poison" (III — 8.) I\ is, indeed, a deadly poison when
it vomits forth curses and imprecations, or obscene speeches
regarding things which the Apostle tells us should "not even
be named" jimongst us. And this service is a "reasonable"
oiU', l)()(li hcciiusf God, as our Suprciuc MastiT, lias a r\*i\\t to
our service, and because a few years of service here will ensure
us an eternity of happiness hereafter.
Therefore, Dearly Beloved, we exhort you to make «jo()d use
of this pcniteutial season for the strenirtluMiinu' of ufood resolu-
tions, iind for the sanctiHcation of your souls. Consider in heart
the shortness of lifi\ the certainty of death, the searching ju(l<^-
inent that must follow. Think of the sufferinii' and death of our
dear L-^rd, so that your souls may understand the enormity of
sin, and realize how nuich we owe to our Hodeemer. Ik; instant
in })riiyer. \\'ithout proper jirayer you (^annot save your
souls, (iod knows your wants, it is true ; hut he wills that you
should ask that vou niav receive ; and seek that vou mav find:
and knock that ii may he opened to you. Let the })ious i)ractice,
so stron<>ly reconnnended hy our Holy Father {\io. Pope, of sayiiiijf
the llosary in your families every day, he heirun durin<r this
Lent, and continued for the re-*^ of youi lives. Blessed, indeed,
will he the house in which the Kosary shall he daily recited with
<lev()tion. Prepare yourselves to woi-thily receiver the Body and
Blood of the Lord, so that you may he " reformed in the new-
ness of your mind, that you may jjrove what is the <rood and thti
accei)tahle, and the perfect will of (iod." — (Kom. XII-2. ) And
<lo you. dear lirethren of the ('ler<ry, increase your i)astoral
zeal duriuii' this " acce|)tal>le time," <r()in<r hravely and um'casinjr-
ly, like the irood Shejjherd, in search of the strayin«i meuihers of
vour iiock. Bv admonitions and warniuirs which shall have
Jove, not hitterness, for tlu^ir key note, strive to teach them their
duties, and to l)rin<>' them hack to (iod. liemind all of the
<»hliirati(m of coinplyinir with the precept of the Church rejjard-
ini:: their Kaster Confession and Conjuiunion, and I'ead in your
(Munvhes the Canons heariuir on these [)oints. We enclose the
Regulations for the ensuing Lent,
The gmce of our Lord Jesus Christ l>e with voii a3L
This PastoraK^hall he rp^ndinall the Churduvs of this Diocese,
as soon its possible after its reception by the Pastor.
t C. OBRIKN,
Ahj9. <[f Hal [fax,
E. F. MCKPHV,
^if'(•|•da^'^/,
St. Mauy's, Halifax,
iH'^st of the diair of St. Peter,
at Antioch, imX^.
>t
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