The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-10-05
M(seelIameolts.
FATHER MATHEW.

The Rev. Theobald Mathew, a Franciscan
friar, and celebrated preacher, has for rather
more than three years applied all his energies
energies of no ordinary characterize root out
the crying evil which has so long opposed it,
self TO the welfare of his countrymen
He was born in the year 1889, and when We
Ty young declared his determination 10 embrace
religious life. From his boyhood he cvinced
thoughtful and contemplative nature, fond Of
retirement and solitary self communion but this
was attended with no acerbity, of temper mo-
rosenesss Of dispositions on the contrary, he was,
and is, one Of the most cheerful and lively sp-
rted men upon earth, ever ready to rejoice with
those that rejoice; and sympathising warmly
with the sorrows of his fellow creatures, he is
no less ready 10 weep with those that weep, and
to pour balm into the stricken heart. Such is
the character given Of him by one who knows
him well, and on whose report we can place re-
lance.
When about twenty, he entered Kilkenny
College, and after the usual routine of study,
he took holy orders, and made profession a
Franciscan frar. Fixing his residence at Cork,
he early acquired considerable reputation as a
preacher; but his merit in this capacity, al
though of high order, is the least of those
qualifications which have exalted him in the es-
timation of his fellow citizens. Although, we
believe, he has never undertaken the charge of
any regular congregation or parish, yet, in his
twofold capacity of priest and fIlar he has
been interchangeable in the discharge Of his du-
ties and not only so, but with very slender
means at his command, no work of charity or
good deeds has been carried on at Cork-no
matter whether for the advantage of Catholic,
Churchman, or Dissenter-to which Father
Mathew" has not lent helping hand and so
much has such admirable conduct endeared
him to his feow-ciizens, and such an nfu-
ence has il given him, that his aid is solicited by
all parties in forwarding every scheme of benev-
olence-an aid never denied and never unsuc-
| cessful.
Such had been Father Mathews course of
life for many years, seeking not for fame or
riches, but happy and contented in the active
exercise of the best duties of Christian, when,
in the year 1898, he was prompted TO undertake
an enterprise which has blown his name widely
abroad in the world A Total Abstinence Soci-
ETY. was at that time set on foot in Cork, and, as
a matter of course, Father Mathew was applied
to for his assistance. He entered Zealousy into
the scheme, and became the head and chief OF
the association The task was difficult, for per
hans no corner eff the earth could be found in
which habits of intemperance were 50 general
and so deeply rooted as in Cork but the person
al influence of Father Mathew was great, and
his clerical character gave him additional power.
| The number of subscribers TO the pledge Of to-
|
| which he wears as a token Of his engagement
was at first very slow; some months after the
foundation Of the society (l0th April, 1881 the
numbers scarcely exceeded five hundred; but
the news began to spread, and soon universal
enthusiasm was felt throughout the country
and from remote parts multitudes Hooked to
Cork to receive the pledge from the hands OF
Father Mathew, who was now looked on with
a degree of superstitous reverence. Before the
/ ~ ~ OD0 had enrol.
led themselves in '.Father Mathews book, and
at present upward Of two million are SAID &c
have taken this pledge.
Father Mathew has been accused OF seeking
the power and popularity which he undoubtedly
enjoys, with no good design and of aiming, iol
party purposes, 10 establish himsefas spirltua
dictator We do not believe the charge Tor y
is inconsistent with the whole tenor of his HE
and this al least is certain, that when he mrs
began his labors he could not have anticipated
such an unparalleled success; and If he couit
lhave been swayed by worldly motives, he mos