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Christian Knighthood

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QUALITIES OF CHRISTIAN KNIGHTHOOD—
THE REMEDY AGAINST THE SELFISH
AND SELF-SEEKING SPIRIT OF
THE AGE.(l)

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1

Following a custom established by your order, you have
assembled this evening at a Vesper service to give expres­
sion to your faith as a Catholic organization, and
to honor the memory of Columbus, whose name you bear
and whose discovery of America you commemorate this
day. Beautiful as is this custom, yet the significance of
it would be valueless unless the lesson which this event
teaches finds in your daily lives expressions of the faith,
loyalty and devotion of this great hero and the sterling
qualities of the knights of old. Your order in assuming
this glorious name of Knights of Columbus evidently
meant that the character, virtues and deeds as symbol­
ized by these names should be the striking qualities of
its members. Nothing could be grander nor nobler than
these titles, which mean so much, and which should
inspire you to loftier and holier aims. But what signifi­
cance have you attached to these titles? Have you
realized that they express something more than a mere
name? Yes! They sum up for you your duties as
Catholics to Christ and His Church, and your duties as
citizens to this great country which Columbus discovered.
In what then does your loyalty to Christ and His Church
manifest itself? Is it merely in fulfilling the command­
ments of God and observing the precepts of the Church?
(1) Sermon to the Knights of Columbus at the Boston
Cathedral, Sunday Evening, Oct., 11, by the Rev. Joseph
G. Anderson.

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CHRISTIAN KNIGHTHOOD,

This is what is demanded of all Catholics ; but is there
nothing else in which you are interested and striving to
advance God’s glory and to promote the welfare of His
Church on earth? Is there no cause,—no movement,—
no work of serious import which appeals to you or
rouses you to enthusiastic action for the interest of suf­
fering humanity or for the moral uplift of society, or
for the good of religion? This undoubtedly should be
the aim and effort of a Catholic organization such as
yours, composed as it is of representative, intelligent
Catholic men. It is to such an organization that the
Church looks for enthusiastic effort and encouraging
support in all the great problems which affect her welfare and in all the important undertakings in which she
is engaged.
But besides these duties to the Church, what interest
and zeal are you showing as citizens in your country’s
welfare? What are you doing as citizens in her regard?
Are you merely observing the laws, paying taxes, and
exercising your right of suffrage? Is there nothing else
in which you are interested or seeking to show your
loyalty and devotion? Are there no evils that threaten
the welfare and stability of society? Are there no prob­
lems which stir the body politic, in which you might be
of service by voice, pen or deed? I mean by this not
politics, for politics, as such, is rightly discarded from
your organization, but social questions and social works
in which you might, in a special way, show your interest
and prove yourselves active citizens zealous for every
cause that makes for the welfare of society.
These duties I purposely set before you this evening
as a means of offsetting the petty, ignoble, selfish, and
self-seeking spirit which characterizes the present age.

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It is this spirit more than anything else that destroys all
true sense of duty, warps all finer feelings of nobility
of mind and generosity of heart, and weakens all gen­
erous impulses to noble deeds and heroic action. In order
that you may fully realize the significance and importance
of these duties, it is well for us to consider the qualities
of Christian Knighthood as exemplified in the heroic
knights of old and in the saintly character of Columbus,
and contrast with the spirit of the age that gave birth to
those qualities and aroused those deeds, the selfish, narrow
spirit of our own days.
What was the character of the knights of old? I
refer not to the notion, handed down to us by romancer
and novelist, of the knight-errant bent only on conquest
or tournament to display his skill at arms, or to win or
defend his lady love, but the character which history
reveals of him. It is in the age of chivalry that we first
meet the type and qualities of manhood which later
developed into the character of the knight. Chivalry
under its best impulses developed a type of manhood,
which for nobility of character, magnanimity of spirit,
generosity of heart, self-sacrifice, and undaunted cour­
age has rarely been equalled in the world’s history.
Under the refining influence of Christianity, these strong
traits of character were fostered. Christian faith was
the vivifying principle that actuated the lives of those
men, and Christian teachings found expression in their
daily lives. The age in which they lived called for manly
qualities. There was no effeminacy or weakness in this
type of character. There was no self-ease, no living
for the mere indulgence of pleasure. It was a strong,
manly type of vigorous hardihood that was the outcome
of this period—a period that had passed through and

