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WITH THE
THE EDITOR

To our friends and readers all, a Happy New Year!

Among their new year's resolutions we ask our friends and readers to include this: "For God's honor and glory, and love of our Lady of the Rosary, I shall say five decades of the Beads daily." Such a resolution can easily be kept, even by those most occupied with worldly cares; its fulfillment shall certainly be rewarded by blessings abundant, spiritual and temporal.

We ask each of our readers to endeavor to extend the influence of THE ROSARY MAGAZINE during the coming year. You know the purpose of the magazine; you realize, dear reader, the pleasure it has afforded and the service it has rendered you. Will you not, then, kindly speak of it to a friend and ask him to subscribe? Doubtless, many of your friends are not familiar with the ROSARY and its merits-some, even, may not know of its existence. You can call their attention to it, and impress upon them the importance and the necessity of their cooperation in the work that we are doing for the cause of Catholic literature. Our labors during the past year have been singularly blessed and largely rewarded. Thousands of letters from grateful subscribers have come to us, commending and praising our aims

and achievements and wishing us Godspeed.

Our plans for the coming year contemplate improvements along every line -and the future progress of the magazine shall be commensurate with its substantial approval and support. The more subscribers we have, the better able we shall be to produce a periodical in every way worthy of the Catholic name, a periodical which shall reflect and measurably embody the highest Catholic ideals.

It is not surprising to those who are accustomed to look beneath the surface of things to learn that crime is rapidly increasing in America. Nor does it require deep philosophic insight nor extraordinary penetration to perceive the reasons for this lamentable state of affairs. It is, indeed, a sad commentary on our social system, and a rude shock, withal, to our complacent notions of national superiority, to be assured by statisticians that America enjoys the unenviable distinction of being first among the nations of the earth in the perpetration of high crimes, and is outranked in criminality only by a small section of Italy. But history repeats

itself. And these terrible conditions. were inevitable. No nation can long endure which is not builded on the strong and sure foundations of morality, and

morality is impossible without religion. When shall the eyes of our statesmen and true lovers of their country and their kind be opened to the light of reason, and when shall the state grant substantial recognition to the sound and logical Catholic contention regarding religious instruction in the schools?

Strange and inexplicable is the attitude of some Catholics in regard to the Catholic press. They subscribe for neither Catholic magazine nor paper, on the plea that either they have no time. to read them or can not afford to pay for them. They find means, however, to procure, and have abundant leisure to devour, the sensational daily paper with its record of crimes and scandals-they have hours to waste over the ponderous Sunday journals with their colored supplements of pictorial nonsense and low and indecent and degrading caricatures; they have time and money to squander on the theatre-and the cheap and vulgar and demoralizing vaudeville, perhaps; money they have to gratify their dainty or perverted appetites, and indulge their extravagant tastes; they have money for the latest and silliest novel, and time to ponder it. But for Catholic literature they have neither time, money -nor inclination. Fortunately, however, and to the honor of Catholics be it

said, this class is constantly growing smaller; and intelligent Catholics everywhere are manifesting a keener appreciation of Catholic literary effort, and are making greater sacrifices to encourage and support it.

Much has been said and written of late on the so-called "yellow peril." This “round, unvarnished tale" from the

Reverend Thomas J. Campbell, S. J., is simple truth, and indicates the real peril that confronts the American people to-day:

"Speculations are rife as to the probable outcome of the struggle at Port Arthur. If the Japanese are successful in the war now being waged in the East, will there be a 'yellow peril?' Will there be a tidal wave of pagan invasion that will shake the foundations of civilization? Probably not. But if the people of America keep on in the way they have been moving for past years, so far as marriage and divorce are concerned, there will be no civilization to destroy. Where there are no Christian families there is no Christian civilization. France is now engaged in a relentless war against Christianity, but America is doing more in the matter of divorce to destroy Christian civilization than all Europe."

If our separated brethren would abandon their impossible and altogther untenable position on the question of marriage and divorce, and cease to temporize with God's eternal and inexorable laws, the vexed and serious problem would promptly solve itself. "What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." Modern religionists and American Solons can not improve on this Divine decree.

For the information of numerous inquirers we desire to state that the delightful story, "The Way of the Transgressor," which appeared in the Novem

ber number of THE ROSARY, was written by Mary E. Mannix.

If you present your friend with a year's bscription to THE ROSARY MAGAZIN, your kindness and consideration shall be gratefully recalled every month of the year.

BOOKS

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12mo, pp.

