Page:TheYoungMansGuide.djvu/227

 from falling:  he  raiseth  up  the  soul,  and  en» lighteneth the  eyes,  and  giveth  health,  and  life, and blessing  "  (Ecclus.  xxxiv.  20).

HE watchword  of  these  modern  times is progress. For instance,  no  one works any  longer  by  the  light  of  a  candle  or of  a  feeble  oil  lamp;  we  employ  gas  or  the electric light;  no  one  journeys  to  Rome  on foot,  but  travels  by  railway. Progress ought also to  reign  in  the  domain  of  piety  and holiness, progress  in  the  use  of  the  means  of grace  and  sanctification. This applies  more especially to  young  people. For in  these modern times  occasions  of  sin  are  so  very numerous, dangers  to  morality  so  extremely threatening, the  attractions  and  amusements of the  world  so  bewitching,  bad  examples  so enticing,  that  a  young  man  can  hardly  be expected  to  resist  them,  if  he  is  unwilling  to do  more  than  what  is  absolutely  required  of him  —  if  he  fails  to  go  to  confession  and  to receive  holy  communion  frequently  during the year. Let progress  be  your  motto  in  this respect — progress in  the  more  frequent  reception of  the  sacraments. Draw near  therefore to the  Table  of  the  Lord,  in  order  that  you may obtain  light  to  perceive  what  you  ought to do  and  strength  to  do  the  right;  grace  to avoid  sin,  and  courage  to  walk  persistently  in the  way  of  virtue  and  perfection!