Cross Bulletin February 1916

--- Page 1 --- February , 1916 . Vol. VI . No. 10 . THE Blessed Virgin and Saint Anne . --- Page 2 --- things that belong only to the present and passing order with and follows it the faculty of looking at and appreciating mun- to augment the fears of the timid , but to point out " how pain , death , and the various calamities of this life , nor to between what is solely of the present , passing and relatively the present life may press upon and affect a person of refi- not to depress hearts already overcharged with anxiety , nor gravity , of the present state of things all over the world is destiny shall be achieved . We do great violence to our- off figure as we know them to be , but denote a real effort of ruth and power , calmly to look upon and hopefully to sustain in gloom and pessimism to revel in melancholy fears and fore- not of ignoring or being insensitive to passing events , such as value , and of regarding all such things as but the temporary versity and appreciating the gifts of fortune at their relative which religion endless him inspires him with constant hope present world , and then go on to speak of ' undying fame , ' of It lifts him above the earth to a clearer and serener atmos- thought that he thinks not merely imperially but generally . appurtenants of a state of things that is transitory . and that and cheerfully to encounter not only the present grievous pre , passing , lies in the fact that it confers on him who loves expressions are not merely graceful tributes in the language tions in the march of events through which a great and final and expectation , and the more pressing and grievous the within the very limited vision of the present life and the therefore creates in the heart of the religious man a power chief function of our holy religion is to train us to distinguish selves and the best instincts of our nature when , as we habit- distress , the nearer he apprehend and welcome the season There is no great pleasure for any but a mind confirmed immortal honour , ' of great men finding a place ' among the the appalling and unprecedented events through which we although our reason assures us that it is not so , and invest honour , fame , love , success , but a power of sustaining ad- gious convictions , the vision of the future and perfect life with tually do , we treat what we call time as if it were everlasting , present order under the form and colour of immortality . The trivial , and what there is in it that shall be enduring . ' It align alone can assist and encourage those " who know its which the rise and fall of empires are seen only as perturba- bodings , and my purpose in touching upon the extreme immortals , " of loving " forever , " of the " deathless dead . " Such the attributes of immortality . We keep our eyes narrowed It follows therefore that however much the calamities of order that shall endure . done things as they are seen in eternity . It so broadens his insieties , but the worst and gloomiest possibilities . is meant only to be preparatory to a higher and more perfect phere where the noise and din of war are unheard , and from he human mind to represent things of real worth only in the The great power of religion to steady the human mind in --- Page 3 --- deeply affected the great masses of the people . But let us and so many others , were not , as the event proved , the imme- has ever been a leading thought of Catholic minds and a chief direct intervention on the part of Almighty God , and it was prelude to the other woes that will precede His coming , as principle of Christian life . We know that it was enjoined fore interpreted all that occurred to them and in the world fulfilling His behest . And so , every great calamity is an second coming of Christ , as He Himself foretold . These pectation to interpret the signs which He has vouchsafed to lived in constant expectation of that great event , and there- contained a warning , and an exhortation to due preparation , that promise has been delayed , and succeeding periods of great calamity , such as the Arian heresy , or the schism of the West us as tokens and assurances of His great promise , and as a foretell that day and hour which He Himself has told us , not permitted us to attempt with any sense of knowledge to fore we cannot tell for certain that this terrific war is the day of His appearance is coming more swiftly . While there- hope that the growing pressure and distress of this awful here , that we need not expect any such fearful tokens of the the world would work out its own deliverance without any and they who read and understood them as such were only one a stronger testimony that time grows shorter and the we cannot tell how long it may last , nor what new and strange watch and be prepared for His return . The first Christians tion in the churches and schools , the same evil connections guage so flippant and sarcastic that I will not transcribe it complications may arise , nor what other nations and powers unfortunately through the want of definite religious instruc- read the signs of the times and the solemn declaration which cance or appeal to modern men of intellect and culture , and visitation of the war will send people back to the gossipels to alone , " but it is permitted us reverently and with joyful ex- to them : " Heaven and earth shall pass away , but my words He who uttered them for our guidance and comfort affixed world of the nearer approach of His second coming . It is cially in a time of visitation and affection like the present . sanguinary of all wars is in reality a fulfilment of our Lord's For some time before the war it was widely maintained that strong confirmation of our belief and hope . utterances , and therefore a further assurance to the whole shall not pass away . ' assurance that His promise will be fulfilled , and every new diate forerunners of His appearance , they were signs which no one knoweth , no not the angels of heaven , but the Father by our Lord Himself on His followers that they should ever deliverance . Under this aspect this most terrible and 1907 1908 about them in the light of His great promise . And although The expectation of the second coming of our Lord , espe- were looked upon merely as parables which had no signifi- preached in England by leading Protestant teachers in la of defiverance . g confirmation of our belief and hope . --- Page 4 --- from the True Fold is rewarded , for ! Mother of God , make pilgrimages . membering the wonderful miracles plead . however importantly , for their yet revore so whole-heartedly , and of their own , poor creatures , and re- of healing wrought at the shrine , ' Koran itself recognises her Immaculate Conception , in this say they will not find the true way , dim pathetic glimpse of what it patriots have fared to that terrible battlefield . But Our Lady vocations to Our Lady of Lourdes , and after receiving the East are to the Church's teaching , they would think more to be a fatal malady . So we may look for growing devotion the faith of these little stray lambs . that they are not unknown in the Near East . and just now the doctors as incurable . But the patient addressed fervent in- Catholicity are not by any means lost . Perhaps if Catholics means to have the protection of the people among whom the traditions of their sixteenth century for there is a wide field for Mission enterprise among her but what will be a still greater surprise to many readers is the dying child recovered miracle ! own sore needs . And who shall at home realised how responsive these children of the Far Mother of Christ is specially