Christ and Antichrist : a sermon at the mass of requiem for those who fell in defence of Rome

Abstract

We fools counted their life madness, and their end without honour. Behold, they are numbered among the children of God, and their lot is among the Saints.- Wisdom, v. 4-5.

There is a day to come which will reverse the confident judgments of men. In that day 'the first shall be last and the last first.' The wise in this world will be. fools, and the fools in this world wise. The mad in this world will be the heirs of a better. It is no wonder to us that, day after day, base, craven, hireling names should be showered upon the noble-hearted men who have joyfully laid down their lives for the Vicar of Jesus Christ. I should break the peace of this hour if I were to repeat the heartless and bitter railings which have been pelted at them. They would taint the fragrance of this sanctuary. I will, therefore, examine the cause for which they fell; and I will appeal from their nameless accusers to a tribunal which is seldom unjust - to the broad, calm, common sense of Englishmen, and to the nobler and higher instincts of Christians... [Excerpt]