The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-02-20

His wife was Catholic. To what degree Of
fervor her religion rose, am unable to say at
all events, she neither professed the errors of
Professionalism nor INDUCED in the wild vsga.
ries of free thought. A very pious friend per
suaded this lady to be her companion in q
journey to Lourdes; Mr.. Max took upon him
self the duties of escort He considered the
trip az O mere excursion he would have
secuted the idea of oountenancing by his CO.
operation, the superstitous practice OF per-
forming pilgrimage.
In due time the three members of the little
party fonnd themselves standing in front of
tie Erotto: the gentleman did not even deem
it necessary to uncover his head and throw
aside his cigar. So there he stood, very
irreverently conspicuous, in the midst Of
crowds of devout pilgrims. Whilst the latter
addressed their earnest petitions to Heaven, our
artist occupied his leisure in satisfying his idle
curiosity; the rude outlines of the grotto OBJ
tanned but very contemptuous notice from our
supercilious Protestant.
The lady with whom he had come, approach
ing him, pleasantly said: Mr.. Max, the
Blessed Virgin must perform an operation on
your hand. Come with me and drink some
of the miraculous water" The artist, with q
shrug of the shoulders, ct first declined but
the pious lady urged her point. "Come what
harm do you fear from o mere draught of
water; take it to please me- Drink this water,
it is cool and of excellent quality"
"well," thought the freethinker, cit will
not poison me-" So he approached, the spring |,
the sneer still played around his lips. The
lady hands him glass; in one gulp he swal-
lot ito fla had
ished. "Oh, heavensw exclaimed he, going
towards his wife, who was praying on her
knees. my dear" said he all pale from
sudden emotion, 81 am cured" "Cease your
trifing," answered abe, with some iIl-humor;
/" find other means of amusement and
begin to respect my religious convictions"
" Bat, my dear, am not joking. Look"
The good WON an could scarcely believe her
eyes. The leaden plate sided loosely from side
to side over the hand skin, articulatiors and
hesb had suddenly lapsed into their normal
state. She cast herself her knees sobbiDg
with joy, 70 give thanks for favor unhoped
for and even unsolicited
The artist himself was lost in ama9ement;
the poor man was as pale as q corpse. In the
FIRST moments of his surprise the hitherto
covered head WAS instintively barred aud tho
CIBSE was plbCuoU b6tQ6. au CO"-
pletely cured. Tho Virgin has done the won
DER" exclaimed he repeatedly in the hearing Of
all around him. One of the missionaries, who
happened to be stationed there at the hour, re-
quested of him the leaden plate with its ac-
companying ligatureS to be hung up Is an
ez.veto at the grotto. He cheerfully scceded to
the demand The unpretending object may be
seen to this day, occupying it's modest nook
among more splendid mementoes.
Mr.. Max M returned home with the
Qualification Of having left his tumor behind
him; would that he had also cast aside the
errors Of his sect. May he deduce the logical
conclusions that are involved in q cure 90
manifestly miraculous. The Immaculate Virgin
relieved him from physical dsformity, let us
hope that she will now clear his soul from the
mists that intercept the pure light of eternal
Truth.
Miracles do not necessarily induce CONVEX
sion. OuE Divine Lord scattered them in pro-
fusion around him: the Scribes and Pharisees,
far from lowering their pride, grew only moro
hardened and headstrOng in resistance to grace.
Their eyes beheld the wonders but their heGTtS
rejected the consequences. But, although
miracles do not invariably work q change of
life, they never fail to weigh heavily in the
balance Of justice against those that voluntarily
repudiste their intended action. To miracles
may be applied the words said of the Eucha-
rist "a source of life to the good and faithful
"A source of PerditiOn to the wicked and inn
penitent." The gift of faith, even after =
miracle, is to be obtained only by earnest de-
sire and sincere humility.
ITO be Continued
In 1869 Alabama had GIG miles OF railway !;