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withstood the inroads of barbarian hordes and amalga­
mated these races into the nations of Europe. Loyalty
to Christ and His Church is the first and striking char­
acteristic of this age of chivalry.
Whenever the interest of Christ’s Church was affected,
then were men’s hearts stirred, and their best efforts
put forth for her welfare. The Church was so sacred
in their eyes, that their devotion and duty to her were
paramount and supreme. They were ready to sacrifice
everything, even their lives, for her prosperity and suc­
cess. In their relations with one another, and in the
cause of their country’s welfare, the highest principles
of honor, justice, truth and honesty prevailed. Their
word was their bond, so high was honor held. Might
was not right—for justice held sway. Honesty and
truth could not be bartered away, nor compromised by
expediency or selfish gain. Neither human respect nor
fear of the multitude could swerve them from these
strong principles. With the courage to maintain honor,
and the fearlessness to sustain right, the welfare of
society was secure, and the relationship of man to his
fellow-man was held in the strongest links of confidence
and mutual regard. There were no self-seeking nor sel­
fish interests which caused men to over-reach their
neighbors or impugn the rights of others ; but a spirit of
fairness, of friendly good-will, honesty of purpose, and
sincerity of aim, marked their mutual relationship. The
rights of each were respected, the honesty and integrity
of all were unquestioned, for confidence and honor pre­
vailed. When dishonesty was discovered, or honor vio­
lated, then was meted out the severest punishment to the
offender.
And yet with all these strong and manly traits there

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was a liberality and generosity which manifested itself
in most striking ways, namely, in a kindness of heart, a
gentleness of spirit, a sympathy for suffering, and a wil­
lingness to sacrifice self for the welfare of others. The
poor, the widows, and the orphans were regarded by them
as Christ’s afflicted ones, and were treated with such
kindly consideration that they even vowed to protect,
defend and succor them as the one sacred duty of their
lives. This was the character and type which chivalry
developed. It was this splendid spirit which prepared,
trained and developed the type of manhood which was
to become the knight. When conditions arose for the
warlike type of man to defend society—to uphold re­
ligion—and to right wrongs; when Europe was threat­
ened by the inroads of Saracen hordes, who, hating
Christianity, would have destroyed the civilization and
culture of centuries—then it was that the knights, pre­
pared and trained by the spirit of chivalry, came forth as
the valiant defenders of Christianity. To save Europe
from destruction, to protect their Christian brethren from
molestation and cruel treatment in the East, and to res­
cue the sacred places from the hands of those infidels
were their sole aim and object. It was a remarkable out­
burst of generous self-sacrifice and undying devotion to
religion and society which prompted these heroes to leave
family, home and country, and take up this sacred cause.
No personal interest, no selfish aims, no emoluments nor
earthly rewards prompted them to act, but only the highest
motives and the purest aims—the cause of religion, and
the welfare of society. What a glorious host of valiant
heroes were these noble knights from every country in
Europe, animated with the same spirit and united in the
same cause ! Witness them as they pass in review before

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us as we read the pages of history. Behold a Godfrey de
Bouillon, leading his valiant band of knightly warriors,
beseiging and taking Jerusalem, and in the flush of vic­
tory, when his followers seek to crown him king, refus­
ing to wear a crown of gold where his Saviour and
Master wore a crown of thorns;—or a Baldwin, coura­
geous and strong, holding sway over the conquered land
with a gentle firmness that wins admiration from his
vanquished subjects—or a saintly King Louis of France
leaving his kingdom, and setting forth when the cause
seemed lost, to battle again with the Saracen hosts, and
even when taken prisoner, inspiring his enemies with
awe for his saintly bearing, and admiration for his beau­
tiful qualities of character. Had selfish interests and
selfish motives prevailed in deterring this outburst of
heroic effort and generous devotion, Europe would have
been devastated and laid waste, and Christianity with its
culture and civilizing influences would have been crippled
and crushed for centuries. The cause was won by sav­
ing Europe from these Saracen invasions. The success
furthermore of these Crusades was completed by the many
incalculable benefits to Europe, and by the spirit of loy­
alty and devotion to Christ and His Church which they
called forth.
In every country in Europe, the bones of the noble
knights rest sacredly entombed in the shrines and temples
which Christian faith has erected in honor of Christ.
With the glory of these shrines their names and memory
are linked. At Malta, to-day, in the Church of St. John,
erected by the Knights, at every step are seen the
names of valiant heroes whose bodies lie buried beneath
the marble pavement, and whose monuments tell the
story of their glorious deeds for Christ and His Church.

