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Pagans who are groping their way in the dark to eternity; if, on the contrary, they will become schoolmasters,
let them enter the field on principles of commercial integrity—that is, unaided by bequest funds, or clerical
income—literary merit, intellectual worth, and moral conduct being the sole tests for public support. Let them enter
the field, nudo corpore, as we have done, and if they win solely by superior efficiency, I am satisfied. As well
might they sell books, hats, shoes, pay workmen, fit up shops, and advertise business, by the aid of bequests and
clerical income, as to fit up their schools, pay their assistants, by the same means, whilst they walk about themselves.
If they competed even on commercial principles, still there would be an uneven competition; for, thank God, such
is the love of the Celtic Catholic heart for a Priest, that whenever he competes, he is certain to get the preference,
and this though the public would not entirely approve his conduct.

The two Carmelite Friars in Jervis-street have ample scope for their labour in the vineyard of the Lord.
Let them go into the houses of the poor, who want instructions and spiritual consolation. Let them minister to them
the balm of religious comfort Let them seek out the remnants of humanity, and the victims of vice. Let them
raise the drooping spirit, and bring joy to the heart in which before was sorrow. This is the mission to which they
have made their vow—not to secular pursuits. In the provinces, agreeably to synodical statutes, clergymen are
inhibited from engaging in temporal matters—such as farms, &c. I am convinced that mere Grammar Schools, if
not specified, are implied in the prohibitory statutes. In fact, the requirements of Ireland demand the undivided
services of every clergyman in spiritual matters.

Secular teaching is the province of secular men, except in Colleges intended for ecclesiastical students. In
sustainment of my view, I shall not detain your Grace with arguments; for it is patent to the smallest conceptive
power, that after the student, destined for the altar, the confessional, and the pulpit, has acquired as much secular
learning as will constitute a solid basis for the study of Divinity, he turns his mind to that subject, and he has enough
to do to compass such knowledge as will enable him to discharge the holy duties of the confessional and of the pulpit.
I know the terrible responsibilities and solemn duties of a Priest. I feel he has ample scope for his labours within
the vineyard, and not to walk into the domain of wordly pursuit. In fact, he is not adapted to worldly business,
because he was differently educated.

A time was, before printing, when almost the whole deposit of sacred and profane learning was in the hands
of the Clergy and the other Religious Orders, when the Green Isle was the "insula sactorum et doctorum." Gor-
geous were their dazzling lights, and widely diffused was the effulgence of the Irish lamp; brilliant and enduring
were the glorious results. Our torch, then burning resplendently, when all Europe walked in the darkness of infidelity
and ignorance, transmitted its rays through ages of English misrule, and conducted the faithful Celtic Catholic
through a fiery ordeal for which history has no parallel. In those days, when not more than perhaps a single leaf of
the Scriptures could be circulated at a time in a parish, before and some time after the invention of printing, books
were available but to the few. Wherefore it was obviously necessary that the Clergy should teach Grammar Schools—
(and it was done gratuitously)— and do all that in them lay to preserve to posterity Literature, as they did the Faith.
However, the depositories having been scarce, operated injuriously on society; for when the impious Danes sacri-
legiously despoiled the Churches, and hunted down the Priests—when war against religion and learning raged—then
was there manifest peril to the latter, the Clergy having had a death-struggle to guard and foster the former.
Hence we have it recorded, that throughout districts of England at one period there could not be found a Clergyman
competent to translate the easiest Latin. Hence we are also to infer that it is not safe to confine the secular training
of youth to any order. What once happened, may again happen. What is necessary to-day, may not be so to-
morrow—nay, it might be dangerous. The brazen serpent in the desert is an instance of this.

The days of darkness are gone, the days of enlightenment are come; the light of knowledge has been largely
let in on the human mind. Not only is our venerated Priesthood the most enlightened body in the world, but the
Laity are also walking along in the field of science, each aiming at perfection in that species of education necessary
for his state; consequently each is best in his own path, and should keep to it. The division of labour is the diviner
system. As the laity have ever venerated their priesthood, those who have charge of the priesthood should not allow
any of its members, by the pursuit of sordid gain, to bring odium on the order.

I owe it to myself to inform your Grace, that when "The Board of Education" was being established, I was

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amongst the first who, under the names of "Catholicus" and "Athanasius" wrote against that insidious system. I
was then but a mere boy, and a student. I have continued its enemy to this day, having been convinced that a
Protestant Government intended it as a concealed poison, to effect by deception what it could not by violence—the
uprooting of our holy religion. "Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes."

In conclusion, my Lord, I have to say, that if the supervision of the religious education of youth is the only
thing sought, that could be easily effected, without disaster to a deserving class of men. I am satisfied that Catholic
Teachers would be happy to have their beloved Clergy visit their Schools, and in them teach religion. From your
Grace's exalted character, I am to expect that such a plan will be adopted; and that such Schools as will be found
worthy of your paternal and pastoral care, will be encouraged—not scattered. You will not allow a deserving class
of men to be victimised, to prop up those who have other means of support. Your Grace will not allow ourselves
and our families, who have moved in respectable spheres, to be driven to poverty and emigration.
In matters of a purely secular character we are as entitled to your Lordship's consideration as some two or three
clergymen, who, not content with one office, resemble official Pluralists. As to take means to guard against heresy,
or spiritual disease, belongs to a high order of grace, so to prevent poverty is of a high order of charity.

I have the privilege to subscribe myelf
Your Grace's
Most humble Servant
MARTIN A. O'BRENNAN.

To his Grace the Most Rev. PAUL,
- Lord Archbishop of DUBLIN.