The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1873-07-13
Morning Star and Catholic essenger.
JUVENILE COLUMN.
: PATRIOTISM.

light the lamps, please tell us story
something that happened when You were a
near the fire, and will sit at your feet and
keep as still az mice. n
celia asked me the other day, What is
Patriotism Z" Perhaps the story will tell
you will answer her question.
"My Parents lived in fine old mansion
den enclosed by q high stone WALL. The
house was roomy and cheerful, and full of
comforts and happiness. My father was .
noble, generous hearted gentleman. His
doors were always open to the poor, and
his heart ever ready to sympa.hise with
devout Catholics, and from them we learn
ed the beautiful lesson Of being alike true to
our religion and our country.
Tin the midst OF our happy circle came
the cry Of WAT. Our young country was
Epa I'D ana beoo9e an indeerndeDt ns
ton. Neighbors focked in, and the house
was full from morning until night. We
knew that there was something serious to
happen, for mamma was pale and quiet,
and papa was too busy to have his evening
frolio with Ms; Ralph and George were
that father was getting ready to join the
regiment in the neighboring town, and was
using his fortune to clothe and ARA his
own company of soldiers, and that he would
soon be in the midst OF battle.
"My brothers started up at this news,
crying, o, that We were men and could join
our father we would Sight by his side and
die for our country" Nurse told them to be
quiet and good, and not let mamma hear
them, for her heart was sorely triea.. Her
dear husband was going into danger, and
yet she was glad and proud to have him
do his duty, and with her own hands she
would buckle On his sword and hide il his
bosom the sacred crucifix SO long q relic In
his family. Nerse, like mamma, was
fervent Catholic, aud begged OF us to seek
the protection Of che Blessed Yirgin-to
10y to her in our anxiety, that abe might
"Ralph and George were so full of the
subject Of war that all lessons wore for o
time forgotten, and they were seen every
morning drilling our pet dogs, trying to
make brave sefdiers of them, and Ponto
really did credit to his Instructors; and as
hasy as papa was, no found time to come
and inspect ear company and praise our
four footed soldiers.
some day, when Rslph was fall Of mill
Harry FIRE, papa called kim to him and said
any aos, when lesve, perhaps psver 20
return, yoa will be the prop and stay OF
strength and love yea can give her be
earefal and curb your inpetuous temper,
and cultivate ALTA manly Qualities that
spring from true Christian heart. Aud
you, dear George, will follow your brota-
er's good example, and with Your love OF
reading, store your eznind witt the heroic
deeds Of the saints and martyrs, for N them
you will 2nd much that will eaable you to
battle with the world aud its Temptations
Turning to mo, with INDISPENSABLE tender
ness he said, 'Myagente Mary, initiate The
Blessed Mother, whose nameyeu bear, aud
beg Of her to watch over your father in the
heat of battle"
CATER we parted from papa, we expect
ed to SEQ naIhma fade away with grief,
but she was always cheerful, aud when
asked her how she could be-so, she replied,
when We 'cheerf1lly accept our cross
God gives us grace to bear it; my child
"News came that there was TO be Skin
mish within a mile of eur home. Every
one was busy, preparing necessaries for the
sick and wounded, and every evening we
all knelt before our little altar and pra ed
to God for our brave soldiers. AS We
were walking one morning On the road
near the gate, .6ae-looking officer rode
up to US aRd asked for a glass of water
which nurse quickly brought, and asked
the officer into the house. Mamma came
out to welcome him, and said to us hastily
Take off your caps, my children, that
blessing shall never forget the smile
with which he said, fortunate children of &c
Christian soldier as Colonel E.-Turning
to mamma he said, t0ur brave soldiers are
suffering for want of clothing, and nothing
but the patriotism of our nation can supply
them. Heavy taxes must come, ell alike
must make sacrifices. My heart bleeds fol
the men, whose courage and patience at
this hour ought never to be forgotten.
After q few kind words he rode away, and
mamma, calling US to her, said, 'Yoa heard
what General Washington said are you
ready to do your share. in relieving the
wants of these poor men = Yes, indeed.
said Ralph sell my pony Mamma, lei
as wait on ourselves, and let nurse go t.
the sick, > said George. 49,.
"From that hour we learned to be self
helpfal, and in practising strict economy
we learned to be happy with very little
Mamma was never idle; day by day we saw
her grow more angelic. And her name wen
forth as one who lived wholly for her Goo
and her sorrowing country. When tn
war ended papa came back booking ik'
the poorest of his men, with seanty clothes
and his shoes nearly of his feet, and I
face like bronze. BuGthere was light in hi
eye that told of many q victory won. Ir
the long winter evenings he went over hi
battles, and told us of heroic men and wo
men, and made az feel that when We cam
AHI