A SOLDIER'S DEVOTION.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 239, 30 November 1877, Page 19

A SOLDIER'S DEVOTION.

(From the Are Maria.)

Jcbt before one of the great battles of the late civil war — relates one who himself took part in it — when all was hurry and bustle preparing for the morrow's work of death and destruction, those who were practical Catholics were gathered in great numbers around the tent of their good and devoted chaplain, confessing their sins and preparing themselves as best they could for the probable death and judgment that awaited them in a few hours. Among the number of penitents who pressed eagerly and reverently around the confes sional was the hero of our story. With downcast eyes he was patiently awaiting his turn when he was roused by hearing his name called for picket duty. Seeing that his chance in the regular way had gone by the board, he called out — " Rev. Father ! Rev. Father 1 come to the .door." The priest stepped out, and was immediately greeted with — f Rev. Father, I must go to the front in fifteen minutes ; I might be killed before morning, and I want to make my confession." " But, my good man, you see all the others ahead of you. It may be, though, they will waive their right to oblige you." " Sure I can make my confession from where I am." "Yes, but I think it would not be prudent ; they will hear you." " Never mind, Father ; with respect to your Reverence they all have enough of their own to bother about." At this moment the good man fell upon Ms knees and made what might be called a good, humble confession, in presence of hundreds of his companions in arms, who showed their respect by inclined heads and reverent attitude. When he had finished declaring his sins, and the priest had pronounced the absolution, he rose from his kneeling position {with beaming countenance and a " Thank you, Father ! " and in a few moments was seen marching to the front.The next day, when the battle was raging, and the good priest was in the midst of the carnage, giving assistance and administering consolation to the dying, his attention was attracted by a soldier running towards him at full speed. On his nearer approach he recognised the hero of the evening before, and was immediately greeted ■with — " Come quick, Rev. Father, there is a heathen beyond, and he wants to be baptised. Come quick or he will be dead ! " The priest made all possible haste, but was unable to keep pace with his zealous guide, who still urged him to hurry. When they had arrived, the priest saw that the sands of life were fast ebbing. He immediately asked the dying soldier the necessary questions preparatory to the Sacrament of Baptism, but when he was about to administer the holy rite he perceived that he had no water. On looking around for his friend he saw him running towards liim as fast as he could, carrying in his hat the necessary water, saying as he approached — " Your Reverence, there is a hole in my hat : you say the words and I will let the water run out on him." That manner of baptism would not do, but the priest took some of the water in the hollow of his hand and in a few moments later the man's soul has been made pure by the regenerating waters of Baptism, and he gave it up peacefully to his Creator, to the joy and delight of priest and soldier. The latter gave vent to his feelings by saying—" Glory be to God and His Blessed Mother, he is gone to heaven ; I must run to the front — Good-bye, Father."