Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1893-03-20
THE OLD MAN.

All the world knows, at least by reputa-
tion, the great seminary of st. Sulpice, es-
tablished in Paris near the magnificent
church of the same name. This seminary
was founded in the time of Louis XIII by
man of admirable virtue and saintliness-
the Able Olier
Before settling in Paris NJ. Olier and his
first associates dwelt at Vaugirard, in
community house, and prepared themselves
by the practice of penitence, prayer, power
ty and the care Of the unfortunate-in one
word, by the following of Christian life,
to become the proper Instruments for the
grand design which had been formed among
them.
M. Olier frequently collected his pi6us
comrades into the great chamber and ex-
horted them with indefatigable zeal to ad-
vance in the paths of perfection, to become
sanity priests, and especially to combat, to
mortify, to immediate the "old man"-that
is to say, the evil inclinations of the corrupt
nature The house was guarded by an
elderly gardener named Thomas, who lived
with his wife in a little cottage at the end
of the garden. Thomas had noticed these
secret reunions of the disciples of NJ. Olier
in the great chamber He had spoken of it
to his wife, and both inquired of themselves
NIg buO BOOu BCnJleIltn SHOULD UluS u.s.
semble.
Old Thomas, as suspicious as his wife,
resolved one day to penetrate the mystery
and in default of better method went to
listen at the door,
On the evening of the day when he had
taken this resolution there was to be a
meeting at NJ. Oilers house, which Thorn
as knew He advanced upon the tips of
his toes, applied his ear to the door and
heard talking. Listening he distinguished
the voice of M. Oler, and as the silence of
the auditors was profound he heard these
words:
Gentlemen, gentlemen, what awaits us?
Let us put ourselves to the work even to-
day. For a long time we have held back
Immediate the old man without pity, with
out hearkening to his murmurs and his
cries. Is not this the price that we must
pay2 This is an enemy always ready to de
stroy us, always near to u.s. who will kill
us if we do not sacrifice him with courage.
OF what use is it to make resolutions if we
do not execute them? There has been
enough delay; the moment has come"
Thomas was the only aged person in the
house. One may judge of his surprise, bis
terror, when he heard NJ. Olier urge his
companions not to hesitate to immediate
the "old man" Evidently this threat was
directed toward him, and to follow in the
same day to fill his place with young gar
/ dener. Pale as death, he sought shelter in
| his own house
Wife," he said, wife, we are lostl
Quickl save yourself from here We are
among cutthroatsl They intend to kill
u.s. heard theml We have only barely
time to make up our bundles! Oh, who
could have believed it2 Men with so good
an air, who have testified so much friend
ship to me. What can you tell by looks"
Thus lamenting and recounting to his
terror stricken wife what he had heard,
Thomas gathered into two or three great
baskets what was most valuable But it
was too late. While thus engaged in their
preparations for flight the door opened, and
NJ. Olier appeared upon the threshold.
"Thomas," said he, you will summon lis
in five minutes for supper Do you hear
me2 But what are you doing2 What are
these packages? Where are you going?"
Old Thomas, believing himself at his last
moment, with his hair bristling upon his
head, stammered some words. He imagined
| he saw some weapon in the hands of NJ.
Olier. Then, unable to longer contain him
self, he cried;
"Wicked man, know you at lastl Hyp-
ocrite, traitor, assassin | have heard ALL
Helpl PoliceP'
Poor Able Olier was stupefied
What is the matter with you, Thomasf"
said he. Are you mad?"
mo, no, | am not madp cried the old
gardener Sooner to God that was madl
Police Policel Helpl 1t is not worth while
to pretend longer. repeat, | heard all. |
was at the door while you were encourag-
ing your traitorous companions to kill me
: ID. 1.
Me who loved you so WE'LL Why should
you kill me2 1t is only necessary to
simply send me away if you have a new
servant you wish to put in my place"
But know not, in truth, what all this
means" responded NJ. Olier, more and more
surprised. Explain yourself Who did
you think was going to kill you"
"Youm
"IP"
Yes; you, you, youl | recognized youl
voicein your preaching tone harangue when
you said, less than an hour ago, to immediate
the old man who was ever as an enemy in
| the house, and not to hesitate to follow
| your advice"-
At these words M. Olier comprehended
the misunderstanding, and laughing with
all his heart departed from the cottage to
tell the story to his comrades.
They came in body to Thomas house,
and after great difficulty made him under
stand that they had no animosity against
him. But it was for long period and only
after many conversations with the good
Able Olier that he was convinced of his
error and ceased to carry about with him
concealed weapons to defend himself
Translated by o. A. Shaw For New York
Journal
Jeffrey's Talk.
Jeffrey's talk was choice and finished
! nerformance-his words abundant felici.