Page:TheYoungMansGuide.djvu/148

 society of  those  whose  beliefs  differ  from  those which he  professes,  or  who  mock  at  religion, what then  becomes  of  his  courage? His heart at  once  sinks  into  his  boots,  so  that, out of  a  wretched  feeling  of  human  respect, he eats  meat  on  fast  days,  in  order  that  he  may not be  jeered  and  laughed  at. He never  dares to make  the  sign  of  the  cross  or  say  grace before meals  in  the  presence  of  those  whose opinions differ  from  his  own. "One must have  respect,"  he  says,  "for  the  opinions  of others  and  cultivate  their  good- will."

2. It  is  human  respect  which  keeps  so  many young men  back  from  a  frequent  reception  of the  sacraments,  from  a  regular  attendance  at divine  service  both  in  the  morning  and  afternoon, on  Sundays  and  holydays. "What will people  think  of  me?  I  shall  be  considered quite  fanatical  if  I  go  so  often  to church." But tell  me:  what  harm  is  it  if you  are  thought  to  be  pious? Is it  not  far better that  you  should  be  thought  to  be  pious and well-conducted,  than  that  you  should  be regarded  as  a  toper  and  brawler?

Let people  think  whatever  they  like. Every one is  of  just  as  much  value  as  he  is  in  the sight of  God,  neither  more  nor  less. Therefore we must  fear  God,  as  Our  Lord  says: "Fear ye  not  them  that  kill  the  body  and  are not  able  to  kill  the  soul;  but  rather  fear  Him that  can  destroy  both  soul  and  body  in  hell" (Matt. x.  28).

3. Thus  many  a  young  man  desires  to  be  a