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These were the knights of old. But there is another noble
knight who long after the cause which had given rise
to the crusades had ceased—would again seek to rescue
the sacred places and win the world to Christ. Colum­
bus was this saintly hero, with the same qualities and
traits of the knights: loyalty to Christ, nobility of mind,
magnanimity of soul, generosity of heart, self-sacrifice,
and undaunted courage. He was convinced by study and
years of experience on the seas, that there was a land
beyond the then known world which would prove a
western passage to the Indies or Cathay. His argu­
ments and appeals met with little encouragement, but
despite all difficulties and obstacles, he perseveringly con­
tinued until success crowned his efforts and he started
on his voyage of discovery. It was not glory, nor gold,
nor self-aggrandizement that prompted him to make this
adventure, but deep in his soul there was a higher and
holier motive moving him to act, namely, a religious
faith, and a desire to advance God’s Church on earth.
Besides opening up a new passage and a new country
for Europe, he was intending with the gold and means
obtained in this new country to fit out another expedition
for the rescue of the holy places, and then through the
conversion of the Saracens he hoped to win the world to
God. That was the motive which stirred him, and that
was the purpose he had in view.
His courage and perseverance won for him the first
of his aims,—the discovery of a new country ; but in the
designs of God’s providence, his work was to prove of
far greater benefit to the world than’the plans which he
had conceived. He brought with him missionaries for
the preaching of the Gospel to these distant people, and
thus the Church was planted in the new world. Little

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did he realize that his work instead of being for the
rescue of the sacred places would be for something
higher,—the rescue of races from darkness of error to
the light of truth, and the planting of the Church in a
country which would one day prove a marvel to the
world. What a blessing to the world and religion has
this discovery of Columbus proved !
In viewing this character, we find the same noble
qualities of the knights. This, then, is the meaning of
the titles which you have assumed as Knights of Colum­
bus. These same qualities of character which stood forth
so strikingly in the knights of old, and in the life of
Columbus, are demanded of you at the present day. With
this title of Knights and with this model of Columbus,
there are duties incumbent upon you as members of this
organization, equally significant and great as those ful­
filled by the heroes of the past. It is not the rescue of
the holy places—it is not a warfare in which you are
called to engage, but it is something higher and nobler.
As followers of Christ and as citizens of this nation, you
have a duty of loyalty and devotion to religion and
society in upholding the principles of truth, honesty, jus­
tice, and morality, against the evil teachings and the evil
tendencies of a corrupt, selfish, and materialistic age. It
is an age when, through the power of commercialism,
materialistic standards of morality prevail. The value of
wealth predominates over the value of man. The pas­
sion for wealth has so lowered the standard of moral
principles that justice, honor, honesty and truth have no
longer their high significance and value. Trusts, corpora­
tions, and combinations have made might appear right,
have attempted to corrupt and control legislation and the
courts have so corrupted justice, affected honesty, and

