But to defray the expenses of paper, print, stereotype, cuts, &c. and to sell a work of 16 pages at 9d. per dozen, a greater number should be circulated to leave any profit. That increased aid we are certain of receiving if only a fair proportion of the parishes in Ireland, (independent of England and Scotland now receiving them) will emulate the example given. In fact, if only 250 parishes circulate what Navan or Tullamore do, 50,000 will be sold. To show that our desire to advance will correspond with increasing support to as; instead of giving, as originally intended, but one cut in every second number, we have since our 9th number given one in every publication. We have made arrangements to render the matter still more interesting and diversified. Likenesses and biographical sketches of the ecclesiastical characters of Ireland and Great Britain-remarkable conversions-lists of our bishops from St. Patrick to the present time-scriptural illustrations, and interesting anecdotes will be given. No trouble nor expense will be spared, to render the work useful to the main body of the people, whilst even those of a higher grade may find something in it to interest them. To the clergy and laity, who have already supplied us with literary contributions, we return our best thanks; and solicit a continuance of their favours. The kind suggestions made by some of our venerable prelates will be attended to as far as possible. If our small space prevents us from making those splendid exhibitions which men of fancy require, we trust that the matter will not be the less substantial; and that it will be suited to the means and capacities of those for whom it is specially intended. We know, that hundreds read our little Periodical, who either never read a religious book, or who have been reading nothing but vile publications, equally injurious to their mind and heart. We are aware that its introduction into some towns has been the means of banishing from thence vehicles of private slander and public corruption; and we have the consolation of saying, that insignificant as it is, it has not only checked the abuses and diminished crimes, but inspired a greater love of virtue.

If the Birmingham Magazine, under the guidance or inspection of 40 or 50 clergymen," has not given satisfaction to all," we cannot expect that our little Publication, which was never intended for such lofty regions, can be without hyper-critics, who will do nothing but find fault: but whilst it receives the sanction of those known for their piety, worth and talent; whilst it is capable of advancing, even in a small degree, the cause of religion and morality; whilst with ordinary support, it can do much good, and remove much evil, we rest content.

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LAITY'S DIRECTORY FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. May 18. PENTECOST OF WHIT-SUNDAY. Mass as in the Missal for this day.-Red.

May 19-WHIT-MONDAY. Mass as in the Missal.— Red.

May 20.-WHIT-TUESDAY. Mass as in the Missal.-Red.

May 21.-EMBER-WEDNESDAY. (Fast.) Mass of the Octave.- Red.

May 22.-THURSDAY. Mass of the Octave.-Red.

May. 23.-EMBER-FRIDAY. (Fast and abstinence from eggs.) Mass of

the Octave.-Red.

May 24.-EMBER-SATURDAY. (Fast.) Mass of the Octave.

The Paschal Time ends after Mass on this day.-Red.

DUBLIN: Stereotyped, Printed and Published, by T. & J. COLDWELL, 50, Capel-street Sold also by the Catholic Book Society, 5, Essex-Bridge; R. Coyue, 4, Capel-street; R. Grace and Son 45, Capel-street; J. Coyne, 24, Cook-street, Willmer and Spath, Liverpool; D. Kennedy, Glasgow; J. O'Donnell, Edinburgh, &c. &c.

THE

LIFE OF FENELON.

THE illustrious and amiable Fenelon was born on the 6th August, 1651, at the Castle of Fenelon, in Perigord, of a noble and ancient family. At an early age his genius gave indication of those qualities which subsequently immortalized his name. At the age of 12, he entered the University of Cohors, and was subsequently sent to Paris to complete his studies, under the care of his uncle, a lieutenant-general in the army. He soon entered the priesthood and became an eminent preacher. The applause he thus obtained alarmed him, and to guard himself against vanity he retired to the seminary of St. Sulpicius, where he applied himself with increased ardour to the cultivation of his talents, and the improvement of his heart. After three years thus spent, at the request of the curate of the parish of St. Sulpicius, he delivered a course of practical lectures on the Old and New Testaments.

Filled with piety, humanity, and ardent zeal for the salvation of souls, he now entertained an idea of devoting his life to the conversion of the American Indians. His spiritual superiors seeing, however, the loss that the Church of France would sustain in his absence, prevented him from complying with his disinterested request.

In the 27th year of his age the Archbishop of Paris placed him over a community of women, who had been converted from Protestantism to the Catholic Faith. The success which attended his labours induced Louis XIV. in 1686, to name him chief of a mission for the conversion of the Protestants on the Coast of Santonge. From state policy, the king suggested the use of a military power in the mission. The mild Fenelon knowing that force never made true converts; and that the Catholic religion is best served by the sacred arms of persuasion, argument and piety, refused the mission upon such conditions. His wishes were complied with; and the consequence was, that his labours were far more effectual in subduing the stubborn advocates of novelty, than those of the supporters of religious violence.

