The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-12-22
Secretary for the Association
Father Hyacinthe.

This distinguished preacher has returned to
France, and somewhat Unexpectedly, it is sad
though the special cause has not been made known.
The Neao York Evangelist says:
"He sought here perfect quiet and retirement,
and so far as importunate lion hunters and seek
ers after news would leave him in peace, ne found
it. During the whole time-except week at
West Point with Mr.. Bigeow, our late Minister
NAMED in this city. Once, and once only did he
appear in public, at the Academy OF Music on
Thursday last, to speak in aid of the French Be.
nevoent Society. Though in a strange place, and
before an unaccustomed audience, he gave abun-
dant proofs of that marvellous power. which has
so often held ten Thousand people spell bound, in
the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Those who heard
him here, could easily imagine the effect when he
appeared in the pulpit in his monks robe, with
all the accessories of Catholic worship to heighten
the effect
But Father Hyacinthe is more than great ora
tor-he is an eminently devout man. Those who
saw him at all intimately while here, were deeply
impressed with the elevation of his character
Catholic papers have spoken of him as a man lifted
up with pride, having his head turned by popular
adulation. But SO far from this, he is one of the
most simple and unpretending of men. Though
strong in his convictions and decided in action, he
seems to care little for himself, if SO be the great
cause of pure religion be promoted In faith he
is Catholic as he has always been, and desires to
remain in the Church of his fathers, if he can do
so with clear conscience. A Church must be
very rich in great men that can afford to drive
such man from its bosom. But we believe Di.
vine Providence reserves him for great future in
the restoration of religion in his country"
Another paper gives the following account of
the assembly at his lecture, and of the introduc-
tory part.
1.-The public lecture of Pere Hyacintbe was
given Thursday evening in the Academy of Music,
New York We find the following in the Boston
ADVERTISER:
Every seat in the building was occupied, and
hundreds were compelled to content themselves
with standing room. Every ticket was sold nearly
48 hours in advance, and such an audience as the
Academy Of Music has rarely had was assembled
within its walls. A SPECTATOR offered 500 900
net for the receipts The lecturer however, would
not allow any higher terms than two dollars for re-
served seats. The audience comprised the inte-
commenced his address by saying that he came to
this co lntry for few weeks rest between the
struggle of yesterday and those of the morrow.
He came to behold that grand nature, bearing an
impress of Deity more profound as the hand of
man is less apparent upon it. He said: =.
| came to look upon that young and vigorous
nation which, if it weakens not, will realize in the
future the greatest and best intentions of God on
our race. | came here to listen and not to speak.
1t happened, however, that in this great cosmo-
poltan city found France, and was appealed to
by the charitable in behalf of suffering France
The members Of the French Benevolent Society
asked me to come to their aid-now that severe
winter about n-of my suffering compatriots
in New York. The French population in this
great city is not numerous, but its memories are
many and glorious. Since the time of Washing
ton and Lafayette, no cloud has darkened the
friendship of the two countries they respectively
represented. | should have but slender sympa-
thy for France had not responded to the appeal
made to me on behalf of its suffering children
This will account for my presence before you this
evening""