The New York herald., 1869-07-05
ST. Alssas CHAPEL.


African Mission by Rev. Father Bro0nes
In consequence OF the near approach To the ceie-
braion OF the birthday OF the republic added TO the
exceeding temperature Of the atmosphere, the at
tendance at the chapel OF ST. Adams Fortyse' enth
street. near Lexington avenue was yesterday fore
noon much below the average. The deacon ana
sub-deacon being out OF the city Father Morrill,, the
rector, was pecesststed to celebrate the ante and
commHnon services assisted only by a lay clerk and
acoytes. The services of the morning were what
technically might be termed 'iow,n that is, they
were not performed in the more gorgeous vestments
which ordinarily used in the the read
ings, tho prayers and the genuHeSions. The pro-
cesslonal hymn, exceedingly sweet, was o German
composition entitled ''Praise the Father.n The cee-
hrant also, ia the course Of the service in
toned new PRAYER or invocation. Indeed,
throughout the entire morning the music, well
conducted by tue orgsnlst, was melodiously, some
times eXqusitely rendered. Certainty IT'S
musical lnvocalons the choir OF ST. Albans
deserves great praise. Ihe altar was decorated
for what Is termed IN the Roman Catholic Church
the ''low massn only two candles being lighted. The
only difference that the observer can note between
the services OF one OF our Catholic churches aud
those at ST. Adams is in the language employed. In
the Catholic, every one is aware, all the services
at the altar are IN the Latin whie at ST. Abans they
are la English. Indeed, closely do they resemble
each other that II would be dircult, for some min
utes, for member OF the Church OF Rome happen
ing In at ST. Abans during the usual services to dis
tingush them from those he had been accustomed
to az the altar OF his own house of worship. The
ceremonies, although the Book of common Prayer
may be found in almost every pew, are closely built
the instruction to be found In the Mssal OF the
Catholics. IL Is true there is no magnificent paint
ing suspended over the altar, but tnat is moi ne
cesslfy. H Is not mperatively demanded by
Romanists; but the vestments are there, and the
celebrating priest, during nearly all the services,
stands with mis- back toward the audience. Coomb,
In his constitution OF MAN, remarks that the mag
nlncent services OF the Catholics will eventually sup
plant the more simple lOrms OF the Protestant
Church. because the eye, not less than ear Is adj
dressed, and man naturally Is pleased with those
things which reach his understanding through the
organs Of vision This desire satisfied his next wish
IL 10 aear, because that which he must In
measure be explained. Perhaps 1t Is upon this sug-
gestion OF DR.. Coombes tnat the tractarans OF |
England and the high cnurchIaen OF this country |
seek to unite with the teachings OF the Book Com
mon Prayer the outward show OF Catholicism that |
the former may be Illustrated and made as pleasant
to the eye as to the ear II Is not necessary TO enter
into any explanation OF the services at ST. Adams
from the opening to the close OF yesterday fore
noon. They certainly very attractive and it Is
no longer matter OF wonder under the energetic
management OF the sincere and enthusiastic Father
Morrill,. who is nntlring in his labors OF love- that
certain class Of persons OF the Episcopal Church
seek his ministrations. II, Indeed they are made
better men and women by seeking God through
say them nay. The stern, the ascetlc tue
rigid, the narrowminded may withhold fellowship
from them, but If the Father Of all accepts
votions provided they rendered with "con-
trite and humble spirit" no one should sit in judg
ment on them and say, ~ am hoher than thou"
At the close OF the antecommunion services Father
Browne, missionary stationed at Emguolia about
200 miles from King Williams Town, on a tempo
rary visit to this city and who proposes return
ing Immediately to his work by the Western
route, thus making the tour of the world, visiting
san Francisco, the sandwich Islands, Japan, China,
de- on his way. preached very interesting serho
on the mission Work In Africa" In the course of
his remarks he said the Church which, with Gods
blessing he had succeeded in estabIshine was daily
growing In power Their house OF worship was
sulclenty capacous to seat comfortably 800 OF the
natives, OF whom nifty or more were communicates.
Three years ago, he continued, there no church.
no mission among his people. They then all OF
them idolators, believers in the most whimsical
ideas, worshippers OF wood and stone images,
and wholly influenced, from tae highest chief to the
and rain doctors When he rst eommeneed e T'tSe tSe
work in this part OF the Masters vineyard he was
greatly discouraged. But he relied on the mighty
arm OF the Lord, and now his reward was glorious
He had personally been kindly treated by his African
friends 1t is true they savages and idolators
but their ears were not wholly sealed to the words
OF truth. AL the close OF the second year Of his
work ne had the Satisfaction OF listening to native
choir that participated In the services and these
were taught music by a native who, until he lthe
speaker) went among them and gave this man some
idea OF harmony. In his church services were
held four times every Sunday and TO II many
came from great distances, remaining all day, |
bringing with them sufficient food to nonrisb them
until they could return 70 their distant homes; and |
wnen the last service was concluded The savages, |
conyerfs and seekers, would unite, and while |
marching Through the hills, threw into rude verse
and sing in their native language TO native airs all
that had been taught them during the day. We also
found 1t necessary TO hold services at six O'Clock
every morning also every evening OF the week, for
the benefit OF the 'herders," who would not 20 to
their work IN the hills among the cattle until they
had obtained, through him. Goods blessing y and az
night they could not forget to return In their humble
way their thanks for that which the Father mad |
rouchsaied them during the day. The reverend |
father closed by saying that there was very little |
Difficulty In the way OF the missionary In Southern
anu central Alrlcaj that II proper men were ap- |
pointed to the work God would Weld TO their hands
mighty harvests. Father Morrell, the rector mas |
labored asslduousy In behalf this charge Tor the
past few years that the congregation has gener. |
ously subscribed TO defray the expenses Of tour
which he intends making through the PRINCIPAL |
countries OF Europe He proposes being absent |
three four months.
Mu