revered by Moslems , whilst the thee out of all the women of the universe . " This devotion of Lourdes has a shrine in the very spot of all others that one since they thus come to the safest ing how long it will be before Japan becomes Catholicised . frequented by many a devout Mohammaden , for the spotless describing the Angelic Salvation : " God has chosen thee : among Japanese Catholics to Our Lady as the Mother of about the need of planting many another shrine of Our Lady of all guides ? soon after rapidly recovering from what everyone believed Healing . He has rendered these free from all stain : He has selected Meartime , our gallant Missionaries in Japan are wonder- The " Far East , " yes , Lourdes devotions flourish there , might least expect to find such a sanctuary - in Constantinople Irish Catholics , considering how many of their brave com- sanctuary at Myazu . Tango . Osaka , Japan , where a convert belonging to the Mission was sometime ago given over by Last Sacraments , drank some Lourdes water , to find herself ously soon after ! And their pagan , elders , with a Hardly less astonishing will it be to hear that the shrine is everything that concerns the latter has a poignant interest for Cures , too , are obtained from Our Lady of Lourdes Singhalese Girls . itself ! Lourdes in the land of St. Francis Xavier . f Lourdes in the land of St. Francis Xavier . --- Page 5 --- fellow-creatures seemed blocked with spying malice . His classic of Winchester and Oxford , the poet of whom Louise friend had come , straight from God , with the soul of a saint core , when the secret avenues of heart and soul with her furtherance , " that " his faith was his treasure and an abid- ing peace ... ... the delicacy , may the sanctity of his day it began to grow , and so with this supreme gift of a ripen . ' He means we take the fruit as though only yester- She thought the advent of this friend fortuitous : but the suffered much . She told me that when life seemed rooted up again and make possible the sanctities of life . and confidence had been dug up and found rotten at the in the garden of God , which many summers and winters must and now the web had reached those little threads meant for friend of one day , we find that he has been coming steadily The comfort of the sun is set . One day I came across a poem by Lionel Johnson , the her belief in loyalty . to prepare the anietude of soul once him to weave . the Catholic Church could command his whole zeal and Friendship . A classic saint in self-control , All heaviness ; and when he goes , Through sorrow to the only rest . And comeliness , and quiet mirth . When he is with me I forget us when God " saw it was very good . " But in the lonely hours I learn Friend , " and the idea being so beautiful , I must quote it His presence wins me to repose . " Lionel Johnson . His presence wins me to repose ; You remember the line in Emerson's wonderful essay on That Virgil had : he walks the earth His are the whitenesses of soul . and trouble alone remained , when the foundations of trust character was the outcome of it . " The poem is called " A How I can serve and thank him best : E came like an unexpected miracle when all else would Friendship , where he says : " We snatch at the slowest fruit entire : ' God trouble him . ' . that he may turn onward to us " down the arches of the years , " only to meet I have failed . " So said one to me , one who had nogen Guiney , in her beautiful little tribute , tells us that heart of a man , to stand by and protest , to re-create had been slowly weaving the pattern of her life for him , --- Page 6 --- less indifference on the other . How many a relation has been maintained thus for a time by the one desiring the friend ship . firmed , the suspicions verified , all would militate against real sums up their after days : measuring of the meaning and weight of our gift . impetus to do something for our friend to give him of our in " Balaustion's Adventure " is so supremely well rendered the two , the iron-proof door of fear on the one side and cheer- snapped again . Once the deep friendship is broken it is far At first sight one might be tempted to dispute this , but once of Dryden's words expresses more than any poet this desire We will " see life out to the end . ' covery of insincerity and cooling love-minded so often , Revelations of small treacheries , of broken confidences , of letter to cease community of feeling in any way , far better to So , the two lived together long and well . There is no friendship without self-sacrifice - we feel this place by his side . To show he loved me better than his life ; yes opened " Browning , in his own grandly simple style , rocated sincerity , would be driven home . The doubts con- Among the wonderful examples of friendship in history is The tie of friendship is too sacred for night but a perpetual Admetus , and in her turn has been restored to him , " the lost side by side let us stand , For I need your help and you . by Browning . After Alcestis has given her life instead of Commades true and true , give our " very life to help or ease or save him . ' The pathos And she turned and her eyes met his : and I think she cried of dying : ( But she laughed through her tears ) and she came to her He said . " She shall be my friend ! beautiful one on earth-for that of Alcestis for her husband Admetus , the story of which Someone has said that friendship cannot be all on one side . Do you know this poem by Thomas O'Meara ? ' Its end is ried the certain impossibility of continuance of such unrecin- superficial view of the whole , holy relation , a worthless He lost it for me . reep apart and never try to tie up the knot again . covery it is how nauseous how uprooting ! With my hand in your dear hand taken her into confidence-only to find the return has been a He loved me well ; so well he could but die . The friendship between husband and wife is the most seal . her's love renewed after the bitter heartbreaking of dis- tale ridicules , of petty jealousies . Oh ! the heinous dis- perfect : to spend ourselves , our health , our time , nav . if need be . endship-there would always be the bitter barrier between covery it is how nauseous how uprooting ! Do you 106 . --- Page 7 --- the days of darkness , friends in the joys of light , friends in issent from the heyday of love and trust in youth . Memory restraint . If two remain friends through this , they are and sweet experience have blended the years , and away , in of its power for good and uprooting of evil pursuits of its shared by each in thought if not in deed . You will find that temptible than a person agreeing with another in fawning imitation ? It is lowering to human nature , and thriftless in one great seal of their lasting relation was , what Coventry spite of all suffering on our part , in spite of the whispers of with sick-bed watching pass us daily , faces we know might sweet lavender of past history , lay all the facts of their lives . streets where hour by hour , day by day , the hidden mystic paths of sanctity , friends in the succour of others , friends in acquainted with the ways of loves of men , saw deeply into bility of years of " trial , when the " confidences exchanged , nothing , with the eyes of our soul fixed on the needs of our jealous Nemesis who says we shall suffer in the end . the everyday suffering of irksome trials , the small crosses of Unheeding , we go forward and surmount all , rocking This mystic of our modern times , this poet so deeply intouched to the end . ' There is a grandeur in this which is The world is full of the novelist stories of the power of