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bartered away truth that confidence has been destroyed
and the honor of the nation weakened. As a result of
this passionate greed for wealth, countless evils exist
which threaten society,—namely,—dissipation, love of
ease and comfort, immorality, the desecration of the
married life by divorce, and the disregard for the rights
of others. These evils have become so pronounced that
socialism and anarchy seek to relieve society. The dis­
contentment on the part of the laborers, the distinction
of classes by the rich growing richer, and the poor becom­
ing poorer,—the overreaching and the taking advantage
of the necessities of the people, only aggravate the situa­
tion.
Not only in commercial life but in public life this
spirit of selfish greed and self-seeking has entered. Pub­
lic office is no longer a public trust, but an opportunity
for self-emolument. Dishonesty and evil methods have
so long prevailed that distrust and suspicion exist in the
public mind even against the honest and faithful workers.
Public confidence in the honesty of men is weakened. In
the family life, we hear so much of the evils of divorce
and the corruption of that sacred state that we are
shocked and scandalized by the revelations of the divorce
court. Courageous men arise here and there to stem the
tide of these evils. Valiant leaders of the Government
seek to offset these corrupting influences. Public opinion
has frequently been stirred against these frightful con­
ditions, and yet they continue to threaten and menace
society.
The underlying spirit of all these evils is selfish greed
and selfish interests. It is selfishness which causes men
to ignore the rights of others, to plot and scheme for
the control of wealth and power. It crushes out all finer

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feelings and sentiments of honor. It blinds men to all
other interests except their own. It cripples all self­
sacrifice and kindly consideration for others. It weighs
and examines every cause and movement before acting,
to see what gain, benefit, or reward will accrue to it. It
does nothing except for reward or pay. It sees nothing of
value except what is measured by its own selfish standards.
Such a spirit can never accomplish any good. It is too
narrow to reach out beyond the little circle of its own
existence. Such a spirit existing in the various branches
of society, namely, in its commercial, social, and family
life, must inevitably bring ruin and disaster.
We have seen what was the type of manhood devel­
oped in the age of chivalry, and what were the qualities
of character illustrated in the knight. Self and selfish
natures were ignored as ignoble, and in their place were
planted the finer feelings of nobility of mind, kindly con­
sideration for others, sympathy for suffering, fairness and
honesty in dealing with others, and a willingness to sacri­
fice self and personal interests for the general good. This
was the spirit which made heroes, which produced
results, developed character, and, when a crisis arose, or
the interest of religion and the welfare of society de­
manded their support, it was given with a willingness and
generosity that knew no bounds and that sought not
reward nor fame.
This, then, is the cause in which you are called to
enlist. The interest of religion and the welfare of
society demand that you should make some effort to
offset the prevailing evils of society. However, no real
reform, no ameliorations of these conditions can be
effected unless you show in your own lives and principles
of conduct the spirit and principles which you would

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inculcate in others. Be men, then, of pure lives, upright,
high-minded and noble, by living up to the teachings of
your Faith. This is the first duty of loyalty to Christ
and His Church. Whatever affects or concerns the wel­
fare of the Church, show a deep and active interest by
rallying to her defense and listening to the exhortations
of your Bishop. It is to an organization such as yours that
the Church naturally looks for zealous and encouraging
support. Otherwise, for what purpose are you mem­
bers of this Catholic organization? Surely it is not for
social purposes and pleasure, not for mere companion­
ship, nor for the insurance benefit (important as this
latter is) that you are members. These things alone can
not keep your interest alive nor hold you together for
any considerable length of time.
There ought to be something nobler and higher in your
aims. The very name of your organization—Knights of
Columbus—should signify for you and inspire you with
loyalty and devotion to the Church. It is true that you
have already shown some generosity of spirit in the
cause of charity and Catholic education. These works
more than anything else have brought honor and glory
to your organization. But why rest content with this?
There is still a great work to be accomplished in behalf
of poor, neglected and orphan children. The success
already achieved only enhances the value and amount of
the work to be done, and proves the necessity of its estab­
lishment. But in this as in every charitable work, what
is required is not the mere giving of money, but the giv­
ing of one’s self. It is the active personal interest that
counts and that achieves results. As has been pointed
out to you, one of the most sacred duties of the knights
of old, a duty which they bound themselves by oath to

