The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1903-12-19
AT THE LAST.

AT THE LAST.
Although John Frederick never went to mass
himself he did not interfere with Little john. as
his son called in the village. The mother of the
boy had been good Christian, and there
time when John himself had been faithful at
tendant at mass and the sacraments. Still Little
John never remembered the time when his father
had put his foot inside the door of the church.
Drink and dissipation had soddened his facul-
ties; he had grown stupid of late that he seldom
worked. All they had to depend on was the pro-
duct of the vegetable garden which Little Johnnie
took care of between running errands and doing
chores for the neighbors.
One morning the boy said to his father: Father.
the priest said yesterday evening at vespers that
he would like some more boys to serve. May [
earnI
learn" answered his father; "there isn't much
10 learn. You Just have to wait on him at the
altar
But don't know any Latin"
He would teach you enough to answer the
prayers"
And | haven't any good clothes
That's So said John. cycling his sons rag
ged garments "I'Il have 10 put in a week on the
railroad when [ feel better. You need suit,
Johnnie"
The boys eyes frightened not so much at the
prospect of suit at the idea of his father
going to work again. Once actively employed, he
hoped ambition would return to him. As
things were now. he earned only scanty dimes
casionally and all these were left in the saloon.
And | would have to borrow surplice and
cassock until could the price of them" said
Johnnie
I'll get them for you all right, son." responded
his father. you good boy, and if you find
pleasure in going TO church and being pious, shall
not object. and your mother would have liked it.
I'll go down to the tracks tomorrow morning son,
and try to get work.
Little John was delighted. All that day he went
IL. !.
the house when the days work finished, John
ME ate d piece of dry bread and took drink of
water before going around to Father Moellers to
ask him if he would allow him to serve mass. The
priest was at supper. His housekeeper, with whom
the boy was favorite. made him sit down and have
some cold ham and sliced peaches
When he was ushered into Father Moeller's pres
ence and made his request, the priest very will
ling. "I'l lend you a surphce and cossack, John
ME-" he said In fact, III give you The vii
lams boy left his with me when the family moved
away. They were too small for him. You may
have Them and by the way, i have couple of
suits of his that | will give YOU also
Thank you father for the cassock and sur
plice. And III be glad to have the clothes, but
not Just now. [ think think-father, it would
be good thing if my father thought he would have
to get me clothes 1t would put him in the way
of working, and maybe make him all right again"
Maybe so, Little john" answered Father Noel
ler doubtfully. He feared that all the money John
earned would be spent on whisky, but did not like
to discourage the boy.
Your father, has had a good thought and means
WE'LL he said. "God will reward the poor man for
his intention, matter how it turns out; and the
clothes there for you, whenever you want them.
| won't give them to anybody else. Come in again
tomorrow evening, and | will teach you to pro-
nounce the Latin, and then give you little book on
the manner of serving mass"
Just then old Anthony, the sexton, tapped at
lI,a IL
Father Moeers town in Germany, and both had
brought many of the church customs of their ma
tive land into the little country village where they
now lived For instance, Father Moeler seldom
attended a sick call, to administer the Viatcum I'M
accompanied by Anthony, ringing little bell to
let the villagers know, he said that our Lord was
passing by. And at the summons everybody would
pause in their work make the sign of the cross and
breathe prayer for the soul in extremis.
Johnnie's father obtained work on the railroad
which being extended for some miles into the
country, where it was to meet a branch line All
that week he toiled faithfully, and on Saturday
night was coming home with his money in his peck
ct. Manfully he passed the saloon near the depot
well that nearest his home. Drawing a long
breath of thankfulness he was about to open the
gate which led TO his dwelling house. Johnnie
standing Oh the doorstep, fastened to meet him.
Suddenly, as the mans hand on the gate-latch
a horse, maddened with fright. plunged around the
corner, and dashng against him, threw him down
and tramped upon him, then went on i'll its mad
career.
Johnnie rushed out to him. His father was
dreadfully injured, but he could speak.
The priest, Johnnie" he said; 'go, go!'
The boy did not tarry. He few to the rectory
Father Moeller responded at once. Leading the
way with Anthony, who carried his little bell in
one hand, while in the other he bore lantern CON
tanning, blessed CANDLE poor, ragged trembling
little Johnnie conducted them to his fathers side
There, in the open gateway of his own home, the
last saeraments were administered to his father.
When the rites were over. the dying man MUIR
INJURED: 'What will become of my boy?"
Il will take care of him." answered the priest
Il have long been watching HIM"
Thank you, Father" he whispered In my
pocket--Johnne-th $40 for your suit 1t was
hard to pass the Saloons but did it, Little john"
That was ALL long-drawn breath tight
clasp of the hand on that of his boy and the poor
drunkard had gone TO meet his God. And who
shall say that the six days of toll he had passed. the
conquering of one of the most violent temptations
ever suffered by mortal man. had not redeemed
much in his life of sin!
We shall not be the ones to doubt it.-Mes-
senger.
The Pope's new secretary of state Cardinal AEer-
ry del Val, has not only an Irish grandmother. but
is likewise of Irish origin the Merry family. like