Yet the echoes of this war of horrors reach us, even in our haven of rest. As I write, news reaches us from our chaplain (Monsieur de Seagher, Principal du Collège Episcopal, Ypres) who has returned to Ypres to find his college entirely pillaged and almost in ruins. He says that a third of the population has already re-entered the town; all are in dismay at the heart-rending sight which meets their gaze. As to our convent, he writes: ‘The state of your Abbey is also deplorable. The shells have made great havoc there. The French soldiers occupy it at present. In several places the water is rising in the cellars. God alone knows what we shall still see, for the bombardment is not yet finished.’ And now, what has God in store for us? We know not! When shall we return to brave little Belgium, and how shall we rebuild our monastery which, as has been said, should this very year celebrate its 250th anniversary? God, in His own good time, will raise up kind friends who will come to our assistance--of this we cannot doubt. In confidence, patience, and prayer we shall therefore await the moment chosen by Him Who has said: ‘Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things [_i.e._ temporal gifts] shall be added to you.’ Meanwhile we beg the Father of Mercy and the God of all Consolation to have pity on the world, and put an end to the dreadful punishment which weighs so heavily on our unfortunate generation. May He enlighten our enemies, that, realising the injustice of their cause, they may be converted, and cease their cruelties. May He also, in His infinite goodness, purge the entire universe from the crimes which have degraded humanity and brought it down to the level of ancient paganism, so that all, seeking only His greater honour and glory, may unite in the canticle of praise which Holy Church places on our lips during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and which first resounded on Bethlehem’s plains round the crib of our common Redeemer:-- ‘Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.’ THE END PRINTED BY SPOTTISWOODE AND CO. LTD., COLCHESTER LONDON AND ETON _New Publications._ _THIRD EDITION._ Paris Waits: 1914. By Mrs. M. E. CLARKE. With 24 Illustrations. Large Post 8vo. =5s.= net. _Punch._--‘I have seldom met a volume of more pronounced “heart interest” than “Paris Waits.” Not only are her pen-pictures remarkably vivid and realistic, but the camera has also helped.’ _Times._--‘It is a very familiar tale that is told in these pages, yet it gains a new pathos, a deeper significance from the simple yet eloquent way it is told.’ A Memoir of the late Very Reverend MONSIGNOR ROBERT HUGH BENSON. Hugh: Memoirs of a Brother. By ARTHUR C. BENSON, Author of ‘From a College Window,’ etc. With Portraits and Illustrations. Large Post 8vo. =7s. 6d.= net.