AFTER THE ELECTION

On the Sunday or Holiday following the election Parish Priests may read what follows, or dictate such advice as they think useful, in accordance with the decree of the Fifth Council.

Regarding the election which took place this week, I deem it useful, My Dearly Beloved Brethren, to say a few words.

* The wise counsels given you by your Archbishop have, thank God, been faithfully observed (at least by the generality of the parishioners) ; [ most heartily congratulate you, M. B. B., and I feel persuaded that, in the peace and joy of a good conscience, you have already found the reward of your submission to the holy laws of truth, justice and charity. (But as unfortunately there have been some exceptions, we should deplore them before God, and pray for those who have forgotten themselves, that, descending into their hearts, they may acknowledge their guilt, and endeavour to repair it in the future.)

## (Should serious disorders have taken place, this paragraph shall be read as follows :) 1 would have been most happy to have it in my power to congratulate you all, without exception, at the close of this election ; but

1—Voir la note au bas de la page 110.

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= 121 you know, as well as I do, M. B. B., what has happened. Good Christians, true children of God are still the majority, in this parish ; Î invite them to pray fervently that God may grant the guilty the grace to repent, and repair the sins and scandals which have grieved all good citizens, and called disgrace on this parish. |

I have now a few important words of advice to address you. During the excitement of the contest, much has probably been said and done, which may have grieved your neighbour. I invite you all, M. B. B., mutually to pardon all these offences, as sincerely as you wish to obtain from God the pardon of your own sins : otherwise, how could you say in your prayer : Our Father... forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them who trespass againstus ?

One party among you has gained the victory, the other has been defeated ; the successful must not be puffed up with pride, nor seek to humble the defeated ; the latter must not bear spiten or hatred. Humility and charity are virtues essential to true Christians, and both parties should do their utmost to practise them.

Forget now, M. B. B., your political differences, and all work together, with equal good will, for the welfare of your parish, of your county, and of your country. Let not these political divisions enter into your church or municipal affairs, and still less into your family intercourse.

God is charity, says the Holy Ghost, and he that loveth hic brother abideth in the light, he hath life in him ; love therejore is the fulfilline of the law, therefore he that loveth not abideth in death.

Never forget that God resisteth the proud, but to the humble le giveth grace.