between these
two nearly matched forces, and often the victory seemed to sway from this
side to that. Our enemy with the chariots of iron was ourselves. There
was a Judas in each one of us ready to betray us with a kiss if allowed.
The lusts of the flesh were the most deadly sins, absolute chastity the
most pleasing to God of all virtues. Did we desire to realize what the
religious life could be? Then let us reflect upon the news which had come
from the South Seas. What was the word that had fallen that morning on
all Christendom like a thunderclap, say, rather, like the blast of a
celestial trumpet? Father Damien was dead! Think of his lonely life in
that distant island where doomed men lived out their days. Cut off from
earthly marriage, with no one claiming his affection in the same way as
Christ, he was free to commit himself entirely to God and to God's
afflicted children. He was truly married to Christ. Christ occupied his
soul as Lord and spouse. Glorious life! Glorious death! Eternal crown of
glory waiting for him in the glory everlasting!

When the service ended John Storm stepped up to speak to the Father. His
wide-open eyes were flaming; he was visibly excited. "I came to ask a
question," he said, "but it is answered already. I will follow Father
Damien and take up his work. I was thinking of the mission field, but my
doubt was whether God had called me, and I had great fear of going
uncalled. God brought me here this morning, not knowing what I was to do,
but now I know, and my mind is made up at last."

The Father was not less moved. They went out into the courtyard together
and walked to and fro, planning, scheming, contriving, deciding.

"You'll take the vows first, my son?"

"The vows?"

"The life vows."

"But--but will that be necessary?"

"It will be best. Think what a peculiar appeal it have for those poor
doomed creatures! They are cut off from the world by a terrible
affliction, but you will be cut off by the graciousness of a Christ-fed
purity. They are lepers made of disease; you will be as a leper for the
kingdom of heaven's sake."

"But, Father--if that be so--how much greater the appeal will be if--if a
woman goes out also! Say she is young and beautiful and of great gifts?"

"Brother Andrew may go with you, my son."

"Yes, Brother Andrew as well. But holy men in all ages have been bound by
ties of intimacy and affection to good women who have lived and worked
beside them."

"Sis