and grace through Jesus. May I lead a holy life and die a good death. My
Jesus! mercy! My Jesus! mercy! My Jesus! mercy!"

The prayers for the dead were read and the Pater Noster was chanted. A
signal from the bell announced that the priest's communion was about to
take place and that the distribution of the Sacred Body would be made to
as many as desired to partake of it. It was Sunday and the majority of
the Catholics present had been in attendance at an earlier Mass, on
which account there were no communicants at this later one. The closing
ceremonies were concluded with the reading of the Gospel of St. John,
when Father Bandol turned towards the congregation to begin his address.
Every member present sat upright in his seat and awaited the message
which was about to fall from the lips of the priest.

III

"My dear brethren," he said, "we are assembled to celebrate the
anniversary of that day which Providence had marked, in His eternal
decrees, to become the epoch of liberty and independence to the thirteen
United States of America."

There was a silence throughout the church which was breathless. Every
eye was focused on the vested form before the altar.

"That Being whose almighty hand holds all existence beneath its dominion
undoubtedly produces in the depths of His wisdom those great events
which astonish the world and of which the most presumptuous, though
instrumental in accomplishing them, dare not attribute to themselves the
merit. But the finger of God is still more peculiarly evidenced in that
happy, that glorious revolution which calls forth this day's festivity.
He hath struck the oppressors of a free people--free and peaceful, with
the spirit of delusion which renders the wicked artificers of their own
proper misfortunes.

"Permit me, my dear brethren, citizens of the United States, to address
you on this occasion. It is that God, that all powerful God, who hath
directed your steps; who, when you were without arms fought for you the
sword of justice; who, when you were in adversity, poured into your
hearts the spirit of courage, of wisdom, and fortitude, and who hath, at
length, raised up for your support a youthful sovereign whose virtues
bless and adorn a sensible, a fruitful and a generous nation."

The French Ambassador bowed his head in profound acquiescence.

"This nation hath blended her interest with your interest and her
sentiments with yours. She participates in all your joys, and t