The New York herald., 1870-02-28
ST. STEPHENS ROMAN CATHs-.c csusaA

DirsciiOns for Lenf-Scrmon by tho Rov.
Father Grimm.
This spleudid church was filed ovcrnowinp yes.
terday by . deyout congregation. After TIE usual
services the Rev. Father Grlin assembled the pulpit
and made the customary address concerning the
manner Of observing Lent. The duties Of members
Of the congregation were defined al considerable
length and the lndulgences to the weak and lnnrm
pointed out. The reverend gentleman also spoke OF
the Sunday school attached to the church. and
charged parents taat 1t was their bOunden duty 20
bring their children up In the ways OF God and that
10 secure that blessing the Sunday school was the
best possible agency 1t WAS deplorable, he said to
see SO many children roaming about the city on sun
days totally uncared for If parents will ony do
their duty IN this regard they may safely expect an
outpOuring Of Gods favor.
Father Grifnn then read the gospel OF the day,
which WAS also his text, beginning 'And 1t came
to pass that as he was come nigh unto jericho ce
tain blind man sat by the waysde begging, and
hearing the multitude pass by he asked what 1t
meant And they told him that Jesus OF Nazareth
passetn by. And he cried, saying. Jesus, thou son
instinctly knew that the DIVINE Son was passing,
and, his faith being great knew that by asking b.
would receive his sight and behold the brightness
the day. This instance OF faith on the part or The
poor blind man and Of the Saviour's prompt re-
fcant, especially at this tune. There are many
people who having the blessing OF sight physically,
to them through his minister's but they let the
pass by unheedcd These more blind Than the
man by the wayside spoken OF In the Gospel. We
know that since man feli from his high estate aud
lost his original innocence we nave fet pride
IA our powers OF .he mind, and en-
credit TO Him who so endowed us. These powers are
all IN al! to u.s. but the knowledge that we possess
them IS often an obstacle to spiritual develop
ment. For, Notwithstanding our cultivation aud
mental power 1t Is possible ior us be botn bind
and ignorant Cod did not design that man should
cultivate his miud at the expense OF religion; nut
He did design tnat we should perfect ourselves In
We often OF ourselves imagine tnat We can a: see
through the mystery OF God and penetrate the ven
that hides the light q heaven from human gaze but
meekiy acknowledge our weakness before We can
see and enjoy that spiritual life which IS infinitely
more precious than ply steal vision Tho season now
approaching Is commemorative and holy The Loru
through His appointed servants, tells Of what II
dren for the sunerings OF Christ. Now, tits per-
fectly Impossible to begin the season or Lent and
to discharge It's duties and obligations arlgnt rely
ing on ourselves alone. man may prescribe to hln.
SELF certain rules and regulations out OF MS own
head and obey Them strictly whllo he ignores his
conlessor altogether. However good lhe intentions
Of such . man may be the devil has irm hold or
him. him. Puned Pune up with self.cencels and, raise
9 prey to nis subuety, that his mor.i-
M mcalions Of the 1esh coun. for nothing.
your confess0r and he is responsible. should the
conleesor go wrong IN your opinion, you Will show
ABIDING by his declsion There are very many per
sons who are 80 filed with pride thal tney thlnk
themselves capable OF dischargmg the most I'M
portant religious drlsies without advice or asast
ance: bur they are no better than thoso who make
Dat little show and no pretence or zeal fcr the rea
son stated submitting to Gods will sanctines
every effort, and people should do everything Tor
Gods sake ana nothing their own SAKE IN rsii-
gious matters. Then their mortincatiops OF the e sh
are sanctl1ed. First begin by recognizing your
weakness, as did the blind man, and like MIN cry
out, Jesus, thou son OF David, have mercy upon
nier Pray for the ability to see your fnnlss, ypur
follles to know yourselves, aud to understand the
sources OF motives ana the springs or action thar
the vanties and friyOlities ia your nature may be
destroyed, and thai you may be enabled, through
grace. 10 rise TO conception OF the greatness ana
R!ary ol GOD and your notnngness ia Ills presence.