Page:Marie Corelli - the writer and the woman (IA mariecorelliwrit00coat).pdf/119

 *gin to feel doubt as to the truth of the Christian faith, this book "Ardath" will be of enormous value. It will strengthen their faith and aid greatly to carry conviction to those who pause, unable to decide amid the chaotic teachings of conflicting theorists. We praise this book more especially for its virtue as an antidote to the pitiful writings of some female novelists whose vicious themes must do much harm amongst the women of the day. "If women give up their faith," declares Alwyn to the Duchess de la Santoisie, "let the world prepare for strange disaster! Good, God-loving women,—women who pray,—women who hope,—women who inspire men to do the best that is in them,—these are the safety and glory of nations! When women forget to kneel,—when women cease to teach their children the 'Our Father,' by whose grandly simple plea Humanity claims Divinity as its origin,—then shall we learn what is meant by 'men's hearts failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.' A woman who denies Christ repudiates Him, Who, above all others, made her sex as free and honored as everywhere in Christendom it is. He never refused woman's prayers,—He had patience for her weakness,—pardon for her sins,—and any book written by woman's hand that does Him the small