The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1911-02-25

- ~ wy
their own cOnsciences and Gods law.
They assert their right to the use OF
their intellect, but they do not use it,
or they would realize the wisdom of
the laws of obedience, precept and dis
| cipline."
instruction is the thing said Joe
| in convinced way, and his eyes wild
ened with the look of one who gazes
into the future, and sees great work.
The WEAKNESS left the priests face
as he watched his boy; the rugged
| lines softened around his dark eyes,
as they looked into the blue eyes, filed
with the dream of the future.
'All could not do" he thought, he
will do" A line read years before
| flashed into his mind: ION the earth
the broken arcs; in heaven the perfect
round
Unconsciously he spoke the remem-
bered words aloud Joe looked at him,
puzzled, unable to connect the thought
with what they had been speaking Of
| Il thought I was thinking" explain
ed Father Medhurst, laughing. 1T
means that am hoping with great
hope for your future and mine. When
my hands. and voice can do no more in
the service of the Master it is deep
comfort to feel that you will take my
place, profit by my experiences, fill
the gaps left in my work.
In that moment Joe saw the great
strength of Father Medhurst's ambi-
/ ton for him. Strangely enough it
sent wave of fear through the boy.
It was long before he slept that night.
Over and over he said to himself: IF
failed, if at the last found it could
not be, it would break his heart"
And in the terror inspired by this
thought came the first doubts of his vo-
cation.
June again, and roses in profusion
gladdened the heart of Father Med
hurst. He was out in the fresh morn
ing air, bestowing the gentle care on
his favorite bush that made it's flowers
so wonderful AS he bent over his
task he hnmmed the chant he loved,
and his thoughts were busy with the
dreams of the future. There was only
short time now for his boy to wait
before receiving minor orders, then a
], short interval and he would be home,
after the great act, priest, to say
his first Mass. There must be many
roses for that happy day. So busy
was he that he did not hear the gate
open, nor the tagging step on the walk
So Joe stood watching nearly an antire
minute, before speaking. The boy now
looked at the priest through eyes
sharpened by love and apprehension
He noted every dawning sign of age
in the dear face and figure, and all
/ went to his. own young heart with a
force that made it ache When at last
he spoke, his voice was husky and
weak, almost like that of the fainting
man who had brought him here, fit.
/ teen years before.
Father"
Father Medhurst Strengthened, turn
ed instantly and then stared incredu-
i lous.
Why boy" he began, then anx-
iety flashed through him. "Oh, Joe,
are you ill.,"
Eyes, and no, Father said Joe. ''I'l
be all right when we've had a little
talk
Hand in hand, silently, they went in.
i to the house.
This thing that Joe was doing now
had been a haunting terror for weeks
yes, even for months, and so painful
had it seemed to him, that he had
brought every force in him to avert it
The struggle had worn him out, body
and soul but the teaching of the dear
old man, and the boys own clear hon
est spirit had triumphed. He knew
that God did not call him to the high
state of the priesthood-tha if he
forced himself into that holy state
without the Divine call the penalties
would dwarf the gifts that were truly
J his, and which he could use nobly, if he
lived true to the light within him.
The words were spoken. Joe look
ed up and drew deep breath. L
! had not been so dreadful after all. He
, felt for the instant strangely ligh
and buoyant Father Medhurst haG
, asked question here and there in the
pauses of Joes telling; had, in fact
, made it easy for the boy to open his
, mind fully. He had not even seemed
, surprised, after the first words beside
the rose-bush.
What DOGGY the terrible fear had
proved to be! The dear friend was
: really one with him-had understood
! Such warmth of grateful love ir
, radiated the boy that he rose hastily
!, and going over to Father Medhurst's
chair, knelt besides him, Selling his
hands in a strong grip So they re
! NAMED for time; reading each 9th
er's soul in a deep silence. Then tht
priest drew his hands from the boys
and nIanino fhnnn IN hfc chauIdprS