The following incident, related by Edward Gilliat, illustrates the
truth of Christ bearing our sins:
Louis XIII, finding the Brittany fleet too weak to attack La
Rochelle, had ordered the Mediterranean galleys to pass through
the Straits of Gibraltar. M. de Gondi put out to sea, but left
ten galleys at Marseilles to be equipped and made up to their
full numbers. But there were not enough galley-slaves to fill up
the places, so prisoners from ordinary prisons were drafted in
to serve on the galleys.
Among these latter Vincent de Paul noticed one young man who
was sobbing and crying piteously. He asked him the cause of his
misery, and was answered, “It is because I am leaving my wife
and little children in great poverty; and now who will work for
them? I have not deserved so great a punishment for my slight
offense against the law.” The chaplain made further inquiries,
found that the slave had spoken the truth, but, as the galley
was on the point of starting, he could not get him reprieved.
There was only one thing to be done; it was not lawful, but pity
mastered prudence. He somehow managed to exchange places with
the galley-slave, got himself chained to the seat, and sent
off the prisoner in his soutane. He was not recognized until
some time afterward, and hastened to leave Marseilles, as his
biographer says, “more ashamed of his virtue than others of
their vice.”--“Heroes of Modern Crusades.”
(3085)
* * * * *
More than eighty years ago a fierce war raged in India between
the English and Tippoo Sahib. On one occasion several English
officers were taken prisoners. Among them was one named Baird.
One day the native officer brought in fetters to be put upon
each of the prisoners, the wounded not excepted. Baird had been
severely wounded and was suffering from pain and weakness.
A gray-haired officer said to the native official, “You do not
think of putting chains upon that wounded man?”
“There are just as many pairs of fetters as there are
prisoners,” was the answer, “and every pair must be worn.”
“Then,” said the noble officer, “put two pairs on me. I will
wear his as well as my own.” This was done. Strange to say,
Baird lived to regain his freedom, and lived to take that city;
but his noble, unselfish friend died in prison.
Up to his death he wore two pairs of fetters. But what if he had
worn the fetters of all the prisoners? What if, instead of being
a captive himself, he had quitted a glorious palace, to live in
their loathsome dungeon, to wear their chains, to bear their
stripes, to suffer and die for them, that they might go free,
and free forever? (Text.)
(3086)
=Substitution Unacceptable=--See VICARIOUS SALVATION IMPOSSIBLE.
=Subterfuges=--See REASONS VERSUS EXCUSES.