“The Rev. M. J. Phelan, S.J., says much that is sensible in his little volume.  We are glad that he denounces ’the signal folly of attempting to engraft an imported accent on his own native one, which is sometimes done by the Irish priest in England with deplorable results.  It is a useful little book, well printed and neatly bound.”—­(English) Catholic Book Notes.

“The title of a clerical vade-mecum is scarcely too ambitious a one to give to ‘The Young Priest’s Keepsake’; a work which cannot but be regarded by all whose good fortune it will be to read it, as one of the most admirable works dealing with clerical life that has appeared in Ireland for many a day.  The author, Rev. M. J. Phelan, S.J., bases his claim for a hearing upon a long experience as missionary priest, and upon the possession of ordinary powers of observation.  Those who know Father Phelan rate his claims much higher.  His fame as a preacher is spread throughout the length and breadth of Ireland.  His wide and varied learning, his acute powers of observation, his keen sense of humour and sound practical judgment are common topics of conversation amongst a wide circle of friends.  The fine flower and fruit ripened by constant study and wide experience are modestly displayed in this little book.”—­Irish Independent.

“The ecclesiastical student who takes up ’The Young Priest’s Keepsake’ will quickly realise that he has not only fallen in with a wise mentor but a cordially kind friend, to say nothing of a charming writer.  The way is marked out for him by one who has trodden it, and who, as we can gather, from the evident culture and literary grace of his pages and his renown as a preacher of missions, has been no laggard in those studies which he so earnestly recommends to young priests and ecclesiastical students. . . .  If Father Phelan’s lessons were taken to heart by the coming race of priests we, or at least our children, would behold the Catholic pulpit transformed into a mighty living force.  At present it is far from being that.  It is in this country the weakest part of the great redeeming machinery of the church, and it should be so strong and effective. . . .  The book is brilliantly written, and, as Father Phelan maintains his position in no mamby-pamby or apologetic fashion, the reader is treated to some very lively passages.”—­The Tribune (Melbourne).

“In this little work from the pen of Father Phelan, S.J., those who are in course of preparation for the high calling of the sacred ministry will find some advice worthy of serious consideration. . . .  It is an age of ‘experts’; as an ‘expert’ of undoubted merit in the sphere of missionary work Father Phelan well may claim the right of giving authoritative advice to those aspiring to that field of labour in which his own efforts have been crowned with such signal success. . . .  Were the revered author not, in fact what he is, a Jesuit missionary of acknowledged