a friend , with the beats of our heart panting for him ... . every There is a beauty in the friendship of old age-the dura- that which really makes a friend , tries and proves one . is of all obstacles , to all appearances not to be overcome in terious . " How true it is this mystery , this power . Won- life , the countless worries of the daily round the constant be health-tanned , were it not for one little room in the city occasions of tests of patience , of loyal upholding , of prudent friend over man and woman - of its beauty and its sanctity , the use of faculties which are God-given . Such echo leads There are friends in the pursuit of culture . friends in the and no true word was ever spoken , for what is more con - thing , " and further says , " It is as mighty as it is mys- " Keep your modest , familiar style for strangers , but respect other thought brushed aside , every other care buried under to contempt , not to the cement of friendship . the very passion of our clinging love . der-working in its superhuman desire to spend itself , in spite Patmore so wisely urges , " respect your friend . " He says , In speaking of constant agreement between two friends , ie is binding their life to one tossing in the sigh for sleep . friends indeed . the very passion of our clinging love . Monsignor Benson calls friendship the " mysterious when the secrets deposited half a century ago , remain unending suffering for another's relief . " Faces blanched your friend . ' the strain of poverty , friends in the pleasure of wealth-but merson says : " Better be a nettle than an echo ; 1957 58 . 408 . --- Page 8 --- 410 And kindled in my breast an evil flame " Behold the bleeding of ' His wounds renewed ! If this I did ... ... and spoke of them in vain . So I had well night left my faulty The Father did this soul and flesh assign , And , by God's help , might well prevail again - Between me and the temper took his place . And followed in the pointed path of shame , He spoke of joys that would be mine no more I babe him cease his pleading and his tears . Disaster swift , or bitter treadmill years ! But I , no saint , the humbling thought withstood , The Victory . And closer yet the demon pressed to me . And straightway through my daunted soul there went Then he ( being pledged to make me penitent ) When he , the search , to whose guardian grace He whispered : " Cast thrself before the Road ! Stooped ... " seized the weapon that his arts'defied . He reasoned of the price that must be paid- The saints have conquered by humility ! " I heard . It . But my pride was unsubdued . But pride , of both , had made me unafraid . Last eye a mortal sin drew near to me , " No sibi sapiens esse videatur . ' He urged the pleas that had prevailed before , This scheme but poorly fits the dignity , And set his burning eager eyes on mine . He pointed to the Cross upon the wall- O offspring of the God that made the stars . Blood-brother unto Him that died for thee ! Dost thou not hear His sad reproachful call ? ' " This deed thu loftv birthright strangely mars ! The sneering , scathing protest of my pride . G. M. Hort- vIII . iv. vii . ii . III . vi . v. --- Page 9 --- crucity Him , for I find no cause in Him . " No permission of the royal lineage of David who would free them from the cry assailed him . He had not seemed to attach much im- day at the outset of the contest he had caught the word " Gali- Jews to know that it taught them to expect , even now , a prince Perhaps . if all " went well , he might become Pro-Consul of himself a king , speaketh against Caesar . " As early in the portance to the offence to their religion , the accusation of fixion . ' Pilate , in anger , retorted : ' Take Him you , and strength that held together that wrecked manhood , and the now . He was sufficiently acquainted with the religion of the light was struggling through his darkness . The hidden cut , and bleeding body , sustaining now most pitifully the and who can say what day dreams his ambition had brought . release thee ? " A low , sweet voice made reply : " Thou would act according to the answer : but no answer came . attack in the name of their law , " We have a law , and accord- bedrists ' and their following raised again the cry for cruci- put into the months of the people another cry which contained Son of God . " Then Pilate " feared the more . " A raw of And they were silent , for the moment aged . But the San- gods had in old times appeared in this world and interfered Syria , and living in a most regal opulence at Antioch , rule carefully , yet reverently , interrogated Him , not as before what He had done , but who He was , and whence He was . He ius was grown more and suspicious . Pilate was ambitious , shouldst have no power against me . unless it were given these man , thou art not Caesar's friend . For whoever maketh Cesar " and it struck him with fear . The Emperor Tibie- with almost regal power the neighbouring nations . But his He therefore again took our Lord aside , into the hall , and empire . Might not this man be , and some manifestation in the affairs of men . Perhaps he was in the presence of one the interval the enemies of our Lord changed their attack and pagan education had left a dim belief that gods and sons of of more than earthly power at any moment show itself ? not that I have power to crucify thee , and I have power to this , but scorn funny at them . Therefore they return to the from above . Therefore he that hath delivered me to thee hath to release . So he was returning to the tribunal when a new a personal and most dangerous threat . " If thou release this hold the Man . " He thought that the sight of the exhausted . position before the people , and pointing to Him said : " Be- a higher power , strengthened yet more Pilate's desire and effort blasphemy , on account of which they demanded death , so in Whatever further light damned upon his awkward sense of ine to the law . He ought to die because He made Himself the the greater sin . ' ' Speakest how not to me , " he continued : " knowest thou calminess and patience that it breathed arrested him . His yoke of Rome and make their holy city the capital of a great mock royalty , would touch their hearts to some compassion . lee , " and it had brought hope , so now he caught the word THE MUNN.Y OFLESS UNU.S. --- Page 10 --- allowed room for development by the confering on him of when all is said and done , is the whole art of the speaker or gives up so much of what he has held as sacred as anything and for Miss Carmichael , and for Mr. Levett , but it has kept also acknowledge that it displays a somewhat shrewd guess his friends , and inflated by the passion for contradiction , or the " beggarty ( 300 a year of public money . " Boswell , No royal or noble patron extended a multicent hand to give fear of death , he thus expressed himself : " The better a man same time , congratulate ourselves when we consider that to knack of fitting the right word into the right place , which , that he retains ; there is so much decoration of mind in such equanimity the absence of the widely read " Life . " Johnson serious would scarcely pretend that they could realise with his very neglect , operating to cause the natural indolence of us all going ever since . This blessed pension gave Johnson who is converted from Protestantism to Popery may be sin- vocabulary ever placed at the disposal of man . " He had the he already had . But a convert from Popery to Protestantism yield such a harvest for the public good . Not only did mother of industry , for writing of the Dictionary - he says : Some Johnsonian Wisdom . bears witness . Whenever he was " stirred by contact with authority of a noted litterateur that his diplomat skill was independence to the man who had conferred stability of the justly irritated by the filmsy platitudes of tools , he had ready on Johnson , states : " Never before did ... public money religion , " and that on one occasion he declared : " A man provide a home for Mrs. Williams , and for Mrs. Desmoulins , ere : he parts with nothing : he is only superadding to what in the direction of one fundamental truth . Speaking of the for immediate use the quickest wit and the most magnificent should have been such unworthy neglect ; but we must , at the Another mentor , referring to the State pension conferred of interest in the works of Johnson , but even the most cen- biography , on the plea that it was responsible for a lack Though Catholics can see the ' flaws in that view , they can language of his country . We may feel indignant that there OME critics have almost blamed Boswell for his famous That the Doctor excelled as a talker , this same admirerably Keep the Doctor himself in brown suits and bob-wigs , and was , pre-eminently , a conversationalist , and we have it on the his constitution , we owe many valuable productions which seemingly , was a believer in the theory that necessity is the His biographer records that he had " a respect for the old a conversion , that it can hardly be sincere and lasting . " writer . otherwise perhaps might never have appeared . ' ase and leisure ease of mind and leisure to talk . ' erwise perhaps might never have appeared . --- Page 11 --- actually is . Moral truth is when you tell a thing sincerely did not make many more men religious , and thus concluded moral truth : " Physical truth is when you tell a thing as it is by no means a peculiarity modern form of surprise . Johnson grows religious when he is sick than a man who has never that it was most surprising that sickness and the fear of death If I thought so , though I should have been mistaken . I told re asked a friend , after pointing out that the Scriptural state- was fond of the bottle . " Sir. " remarked Johnson , " there futurity . " Once he had an argument with a friend who held the common people : but to tell them that they may die in a be sure that his obedience and repentance will obtain salva- it : " Sir , a man who has never had religion before no more flippant reviewers not read the volumes which they set them- across the street : if he really did so I told a physical truth . has been such as he would approve of in another , or even in a moral truth . " Another of his statements was to the effect a person to refuse to drink with his host in case that latter is no more reason for your drinking with him than for his people were in reality careless about truth , and not because which they write glowing ' Introductions . ' That the latter Johnson held the belief that " there is but one solid basis In a discussion with Boswell on preaching . Dr. Johnson tion . " He once defined the difference between physical and gave his opinions of certain means of reaching certain goals : Nowadays , it is generally believed that not only do many that there was so much falsehood in the world just because opposite view to that of his opponent , and once ridiculed claret as a drink in which " a man would be drowned before it made disclosed in a reply to a query as to whether he knew much shall not have despair , " what man can say that his obedience himself upon close examination , or that his repentance has season , the noblest faculty of man , would be of no service to they were addicted to intentional lying . cannot fail to make a deep impression . ' not been such as to require being repeated of ? " No man can of happiness ; and that is , the reasonable hope of a happy ture do not even trouble themselves to read the volumes to being sober with you . " But of course he liked to take the of Roll-for whose Dictionary of Trade and Commerce he fit of drunkenness , and show them how dreadful that would be and precisely as it appears to you . " I say such a one walked the point was once raised that it was sometimes difficult for THE CROSS . him drunk . ' finite purify . " And , on the same subject : " What man , ' had written a preface . " Sir , " he answered , " I never saw In a discussion with Sir Joshua Reynolds on drinking . is the more afraid is he of death . having a clearer view of in- learned figures can count just when he has need of calculus - To insist against drunkenness as a crime because it debates cannot fail to make a deep impression . selves out to criticise , but that some of the giants of litera- tion . And , on the same subject : " What man , ' It as to the righteous having hope in death meant that they --- Page 12 --- men of the world as to be nothing in the world , and a great A cow is a very good animal in a field ; but we turn her out many others who were so much of everything as to be nothing being prosecuted for severely chastising an unruly youngster . Sir , they have lost the civility of tradesmen without acanir- irst place the flatterer may think what he says to be true : in face of the evidence , continuing : " Sir. a man will no more read . " This was in reference to onulent retired traders : he pointed out : " Till you can fix the degree of obstinacy He seemed to have had a positive aversion to pretentious the affairs of every-day life . the Doctor maintained that as but in the second place whether he thinks so or not . he of public exhortation and prayer , and Johnson thus com- one of the many who have made themselves public , disputes : " Being angry with one who controversies an opinion In a debate when someone suggested that lawyers were when he said : " Flattery pleases very generally . In the way in which the ancient philosophers carried on their wordy carry the artifice of the bar into the common intercourse of likely to carry their professional efforts at dissolution into not done well ; but you are surprised to find it done at all . ' authors , and on one occasion when somebody wished to intro- beings ; but they were not fit for the University of Oxford . for the reason that they would not assist from the practice could not be expected to maintain a judicial manner even certainly thinks those whom he flatters of consequence enough in some degree my confidence in them , and therefore makes of anything . Of a lady preacher he said : " Sir , a woman's to converse with a man who has written more than he has of the garden . ' severity of the master . view that there were many individuals who were so much with a case where Boswell was to defend a teacher who was and negligence of the scholars , you cannot fix the degree of which you feel . Every man who attacks my beliefs diminishes preaching is like a dog's walking on his hind legs . It is will continue to tumble upon his hands when he should walk He got at the kernel of the reason why some people other- to be flattered . ' He did not hold with a friend who praised the free-and-easy mented on the incident : " I believe they might be good In 1772 , six Methodist students were expelled from Oxford which you value , is a necessary consequence of the uneasiness ing the manners of gentlemen . " Speaking in connection me uneasy . ' on his feet . ' rise sensible do not by any means show dislike to Battery luce him to one of that illk. replied : " No. sir . I never desire lawyers were paid for affecting warmth for their clients they without making themselves known . " He held the society , than a man who is paid for tumbling upon his man --- Page 13 --- holy life . Each bore the name of