The Apostleship of Prayer

THIS new translation of Father Ramiere's great work is an endeavor to present, with strict faithfulness, the last thoughts of the author on the high questions treated. Thus whatever notes have been added are taken, for the most part, from his own later wri tings; and no omissions have been made in what is given. The entire third part of the original book had been materially changed during the author's lifetime, and all recent editions have been obliged to substitute quite different chapters, on account of the exigences of a work that has far outgrown, in its details, all that was foreseen by its founders. In this new translation it has been thought better to omit this part altogether, as it is found substantially in the Handbook of the League of the Sacred Heart. Recent controversy has drawn the attention of minds to certain questions not uppermost when this book was written. A few annotations have been thought necessary on this account, and a single point, taken for granted by the author's Christian faith, has been treated anew in a brief appendix. These additions are in all cases care full y distinguished from the text of the author by means of brackets. For the convenience of those who may desire to make use of the work for purposes of instruction or reference, each chapter has been prefaced by a careful analysis; indicating the principal ideas and the thread of their connection j and with this correspond the headlines of pages. The venerated author's long experience in teaching and popularly explainIng theology had already made his book a work of science as well as an eloquent exposition of religion. Besides the author's table of contents, it has been thought well to add an index of Scriptural texts and doctrinal points touched on in the course of his work, with references to corresponding passages in the Catechism of the Council of Trent. This will be of service, it is believed, to many, and will not interfere with interest on the part of the simple reader. The work of Father Henry Ramiere on the Apostleship of Prayer has been called 'epoch-making.' It is certainly one of the most noteworthy and lucid explanations of a part of the Christian religion that reaches furthest into the lives and inmost sympathies of men. It belongs to the line of works designed by their distinguished authors to popularize a science so remote from present tastes and interests as theology. Perhaps no publication of the kind ever obtained a wider success, and it is hard to conceive a time when the social condition of the world will warrant its being put aside. This book was written at the founding of an association that has since spread through the world under its name. It was further explained by the author's sub-title, "A League of Christian hearts united with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to obtain the salvation of the world and the triumph of the Church." A continued series of writings in many languages, in succession to this first classical work, has been made possible by the propagation of this League through the periodical Messengers of the Sacred Heart. What is here given is the original work of Father Ramiere in exposition of the religious doctrines which are at the basis of all Christian prayer and association and union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As such it has a perpetual interest for all who desire to know their religion, and especially for the members of the clergy and religious communities whose office it is to understand clearly, and to explain practically to others, the great duties which are not for time but for eternity.