mber of the Noble Guard. This the delicate state of his health forbade.
Repelled by the Prince Commandant, he sought counsel of the Pope. Pius
VII. pronounced that his destiny was the Cross, and advised him to devote
himself to the ecclesiastical state. The words of the Holy Father were, to
the youthful Mastai, as a voice from on high. He decided for the Church,
and, as if in testimony that his decision was ratified in heaven, the
falling-sickness left him. His studies were more than ordinarily
successful, and he already gave proof of those high qualities which were
afterwards so greatly developed. The distinguished Canon Graniare, his
professor, little dreaming of the exalted destiny which awaited him, held
him up as a pattern of excellence to his fellow-students, saying that he
possessed the heart of a Pope.

Whilst yet a student, Mastai interested himself in an orphanage, which was
founded by John Bonghi, a charitable mason of Rome. He spent in this
institution the first seven years of his priesthood, devoting himself to
the care of the orphans, who were, as yet, his only parishioners. The
income which he derived from family resources was liberally applied in
supplying the wants of these destitute children, and even in ministering
to their recreation.

It now became his duty to accompany, as a missionary priest, Monsignore
Mazi, who was appointed Vicar-Apostolic for Chili, Peru and Mexico. These
countries had thrown off the yoke of Spain and adopted Republican forms of
government. The Vicar-Apostolic and his companions suffered much in the
course of their voyage to America. They were cast into prison, at the
Island of Majorca, by Spanish officials, who took it amiss that Rome
should hold direct relations with the rebellious subjects of their
government. Their ship was attacked by corsairs, and was afterwards in
danger from a storm. A single circumstance only need be mentioned in order
to show what the faithful ministers of the Church had to endure when
traversing the inhospitable steppes of the Pampas. Once, at night, they
had no other shelter than a wretched cabin built with the bones of
animals, which still emitted a cadaverous odour.

In those arid deserts, they suffered from thirst as well as from dearth of
provisions. Great results can only be attained by equally great labors.
If, after a period of privation, the travellers enjoyed no more luxurious
refreshment than the waters of the crystal brook, it might wel