Dogs and Cats Where There Are No Children

“They that lack children take pleasure in little dogs We have known houses turned into stables or menageries by those whose love, which should have gone out to human beings, went out to dogs and cats. People must have objects of affection, and if they have not the better they choose the worse. Those who disdain to live for God will live for their own bellies. Those who do not care for the great doctrines of revelation are usually disputatious over trifling opinions. Those who do not spend their time and strength in winning souls for Jesus often attach an inordinate importance to a national habit or a sanitary regulation. If we do not live in all seriousness for a noble object, the probabihty is that we shall industriously trifle our lives away in doing nothing. Are we prepared for this? Will we be numbered with cat-worshippers and dog-adorers?

My God, grant me grace to love thy children, and make much of them. Save me from petty and paltry objects. May the objects of my life’s pursuit be worthy of an immortal spirit, worthy of an heir of heaven. Deliver me from whims and hobbies, and nerve me for the infinite possibilities which are opening up before me!