Page:TheYoungMansGuide.djvu/29

 the torments  which  will  be  the  punishment of the  unchaste. When he  desires  to  dazzle us with  the  glitter  of  the  riches,  honors,  and glories which  the  world  has  to  offer  us,  faith throws open  the  portals  of  heaven,  where  the' highest rewards  are  prepared  for  those  who persevere in  the  love  of  God  and  the  pursuit of virtue. Wherefore contemplate  this  shield of faith  on  every  side,  in  order  that  you  may be convinced  of  its  indispensable  necessity, may gladly  take  it  into  your  hand,  and  grasp it firmly. Let us  turn  our  attention  first to the  foundation  of  all  faith,  of  all  religion; namely, to  the  existence  of  God. Is there  a God? That is  the  first  question.

2. "Is  there  a  God?" What an  unnecessary  question,  you  are  saying  to  yourself. And you are  quite  right. In regard  to  this  point David says  in  one  of  the  Psalms:  "The  fool hath  said  in  his  heart:  There  is  no  God." And truly;  only  a  man  destitute  of  reason,  a man  who  is  mad,  could  make  such  an  assertion, could  question  the  existence  of  God.

Let us  suppose  that  you  show  your  watch to a  friend,  and  say  to  him:  "Must  not  the individual  who  made  this  watch,  and  arranged the  works,  have  understood  his  business  very well?  Must  he  not  be  a  very  clever  fellow, and  possess  a  first-rate  head-piece?" Now, suppose he  were  to  reply:  "Oh,  nonsense! The  watch  made  itself  I"  Should  you  not gaze fixedly  at  him,  and  make  some  such remark as  the  following:  "My  good  friend,