both here and hereafter; and that they should, by pure morals and fidelity to their religion, rather than by controversy or disputation, make a favorable impression on, and confute the errors of, those opponents of their faith among whom their lot was cast.  In fine, that they should lose no opportunity of receiving the sacraments, for, without their use, salvation was very difficult, if not absolutely impossible.  Let them not regret the loss of this day, or think it too much to dedicate it to God’s service:  that was the chief end for which they were created.  When population was small, and a livelihood easily obtained, and men had to work but little, God had appointed one day in the week to rest and service.  Now, when the cares, distractions, and labors of life had increased a thousandfold, it seemed not too much if, instead of one day, two or more days were devoted to rest and worship.  And if the Church had her way unrestricted, she, by her festivals and holy days, would do a great deal towards alleviating the present hardships of labor, and men would be taught to be content with a competency, and employers would treat their men with kindness and justice combined.

“You, poor fellows, have to work hard, frequently for years, without having a chance to frequent the sacraments.  Thank God, then, and be grateful for this opportunity, and spend this day as becometh Christians.  You are exposed to dangers from accidents, and frequently from the influence of evil-advising men.  In Religion and her resources alone you can find the only safeguard against the effects of the former, and the best security against the wiles of your enemies:  keep the commandments, and hear the Church.”

On this day no less than ninety-five received, and the effects of this one visit even were felt by the overseers and employers of these men for months to come.  Even Anne Council, the girl whom we introduced as disputing with her ignorant mistress about “the freedom of worship,”—­and which dispute was then decided in Anne’s favor by the interference of the boss, who remonstrated with his wife on her imprudence in resolving to discharge her maid in the midst of their hurry, while there was no chance of having her place supplied,—­even Anne, brought to a better sense by the advice of the priest administered in confession, when she came home asked her saucy mistress’s pardon for speaking back to her this morning.

“I forgive you, Anne,” she said; “though I am sure there is not a lady in the hollow that would put up with your impudence but myself.”

“I know I am hot,” answered Anne, smothering her anger at this second provocation in being called impudent.  “The priest told us to be obedient to those even who are not amiable nor kind; to serve them for God’s sake, as a punishment for our sins.”

“Now,” said Mr. Warren to his wife, “you see Anne has rather improved by her visit to the priest, which you thought to prevent.  Were you and I to be at her for six months, we could not get her to acknowledge as much as she now has.  The fact is, I am certain those much-abused priests are far ahead of our dominies in knowledge of religion and human nature.  It is impossible otherwise to account for the influence they exercise over the ungovernable Irish race, and over those millions whom they instruct and rule.”