further and assert that he descends to the level of the brute. For what is it distinguishes man from the brute? The ability to think? No, for an elephant is wiser than many men. The gift of speech? No; monkeys converse fluently. Their bodily shape? No; there are gorillas and men who would pass for brothers. The distinguishing mark is the yearning of man's soul for a higher life. Man's dignity as lord of creation and heir to heaven is never more emphatically asserted than when he says: " I believe in God," " Thy will be done," and falling down prays: " Our Father, who art in heaven." But the unbeliever, the neglecter of religion, has practically nothing to distinguish him from the brute creation. Like the prodigal son, he no sooner abandons his father than he begins to associate and feed with the swine, and regains his manhood — his dignity as son and heir — only when he forms and carries out his resolution to arise and go to his father. This folly of the irreligious not only reflects on themselves, but it is a crime of injustice against God. What a monster of injustice is the son who turns his back on his parents in the hour of their need! What an execrable ingrate he is who steals away and hides when the call goes forth for defenders of his country! For our parents give us being and make us what we are, and our country watches over and protects us at home and abroad. But God is nearer to us than parents or country. Whatever we are, whatever we have, comes primarily from Him, and every moment of our lives we feel the need of His sustaining and protect-
