The New York herald., 1870-03-07
ST. JAMES CATHEDRAL, BaOOKLYg.

Prayer and Its Ealcncy-ScrmOn by che Kcv.
Father Hickey-The Ediace-The Congrega-
tiOn.
Tne Catholic Cathedral, st. James church, ia
street, Brooklyn, Is an extremely plain edince IN
both exterior ana interior arrangement, but it is
nevertheless, ornamented and enshrined in the
affections of the Oldest Catholic families of that city,
VINO regard the simple and, in point OF accomm0da-
on for the present requirements OF its large congre
CATION inadequate structure with feelings OF much
reverence, because Of the sacred memories which
cluster about II. 1t Is the pioneer church of the
Catholics OF that city, having been but Ia 1923. IN
which year the venerable Father Shannahan, who, we
believe still living, celebrated the first mass there.
The congregation Is very large and much diniculy
s experienced in obtaining seats by such % enter
alter the commencement OF the services at all times.
Yesterday morning was no exception to the rule IN
this respect as before mass was begun the pews
were all full and the a!ses IN the galleries crowded,
Notwithstanding the gentlemaniy endeavors Of the
person In charge to provide for the accommodation
OF everybody.
Immediately after the Gospel the Rev. Father
Hickey assembled the pulpit, and, after making the
usual announcements, preached an admirable
sermon, taking for his text the words
found in the Second Ep1ste OF Paul
to the Corinthians, vi.-"For he saith nave heard
thee IN time accepted. and In the day OF salvation
have succ0red thee; behold now is the accepted
time behold now Is the day OF salvation" "Giving
no offence in anything, that the ministry be not
blamed. But in all things approving ourselves as the
ministers OF God IN much patience in afllictons, In
necessities In disresses in strfes in impnsonments
in tumuts, IN labors, in watchings, in fasnngs"
Now, indeed, was the accepted time; now was the
day OF salvation. Let then avail ourselves OF this
blessed time given us by Almighty God to atone
for our past sins and transgressions against His
divine law. Let us as true ministers Of Chrst de.
vote our energies ana our faculties to the fulment
OF all that is vlrtuoas righteous and holy taas we
OF Lent, devoted to the performance Of penance
in order to obtain Gods mercy was alas, with many
who We're nomlnally only Catholics, anything but an
accepted time. They could not bear 10 deny their
bodies for the welfare of their sous Such wicked in
difference Divine Lord was calculated to turn
time Of mercy into that of Indignation ana wrath
by the impenltence and hardness Of heart which it
sgnlfed. But let not the evil spirit prevail against
racy during this season OF Lent Let the Holy Spirit
Of purity and truth pc enshrlned our hearts that
now Is the accepted time and the day Of salvation
and obtain pardon OF our manifold offences. TO
tain the sanctlfcation necessary for sincere
contrition and penance PRAYER s absolutely
evangelist without me you can do nothing" We
can do nothing therefore, without PRAYER, which is
the great medium OF communicating our desires TO
uon." II we would receive HIS mercies and graces
must petition Him. ''To pray Is TO conquer, and
to neglect TO pray Is certain death and damnatiOn,"
has said st. Legouri. Adam fell under temptation
because he neglected this duty OF prayer. BY ab-
stnence and clf-mOrthcatiOn please God, but It
Is by prayer that we overcome our spiritual enemies.
So ellcacious was this holy instrument that nothing
EVIL could combat or overcome 1t. Tne Bible is re-
plete with examples which form most ncontrovertt-
bic evidences Of this truth.
The reverend speaker related several examples
illustrative OF the power Of prayer and urged his
hearers to pray with spirit OF humility and ferv0r,
that they might be heard Indifferent and inatteA-
a.lfv IL fhnuv
OF words. The petition must come nom the neart
all sincerity and forvOr Let them ask that their
fasting may not be IN vain, but that 1t may be pro-
ductive OF the happiness IN store for the faithful
Christian who avails himself OF the accepted tme'
and behods .the day OF salvation" IL cannot them
be matter OF indifference any longer to those who
weigh the importance OF obedience to the law OF
God. IL Is surely OF the strongest moment whether
through Indifference man gains heaven, the re-
ward OF well spent life or Is condemned to the
everlasting torment Of hell for the loss Of his imm0r
tai soul. No matter how pad We may have been, II
we pray He will save uS.