The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-01-22
81. PETER AND ST. PiUL'S CHURCH,
BROOKLYN.

Sermon ON St. Agnes by the Rev. s..
AZ the solemn high mass 10 Sts Peter and Paul's
SAurch, Brooklyn the pastor, Rev. 8. Malone,
Ascended the altar after the Gospel and said:-The
Gospel which will read for you this morning Is
taken from Matthew XIV, II and following verses.
He then read the Gospel on the wise and foolish
virgins This is the Gospel, said the reverend
speaker which the Church reads on the third Sun
aay after the Epiphany. It corresponds with the
Ssast OF St Agnes the Gospel Of the Sunday Is read
q the end OF mass instead Gospel Of St John.
u points out the great truth that faith itself is not
sun1cient to salvation. We must have oil IN our
lamps; we must have charity. This DISTINGUISHES
NE wise from the foolish virgins, according 70
lhe Church Of God and the doclrne Of Jesus
Christ. The doctrine OF the blessed saviour Is
applied to the beautiful and holy lie OF
FSis Ossui,rui and holy write is dear to those
On earth, and VII! be recorded by the angel OF God
the Bos u LIE It Sa1 las as 70 tns
over he goeth ST. Agnes Is an example Of the
blessed Saviour's doctrine She as those who stood
sisime,l-in spite Of flesh and blood-tne beauty Of
Jesus Chrlsts Instructions. Old and young, In all
and heSven her love- Of onasy agnes
~ the accomplishments or iife-all the beauties Of
scs and "a GSa aen s gr P1sac aer
her affections. He may have been sincere, with the
9S sna love 81 ~ His uS In H
infancy, in His manhood and IN HIS
s SUPERIOR 'n She G ssS to young aH
There Is one n whom you do not bel 6eheye
end her beautiful faith. This light and love for our
Lord Jesus CHRIST ore excluded and set aside to-day
ne city. in the town and IN the country over the
culprt as well Is the innocent. Ao warned Agnes
ne sn s s9 ss sad had s
had faith, He ordered her TO oner sacrifice before
che shrine Of The vesal virgin. Though there is
something grand and cnn0Ong In tho holy virtue
may inier from the vesia Virgins. the BIanmins
sine Of the fourth century, would not give
her hand 10 offer incense. How was she
% .nSnd Sm s as Of Age
hon, that sne was confined TO den Of
iniaIny. What OUTRAGE What mlamy Yet .
that God Is true despises.. her prosecutors and
says. ''God VIII protect me-" See what Ialh, what
q every day lie it is principle that gives strength
to the beautiful Agnes, saying, "God will be my pro-
tectOr." When men went with impure hearts
towards her the light OF the Lord snOne round her.
Tho young man who sought her in marriage laughed
~ Others ana dared 10 penetrate this light, but was
struck olind or according TO some. dead Ills father
asks this daughter OF purity how she saved. and
begs her prayers and lntercession. Gods ways
IN HIS saints are worthy our consideration Q,
And though Agnes restores the son 10 the
father she Ia condemned to die as o SCR.
cores,. God who rules the elements prevented
che fire from burning her beautiful body. One more
cruel than the ended the days OF Agnes by the
sword. Now, Christian friend, what lesson
70 God s esssa
they who leave 1ather and mother and house and
home and friends Tor my sake shall receive an hun
dred f0ld BE faithful 10 rule, to law; be faithful In
mind as well as oulwardly. Whether In married OF
single life remember rule and law. Agnes, reared
among pagans, Is u model to all. She says:-"l
have vowed my vrginity to God; nc can defend It,
While pagans pass away the life ana acts and name
and lam0 OF Agnes Will be remembered forever;
viii be revered by the Church, ana viii be source
or holy thoughts and consultations. Old men, young
men. old women, young women. remember Agnes
Lat the father speak 10 the son, the mother to the
daughter, the brother to the sister In the words Of
Agnes. Go forth from this temple to-day and re-
member the example or Agnes, and may the grace
OF God be with you all In tile name OF the Father
Con and Holy Ghost. Amen.