The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-06-14

!" Infant baptism is all nonsense, Kate" said
Mr.. Stewart, an invention Of the Church TO
work ON the fears of the ignorant. 1t will he
time enough when the child is of an age to
judge and choose for himself; then the cere-
mony Is proper enough as an initiation into his
So. this point. like all others; was quietly
yielded, merely for the want Of Il little moral
courage. For the want Of nerve to stand one
contest, one storm that, after all, could have
been but temporary III effect, this weak woman
preferred to risk, both for herself and infant, an
eternal loss.
Thus in all other cXternals, time passed
smoothly, pleasantly on for Kate, wiio witnont
resistance, suffered herself to float with the
calm s,lrfacc-current Of her life. Occupied with
her infant who was an unfniling source OF de-
light to her; busted with her household ar
ran ;,ements and her needle, taking very little
interest eitherin general OF fashiOnable society
only caring to entertain or be entertained in q
social, unceremonious way, she soon settled
culture and development that is the common
taste and habit of the generality of American
women. OF Late she had received accounts
from home that had served to make her feel
somewhat anxious. Her dear fathers health
was reported as failing, and there seemed to he
troubles and losses, growing out of unfortunate
speculatiOns, which made her mother very IN
happy and anxious. There also came the news
OF her sisters marriage; and she was greatly
surprised to learn that her love of wealth, and
ambition for a high position in the world, had
yielded to the elevating influences of q true
and deep affection, and she had given her hand
to a man who could only promise her compe-
tency in the present, but if life and health were
spared and prospects realized, might eventually
be able to give her all she coveted. Mr.. Tai
madge was, unfortunately, her father wrote, a
Protestant; but very liberal, and quite willing
all his wishes, for which, this time, he took
good care to secure promises in advance; SO
that Nellie should never, he said run the risks
that he feared had been the portion of his dear
Kate.
The birth of Mrs. Stewards second child was
now approaching, and she had been very feeble
and dispirited for some time. The nurse of
little Dennis had been with her since she first
went to housekeeping, and had ever proved
herself q faithful servant and good Christian.
Being unusually depressed one morning. and
feeling the need Of some strong arm upon
which to lean, some one to whom she could
look for aid, she turned in despair to this hum
bic servant-wOman, and said:
.. Bridget, you have lived with me long
time, now, and believe may count OH your
attachment and fidelity"
''Indade, then, mann, thems the truest words
you ever spoke" replied Bridget, quite pleased,
and awake to what was to follow.
well, Bridget" continued Mrs. Stewart. %
am going to ask favor of you, because OF all
granting it, Perhaps you don't know it, Biddy,
but am q Catholic"
The Lord in Heaven be merciful to u.s."
claimed Biddy. " 1t is little OF the sort have
ever seen about you, mann, save the little
images and books that lay in the room beyant;
and I've often wondered to meself what
business they had there, with never q crathur,
barring meself, to wipe the dust and the mould
off them"
"You are mistaken there, Bddy," replied
Mrs Stewart, 81 have them in my hands oftener
than YOU think, but dare not let my husband
me thus occupied"
''sure it's not of him, mann, that God will ask
your soul
is past, said Mrs Stewart 'Wllat l want of
you, Bridget, is to promise me that if 1 am i'll
any danger i'll my coming sickness. that yon
will go either for the bishop or Father c.,
to he with me.
'Intlade, then, Mrs Stewart, crany, 1 will do
that same, never fear. But oh, mann, begging
of you advice continued Biddy, with great
earnestness; why wont you make your heart
light, and your conscience asy, by going to the
bishop Yourself, before the time of your trouble
comes
II can't. | dare not, Biddy," said Mrs. Stew
art, greatly agitated. :" 1 am under n promise
to my husband never to go to confession, and l
can't deceive him by breaking it"
s-tnd sire, man, didn't you make the first
promise to God in your baptism and first COM
munion and isn't He the most to be considered
angry, and, may be, spake n few hot words,
but the Lord save us, what be they to the fire
of hell. Oh, man," continued Bridget, now
unite roused ait is a dreadful thing to live out
side of the Church; but the Lord and His Holy
Mother defend us, it's twice more awful to die
out of it,"
: Don't talk about 1t, Bridget" said Mrs
"only promise that such evil shan't
befal1 me-"
at shan't, indade, man, if help it,"
sadly responded Bridget. But, mayhap, the
llivii may circumvent ali my plans :" biit seeing
a frightened expression on Mrs. stewart 5 face,
she quickly added, " But never fear, mann, I'll
do me endeavors to help You, and I'll bring the
bishop the praste, if me head turns white
as II piece of chalk in the effort"
Buoyed up by the hopes that grew ont OF this
assurance, Kate became more cheerful, and by
degrees threw off the gloomy forebodings that
had long oppressed her; and when few
days after Mrs Fiel called to see her, and
begged her to prepare herself for any contin-
gency that might arise, she assured her of
Biddy's promise, and thus luled herself into
secnritY against all future danger. and showed