Te Aroha AND Ohinemuri News SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 1909. RECENT CATHOLIC LITERATURE.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4420, 5 June 1909, Page 2

Te Aroha AND Ohinemuri News

SATURDAY, JUNE 5,1909. RECENT CATHOLIC LITERATURE.

This above all—to thine own self be true , And it must follow as the night the day Thou canst not then be false to any man Shakespeare.

As we do not belong to the Eoman Catholic Church, our testimony to her undoubtedly good work in recent paths of literature may be regarded as unbiassed and therefore of some value. We challenge criticism in saying that there is scarcely a great question in the religious, social, and political world that is now agitating mankind, but Las been touched upon with good effect by that communion. The publications of the Catholic Truth Society in Australia are a valuable contribu>* tion to ethics, politics, sociology, and religion. The tract by the Most Rev. P. J. Ryan, Archbishop of Philadelphia (republished in Australia), ought to be written in letters of gold. It is on the question : “ Christian Civilization and the dangers that threaten it.” It would be a most praiseworthy thing if any rich man were to have it republished in New Zealand and sown broadcast gratis. As seed sown will germinate, so truth, dropped into a receptive miftd will germinate and bear good fruit to the advantage of the individual and the nation. It deals in a trenchant and masterly way with the greatest questions of the day. Other publications on science, philosophy, economics, morality, missions, the liquor question, socialism, fallen women, negltcted children, education and political duties are excellent. They are published at a penny and are sold at the doors of Catholic Churches as well as at shops. A much more solid, voluminous and pretentious class of writings are tliose by Rev. Arthur Deyine, better known as Father Devine, on mystical and ascetical theology. That writer has also written voluminous works on the creed, the sacraments and the commandments, in which he emphasises the fact that men and women are much moro than mere animals apd are supernaturally endowed with diyipo grace if they will live at -their best, as even Aristotle ohWGQfid they should live.

In these days of parental filial revolt, loose divorce laws, apd. commercial materialism, it is pe'resiting to find men like Father Devine carrying the torchlight of divine truth through dark places of the earth filled with refined cruelty. The latest contribution by Father Miller on ,f iSerflaons on Modern Spiritualism/’ proves that is not the inoffensive thing many persons take it to be, but is a “ doctrine of devils ” that assails the fundamental truths oft tfie gospel that has sustained numberless ge&era,t£tfns in tfm conflict of life. No one on car,efully considering the teachings of this authorised Catholic preacher could dream of espousing spiritualism. Even its physical danger* aj;e gf.e.pt. The “ Manual of Theology for the Laity,” by Rev. P. Goiermann, with nn introduction by the Archbishop of &t. Louis, is valuable as emphasising man’s responsibility in citizenship, home life, politics, and nil the (varied relations of national life. 4 JJPIV edition of J)r. Hay’s *•* Devont Christian ” has placed within peach of all men a most suitable book for these times.

One of the very best books of its class is|“ The Catholic’B Manual,” by an ancient scholar, Tifcmapn Pjscli, S.J. It contains some of tfie wjsestpif maxims and some of tfie soundest advice. jit siya : “ Religion pott baaed upon truth and reality, is but an empty dream, unworthy of national n? a o.'” “There is no true religion other than the living connection of man with God through faith, charity, grace, and tho faithfal keeping of the divme commandments.”

“ Never engntre in a business for the success of wl ich yot r heart refuses to implore the blessing of God.” “ Forgive yourself nothing, others much. . . . To forgive and to b&

forgiven is, among man. ns indisp- nst’, ! as breathing.” Again, lie suys : “ Make it a rule to put a good construction upon the conduct of others. Excuse their faults as you would your own. , . • Wo seo only the external deed ; God, tho all-knowing, sees the intention, the occasion, and possibly hidden motives excusing or justifying the action.” Again, “ always control yourself. Anger is a wild horse whose impulses must be carefully watched. Meekness imparts to right power and authority ; anger deprives it of both.” Lastly, “ Respect yourself, and never forget who you are You owe yourself a reasonable measure of selfrespect. If you tkrow yourself away, do not wonder that others tread on you.” Struck with the present day importance of this literature we consider it only bare justice to the reading public to draw attention to it.