The New York herald., 1869-03-16
ST. PATRICK, APOSTLE Of TINE lalsH aAc:.

Lecture by the Very Rev. Bernard FinucgRn.
The Cooper Institute was last evening crowded to
overnowing By q respectable and enthusiastic au-
dIence, the occasion being q lecture by the Very
Rev. Bernard Finnegan on the above subject TO aid
the erection OF theological college In the diocese
OF Kimore, county Cavan, Ireland. The platform
was occupied by several distinguished clergymen,
while very large portion OF the sssembla0e was
composed Of ladies. Judge Connolly was unani-
mously voted TO the chair. ana in introducing the
lecturer observed that IL afforded him great
pleasure to be present, as 1t also did to
tender him . hearty cedd mile Jdfithe. tCheers.)
The Very Rev. Mr.. Fnnegan on coming forward was
greeted with loud manifestations OF applause. He
said he had reason to feel grateful for the warm recep
ton which had been given him; grateful for the kind
Introduction OF the Judge, who was popular In the
city and grateful for the intelligent and large audi
ence that had assembled on such inclemenr even
ing. In choosing subject for their entertainment
he had selected one which he Thought would DO
agreeable, for It was which had attractions for
every IT1shman and IrishwOman, and for all their
descendants-0st Patrick and the Irish Race lAp-
plause.) The change Of home or climate had not d-
minished the celtic blood IL had not restrained the
noble ardor Of their temperament; 1t had nothing
impaired their high sense OF honor or lost
its genial spirit Although time had brought with
II clouds OF sorrow there still remained The hope
mat uss Of fSe yes brighten
paid an eloquent tribute to the beauties OF Ire
iand the characteristics OF its people and the faith:
ful "reminiscences they cherished, miles away Of
their patron saint. The name OF Patrick. he said.
would recall to memory afar OF many happy
thoughts. II would picture the green fields OF Erin,
Its wooded hills and pleasant dales, and 1t would
call to many the old church Mt home where they knet
and prayed, while its recollection was replete with
historical associations. The lecturer then proceeded
to give detailed account OF the circumstances
nected with the early life OF Irelands patron saint
OF his great trials suferngs untring devotion. pa
ence. perseverance, his great love for the Irish peo
pie, and his nai appointments by the Pope as pose
OF Ireland. He had longed for that commission and
hts earnest prayers were granted. The rogion Of
Christ spread rapidly under his jealous tuition and
his efforts wherever nc went were crowned with
mistakabie success, while the schools and monaste-
ries which he established sent forth learned men TO
preach TO all nations OF the earth. When confronted
| with the barbarous king, who with his bards and
followers had assembled to do honor to their pagan
| god. ST. Patrick proved TO him the existence
OF the Deity by holding up before the assemblage
little shamrock showing how three branches could
grow from stem. Since that day the shamrock
has been worn by lrishmen the national badge OF
their faith and the sincere pledge Of their undyng
love OF country iCheers.) st. Patrick made many
converts OF kings poets and Druids; but those were
only the prelude 70 more glorious conquests. From
the day on which he held up the green little sham
rock king and chiefain were deeply impressed with
the power OF the Spirit above, aud east and west
north and south. tney were gathered into the fold OF
Christ The reverend lecturer brought his discourse
to close by referring TO the steadfastncss with
which the Irish people had cluug to the religion
taught them by. their patron saint. The sword OF
persecution could never tempt her To apostacy.
Tie tyranDical efforts OF Elizabeth, the fre aud
sword OF Cromwell the attack Of william aud the
long continued tortures Of the Georges had alike
failed to break their allegiance the true doctrines
which mad been incucated In their hearts and which
had faithfully been transmitted from generation ID
generation. The reverend gentleman was through
course OF his highly interesting lecture was fre-
quently interrupted with loud applause.