"The Young Man's Guide"

"The Young Man's Guide", Written by Father Lasance, Published by Keefer's Catholic Gifts.
(And this is were we begin in the book)
"Part First - The Panoply of War
Chapter 1 (Is There a God?)
I.    The young man's lot is to go out into a hostile life. What is necessary for him? Behold the warrior, as he goes forth to the field of battle. Is he not amply provided with all needful weapons? When you, my dear young friend, go forth into the world, your are going to encounter mighty enemies,the enemies of your soul. You must, therefore, put on the a strong suit of armor, on which is capable of protecting you. And what is the suit of armor? The apostle St. Paul describes it in the following words: "Put you on the armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil"(Eph. vi. II).
       The first and most powerful weapon in this suit of armor is the shield of faith, as the same apostle says: "in all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you main be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one"(Eph. vi. 16). And, indeed, faith is an impenetrable shield against the fiery darts of the devil. When the latter strives to lead us astray, by inciting us to voluptuousness, faith lays bare to our view the abyss of hell, in order that we may behold the torments which will be the punishment of the unchaste. When he desires to dazzle us with the glitter of the riches, honors, and glories which the world has to offer us, faith throws open the portals of heaven, where the highest rewards are prepared for those who persevere in the love of God and the pursuit of virtue. Wherefore contemplate this shield of faith on every side, in order that you may be convinced of its indispensable necessity, may gladly take it into your hand, and grasp it firmly. Let us turn our attention first to the foundation of all faith, of all religion: namely, to the existence of God. Is there a God? That is the first question.
II.    "Is there a God?"  What an unnecessary question, you are saying to yourself. And you are quite right. In regard to this point David says in one of his Psalms: "The fool hath said in his heart: There is no God." And truly; only a man destitute of reason, a man who is mad, could make such a an assertion, could question the existence of God.
   Let us suppose that you show your watch to a friend, and say to him: "Must not the individual who made this watch, and arranged the works, have understood his business very well? Must he not be a very clever fellow, and possess a first-rate head-piece?" Now, suppose he were to reply: "Oh, nonsense! The watch made itself!" Should you not gaze fixedly at him, and make such remark as the following: "My good friend, if you are in earnest, and really mean what you say, there must be a screw loose in you upper story." And you would be quite justified in addressing him. Yet wait awhile, and pay attention to the practical application of all this."
(to be continued)