The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-08-02

the surrounding country cau>, In large
crowds to hear him.
Zone does not" he said. "set fire to q
house in which there are mourners and a
corpse. and neither should one destroy the
dwelling in which God dies beneath the
blows Of heresy. especially when there is
reason to hope that he will rise again in
glory. Even II 1t were certain that here
tics would persist in their error It would
be necessary to tolerate the evil since God
tolerates it. Think Of yourselves and strike
not so that you may not be struck"
Brother Antonio. therefore. was opposed
to the cruel policy of the inquisitors. He
taught men peace and charity. Very often
after they had listened to his words en-
emies embraced each other. captains set
their prisoners at liberty and rendered as
sistance to the unfortunates whose houses
and lands they had laid waste. Often the
rich got rid Of the wealth which they had
acquired by disreputable means. Against
usurers Brother Antonio spoke with special
yehemence, and It was said that in several
cities Of Lombardy tho practice Of extort-
ing usurious interest had ceased owing. to
his influence.
On st. Georges Day. Friday. April 3,
the news spread through Padua that on the
following day the Saint (for 30 the good
people styled Brother Antonio) would preach
a sermon in the meadow which lies to the
west of the city, and as result all the
roads were thronged at an early hour with
country people, who, carrying bread and dgs
in their wallets, were on their way to hear
the beloved preacher and to touch, II pos
sihle, the hem Of his garment.
Barbara expected much from the Saints
visit She persuaded herself that after
hnor1o~ hiv,, oroarh her master would b.
come mora lenient to the poor and would
not ask the Judges to expel Zenone from
the city. She went to his room in good
time, and pointed out to him the benefit he
would receive by going to hear the sermon
in the meadow. Her words prevailed. ana
without delay he put on. In honor OF
Brother Antonio, his best cloak, which was
not very good. AS he was leaving the
house. he saw Pluto climbing up the railing
outside the windows. and he ordered the
servant to close the shutters.
Look out, Barbara" he said. "or that
wicked animal will steal something"
She, however, treasured him:
Don't be afraid. signor Nicola; there
is never any food in your house, 80 instead
Of taking any away the cat 10 more likely
to bring US some"
Following the crowd, the old man and his
servant made their way to the meadow
where already great multitude had assem-
bled. The women. seated on the grass. ac-
cording to custom, surrounded the high
pulpit from which the saint was to preach.
The men stood In the background to tho
number Of $4,000 With great difficulty. and
aided by the civil guards. Signor Nicola
and Barbara pushed their way through the
faithful and up to the place which was oc-
cupied by the women and the leading citi-
gems. The people were singing hymns and
reciting prayers, and when the Saint ap-
peared one long sigh Of love rose from the
multitude al from q vast bosom. The
Saint ascended the pulpit.
He was still young man. but wa. wasted
through dropsy, and It was painful for him
TO bear the weight Of his swollen body.
Exhausted by his ascetio life and hin work
as an apostle, ever prey to the cruel mall
ady which was straining his body n though
pain, but svsn II hs felt Il hs did not suRse