its saintly owner , and was nection of unrelieved sadness or severity with the voice of the fitness of giving a voice to the sacred hours , and of of their own , and even as being miraculously gifted . surrounded those that had been in the possession of men of have exercised over both the wildest and the dullest natures plainable by the position of the early Church-by , the believed to possess an influence resembling his . For in- ness . In later periods the hollowed chimes associated them- lies in their power of suggesting the joy and hope of holy The early bell-lore of Ireland and Wales is instinct with selves with melancholy rites and sad necessities with the for- from their true character ; and the secret of the charm they to represent the upward flight of the departing soul . And and silence and to send out her summons to fast or festival by things : the eternal tranquilly and concert that exist above mulse of excommunication ; the approach of national peril : persecution that forced her to celebrate her rites in secrecy by the ringing of bells . A natural instinct early perceived his idea ; and , in the case of the small hand-bells used by vorshippers of his movements in the sanctuary , and enabled part in the Saint's life , as appears in the following legend . the institution of the Angelus ! ' It would seem as if the con- fixing them in the memory by some arresting sound , such as and the lamentation for the dead . But such things are alien the resonant clash of metal on metal ; and the comparatively It was natural that things so inseparably linked with the is not only a call to draw for the dying , but is also intended them to follow the rites they could not see ; and in ancient late introduction of bells into Christian worship is only ex- attached to the High " Priest's robes served to inform the the harsh note of the defeated Curfew inspired , in England , ecclesiastics for rubrical purposes a half of revered awe counsel and guidance in perplexity ; and it played a decisive communicating God's will . ' Its voice was one of good the storms and mists of earth . bells were intolerable to human imagination . Even the Passing Bell has its own happy symbolism . It should come to be looked on as having a hallway character Bell-Lore . The message of bells is , before all else , a message of glad- a whispered word or a cryptic sign . service of God , so closely associated with the supernatural , extremely ancient one . Egypt , where the greater festivals of the gods were heralded It existed in the Jewish Tabernacle , where the bells stance , the Bell of St. Kenan was endowed with the power of ' HE association of bells with religious ceremonies is an It was natural that things so inseparably lit 4.20 . --- Page 14 --- valley of the Fal-the river that gives its name to the modern the bell at last gave forth its sound , ringing of its own the golden-tinted button which , according to the custom of at once to build cells and to till the soil . It was in the fertile Welsh Wales , or Cornwall , when , in a well-wooded valley , but , with the like-minded men he had drawn to him began had found the place of his rest ; and he fared no further . man's mind ; and , while he still debated where to turn his perless condition it seems to have been used as one-out of Waking , he told the message to Gildas ; and asked the fame of his holiness and that of his master , St. Gildas , lived place . There thou shall build a house of monks . ' blessing on " the cup - that had refreshed him . town of Falmouth that his monastery was founded , and , the power of God , and the sanctity that gave strength to his had fashioned this golden bell-or cup : for in its later chap- steps , he had a vision that decided him , wherein a voice from independent and more lonely labours grew upon the Irish- repute for piety was great , and with whom Kenan dwell for precious relic , became associated with this incident , and was suitable for the purpose , and that the vision must have sig- the Abbey : or , at least , the brethren seem to have declared served in the church of Llandaff , and said to possess a mys- But no sanctuary-bell could be spared from the service of In after days his own ceremonial bell , preserved as a his steps . He had crossed an arm of the sea , and passed into the country . some young maidens had been washing at a well , heaven spoke : " A bell shall guide " thee to the destined hat one already dedicated to the sanctuary would be the most efforts , fashioned it into a well-cast bell ; and Kenan took it . ratefully , and passed on , with strength renewed , leaving a The saint moulded it into the shape of a bell , drank THE CROSS . some time , in all humility . laughingly showed him the butter . when the wearing saint passed by . and set forth in faith . So Abbot Gildas took a scrap of metal , and , through the Again , there is the golden bell of St. Odoacer , long pre- their unwillingness to part with one . tical power of blessing . But , gradually , the thought that God called him to more nified such a one . sintly Abbot to provide him with a bell : feeling , no doubt . become the disciple of the Welsh Abbot . St. Gildas , whose cup save that which we hold in our hands ! " And they He journeyed far and long . without any warning to stay lifetime to have worked miracles . Tradition said that he accord in the hand of him who bore it . So Kenan knew he St. Odoacer was Bishop of Landaff. and reputed in his on in the story of the divinely-gifted bell . Kenan , a native of Connacht , had journeyed to Wales to He pleaded for a cup of the well-water . We have no Tradition said that he And they lifetime to have worked miracles . He pleaded for a cup of the well-water . " We have no --- Page 15 --- praying for the dead , whose passing-bell , at the very hour Come to thy God at last ! fort . So far as this is concerned , we are many of his " chair - ings were brought them in the ordinary course , were already audients . " We cherish , many of us , the secret memory of and died miserably . A power of controlling thunderstorms sound , and its universal interpretation as a message of com- Grosteste , or Greathead ; while in the records of obscurer immediately after her martyrdom , was struck by lightning , The waves of air set up by bells do , in all probability , help The sound of chiming bells is also said to have announced which it was once the fashion to pour much pitying ridicule . satisfying way , the peaceful setting-forth of our beloved for municated to a distant convent : and the nuns , when the tid- who himself denounced her to the authorities . but who , the passing to God of the great and well-beloved Bishop suggest some practical utility in the medieval custom , on For the sound of bells is one that always seems to reach folk , it is pathetic to note the part played by this mystic some far-off "lin-lan-tone , " heard , as it were , across the Thus , said the pealing chime . long miles that separated us from the death-bed we longed came thus to be ascribed to Saint Barbara , and the aid of her Storm , billow , whirlwind past , Come to thy God in time ! within the reach of their vibrations . It may here be said that modern science rather tends to of death . had been heard by a " clairaudient " member of Innumerable stories , both ancient and modern , tell of the the Land of which the voice of hallway bells had an often The death of Hilda . Abbess of Whitby , was thus con- This Virgin-saint was the daughter of a beaten nobleman . mystic sympathy existing between bells and the human is across the threshold of some higher consciousness . The sound of the Passing Bell