PREFACE
In presenting in the vernacular a work by Francis Spirago, one feels that no apology whatever is needed. This is all the more apparent in view of the hearty reception accorded his two catechetical volumes lately given to the English-speaking world by Rev. Fr. Clarke, S.J., and Bishop Messmer respectively. As to the present product of his pen, its scope and plan cannot be better set forth than in the words of the author’s own preface.
“The great value of examples and illustrations in teaching children and the uneducated is universally acknowledged. The Romans used to say: Verba movent, exempla trahent (Words influence, examples attract). And Seneca said: Longum iter per praecepta, breve et efficax per exempla (The desired end is attained much more quickly and effectually by means of example than by precept). The reason of this is that examples stimulate the imitative instinct, which is strong in most people, especially in the young; consequently they are a powerful factor in education. In imparting instruction, also, examples are of no slight assistance, for they serve to elucidate the teaching, to render the lesson interesting and attractive, and keep the attention of the
