(3293)
TRIUMPH IN DEATH
In the Boxer riots many Chinese Christian converts laid down their lives with cheerful courage “for the sake of the Name.” One Chinaman who was captured by the Boxers and was told he was about to be put to death, asked permission to put on his best clothes. “For,” said the martyr, “I am going to the palace of the King.” His wonderful and serene faith so imprest the cruel murderers that, after his death, they dug out his heart to try and find the secret of his courage. In North China the blood of the martyrs has proved, indeed, the seed of the Church.
“To the palace of the King” is whither all Christians are wending their way. (Text.)
(3294)
TRIUMPH IN DEFEAT
Out of seeming defeat often springs the truest triumph, and even despair has often been the prelude to genuine victory. Especially does the sacrifice of self achieve glorious conquest.
One of the noblest of the world’s heroes was Vercingetorix, who roused Gaul against Cæsar. Tho he lost his own life, he saved thousands of other lives. When he perceived that the war was lost he had the fortitude to acknowledge defeat and to recognize that he was the man whom the Roman commander most desired to capture. Assembling his officers, he informed them that he was willing to sacrifice himself in order to save them all. In due time he was led in chains through Rome, as part of Cæsar’s triumphant procession and stabbed to death afterward in the darkness of his prison cell. To-day, on his rock-fortress, known now as Alise St. Reine, stands a gigantic bronze statue of him, proud, fearless, and strong, as on that last day of his freedom, with his hands on his sword-hilt, and his head turned toward the little hill across the valley where his allies were scattered and his cause was slain.
(3295)
TRIUMPH OF CHRISTIANITY