The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

"ByTHE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE. 415For my part, I have spenta considerable time invarious portions of France, and more edifyingChristians I have never witnessed than those I havemet in that country. For six years I had for myprofessors French priests, whose exemplary liveawere a daily sermon to all of us.And I submit that the cosmopolitan city of Paris(waiving, for the present, the enormities of which itis is accused,) not to be adduced as a fair criterionof French morality. Let us stay at home, and judgeof Catholic morals by the examples furnished underour eyes.The influence of the Confessional has been fairlytested in this country, since the foundation of ourRepublic. Are practical Catholics enfeebled inconscience? Is their conscience chained andstarved? Has the absolution they received, whetted their appetitesfor more sin ? And are theymonsters of immorality ? I think that an enlightened Protestant public will pronounce a contraryverdict.I feel that I can say, with truth, that Catholicswho frequent the Confessional, are generally virtuousin their private lives; just and honorable in theirdealings with others, and that they cultivate charityand good-will towards their fellow-citizens.It will not do to say to me, that it is the system,and not the individual, that is attacked. How canwe judge of a system,unless by its practical workingin the individual ?their fruits ye shall knowthem," says our Redeemer.