FORTITUDE
In 1839, during one of the many persecutions that have plagued the Christians of China, a mother and her fifteen-year-old boy were cruelly tortured in order to make them give up their faith. But they stood firm. In the course of their tortures a cunning official turned to the mother and said: “What a brave mother you, but where is your love for you boy? With one word you could set him free, you could make him rich and happy. But, no, with unfeeling eyes you watch him suffer a terrible death.” This appeal to her mother love seemed too much. The mother shook with emotion. It seemed that she was weakening. Her son noticed, and he cried out, “Mother, don’t cry and don’t weaken. Heaven is worth everything.” Again the mother raised her head courageously as she called out, “O God, forgive my momentary weakness. Make me worthy of such a son. . . Go, my boy, go bravely to death. My…
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