Lights and shadows of spiritualism

THE SHADOW OF CATHOLIC SPIRITUALISM. 117sickly union l)o(woon two kingdoms intonded to llourisli apartfrom each other, and tlie still sharper miseries with which thoviolent dissolution of (hat union would have hecn attended, Joan'sdeeds averted. For this great henelit to the two nations sho wasrewarded with the stake.not a linger to avert her death.England hurncd her, and France stirredWith the various stages of her career every schoolboy is familiar.8he made known her mission.ITndaunted by threats, unimpressedby ridicule, she pressed her suit for an interview with tho Dauphinuntil that interview was obtained. At a glance she selected himfrom the crowd of courtiers, amongst whom, in a dress that hadabout it no indication of his rank, Charles had purposely hiddenhimself. She proclaimed to him that through her should he bocrowned at iiheims, and that by her would the citj' of Orleans borelieved. She declared to him a secret which he had thoughtknown to himself alone. She spoke of her mission in a tone oflofty faith. " No one upon this earth, neither king nor duke, northo daughter of the King of Scots, no one but myself, is appointedto recover this realm of France. Yet I could more willinglyremain to spin by the side of my poor mother ;for war seems no"work for me. But go I must, because the Lord my Master willsit." "And who is the Lord your Master ? " " The King of Heaven,"Joan replied.After long and tedious examinations, and after giving variousproofs of knowledge more than mortal, the Virgin of Domremywas permitted to clothe herself in armour, toplace at her side anancient sword which spirits had directed her to take from thechurch where it was iDreserved, and to depart at the head ofa brigade destined for the relief of Orleans. This city, the singlestronghold of note which yet held out against tho English, was atits last gasp. The besiegers had confidently announced that theywould capture it by a certain day. It was the crisis of the fateof France.Joan arrived before the walls of Orleans. She succeeded inconveying food to the beleaguered and starving garrison. At thohead of a small body of troops she threw herself within the city.