excellence and wide fame, the value of his advice would be none the less evident on a thoughtful perusal of his book. . . .  Even a mere casual reading would send the young student away with a clear realization of the steps he must take to secure that in his mind or personality there shall be nothing to make any man, however critical, however captious, think less of that Living Word whose mouthpiece it will be his lot in life to be. . . .  He has done well and very well in trying to make it easy for future workers in the same field to do justice to their sacred calling and to themselves.”—­Cork Examiner.

“He knows what he is talking about, and he speaks with a first-hand knowledge of what is required by young priests coming to Australia.”—­Catholic Press (Sydney).

“Amongst the many qualifications which the author has brought to his delicate task, not the least are his earnestness and his enthusiasm for his subject.  These qualities are responsible for some of the best features of the book.  They have given it its thoroughly constructive character and tempered even its severest criticisms.  The greater part of the book is devoted to sacred eloquence.  Here, of course, the writer speaks with the authority of a master.  He will deserve the gratitude of many a young preacher for having given to the world the benefit of his own experience in an art which he has made so completely his own.  In the chapter on elocution he lays down excellent principles for the delivery of sermons and suggests means of curing the most common defects that mar pulpit oratory.  Finally, he gives elaborate hints on the best means of composing sermons.  For instance, the sermon writer is advised to seize without delay, and commit to writing, a brilliant thought no matter how unseasonable the time at which it presents itself.  When a train of thought is allowed to go by it either never returns or returns like the Sybil with diminished treasure.  This is but one grain of the practical wisdom which is scattered so liberally through the pages of ’The Young Priest’s Keepsake’.”—­Mungret Annual.

“A very thoughtful and eloquent book.  No better book of its kind could be in the hands of young priests who are at the beginning of life’s work.  Its table of contents shows the subjects which find a place in its pages.  Under each of these headings Father Phelan gives much useful information and adds a charm to the knowledge which he imparts by the apt illustrations with which he adorns it.”—­Theological Quarterly.

“This book is sure to be read with keen interest by a great many young priests and priests no longer young; and it is not likely to drop out of use after a few months.  Father Phelan speaks from wide, practical experience, and he develops his views with clearness and earnestness, and with many fresh and vivid illustrations.  We would be surprised to hear that any priest young or old taking up ‘The Young Priest’s Keepsake’ and turning over the pages, at No. 50 Upper O’Connell Street, laid it down and went out without arranging to have it sent after him.”—­ Irish Monthly.