Principles and Practices - October 17

The Worldly and the Christian Man

The worldly man, swayed by the passion of enjoying every good here below, will count sin as nothing or very little. Provided he is amused, all means are good and praiseworthy. The Christian, on the other hand, without despising the relaxations and enjoyments necessary for his feeble nature, will dread above all any offence against God. Like St. John Chrysostom, he will fear nothing but sin; 'unum timet Chrysostomus, peccatum.'

He will never forget that his soul is immortal and that God will judge it. Nay, more, to fear the judgements of God is not sufficient for him, and as he loves God as a Father most worthy of all love, he will always seek to please Him in everything. Such a thought has no existence in the heart of a worldly man.

-Msgr. Albert Farges.
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From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930