The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

"""244 THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS.8.By exhibiting religious paintings in our rooms vwe make a silent, though eloquent, profession of outfaith. I once called on a gentleman in a distantcity, some time during our late war, and, on enteringhis library, I noticed two portraits, one of a distinguished general, the other of an archbishop,These portraits at once proclaimed to me the religious and patriotic sentiments of the proprietor of the house. Behold ! he said to me,pointing to the pictures, my religious creed andmy politicalcreed." If I see a crucifix iu aman s room, I am convinced at once that he isnot an infidel.4.By the aid of sacred pictures, our devotion andlove for the original are intensified, because we can concentrate our thoughts more intently on the object of ouraffections. Mark how the eye of a tender childglistens on confronting the painting of an affectionate mother. What Christian can stand unmoved,when contemplating a picture of the Mother of Sorrows? How much devotion has been fostered bythe stations of the cross? Observe the intensesympathy depicted on the face of the humble Christian woman as she silently passes from one stationto another. She follows her Saviour step by stepfrom the Garden to Mount Calvary. The wholescene, like a panoramic view, is imprinted on hermind, her memory, and her affections. Never didthe most pathetic sermon on the Passion enkindlesuch heartfelt love, or evoke such salutary resolu-