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Legion HANDBOOK D10944_1 26/02/2014 15:53 Page 190

190 OBJECTIONS WHICH MAY BE ANTICIPATED CHAPTER 32
souls, poor and feeble and blind and lame: in such need, in
such numbers that there is a danger that one may accept the
situation as irremediable. Yet it is for such that the Lord bids
search to be made in the streets and lanes and the highways
and hedges, so that his house may be filled with them. (Lk
14:21-23) In no other way can a harvesting so vast be
wrought than by the marshalling of the lay battalions. It may
be that some indiscretions will ensue. In some measure, they
are inseparable from zeal and life. There are two ways of
insuring against indiscretions: a shameful inaction, and a
careful discipline. The heart which echoes that yearning of
our Lord for the sick multitude will turn with horror from the
former alternative, and throw itself with all its might into
that harvesting of stricken souls.
The history of the Legion to date does not suggest that
indis cretions, either serious or numerous, need be anticipated:
and at the least there is exhibited a careful discipline.

11. Obstacles in the way of starting, there will always be
In this the Legion will not be alone amongst good works. A
little resolution will show these difficulties, which seem so
formidable in advance, to resemble a forest, which at a
distance appears solid and impenetrable, but when once
approached is found easy of entry.
Remember, too, that “they who are ever taking aim, make
no hits; that they who never venture, never gain; that to be
ever safe is to be ever feeble; and that to do some substantial
good is the compensa tion for much incidental imperfection.”
(Bl. John Henry Newman)
In talking of a work of Grace, let no one be so worldly
prudent as to ignore the existence of Grace. Objections and
possibilities of harm should not be quoted without a thought
as to the helps. The Legion is built upon prayer, works for
souls, and belongs to Mary altogether. When considering it,
therefore, speak not of human rules, tell of the rules of God.

“Mary is a Virgin Unique and unlike any other: Virgo Singularis.
When considering her, speak not to me of human rules, tell me of the
rules of God. ” (Bossuet)