The short story is, no doubt, that form of fiction which to-day has most devotees, and invites most egregious failThis comes from the fact that padding, literary musing, and what is known as "sermonizing" must, of sheer necessity, be left aside. Storiettes are apt replicas-as good fiction must needs. be of the hasty, uneventful life lived about us. The present volume, however, contains some good things. Its dominant note is the reminiscent. But there is sufficient action to give each of these fourteen stories interest, without any approach to the strained or spectacular. Thoroughly Catholic in tone, they will effectively serve as antidotes to the moral poison and irreligious stuff that floods the market. This bright repertoire of stories, running almost the entire gamut of man's feelings, gives unerring presage of future good work from the same pen. We heartily commend this volume and congratulate the publishers on its typographical perfection.

THE MIDDLE AGES. By Rev. Thomas J. Shahan, S. T. D., J. U. D. New York: Benziger Brothers, 1904. 12mo, pp. 432. $2.00 net.

The Middle Ages are well-nigh unintelligible from any other than a Catholic standpoint. With reason, therefore, the learned author opens this book with a study on Gregory the Great. Few, if any, of the Popes have left a deeper and more lasting impression on subsequent times. If he stands at the head of medieval religious history, he finds a counterpart for its secular aspect in the great Justinian. Aside from the studies on these two men, the remainder of the volume is little else than a devel

opment and view of the varied and multitudinous details of those eminently personal times. As the Middle Ages are mirrored in the sources of the double current of life, Gregory and Justinian, so the volume takes consistency and logical coherence in the consideration of these men. The essay on Islamism gives a key to much of the chivalry and moral defection of after times. For the Renaissance, which forms the last study, were impossible if many weak Christians had not been scandalized at the success of the Mecca seer. Many details of domestic and social life are

brought out admirably under the topics "Catholicism," "England," "Schools and Teachers," "Baths of the Middle Ages." The study on the Medieval Cathedralbuilders is as fine a piece of literary composition and spiritual insight and artistic appreciation as can be found in any professional treatise, be it from the hand of a Rio, Enlart, or Gietman.

Few books of this or last year contain more varied and beautiful matter than the present. It is the quintessence of thorough historical investigation, embracing studies in six languages. Over all, a sound, philosophic statesmanship keeps watch, teaching lessons for life and social conduct. The author speaks authoritatively and with the finality of a master. His style is grandiose, imposing, supple, and pervaded with an aroma of classical perfection. Only, perhaps, in W. S. Lilly does the author find a rival. There is in these pages the religious enthusiasm of an Ozanam, and the patriotism of a thoughtful and candid American who sees dangers ahead. If the language is somewhat redundant, it is never tedious, and would be read, even at that, for the elegance and charm of its style. The learned doctor has certainly achieved another success in this twinvolume and sequel to the "Beginnings of Christianity." As he evidently has a

scholarly clientele, he, should have added a bibliographical appendix to each single chapter, aside from the notes, especially since each chapter can be viewed as a distinct and independent whole.

LETTERS OF BLESSED JOHN OF AVILA.

work on the error of Socialism has yet appeared than the present one. All the phases of Socialism are discussed, their tenets set forth, and their sophistry exposed. Certain statistics are explained, others contradicted and shown to be false. In a word, there seems to be want

Translated and Selected from the Span- ing nothing that would further improve

ish. By the Benedictines of Stanbrook. New York: Benziger Brothers, 1904. 12mo, pp. 168. $1.10 net.

This book is made up of twenty letters selected from the writings of Blessed John of Avila. They are written in plain, familiar style and with one or two exceptions treat entirely of spiritual matters. Blessed John was remarkable for sanctity and learning, and his direction. was sought by such souls as St. John of God, St. Francis Borgia, St. Peter of Alcantara, and St. Teresa, whom he effectively helped in the way of perfection. His counsels are just as effective now, and will be found of great assistance to those striving to serve God.

SOCIALISM: ITS THEORETICAL BASIS

AND PRACTical appliCATION. By Victor Cathrein, S. J. Authorized Translation of the Eighth German Edition, with Special References to the Condition of Socialism in the United States. By Victor T. Gettlemann, S. J. New York: Benziger Brothers, 1904. 8vo, pp. 419. $1.50 net.

The word timely is often applied to a book, but none can make juster claim to this term than the work before us. Socialism is the topic of the day; for a certain few it is becoming a religion. It is certainly making rapid and alarming progress, and more than ridicule will be required to check it. The Socialists study the economic questions; they arm themselves with statistics, with certain facts and conclusions so ingeniously manipulated that properly and effectively to expose their fallacy a more than superficial knowledge is necessary. No more thorough

and strengthen the work. The translation is well done. The learned Father Conway's translation served as a fitting model. The work is indispensable to any one who wishes to make a deep and thorough study of Socialism. It is to be hoped that an abridged edition will follow; it would be more acceptable and useful to the general reading public.

