Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1841-10-12
MISCELLAN Y.
From the NeW World.
BIOG RAPHICA SKETCH OF
FATHER MATHEW.

The Rev. Theobald Mathew, Francis
can friar, and celebrated preacher, has
for rather more than three years applied
his energies energies Of no ordinary cha
racter--to root out the crying evil which
has so long opposed itself to the welfare Of
his countrymen.
He was born in the year 1889, and when
very young declared his determination to
embrace religious life. From his boyhood
he evinced thoughtful and contemplative
nature, fond of retirement and solitary self
communion; but this was attended with no
ncerbity Of temper or moroseness Of dis
position: on the contrary, he was, and is,
one Of the most cheerful and lively spirited
men on earth, ever ready to rejoice with
those that rejoice; and sympathising warm
iy with the sorrows Of his Gellow-creatures,
he is no less ready to 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 we'll. and on whose
report we can place reliance.
When about twenty, he entered Kiken,
ny College ; and after the usual routine Of
study, he took holy orders, and made pro-
fesson as Franciscan friar. Fixing his
residence at Cork, he early acquired con-
siderable reputation as a preacher; but his
merit in this capacity, although Of high
order, is the least Of those qualifications
which have exalted him in the estimation
Of his fellow-citizens. Although, we be-
lieve he has never undertaken the charge
ofany regular congregation or parish, yet,
cf Il
friar, he has been interchangeable in the dis
charge Of his duties; 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 matte whether for
the advantage Of Catholic, Churchman, or
Dissenter-to which " Father Mathew !"
has not lent a helping hand; and so much
has such admirable conduct endeared him
10 his fellow citizens, and such an influence
has it given him, that his aid is solicited
by all parties in forwarding every scheme
Of benevoence-an aid never denied and
never unsuccessful.
Such had been Father Matthew's course
for many years, seeking not for fame or
riches, but happy and con!ented in the ac-
tive exercise of the best duties of Chris
tan, when, in the year 1888, he was prompt
ed to undertake an enterprise which has
blown his name widely abroad in the world.
A Total Abstinence Society 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 perhaps no corner of the earth
could be found in which habits of intemper-
ance were so general and so deeply rooted
rs in Cork; but the personal influence of
Father Mathew was great, and his clerical
character gave him additional power. The
number of subscribers to the pledge Of to-
tai abstinence leach Of whom received a
medal, which he wears as token of his
engagement was at first very slow /; some
months after the foundation of the society
(lOth April, 1880 the numbers scarcely
exceeding five hundred but the news be-
gan 10 spread, and soon universal enthu-
siasm was felt throughout the country, and
from remote parts multitudes focked to
Cork, to receive the pledge from the hands
Of Father Mathew, who was now looked
upon with degree Of superstitious rever-
snce. Be rore the conclusion of that year
ut least 70. 600 had enrolled themselves in
Father Mathews book" and at present
upward Of two million are said to have
',aken this pledge.
FatherMathew has been accused Of seek
ing the power and popularity which he I'M
doubtcdIy enjoys. with no good design; and
Of aiming, for party purposes, 10 establish
himself as a spiritual dictator. We do not
believe the charge, for it is inconsistent
with the whole tenor Of his life; and this at
least is certain, that when he first began
his labors, he could not have anticipated
such an unparalleled success; and if he
could have been swayed by worldly mo-
tives, he most undoubtedly would have re-
fused to engage in them, as every member
OF his family has been sufferer in conse-
Quencc; for ii is singular circumstance
that all his immediate relations arc inte-
rested more or less in dstleries. One Of
his brothers, Mr.. Thomas Mathew, is pro-
prietor of large distiIlery at Castle Lake,
IN the County Of TiPperary, celebrated for
producing the hes! whiskey in Ireland