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fulfil, was the care of the poor, the widows and orphans.
It is true that your society is not a charitable organiza­
tion, but there ought to be something of a religious and
charitable aim in your efforts, to lift you up from a
mere social existence, and incite you to something higher
and nobler for the good of your fellow-men, for the
cause of religion, and for the welfare of society. As
citizens you certainly should have also the welfare of
society at heart and become interested in all that makes
for its moral uplift and amelioration. But in this as
in every good cause, you must be actuated by the highest
principles. If you would hope to achieve any good or
offset the evils of the present day which affect society,
you must be moved to act by the spirit of unselfishness
and generous self-sacrifice. You must not be self seekers,
namely, seeking your own interest, or weighing the
advantages, benefits, or rewards before acting. But
whenever any good and important cause appeals to you,
you should be influenced to act only from pure and
unselfish motives.
In public life, whatever position you may hold let it
be for the highest and best interests of society and not
for your own self-aggrandizement or material welfare.
Too long has this spirit prevailed. Stand for what is
right, honorable and true, no matter what the cost or
sacrifice. Here is where true courage is shown against
corruption, dictation and human respect. Here is where
society needs your best efforts. Wherever there is
bribery, corruption, graft, dishonesty, unfaithful service,
abuse of power, the thwarting of justice, the desecration
of the ballot, the ignoring of civic duties and civic virtues,
there is your duty as citizens. To a man, stand against
such evils ! Raise your voice in thundering protest against

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such evils and take the necessary legitimate measures to
repress them ! In commercial life, wherever there is dis­
honesty, injustice, deceit, corrupt and over-reaching
methods, let your protest be heard, and your influence be
felt. Stand fairly and squarely against these evil prac­
tises. But first of all, be just, be honest and fair in your
dealings and business relationships with others. Let not
the low standards of others influence you! No matter
what others may do—no matter what the majority may
say, right is right, and wrong is wrong. Be men, valiant
and courageous for justice, honesty and truth. It is
only by such strong and determined efforts that might
will not be right, and justice, truth and honesty will
prevail.
But you may say the effort is hopeless against such
opposition and against such odds, and that it is impossible
to do this single-handed and alone. Selfishness, cow­
ardice, and weakness can never accomplish these things,
but courage, self-sacrifice, and uprightness,—nobility of
mind and perseverance can. Did not Columbus, almost
single-handed and alone, and against all opposition, suc­
ceed in winning his cause and accomplishing his aims by
his sincerity, his courage, and his perseverance? Did
not Daniel O’Connell, Windthorst, Ozanam, Garcia
Moreno, and many others whose names are emblazoned
on the pages of history, single-handed and against every
opposition, succeed in winning the public cause for which
they labored, by reason of their persevering efforts,
undaunted courage, and generous self-sacrifice? May
there not be among your members some leader, some noble
soul, undaunted and fearless, who is ready to step forth
into the breach, and rally you round the standard of
Columbus in the cause of truth, justice, and holiness, to

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contend against these evils and inspire men with right
principles for the welfare of society? In the family life,
there are duties likewise to be fulfilled in contending·
against the evil influences of this selfish, materialistic age.
The effect of these influences is to destroy the simplicity
and sacredness of the home life by extravagance, lavish
display of wealth and dress, and excessive pleasure and
dissipation. Be not led to excesses—live not beyond your
means. Be frugal, but not parsimonious and niggardly.
Be not extravagant. Live not for mere display or for
excessive pleasures and dissipation. Have a higher,
nobler, holier purpose in life than mere pleasure. Men
seem to lose sight of the higher things in this life, and to
be concerned only with amassing wealth—that they may
enjoy ease, comfort and pleasure. What is needed to
offset these evils is to ignore self and selfish interests—
to have high-minded and noble purposes, to be actuated
with noble principles and high resolves, to be ready to
sacrifice one’s self for the good of others. Is there a
cause in which your order is engaged for the welfare
of the Church and society? Be not inactive. Show by
your presence your interest. Help the cause by your
enthusiasm and efforts. Uphold the hands of your lead­
ers. Let not sloth, indifference or carping criticism creep
in to destroy the cause, but be up and doing. Here are
your duties. In this you will show the qualities of the
Knights of old,—you will be worthy of the name of Co­
lumbus and accomplish great things for God, for the
Church, and your country.
Joseph G. Anderson.