SHADOWS LIFTED. A Sequel to Saint

Cuthbert's. By Rev. J. E. Copus, S. J. (Cuthbert). New York: Benziger Brothers, 1904. 8vo, pp. 262. $0.85. Father Copus possesses in an eminent degree the happy faculty of imparting life and interest to the characters he portrays. His are not studies from still life. His characters are instinct with life and naturalness. Evidently he has studied human nature, and youth especially, to some purpose. He leads his readers into. the charmed circle of joyous youth-he paints with master-hand youth and boyhood as it is. Books without number have been written for boys. But we know of none more delightful and interesting to young and old alike than Father Copus' books. In our opinion: "Shadows Lifted" marks a distinct advance over our author's previous efforts, creditable and notable as these were. The present work deserves, and is certain to receive, enthusiastic welcome from every one capable of appreciating real literary excellence. Those of our readers not familiar with Father Copus' inimitable art will have the opportunity and the certain pleasure of acquaintance through the medium of "That Boy Gerald," which opens in the present number of THE ROSARY.

THE GOSPEL APPLIED TO OUR TIMES. A SERMON FOR EVERY SUNDAY IN THE YEAR. By Rev. D. S. Phelan, St. Louis: B. Herder, 1904. 8vo, pp. 473. $2.00.

The veteran editor of The Western Watchman, of St. Louis, has just brought out a volume of sermons which includes a sermon for every Sunday in the year. We do not believe, with the Reverend author, that an apology for this book is necessary. The sermons are excellent, as might be expected, and will be especially welcomed by busy pastors. Father Phelan has been an editor for more than forty years, and no one has ever accused him of inability to clearly and vigorously express himself. He has been a parish priest for over forty years, and has averaged during that time more than one sermon every Sunday. Surely, a man with such a record and with the splendid mind and equipment of Father Phelan, is eminently qualified to write sermons that are readable and preachable. The book is destined to be extensively read and studied-and it richly deserves to be.

VERA SAPIENTIA; or, TRUE WISDOM.

Translated from the Latin of Thomas a'Kempis. By the Right Rev. Mgr. Byrne, D. D., V. G. New York: Benziger Brothers, 1904. 8vo, pp. 204. $0.75.

The name a'Kempis is sufficient guarantee of excellence when there is question of devotion and spiritual reading. His "Imitation" has been, and ever shall be, a solace to souls the world over, and stands alone, unapproached and unapproachable in genuine spiritual worth.

The present work will prove highly serviceable to souls in their warfare against the powers of darkness and the world. The translator has done his work in a creditable manner, and has rendered a distinct service to the Catholic cause in placing this veritable treasure in the hands of the faithful.

FABIOLA; or, THE CHURCH OF THE CATACOMBS. By Cardinal Wiseman. New York: Benziger Brothers, 1904. 8vo, pp. 324. $0.25.

Any comment on this English classic would be superfluous. Interest in this splendid tale never wanes, and generation after generation of Catholics read it, and this is well. We rejoice that the publishers have brought out this cheap (paper) edition. It will ensure a larger reading, and enable many to procure the book that perhaps could not afford it in more expensive form. The cheaper our Catholic books and general literature, the better.

HEREAFTER; or, THE FUTURE LIFE, ACCORDING TO SCIENCE AND FAITH. By Rev. J. Laxenaire, D. D. Translated from the French by Rev. J. M. Lelen. St. Louis: B. Herder. $0.30.

The author aims "to throw upon the great question of the 'Hereafter' the light which emanates from the threefold source of experience, reason and revelation." After considering the question in its historical aspect, he discusses it from the point of view of philosophy. But since philosophy manifests to us only one side of the question of human destiny, he calls to his aid revelation, to add its superior light to the light of reason. The arguments are convincing and marshalled in an interesting and readable way.

THE LIFE OF ST. TERESA OF JESUS. By Herself. Translated from the Spanish by David Lewis. New York: Benziger Brothers, 1904. $2.20 net.

This life of the great Carmelite saint, penned by herself, is so well known and appreciated as to need no special commendation. The particular merits of this edition (the third enlarged), however, are its excellence of translation, additional notes and an introduction by Rev. Benedict Zimmerman, O. C. D.

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