was thought to make itself reminded him ! to watch by ; and " symbolising , in some vague yet wholly heard beyond the reach of its actual vibrations . set words to it- within the reach of their vibrations . to break up and scatter any heavy mass of cloud that comes their community . prayers was invoked at the approach of tempest . Wordless though it is the power of association will always G. M. Hort . spirit . little cross . --- Page 16 --- her thought her father said : " While you and Victor were to Victor ? . You have often praised his devotedness to his atheist : his son , Felix , was already renowned , not merely for suitable parti . Now I have received a most eligible offer for in Paris was the banker . M. Camille Legrange , a well-known champ's income does not amount to one-fourth of that sum - could have changed him thus suddenly ? As if in answer to his diatribes against religion , but also for his wicked life . receipt of exactly the income you mention . Grandmother left as I shall never allow my daughter to marry any man who Invalid mother during her life and his upright . manly char- are of an age to marry I do not approve of his visits here for men-bah ! we have got past that . ' There is no fear of has not an income of at least ten thousand francs : M. Beau- acter . Remember that when I come of age I shall be in children I had no objection to your intimacy , now that you effect of his words : she became deadly pale , she felt Surely her father could never wish her to marry such a man ? a queen of Parisian society if you were only married to a day and has promised to come with us to the Charity Bazaar ? " Father ! what has changed your sentiments with regard He paused and fixed his eyes on Lucille to see the Beauchamp . ' He is a weak , priest-ridden man ; I delest a I have yet another objection to your marriage with M. your hand , which the richest man in Paris solicits for his Lagrange . " Lucille's splendid , dark eyes blazed with anger . male devote . Religion does well enough for women , but I do not consider that you require his escort . Your aunt's ' Tut , tut , child , be reasonably : I speak but for your good . as if an icy hand were laid on her heart . ' The richest man She remained silent and her father continued . With your beauty and accomplishments you could reign as moment she had believed that he favoured Victor's suit . What this impecility in the husband I have selected for you-Felix Do many things which I shall never allow . I will have she replied with dignity . is no fortune-hunter : ' he is the very soul of honour . " and no needy fortune-hunter seeking my daughter's hand for the this pretty costume ? ' sake of her money . ' The girl's courage rose as her worst fears were realised , and only son and heir . ' For shame , father , to speak of Victor in that manner : he company is quite sufficient . " Lucille changed colour . ' Humph ! and was it for your own father that you put on THE CROSS . " Do you forget that Victor Beauchamp is to have a free Lucille gazed at her father in blank amazement . Until that Lucille blushed and laughed . you to cease . ' " No puts if you please , I wish M. Victor's intimacy with to me , and with it Victor and I could - " But 426 . --- Page 17 --- his difficulties ; so , like many another shrewd , worldly brighter . But she was too much a woman of the world not Felix Legrange would help to extricate that brother from tor she would have favoured had his worldly prospects been balance with the all-important qualities which should make ' Just this , that all my happiness is blighted , for I can her arms tenderly encircling Lucille . The whole story was I man be loved and respected by his wife . What happiness She was shocked by his ghastly ballot and changed appear - Mimi , nimi , my heart will break , " sobbed Lucille . failure of the bank in which I had invested the small legacy to be mine : I could not let you link your destiny with that " You see , Lucille , there is no need for an immediate deci- her mind . Victor smiled sadly , was she too like all the world , brother's course of action and to advise temporarily . dried her tears . Madame Bunsen hastened to meet Victor . account of unlucky speculations . " Lucille's marriage with spiritual ones : she therefore felt it her duty to defend her a kind woman and she loved Lucille , whose marriage with Vic- And Madame Bunsen seated herself on a low Ottoman , with of a ruined man . Yesterday I received notification of the situation because I would not give up the practice of my ' Quite impossible ! I loathe him , I could not tolerate his ance . He seemed to have aged years since she had seen him presence , " explained Lucille . At that moment a servant religious duties . ' need not give him any definite answer for the present . ' down here and tell me what is troubling you . ' isked a cheerful voice , as Lucille's aunt kissed her lovely . to you ? " as she noticed his haggard , worn look . manly Christian virtue . boasted of his atheism , whilst Victor was a model of every one week previously . exclaimed . She stopped suddenly - her father's prohibition recurring to anxiously . " If I may not marry Victor I shall never marry , " she could be found in a home whence God was banished ? . Felix Lucille's red eyes he stopped . Victor , call me Lucille as of old , but what has happened ver be faithful to you " - commenced Lucille enthusiastically . " How noble how grand ! Victor , Victor , one at least shall And who wants my mignonne to marry just at present ? ' son ; if you just allow Felix Legrange to visit occasionally ' I have come to say farewell , ' he began , but seeing ' Has any sorrow come to ' Mdlle . Lucille ? ' he asked Nonsense , child , at your age hearts don't break . to perceive that her brother was in secondary difficulties on now " never realise the dream of my life ; I can never ask you poured forth while Mme. Bunsen listened attentively . She was woman , she was inclined to prefer earthly advantages . announced M. Victor Beauchamp . Whilst Lucille hast left me by my father . ' To-day , I was dismissed from a lown here and tell me what is troubling you . ' --- Page 18 --- ing that , though she would not disoby her father by marrying only a hope and I would not wish my Lucille to waste her best Lucille's father as her future husband . She was firm in declar- her to discourage Victor's visits . " No need to tell him as he his would only be the standing-stone to much higher positions he dismissed me from my situation , warning me , that I would private belief of our employees , but we consider it inbecility in the firm : but - on one condition only - I should cease the out- able time : whilst thanking you for the favour you wished to Victor Beauchamp ! if I may not marry you I shall never for any man to conform , exteriorly to the fooleries of the find it difficult , if not impossible , to obtain admission into any shocked when he heard the name of the man selected ' by years waiting for my return . ' ' Mau God give you a husband World I may be able to carve my way to fortune . This is As Victor and Lucille advanced hand in hand to meet her , Roman Church , and we shall not keep anyone in our employ- is about to leave France , " she thought . Victor was deeply father had said to her , only omitting his having commanded ' He stormed and raged for a while : finding me inflexible the cross . " Then , ' I replied , ' I shall no longer intrude on your valu- young girl to her heart in a motherly embrace , and Lucille which a link as is only given by suffering , accepted bravely and he manager had spoken a month ago : the chief added