him look utterly foolish. I knew a witty Capuchin Father whose sharp tongue frequently did him good service.
On one occasion a stout, pompous gentleman who was sitting opposite to this good Father in a railway coach tried to annoy him by mocking at religion. Among other things he said to him : " Your Reverence, how is it possible that a hell can exist? Where could the Almighty get wood enough to heat such a place?" With a tongue as ready as ever, the Father retorted: "My dear sir, you need not be anxious about this point as long as God has a store of such blockheads as yourself."
6. In the third place, beware of infidel or anti-Catholic books and writings. Be careful in the choice of your books and magazines. Do not take it into your head that you must read everything which comes to hand. I shall say more in another chapter about the terrible evils which result from the diffusion of books hostile to the Faith and to the Church.
Do you, however, take care that amid the many clangers and temptations which surround you the light of faith which is within you become not darkness; may it always shine before you and guide you on your heavenward way.
Lord of eternal purity!
Who dost the world with light adorn,
And paint the fields of azure sky
With lovely hues of eve and morn;
Scatter our night, eternal God,
And kindle Thy pure beam within
Free us from guilt's oppressive load.
And break the deadly bonds of sin
