New Orleans daily crescent., 1860-04-09
sT. JOHN AND THE ROBBER. 4

After the death Of our Divine Lord, the apostle
st. John retired TO Ephesus, where lie fixed his
abode. While passing through certain town in
Asia. he observed among the crowd who were
listening TO ms discourse, young man of fair
stature and prepossessng appearance, for whom
he conceived so deep interest," that he consigned
him to the especial care of the bishop of the place.
saying " ID the presence Of Christ and before this
congregation, earnestly recommend this young
man your care.n The bishop undertook the charge
and in fnlflment Of his promise took the young
man into his own house, and instructed him in the
principles Of piety and the love of God, and, when
ne considered him sufficiently prepared, he first
baptized and then confirmed him. Believing him
70 be now capable of self guidance, the bishop re-
laxed his watchfulness over him, and left him
70 his own devices. But the Young man abused
the confidence which was placed in him, and, fall
ing into the company of idle youths Of his own
age, was induced to lead a dissipated and lawless
life, until at length desparing Of his salvation, he
set no bounds to his escesses, but goriied IN sur
passing all his companions in wickednes5
Finally, at the head of the most reckless and
abandoned among them, he became professed
bandit, and was renowned for his violence and
cruelty. Some time afterwards, St. John again
passed through the same town: and after other
affairs were concluded, he said to the bishop, RE
store me that which Jesus Christ and committed
to your keeping in presence OF the church, The
bishop at first thought the apostle inquiry had
reference to some money which had been entrusted
to him, and was at q loss to know his meaning
until ST. John added tsGive me back the young
man whom solemnly delivered to your charge
it is his soulI ask of yon." Then the bishop, with
downcast eyes and with sighs and tears, answered,
4tAlas he ID dead.'
"How, and by what manner of death did he die p
inquired the apostle.
HE is dead to Cod replied the bishop she is
profigate, an outcast, robber; he has forsaken
the church, and taken to the mountains with COM
panions as wicked as himsef.n
AT these words the aged saint rent his garments
uttered an exceeding bitter cry, and striking his
"a limo Frntsy IL M
trusty guardian have provided for the soul of my
brother ! II |
Then calling instantly for horse and guide, he
rode away, attired as he was, to the mountain.
Scarcely had he reached the haunt Of the robbers
when he was seized by the sentinels, who were
struck with astonishment when, instead of attempt
ing to fly or begging for his life, he cried, 1t is
ter this that am come; lead me to your captain,
no sooner, however, did the young man recognize |
the apostle than he fed from his face with shame
and confusion. Unmindful Of his age and infirmi
ties, the saint pursued him, crying after him again
and again, Ny son, why DO you fly? Why fly |
from your father, helpless and unarmed old |
man? Have pity on me. Fear nothing, o nv |
child. There is yet place for repentance there IS I
yet hope of salvation; will answer for you to |
Jesus Christ will willingly give my life for you,
IS He gave His for all. Only come back; it ID
Jesus Christ who sends me to you.t
Hearing himself thus addressed, the young man
stood STILL with his eyes fixed the ground !; then
throwing away his arms, he trembled and burst
into tears.
When the apostle came up the penitent threw
himself at his feet mpioring forgiveness; hiding
however, his right hand, sullied with 30 many
crimes. st. John, with wonderful condescension
md tenderness, fell his knees before him. kissed
he hand which the other still endeavored to con-
zeal, assured him again and again of the Divine
,ardon, and, earnestly praying for him led him as
triumph, into the church. For his sake he tarried
ome time in the place, praying and fasting with
i'm and for him comforting him with marks Of !
weet affection, and encouraging him with most
fecting words of sacred Scripture, Nor did he
ave him until he had restored him to the com
lunion Of the Church and to the participation of
lie holy Sacraments