The present volume, entitled Sermon Matter, is the work of Rev. Ferreol Girardey, C.SS.R. The author has written and compiled various devotional works, all of which have been very favorably received. In the volume that he has just completed, the author has endeavored to furnish abundant Sermon Matter on the chief virtues and duties of the Christian life, the Love of God, and of our neighbor, discoursing at length on the sins opposed to those virtues and duties. The Sacrament of Penance and of the Holy Eucharist are thoroughly and effectively treated. Lastly, the author has devoted careful attention to the explanation of the Seven Capital Sins. The work is brought to a devout and prayerful conclusion by a very instructive sermon on our Blessed Mother. The volume is divided into five distinct series, each series containing a comprehensive elucidation of the special subject. This serviceable accession to the Ministry of the Word cannot fail to render valuable assistance to those who desire to review the subject-matter previously to the preparation of their discourses. In his admirable treatise on "Preaching God's Word," the illustrious Doctor of the Church, St. Alphonsus, says, " It cannot be doubted that by the ministry of preaching the world has been converted from paganism to the faith of Jesus Christ." "How," exclaims the Apostle, "shall they hear without a preacher? Faith, then, cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Rom. 10. 14-17. Our Blessed Redeemer commissioned His Apostles to carry the heavenly tidings of redemption and the message of Salvation to every human being, even those dwelling in the most distant parts of the world. "Going, therefore, into the whole world, preach the Gospel to every creature." Mark 16. IS. The wonderful history of the propagation of the Faith, as the Holy Doctor declares, is strikingly illustrative of the power of the word, by which the Faith was carried and is still borne to the most remote regions of the earth. By the same means the precious gift of Faith is preserved and safeguarded against the subtleties of false philosophy, and the many dangers to which it is exposed from the attacks of Rationalism, Materialism and other forms of error that would dare usurp the place of God in the soul of man. To obtain in Heaven a crown of imperishable glory, it is not sufficient to know and believe the sacred truths of divine Revelation, it is, moreover, necessary that we live according to the maxims of Jesus Christ, as laid down in the Gospel. The faith Jesus imparted to us is a living faith, a faith that is productive of salutary works. By the ministry of the word we are reminded of the eternal truths and the obligations that emanate from them. The means of reaching eternal happiness are pointed out to us. The duties of our state of life, within which state God wishes to sanctify and save our souls, are continually placed before our minds. In a word, our relationship to God, to ourselves and to our fellow men, is explained to us by a divinely appointed teacher, who instructs us how to regulate all our actions of the supernatural order, and make them tend to God, our last end. St. Paul commanded his disciple Timothy continually to instruct the people committed to his care. "Preach the word, be instant, in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine." 2 Tim. 4. 2. As Jesus Christ imposed the obligation of preaching upon His Apostles, so, too, He imposes the same upon all priests who are called to the office of preaching. The preaching of the word of God is one of the chief means by which a priest can save the souls of his people, and, by saving them, secure eternal happiness unto himself. Originally published in 1915.
