The New York herald., 1871-03-27
s.. PaTaIsK,S CATHEDRAL.

The Lesson Of Christ's Passion-SernOn by
the Vicar General.
The ordinary high mass was celebrated at the
Cathedral yesterday by the Rev. Father McGeoghan.
At the end Of the first gospel the Rev. Father Starr
went into the pulpit and after reading the last four
from the gospel Of the day according to John.
said:-Tnis day we commemorate the passion Of
our Divine Lord and Savlous, Jesus Christ. To re-
mind us OF his trbulation and suffering the pictures
of the stations Of the cross. the altar and the en-
blem OF the crucinxion are robed In mourning. To.
day the Catholic Church throughout the world
weeps over the sorrows Of our Divine Master. The
gospel OF to-day is part OF discourse delivered by
our Saviour in the Treasury OF the Temple on the
day following the
FEAST OF THE TABERNACLEs.
The reverend gentleman enlarged upon the teach
ings Of Christ during His unblemished life on
Earth, and continueds-Faith to be efficient must
not be dormant. The Christian who believes and Is
content with believing only, has but placed his foot
upon the threshold Of existence In spiritual life
Fatn without good works is dead, and II we would
follow the example set us by our Saviour, we must
have an earnest faith, q firm and confding hope,
with never-ending desire to perform our duty as
followers OF our Redeemer. Although our path
may be beset with trials, our cup OF sorrow bitter,
our sufrerngs hard to bear, still, If We accept them
THOROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST,
they will pass from US to the honor and glory Of
God; Our Divine Saviour performed miracles while
on Earth, but the Jews did not believe them. They
ascribed the power He possessed 10 the
intuenco OF satan-He s He who who, came down from
they accused OF being possessed by the devil. Again
and again lie refutes tue charge, and appeals to His
tells them plainly that the reason they shut their
ears and refuse to belleye His teachings Is because
l come not to establish my own name, but that of
GOD THE FATHER
who is in Heaven" You know how man who has
nothing to do corresponds with faith that is un.
aided by practical results; belief must be active
must be constant. The warrior going to the battle
mouth sacrifices all to gain the desired object.
Country, home ana friends are as nothing compared
s a4fy nat oo sOosi s se S
smile OF satisfaction, lifes current ebb slowly away,
for death will bring the laurel of reward. Sorrowing
friends are nothing now. The soldier is dying, even
as he has lived. to win place among the list Of
heroes Of his native land. Or he who goes out upon
lows fearful or his precious cargo and dreadng lest
his frail bark may come to harm leaves no effort
untried to gain the land AS the storm comes on
DESTRUCTION SEEMS OINTMENT
he redoubes his vigilance and exhausts every effort
OF his ingenuity to steer unharmed through the
warning elements that threaten such terrible de-
struction To secure his object he braves all dan
gers, and arriving safely In the destined haven is
overoyed to think now narrowly he has escaped the
terrible fate that threatened him. The Christian,
alone IS Ike the bark upon the waters deprived Of
her helm and the watchful master to pilot her
through the stormy stream Of life. The ship, with
| out the guide, will rush upon the quickSands and be
! lost. Our faith must be strong and lasting, ever
anxious and watching, ready TO do and dare all III
the
SERVICE OF THE MASTER
we have elected TO follow, never stopping to
weigh or balance how much we shall perform, but
striving at all times and upon every occasion TO
make our actions commensurate with our faith.
power 10 be meritorl0us Of heaven. To gain til Q
place promised to the elect should be the end and
aim of our every step In life. Christians may often
have faith and not reduce 1t to practice still 1t is
pernclous and erroneous belief Their lives do not
correspond with the faith that Is taught Man
should always bear IN mind the twofold declaration
| OF sour Divine saviour to the wicked and the
| just.
The reverend gentleman, after an eloquent perora.
tion on the sutrerings OF Christ earth and his
great love for men, which prompted Him to undergo
| the bitter
TRIALS OF HIS PASSION,
eXhorted MS listeners to brace themselves vigorously
for the struggle, to carefully watch their actions
that their woEs may be In keeping with their faith
and their lives acceptable In the sight of Heaven,
that the great mission OF their career earth shall
tend to the honor and glory OF God, so that when
the end Will come they Will be taken into the bosom
of the Lord and receive the proud inheritance Of
| the kingdom which Is prepared for you"
The music, which was magnifcently rendered by
the choir consisted Of some classical selections from
the best masters-the KVrte ana CTedO (by Carcano)
and SdnctuS, AgTus Det Thy Churubn). At the offer
tory Fac ut Porte, from the Stabat Mater OF Rossini
presided at the organ. The following ladies and
| gentlemen compose the quartet:-Mme. Chome, so
prano; Mrs. Werner, alto; Mr.. Gr0schel, tenor; Mr..
A. Sohst, bassO.