Did not Cardinal Newman in the conclusion of his lecture:  “The Position of Catholics,” make similar statements?  “Protestantism,” he says, “is fierce because it does not know you; ignorance is its strength; error is its life.  Therefore bring yourselves before it, press yourselves upon it, force yourselves into notice against its will. . . .  Oblige men to know you. . . .  Politicians and Philosophers would be against you, but not the people, if it knew you.”

Yes, we willingly endorse what the English Dominican, Father Hugh Pope, advocated in his article, “The Modern Apostolate,” in the August issue, 1919, “The Ecclesiastical Review,” and in several other English newspapers and magazines.  Has not indeed the time come when we should revolutionize all our methods, when we should apply to Home Missions something of the methods which now we have fancied pertained solely to the Foreign Missions.  Some we know will criticize this forward policy as bold, open to ridicule, an innovation, an undignified intrusion, a Billy-Sunday method, etc.—­“On analysis what does all this opposition come to, but that we are afraid.”  “Afraid!” our critics will exclaim, “of what?  I should like to know?” Is not the answer:  “Yes, afraid of what the people will say” (Father Pope, O.P.).  Anchored in the past they will continue to spend their energies in giving what we would call “spiritual delicacies” to the few good souls around them, while at their very doors crowds are dying of spiritual hunger for want of bread.  And in all tranquillity of conscience they will raise their eyes to Heaven and thank the Lord that they are not like them.  If indeed we wait until the non-Catholics come to our churches and to our rectories and ask to be received into the Church, we shall wait until Doomsday.  After all, what we here advocate, is nothing new.  Is it not the modern interpretation, suited to our times, of the “Omnia Omnibus”—­“All things to all men,” of St. Paul?

Along what definite lines should this aggressiveness be developed?  Zeal, we know, is very ingenious in its ways and means, and has in their use the freedom of the spirit of God.  Yet, there are certain methods, certain activities, which have proved successful and could be adopted to suit the circumstances of each community.  Missions to non-Catholics and lectures in public halls, if well and intelligently advertised, will always draw an audience.  Nothing appeals more to the mind of the inquirer than a lucid and simple exposition of the Faith.  Controversy beclouds the issue.  Were there any particular doubt in mind, the Question-box affords an opportunity to elucidate it.  The distribution of literature will confirm the message of the spoken word and continue to carry on its work, helping the seed to germinate in God’s own time.  Inquiry classes and information bureaus are of a great help to those who are reluctant yet to meet a priest, or to be known as wavering in their faith.