other good reasons; but chiefly perhaps because, every school-boy knew the Seven Gifts by heart.
But, before we go on, it may be worth while to contrast this ancient teaching of the Church with a representative modern statement; and to notice how all the strong distinctive virtues are merged into one vague mass of sickly pietism which has nothing definite about it except the determination to get to heaven. Let us take an instance from a careful and responsible contemporary source, the article on the Holy Ghost by Professor Jacques Forget in the great Catholic Encyclopaedia—for modern Roman Catholicism is quite as sentimental as modern Protestantism:
'The gift of wisdom, by detaching us from the world, makes us relish and love only the things of heaven. The gift of understanding helps us to grasp the truths of religion as far as is necessary. The gift of counsel springs from supernatural prudence, and enables us to see and choose correctly what will help most to the glory of God and our own salvation. By the gift of fortitude we receive courage to overcome the obstacles and difficulties that arise in the practice of our religious duties. The gift of knowledge points out to us the path to follow and the dangers to avoid in order to reach heaven. The gift of piety, by inspiring us with a tender and filial confidence in God, makes us joyfully embrace all that pertains to His service. Lastly, the gift of fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread, above all things, to offend Him.'
