It Actually Excludes Morality.

Having established our first conclusion, that there is no necessary connection between "secular" civilisation and morality, let us now proceed to examine a still more serious charge, namely, that the "secular" system ^* favors immorality.

And which is re-echoed by the testimony of each man's conscience: "that he has left undone the things which he ought to have done, and done the things which he ought not to have done." The immoral tendencies of this unhappy law of the flesh being indubitable, it follows as a rigorous consequence that any system which throws obstacles in the way of its subjugation favours it, and consequently favors the immorality to which it impels.

The only question then is does the "secular" system throw any such obstacles in the way ?

Why is the "secular" system called the "secular" system? Is it because "secular" instruction is imparted? Evidently not. There is as much "secular" instruction imparted in any Catholic college, as in the most intensely secular school. It is "secular,"—and this should be distinctly borne in mind,—because it trill not tolerate religious instruction.

Now, what is religion? Religion teaches us our duty, urges on us the most powerful motives for fulfilling it, and engages our will to range itself on the side of the law of the spirit, and to wage war against the flesh. It is consequently the cause of morality, and the "secular" system by excluding the canse of morality, evidently favours that of immorality.

All instruction on man's duties towards his Maker, himself, and his fellow-creatures, on the necessity of subduing his corrupt inclinations and the means of doing so are deliberately excluded. Our Lord led a holy life in poverty and suffering, to show us the way to Heaven by His instructions and example; but the secular system knows nothing of His instructious, and will not allow His example to be proposed to the unhappy children beneath its wing, as long as they are beneath it. It knows nothing and proposes nothing nobler than "prosperity and wealth, external polish, and mental refinement, suited to the higher enjoyments." It may make them urbane men, but it will not make them good citizens.