| Citation |
BNL.734.030
12-19 Sep 1734:11,12 (1599)
The following story sent from Richmond, to the Author of the
Universal Spectator, was inserted in that paper of January
12th last, to expose the use of relicks, and ridicule the
superstition of popery, which lately appeared there in an
impudent manner.
Father Girard [several years earlier a main character in the
debate between Jesuits vs. the Jansenists] was a celebrated
Preacher in France, of a ready elocution, handsome person,
and a lively eye, which was generally roving among the
female part of his audience. As he was one day preaching,
he happened to fix his eyes on a beautiful young lady, named
Agatha, the wife of one Dr. Bernard. The Lady,
notwithstanding her devotion, could not help perceiving that
the preacher was very agreeable, and secretly wish'd her
husband was not less so. Sermon being ended, Agatha
address'd Father Girard to giver her confession, in which
she gave him a short detail of her own sins, but a long one
of those of her husband.---- . . . [3 paras.]
The doctor conducted them up to his wife's chamber. The good
lady held out the breeches wrapt up in a clean napkin, which
the warden opened, and kiss'd, the sacred relict with a
personal reverence; each brother paid it the same honors;
and putting it on a long pole, returned with a great
procession, attended by vast crowds, singing an anthem of
praise. The story adds, it was placed some days on their
altar as an object of devotion; and that Dr. Bernard,
ostentacious of his wife's piety, told every body the
astonishing miracle wrought on her by Thomas de Becket
breeches.
|