[Side note: 4]

Or, let us put the question this way: How many of the men and
women who flit across the pages of modern fiction would a
respectable Catholic admit into his home or introduce to his
family? He would not give them his company, but he gives them his
brains. The hem of his garment they may not touch, but the pith
of his life he places at their disposal. Make no mistake about
it. You cannot shake off the influence of your author. His
thoughts become your thoughts. He weaves himself into the woof of
your mind.

[Side note: 5]

How is it that when the proselytiser comes to your parish in
human shape you are all afire, but when he comes speaking, not by
one but a hundred tongues, silently but effectively sapping the
Faith or virtue of your flock, no pulpit rings with denunciation?
All these questions may be answered by another most pertinent to
the priest.

Have the people been taught to realise the danger confronting
them? Have their consciences been awakened? Have we been dumb
watch-dogs while they are being devoured?

[Side note: Apologies]

The treatment of this subject would be incomplete if the stock
apologies for dangerous reading were not dealt with.