In 1689, the king made him preceptor to the Dukes of Burgundy, Anjou, and Berri. The mode of education adopted by Fenelon was the most effectual. He had now written his treatise "on the Pastoral Ministry;"-" Education of a Daughter,”— "Dialogues on the Dead,"-" Fables,"-and the immortal work of "Telemachus." Whilst at court Fenelon displayed the most astonishing disinterestedness. The king, however, forced on him the Abbey of St. Vallery, and subsequently the Archbishopric of Cambray.

He had not been long in Cambray, when a mighty storm rolled over his head.

Madam Guyon, a widow lady, having in an essay on prayer, &c. introduced some of the Semi-quietism of Michael de Molinos

it was condemned by the illustrious Bossuet. Fenelon conceiving that Bossuet's condemnation contained an unqualified denial of the possibility of a pure and disinterested love of God, refused his approbation to his work. He published his "Explication of the Maxims of the Saints as to an interior life." This work was condemned by Bossuet, by Cardinal de Noailles and by others in France, and subsequently at Rome, by the Pope who censured 23 propositions, extracted from it. The amiable, mild, and learned Fenelon, no sooner heard the voice of St. Peter's successor, than he joined in the condemnation; and by the fulness of his obedience made atonement for the excess of his charity!

Fenelon now devoted his time and talents more and more to the faithful discharge of his pastoral duties. Whilst invaders destroyed many monuments of Catholicity in neighbouring dioceses, they were so struck with admiration at his presence as often to yield to his exhortations, when they would not be subdued by force. In 1715, from an inflammation of the lungs, he got seriously ill, and shortly afterwards died in the odour of sanctity, amidst the lamentations of the poor-the grief of the rich, and the admiration even of his enemies. The virtues of Fenelon, (says the Abbé Maury,) gave his history something like the air of romance; but his name will never die. To this day the Flemminders bless his memory; and call him "the good archbishop."

Fenelon wrote many other works, particularly-Pulpit Eloquence,' "Existence of God,"- Pastoral Instructions," Meditations, &c." in all of which he evinces uncommon talent, wonderful piety, and an unalterable attachment to the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

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THE CATHOLIC CLERGY AND THE STATE.

DETESTING as we do in common, not merely with our venerable prelates, clergy, and seven millions of Irish Catholics; but with every lover of pure religion throughout the world, the idea of having the Catholic Clergy of Ireland depending on the Government for support, we first read with indignation (in the Appendix to the 2d Report on Tithes,) the old project of pensioning our venerable clergy, recommended as the best means of settling Church Property in this country! Knowing the division that such a project would create, we deemed it prudent to let the mere recommendation remain unnoticed. When Mr. Littleton, however, came into office, we began to entertain fears that as this question had been formerly introduced into Parliament by him, he would seize the first opportunity, in conjunction with such vetoistical gentlemen. as Mr. Blake, (who has also recommended it) of bringing it forward. We still did not expect that such a man as Lord Cloncurry

would bring himself to recommend such a measure. The following are extracts from a Bill, (just published) in a pamphlet, entitled "The Designs of a Law for the Pacification of Ireland," by his Lordship, intended to be submitted to Parliament in the ensuing session. Of the political machinery of this Bill we cannot here speak; but we enter our solemn and deliberate protest against those clauses which have for their object the degradation of our venerable clergy. We warn every true Catholic to be on his watch, and to raise his voice against the introduction of this iniquitous measure, Religion has prospered, is prospering, and will prosper more and more in Ireland, left to its own divine influence, and uncorrupted by the state. Let no mau, therefore, presume to call himself its friend, who would thus interfere with its steady and successful march. Let it not be said that the Catholic laity should have nothing to do with this question. The Right Rev. Dr. Doyle, in 1826, told them they had a right to protest against it; and to join their clergy in reprobating it. The following are Lord Cloncurry's clauses :

"And be it further enacted, that the trustees of the Roman Catholic College of Maynooth, and the chief ministers of the Presbyterian Synod of Ulster, shall report to his Majesty, whenever required, the number of clergymen of each class, located for each religion throughout Ireland, (excepting the members of religious orders or fraternities in the Roman Catholic Church,) and the annual stipend which would be sufficient for the comfortable and suitable maintenance of each clergyman in each class, in addition to gifts for the performance of the marriage ceremony or other rites.

"And it shall be lawful for his Majesty on receiving such reports, in council, to assign befitting incomes to be paid to the clergymen of each religion; and returns thereof shall be furnished by the clerk of the council, to the Trustees of Maynooth, and to the Presbyterian Synod of Ulster, respectively, and also to the commissioners who shall be appointed under this act.

And if such provision shall be accepted, the commissioners shall quarterly pay to the trustees of the College and to the Synod, respectively, one-fourth part of the total amount of annual stipends assigned to the clergy of each religion; and the sum so paid shall be thereupon distributed by persons appointed for the purpose, who shall keep accounts of the distribution, and take receipts for the stipends paid.

"And from thenceforward, it shall be unlawful for any clergyman, receiving a stipend out of the fund so provided, to make collections for his maintenance."

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ORIGINAL MAXIM.-The glutton puts into his belly what should go into his purse.