The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

212 THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS.name of Mary the Mother of Jesus is uttered withlest the sound of her name should makebated breath,the preacher liable to the charge of superstition.The piety of a mother usually sheds additionallustre on the son, and the halo that encircles her browis reflected uponhis. The more the mother is extolled, the greater honor redounds to the son. Andif this is true of all men who do not choose theirmothers, how much more strictly may it be affirmedof Him who chose His own Mother, and made herHimself such as He would have her, so that all theglories of His Mother are essentially His own. Andyet we daily see ministers of the Gospel ignoringMarys exalted virtues and unexampled privileges,and parading her alleged imperfections, nay sinfulness,as if her Son were dishonored by the piety, andtook delight in the defamation of His Mother.Such defamers might learn a lesson from one whomade little profession of Christianity.Is"thy name Mary, maiden fair ?Such should, methinks, its music be.The sweetest name that mortals bear,Were best befitting thee.And she to whom it once was given,Was half of earth and half ofheaven." lOnce more the title of blessed isgiven to Mary.On one occasion a certain woman lifting up her voice,"Baid to Jesus, Blessed is the womb that bore thee,1 Oliver W. Holmes.