The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-10-11
ST. FRAMES xAveRs aom.s cArAsle, csu Gu.
Sermon by the Rev. Father ROmayne, =. -
The Teachings of Faith.


The Teachings Of Faith.
There was large congregation in attendance al
the services soemnzed at the Church of 81. Francis
Xavier, Sixteenth street. between Fifth and Sixth
avenues. The sacred edince Is in charge OF the
Fathers OF the Society OF Jesus The improvements
and alterations IN progress for some time IN the IN
terror have been completed. and yesterday forenoon
It presented an exceedingly pleasing appearance.
The ceremonial during the celebration OF high mass
was impressive--ln fact very solemn
The sermon was delivered by Rev. Father Ro
mayne, $. j. HIS words were eloquent and impress
i've and must have touched the hearts OF all who
We're listeners. Father Romayne, after reading the
Gospel or the day said that in previous discourse
he had endeavored 70 explain the natare and extent
or the truths contained I'm the Gospel concerning
tath, and also TO try to explain the motives upon
which faith rests ana the clements which give to Y
would perhaps be useful Oh his part to proceed
life. The reverend father went on TO gay that II
further on and show what are the grounds OF Cath
ouc faith, and which Ia 10 them the lnesimable
blessing OF rcpose and case IN their conscenees ana
hearts. Considering The relations between God ana
on the individual and not given as an inheritance.
The mass OF Christians are born IN the Church, but
they are not conscious gory they They
are made members OF the mystical BODY Of Christ,
but they know II not. They receive the blessings OF
faith without being aware OF their priceless advan
tages sponsors ut the baptismal iont speak Tor
children and recite articles OF faith for which infants
are responsible as much as If they had at the time
God because God created them and disciples OF
Christ because purchased by His precious blood.
Man, therefore, has no right to revolt against God
1t is not left to his choice accept reject 1t is
revelation. Human reason itself, and the depend
n @ t O boaa on wan MS that ou leads
to eternal salvation. The child when bap-
tized is unconscious OF what is done; but
when his faculties are developed he comes to Judge
for himself and learns the grounds upon which ms
faith rests. What do men live fors What are the
duties OF exstenceY What are the Obligations OF
responsible beingsp When plunged IN sin we should
seek consolation and receive Instruction from the
teachers sent by God and who impart divine truth.
Tney take care to say this advice s not from man,
but from God They communicate the spirit OF God
has erred repose OF mind and OF heart,
and as time passes the capacity OF faculties are
dlled up BY the anerring teachings OF , the
and very impressive manner to show the
importance OF the sacrament OF peaance and Its
were also moral causes that come and interiered
with the sweetness and calm OF our souls. The
led away by false ancies turned away by seductive
words, blinded by false cOunsels; Oil combined to
auarded d moents lei Satan enter into ,her hearts
and steep their souls in the abaseness OF mortal SIM
This may happen when no one knows or suspects;
not even the fond mother, who looks upon her
growing child with a mothers love. she sees only
the gayety OF youth and cannot think OF evil.
gloom covers over the soul and sorrow
reaches the heart. How Is such child to get rid
of Sin fastened in the soul but TO turn to God and
reject what to do? Taught by fairh the only cure
for sin Is the refuge found IN the Church. The
anxiety constantly uppermost IN the mind can only
be relieved by consulting the minister OF God.
Christ appointed judges In His own living Church
to see to disorders oil sinners, and put around the
sacrament Of penance a secrecy sealed by His own
words, At the confessional the minister Of Goa
listens to the opening OF the erring person-tne
burden Is thrown up from the soul-and having
listened, the minister, with knowledge
OF the philosophy OF life, strengthens the penltent
with counsel, and sends hun away having peace
IN his soul. This is great source OF consolation
In the Catholic Church. That Church received the
faith, 1t viii be known 10y children, from Christ Him.
self, and when the responsibility OF manhood Is
acquired they confidently look back en- the past
ana give good reason for the iailh they profess at
THIS point Father RomaYne drew very powerful and
eloquent picture OF the possible interview OF sou
OF the Catholic Church with his mother the Catholic
Church. IL was characterized by fervor and pointed
illusions to the Scriptures Proceeding further, the
reverend father alluded to numbers who
hesitatcd to enter the Church. Approaching
The Church some stopped at the Threshold
and never entered Many Of them were brought up
within the shadow OF the rock but they considered
1t necessary to consider reason precedent to con-
version. Prejudices engendered in youth threw
many difficulties IN the way OF stray men and women,
but many noble hearted men, whose career history
VIII record as persons of lofty stretch OF thought,
and who abandoned error and sought peace and re-
pose within the bosom OF the Catholic Church. The
learned and accomplished Father continued at con-
siderable length and concluded with the following
words concerning differences among people IN this
world anu IA beng pertinent TO his teXt:--"fix
deeply IN your minds that God loves f0rgiving
AearLS.H