that love leaped to Lucille's beautiful eyes : worthy of you . " His voice trembled , whilst a look of intense are in trouble , tell me all . " ccount of his noble constancy , Madame Bunsen clasped the To emigrate . No. Frenchman likes to leave his native mising at the altar of God to love any man except the one he had sent for me and offered me the post concerning which knew that Victor had gained a champion . whom she really loved . ment who does so , ' he added . without complaint . Lucille looked at him with proud , happy ever from you . ' Lucille , what is your trouble ? ' other bank in France after dismissal by him . And now He made an impatient gesture : " But yourself , Lucille , you Well , I think I have left you young people ' long enough to- gether . ' before speaking of myself I wish to hear what you intend to do . ' ward practice of my religion . ' We do not interfere with the Victor soon took his leave . Having heard from Lucille the confer upon me , I must respectfully decline to accept it . ' HERE. Bunsen's cheery voice interrupted them with : without his consent , neither would she commit perjury by pro- Your noble act is exactly what I would have expected country . I. however . have no choice . Perhaps in the Ne He was amazed at the look of calm strength their faces wore 4-30 . arry . Now for my tale . " Lucille related briefly what her ment who does so , ' he added . And now , r. I. however , have no choice . Perhaps in --- Page 19 --- supremely happy if she would beigh to accept the offer of his striving to earn a miserable subsistence as an ill-paid clerk , the Monsieur Legrange , now that you plainly allude to M. or some time in this strain : he declared she would make him ing me your hand , but I must beg to decline this honour . " Beauchamp , I beg to inform you that my unalterable convic- rauteur , he asked her did she expect from a beggarily suitor , been repeated . . It did not soothe Legrange's feelings to re- should be refused and that wretched Beauchamp be accepted ! which Beauchamp had won . In College the same scenes had you thus far . I am aware of the honour you do me by offer- by all the mothers of marriageable daughters in Paris as the himself . however , he commenced a speech about his admira- nonsieur . In obedience to my father's wishes I have heard ( for Felix never doubted that Victor had been accepted ) - a stopped him in a voice of cold contempt , babe him seek else- confounded Beauchamp was the bone of his existence ! Held with the permission of her respected father to sneak with her whose every earthly wish could be gratified as soon as formed ? with much urbanity , " I fear there has been some maunder- whose very shadow he worshipped . He continued to speak had frequently reproached him for not winning the distinctions a year . I have the honour to bid you good morning . " She standing evidently Mdlle . Lucille does not know that I come unbearable : and he , Legrange would not submit to it . That a chit of eighteen it was intolerable worse still . that he choking with rage : that he , Felix Legrange , who was sought he sunshine from his life , not to darken " his days - she contended for the mastery in Legrange's breast . Controlling and water than your wife would be with a hundred millions If Mademoiselle will only grant me a private interview . " up to him as a model in their school-days - even his own father How he made his way to the street he did not know , he was stronger boys . No ! these memories only added gall to the " I have no secrets from my aunt ; Monsieur can speak freely This was an unpromising beginning : amazement and rage super-depending on his brain work for subsistence . ' It was had protected him at school from the tyranny and cruelty of Leprange completely lost his temper : sung to frenzy by her he would willingly have strangled her . He said nevertheless in her presence . ' left the room . most eligible part of the day - that he should be rejected by here the golden orb which should illuminine his days . about a matter on which the ' happiness of my ' life depends . A friendship look came into Monsieur's eyes : at that moment tion of and love for his dear Mdlle . Lucille , whom he adopted . uxury which would be the portion of his ( Legrange's ) wife , " I prefer standing . " replied Lucille coldly . member how Beauchamp had helped him with his tasks and He fell on his knees dramatically : entreating her not to to art and hand . Lucille interrupted him with . " Enough . the other children was also transferred to tion is , that M. Beauchamp's wife would be happier on t --- Page 20 --- loyalty of character forbade a suspicion of the other's integrity a mistake somewhere in the education he had given his son ? in which Felix usually addressed his father . Had there been to the manager-elect , who was offered from a year on con- How much I must have misjudged Felix ! ' To think that So it was settled that he should carry his father's proposals hinking : if he could only succeed in getting Beauchamp to ridges untold , on whom he had lavished all the love of his sum required by M. Delormes as the income of his daughter's Middle . Lucille will be ready to open her arms to welcome the post under me ! to learn from me ! " wondered Victor , whose found little difficulty in persuading his father that he was experience and example , he would have the best chance of with laurels placed on my brow by the immaculate Victor , ance was coupled with a feeling of tacit reproach . of purpose . When such a suspicion could intrude itself un- je was ? During the pause in the conversation Felix was also sighed . This was the son for whom he had accumulated Prodigal Son . " Felix laughed mockingly . Mr. Legranse Indies , the smaller bank in Port Royal being under the super- bidden , Victor resolutely rejected it . acquiring the business-like habits added to the knowledge of ion to his old mother arose in painful contrast to the manner and no chimera . Felix joyfully accepted it , though its accept- really anxious to turn over a new leaf , which he could not do amidist the temptations of Paris , and that with Beauchamp's Changing his mocking tone to a respectful manner . Felix he West Indies as bank manager with himself as subordinate ! not fear it ? " queried M. Legrange . " Oh , yes ! when I return from the West Indies , crowned bility of the banking concerns of M. Legrange in the West " I did not think you were so badly hit , my boy . " said his this offer - a thousand pounds a year ! - more than double the dition of undertaking the entire management and responsi- His father looked at him keenly . vision of the manager in St. Pierre . heart . The picture of Victor Beauchamp and his final devo- ne , " replied Felix , who was not devoid of personal courage . satriating himself and in exposing himself to the deadly West ' What earthly object could be have in view in thus ex- ' The late manager may have died of yellow fever ; do you well-let Beauchamp look to himself ! Has Middle . Lucille rejected you ? Victor was utterly incredulous when Felix informed him of future husband . ' When assured that this offer was bona fide She has had the bad taste not to value my manifold e. the son of a millionaire , is willing to occupy a subordinate charms . ' a banker . er kindly . " Perhaps if you give her time she may talent . ' could it be Beauchamp's religion that had made him the man " Bah-no ! Man dies but once and he must die some- Indian climate ? " Beauchamp asked himself . en . Victor resolutely rejected it . vision of the manager in St. Pierre . " ... " www um- million . --- Page 21 --- of hope and joy in