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 word, a  man  of  courage,  fearless  and  undaunted,  the  defender  of  his  religion. "Give me the  rosary,"  he  exclaimed  amid  the  tumult; "how  can  you  have  the  insolence  to treat  with  irreverence  and  to  speak  blasphemously about  an  object  of  devotion  which  is so  frequently  bedewed  with  many  a  mother's tears!"

These words  were  received  with  a  fresh outburst of  mockery  and  curses;  but  he remained  quite  unmoved,  and  never  rested until he  had  gained  possession  of  the  rosary. Then with  manly  decision  he  said  to  the mocking crowd:  "Believe  me,  he  is  a  better soldier  who  has  a  rosary  in  his  pocket,  than one  whose  mouth  is  full  of  blasphemy!"

5. Can  you,  my  dear  young  friend,  do otherwise  than  admire  such  courage  and strength of  character? Does it  not  give  you pleasure to  hear  of  the  conduct  of  this  young soldier, whose  name  is  unknown  to  fame? It also  rejoiced  the  heart  of  God,  and  He  will likewise take  delight  in  you,  as  often  as  you show yourself  to  be  possessed  of  a  like  courage and  decision,  of  true  respect,  of  a  proper regard for  God  and  His  honor. Truly the present day,  in  which  the  world  is  so  far from God,  affords  ample  opportunities  for thus acting;  wherefore  go  forth  into  life with a  courageous  heart  and  act  like  a  man! "Behold, I  command  thee,  take  courage  and be  strong.  Fear  not,  and  be  not  dismayed, because  the  Lord  thy  God  is  with  Thee  in  all