In an impassioned appeal for apostolic activity on the part of layfolk, described in the foreword as ‘a disturbing and courageous book', the author strongly decries the defeatist attitude that some adopt in face of the present calamitous state of society. The spread of gross materialism, the threat of unparalleled destruction by new and horrible means of warfare, and the success of what is well-named ‘apostolic Communism', may easily tempt us to think that now is the time to close up the ranks, concentrate on the faithful remnant, and leave the unbelieving multitude to its fate. This attitude is not new in the history of the Church. It recalls the example of those early Christians who were so persuaded of the imminence of the second coming of our Lord that they thought it not worth while concerning themselves with the ordinary affairs of life, or of anything else but their private preparation for that great event.