the breeze , an awakening all about us that we hardly notice , and in our hearts there is a throb of re- out shyly at us as we pass , and that seem to ask us in a winter is still with us , the advance guards of beautiful spring ing everywhere showers of soft and tender buds that Deep days are gone for , a time , the hedges and trees and fields and purposes , and to all appearances , at the first glance , Rules of the Guild . spouse and welcome that as yet we cannot make articulate . best becomes them . " The spring is stealing into Ireland . ' are about to leave their mourning and resume the garb that go the note of a song to the birds in the bushes , and scatter- May its hope and its gladness steal over all the earth full jack Frost , anywhere . There is a stretch in the days , a lift soon , in the wake of a just and lasting peace , and may all tence describes the whole situation . Though to all intents thanks be to God , the winter is nearly past , the dark , short nervous whisper if we have seen signs of their deadly enemy , men and all nations feel the echo of the song-birds liking in their hearts ! . re already stealing over the glens and hills , giving as they the Guild of Blessed Gabriel . dear friend to me this month , and that one sen- conducted by Francis . for Boys & Girls . ) II . The members will be expected to spread devotion to Blessed Gabriel of III . They will at all times observe the conditions under which the competitions The Cross . ' 66 THE spring is stealing into Ireland , " writes a very Blessed Gabriel , will be held . IV . Then will endeavour to bring as many new members as they can into under 18 years of age . I . The Guild of Blessed Gabriel is a literary circle open to boys and girls Circle for Young . and by living lives worthy of him who is to be their model and guide . A literary the Guild of Our Lady of Sorrows , by practising the virtues of purity , charity and in Readers of 0 0785 0 --- Page 22 --- for everybody else , and though the Editor assures me that public , still I am sure . if he would only admit it . that he this month a new member-Vera Wainwright who is heartily one of us to help him all we can . The Guild members can courage them to join the Guild and enter for the competi- friendship , perhaps , reaching beyond time and beyond the Lancashire . England , who writes : " It is with joy I look The present is a trying time for proprietors of magazines , as from the firms who advertise in it . Julia M. Kennedy , in other zealous worker is Mary Rennie , of Sutton Oak , in the circulation of The Cross during 1916 . show it to the girls in her school , and I am sure it will en- that the members must grow old and step out of the ranks of has many an anxious hour , and it is the duty of every single back over the past year and think of the great pleasure I have by asking their parents to mention its name when ' purchasing and it is with pleasure I welcome her into the Guild . ' There giving us up , at all events , and I am quite sure every hon- orary member will continue to look upon Francis as a per- the competitors , but I think they can do a great deal for us among my school companions . " Mary brings into the Guild for the Guild in Lancashire . Eilv Barrett thinks it is awful letter about shattered ideals : " The things that we dream Channel as there are here in Ireland . I hope they won't to be worthy of it and to spread devotion to Blessed Gabriel stars , right into Heaven . " See what beautiful thoughts you comes to us this month in the person of . Freda Bottomley , am delighted that so many members in their letters was Francis of their own , because I don't want to lose even one month have promised to do their utmost tions . " I hope to bring you five new recruits next month . " noble thought . ' Here is what she writes in the course of a their friends who as yet are not readers of this magazine , and welcome , and who , in turn , I am sure , will do good work then be trying to establish a new Guild and find a new the volume to one of the nuns in Gardiner-street , who will will soon be as many members on the other side of the pondence with Francis . Chrissie Burke has no intention of such as ours ! A new member from Harrogate , in England , That's the sort of letter that lights my heart with joy ! An- of them . I was very sorry to learn from May Allen ; of is honorary members , and they need not drop all corres - letter written by Lillian Mary Nally contains some sweet and never was The Cross higher in the favour of the reading can garner from the garden of unspoiled minds in a Guild derived from membership of the Guild . I will strive in future ideal one could build something real and worth having a returning thanks for her prize volume . writes : " I have shown do this best by speaking of the Guild and The Cross to to spread the influence of the Guild and of are not always best , and from the fragments of a broken sonal friend and write him a letter from time to time . Every My Post Bag . My Post Bag . to spread the influence of the Guild and I am delighted --- Page 23 --- door neighbours will be completely hidden from us by the dense green foliage . bers of a family ) , and essays must be written on one side only in this issue ( one coupon will be sufficient for all the mem- The May flowers open their soft blue eyes . Children are let loose in the THE CROSS not later than February 14th. All letters to the next competitions . When thy merry step draws near . must have attached to them the coupon which will be found person as being the unaided work of the competitors . They of the paper . They must be sent so as to reach the Office of he cherry hang upon the boughs like snowtakes ; and are long our next- if they love butter , and the little girls' whom themselves with chains and A handsome Book Prize is offered for the best legend of cool fountains . Its luscious fruits shall send health through our leaping He sees thee , and calls to his gloomy train , Retreat , Mount Argus , Dublin . fields and gardens . They hold buttercubs under each other's chins . to see A handsome Book Prize is offered for the best short essay shall" float one clad anthem of praise from tiniest feathered throats . " From All compositions must be certified by some responsible curls of dandelion ; pull out the yellow leaves to see if the school-how the shamrock . Spring is coming . " Yes , its blue skies are over us - its soft happens shall Fanny Fern's " Shadows and " Sunbeams . " ' What a thrill of delight in spring-time . ' What a iov in being and I . For Members over 12 and under 18 years of age . the earth . The leaf-buds begin to swell and bush . The white blossoms of on " Two March Saints . ' want them at home . " From prose writings of Longfellow . be addressed :Francis , c/0 The Cross , St. Paul's And thou thou makest the sad heart gay . Well does thou my power display ! And they shrink away , and they flee in fear , For winter maketh the light heart sad , The sleet . and the snow , and the wind , and the rain , veins , while from mountain top , and wooded hill , and flower-wreathed valley II . For Members under 12 years of age . shall be spread for our careless feet ; our languid limbs shall be loved at its Gentle spring ! in sunshine clad . prize quotations . From Longfellow's poetical works . bride Sweeney . spring . ' them , and blow the down from the leafless stalk , to find out if their mothers loving . ' Men are at work in gardens : and in the air there is an odour of III . them , and blow the down from the leafless stalk , to find our an us the fragrance of its myriad flowers be waited to us . Its mossy carpet 11 .