The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-01-25
An Episcopal Clergyman's Re.
cantatiOn.
The Rev. Joshua D. Bradley in St stephens
Church-Solemn and Impressive Ceremony
Eight Thousand Persons Present-Elo-
quent Discourse by the Rev. DR.. Nc
Glynn-Ths Profession Of Faith, Bap-
tismal Rites and Benedicnon.

between four ana five thousand the
broad aisles corridors and entrances were
densely crowded. the surging throng press.
ing even to the very rails OF the
altar Scarcely square foot or space was left I'M
occupied In the spacious galleries, ana at three
O'Clock, the hour announced for the commencement
Of the ceremonies, ingress TO the church from the
main portals was Impossible. AS early as two
O'clock however, long line OF carriages began 10
roll up IN rapid succession and the stream Of visit
tors continued flowing untf the building literally
Overnowed with people. The assemblage, although |
OF the representatives OF Of the FIRST
Catholic families OF the metropolis, included large
number or well known
EPISCOPAL DIvINES
and many laymen protesting other than the Catholic |
faith, while, doubtless, considerable portion OF
the multitude was attracted by motives OF curiosity.
The interior OF st. Stephens presented altogether
m exceedingly impressive appearance and tailed
not AWAKEN feelings Of admiration and reverence.
On the altar was placed table containing the ap.
purtenances for the performance OF the baptsmal
ceremony and brilliantly lighted. the surroundings
OF the sanctuary had beautiful though solemn
erect
The Rev. Joshua D. Bradley, 1t may be mentioned,
II graduate OF oxford University, England, where,
after successful study, he obtained the degree OF
Doctor OF Divinity. He has oficated for some time
~ the pastor OF the Protestant Episcopal church
known a. the Oratory OF ~. Sacrament West For
U-third street, between Ninth and Tenth avenues,
and on Sunday last, to the surprise of his con-
gregatton, by whom he was held In high esteem
preached his farewell sermon In the course OF which
ne avowed his determination to join the Roman
Catholic Church. The announcement created q con-
siderable sensation, as the reverend gentleman,
although comparatively young, was known to pos
sess high literary attainments. together with being
IN ecclesiastic of scholarly ability and theologIan
Of deep research. On Monday Mr.. Bradley entered
the Hoboken Monastery, which under the direc-
ton OF the Passionist Fathers, where he made the
necessary preparations for the ordeal through
which he was to pass. His department yes
serday afternoon was marked BY modest
dignity, and, although by no means unmpressed
BY the great multitude that thrOnged the church,
he seemed to be wholly engr0ssed with the ceremo-
MES As the sweet and solemn strains from the
organ swelled forth the procession issued slowly
from the vestry, among the cergymen taking part
IN the proceedings being the Rev. DR.. McGlyDn,
pastor OF st. Stephens; Rev. Father Lyons Rev.
Father Lynch, Rev. DR.. McSweeny Rev. Father
O'Nein, Rev. Father Stump. OF Erie; Rev. Father
Levej0y, Rev. Father Healy and Rev.
FATHER sABiNoI, OF SYRIA.
. Mr. Bradley was accompanied by the Rev. Father
NcCready ana the Rev. Father Griffin, who acted as
sponsors. lie knet outside the ratings OF the altar
IN accordance with the rites or the Roman Catholic
Church The choir sang the ''Veni Spiritus
eanctus," while the entire multitude bent In silent
prayer. The Rev. Dr. McGlynn then assembled the
altar and delivered heightened discourse, which
created q decided impression on the assemblage.
II explained the doctrines of the Catholic faith, and
for lberaty OF dea breadth OF spirit and coquence
was q fine forensic effort, and was listened to with
devouJ attention. The following summary will show
flem ants VII avs no
THE SERMON.
The reverend gentleman selected his text from the
Gospel according to ST. Matthew, xvi, 13-l9:-
And Jesus the confines OF Cesarea Phip and
T Ss @ Sou Seaa
Baps others klias and others Jeremlas Of the
..a
Al thou Simon because aess and blood hath not
revealed II thee but my Father who Is in heaven: And
And whatsoever thou shalt bind shall be bound
also and thou shalt loose earth
g The Rev. DR.. McGLyNN said:-My dear friendA I
feel In presence Of this assembage and on this
Interesting OCCASION that should be disappointing
your just expectation II you should not hear from
me to-day some word OF explanation ana defence OF
she stop that our well beloved brother here before
this altar is about TO take and also some word Of
Christian comfort and instruction feel that for this
purpose could hardly choose O more appropriate
text than that which have read for you. ques
ton OF utmost importance TO those alike who have
not found its true solution and to those who nave
by Its answer. The question that causes many
NOBLE MIND AND A LOVING HEART
70 labor and to suer; the question TO which our be.
loved brother here publicly and solemnly declares
to-day with perfect assurance that he has found the
answer Is that be where christ has placed It;
that Il must be what Christ has made It. The text
that have read for you points US back TO the very
haala IN
manner In which He has built, TO the constitution
eWer to His question, mad given Him
THE OPINIONS oP MEN,
which were various and erroneous He asks them
sWhOm DO you say that 1 amp lie asks
His Churcn not for opinions. put for pro-
iession OF It's faith: and Peter. as II it
sss Church Of Christ answers SN for HIS his
apostles, "Thou art Christ the son OF the living
God.n And Christ assures him that tins profession
Of faith is not mere human opinion, was mot re-
vealed by nesh and blood, but by the Holy Spirit
ward Tor this profession Of faith. in the divine
mission and divine nature OF Christ, Christ confirms
the Spirit Of His Father had prompted MIN to as.
sumo and Christ Himself had foreshadowed when,
sS pe A% SO he SAYS TO-
Thou arr Peter tSr TocS a and ,S on this rock will
His word. He has Quilt His church on Peter, ana
to-day and everywhere, wherever we seek the
Church OF Chrit we must expect to find 1t united
with Peter simply built where Christ Himself has
built it. And II we are outside OF the house OF the
mighty edince that Christ has butt. upon
tins rock we may be excused II ou
errvr Is involuntary and II we strive honestly
ana prayerfuly afferlthe truth. with the firm resolve
10 embrace wherever we find II and no matter VIVA
eacrnce OF dearest ties and interest IL may cost us
] cheerfuly admit that would fain believe tina
muItitudes who are not OF the one Church OF Chris
ere honestly blinded by
THE PREJuDICEs or EDUCATION,
the misrepresentation OF history and the real dim
cutes and scandals that almost necessarily arise II
every age and land from the weak
ness and fraity OF the human vessels
winch this precious treasure OF Christ
has been committed. Yet all such should feel the
solemn obligation OF earnest striving after the ruti
and earnest prayer that all the msTs OF prejudic
and error may be speedily dlspelled and that all tn
human barriers be speedily broken down that kee
men from that perfect unity which Christ require
In His one Church. And we Bnust proclaim alou
that while as far as we can We would cnaritaDI
excuse their