Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1863-06-17

least your Church celebrates, had disap-
peared, the branches of the oak lifted
themselves into their natural position
and the holy family pursued their journey
undlsturbed. On the day following, they
entered into the dreary, inh ospitable des-
ert OF Egypt And as they had travelled
a long and cheerless journey, they deter
mined TO halt for the night But just as
they had come to this conclusion, two fu-
r1ous robbers rushed from their hiding
place, violently seized Joseph and Mary.
with her beloved infant, and dragged
them, trembling, to the cave where thev
lived Arrived there, breathing ven
gence, they asked the poor captives.
ilercely, who they were, whence they
came, what their business was in such in
hospitable wilds! Poor Mary trembled
Tor their fate. At this trying moment the
Infant Jesus looked up into the robbers
face with such an innocent, such a smi-
ling mien, that the stern hearts of these
iawless men were instantly subdued. and
they unbound Joseph, and treated Mary
with gentlcness and respect One of
them ordered his wife to fctchs sclean linen
Tor the infant Jesus, and bring refresh
ments to Joseph and Mary. The wife
OF this robber had an only beloved child,
IN the last stage of dropsy: and, after
having batled the infant Jesus and dressed
HIM III new linen, she did the same with
her own dropping son. But no sooner
did she bathc her own dropsical Child in
the water in which Jesus was cleanscd
than he was instantly and completely
cured. The robber and his wife were do
lghtcd and astonished at the sight of
such a miracle. Joseph and Mary were
more kindly treated, and received the
dwelling for their accommodation. Next
morning the good robber invited them to
breakfast, helped Mary TO get ready, con-
Quoted them in safety to the hi"h road
sand wished them Il happy journey. At
parting, he addressed these words to the
infant Jesus - Lord, firmly believe
that thou art more than man for, though
willing, i had not the heart to kill YOU.
LOU arc the first person who ever left INV
cave in safety, and for this, Lord. remem-
bcr me and the miserable life am lead
ing lie rushed away, bathed in tears
This Is the same robber who. ACCORDING
to the testimony of the Holy Virgin, who
was crucilied with Jesus Oh Calvary. and
who said, Lord, IemcmLer Inc when
thou comcst into thy kingdom
g About noon, on the next dav. the
holy family reached the outskirts of the
lonely desert Mary, exhausted with
the long journey and the burning rays of
the sun, was seized with the most exccs-
sire thirst Seeing Il shady tree, a dis
tance off in the desert, she said to JOS
cph,-' Let lis rest for a while in wonder
shade, for L feel weak and thirsty
After they were seated, Mary lifted up
her eyes, and seeing that the palm tree
WAS loaded with beautiful dates, expressed
q wish for some TO allay her hunger and
thirst. How can you have such de-
sire said Joseph, in astonishment, when
you see it is impossible to reach them at
such Il height What is troubling me-
SAID he, is to get some water. which is
beginning to fail us, and | know not
where to find any, In these straits, the
infant Jesus, with cherub smile. looked
up into his mothers face, where rcsinna-
tion TO Providence had already rcbuked
the appetite of nature, and spoke to the
tree thus: - P;,lmtree of the desert.
lower thy branches, and cool with thy
fruit my mothers thirst And immedi
ately the tigtrce bowed his lofty head
down TO the feet of Mary, who, with Jo-
scph, refreshed themselves with the we'll
timed gift. In the meantime, .the tree
still remained bent, awaiting the com
mands of the infant TO rise I'D auain-
erect and majestic. Jesus spoke again
thus Palm tree retire now, and be-
come companion TO the trees that bloom
In the paradise of my father Loosen
thy roots, and let the refreshing fountain
that sparkles there concealed, gush forth
for my mothers comfort The palm
tree opened up its roots, and Immediately
there dubbed up limpid and delicious
spring. The hearts of Mary and Joseph
were gladdcned at this sight They
drank and knelt down to return thanks
to Almighty God. As they were leaving
this place, next day, the Infant, turning
to the palm tree, said 81 ordan that
one of thy branches be carried by angels,
and transplantcd in Paradise and it is
my will, that hereafter. the brows of all
who come off victorious in the battles of
God, be encircled with crown of thy
foliage Hence, the palm branch has
become the symbol of victory and sue
cess. After these words seraph was
seen to detach branch from the top of
the tree, and then soaring up into the
azure armament, the angel-chorus hymn
ed forth in heir enrapturing melodies