The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-24
ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL.

The Music of the Mass-Its Varied Ex-
pression-An Immense Attendancc-The
Duties Of Catholics to the Church-Thc
Grace Of God-The POpcs the Almoncrs
OF the blessings of Heaven.
Notwithstanding the GOODNESS OF the day, St. Pat
rlck's Cathedral was thronged yesterday by the
usual devout and attentive worshippers. Every
seat was filed and great number OF people stood
mp or kneeed near the doors during the whole OF
the service. The mass was celebrated with what
seemed to be more than usual mpressiveness and
solemnity.
THE MUSIC
rolled out from the organ loft, first in thunder
tones and then in softer strains, like
those OF the shepherds pipe in the emer-
aid valleys OF the Alps; then again ike the rhapso-
dies OF birds chorusing in the woods the pattering
music OF waterfalls falling into deep FLASHING pools,
the sounds OF low happy laughter, or 80 exalted as
TO make one think of the songs Of the stars when
they first swung into their orbits from the chaos OF
space This was the prelude, the voluntary Of DR..
SSnmz the org sd and director tor Of the choir
broke grandy and with mighty solemnity on the
ear the tapers fiickered with brilliant, immortal
clouds in which those seated near the altar may
have seem II they looked, all sorts OF holy FORMS
ecsacies Of bliss. 1t was but the freak
OF the imagination, put it was IN
ed by the and
kneeling, with touching humility and devotion, in
front OF the sacred image, and behind him. with
one mighty and tender accord, the great multitude
OF people are knecng too, with crosses pressed to
their hearts and holy words on their lips. The or
sentences OF the mass, like the triumphant accord
Of the angels. Then comes the clear, dulcet
SINGING OF THE ANTHEM,
with rich strains Of harmony and uplifting sym.
phones. The solemn tones of the priestly chant
again are heard The ceremony rises to its grand
est pitch when organ, celebrants acolytes swing
ing censor incense and breathless people make
living parts Of the most wonderful scene between
Iollows-a PLAIN graceful, pleasant discourse
whose robes become him and to whose face the
earnestness OF devotion lend fresh and touching
. e the % tine % the
their faults; points out the way In which the
Church desires they. should walk, she being the
representative OF God, how they can best do to ad-
vance and strengthen her, and show their love and
gratitude to the Saviour and how they can lead
quiet and delicious lives and ole calm and happy
deaths to be welcomed In heaven, purged from SIN.
All had been called TO knowledge OF the truth
and had learned that - a. ,
was that all should be saved. The mysterious
workings OF Divine grace were felt IN all portions
OF the earth His voice penetrates and searches
the inclinations of every heart like rays of sunshine
penetrating the near and distant corners OF the
universe. To those within the pale Of the Church
Gods grace could ever be reached. Some there
were as Father Rodyne had said, who grasped 1t
ings Of Divine faith. others waived this grace be-
cause they regarded the teachings OF the Church
Win indinerence. But all who sought earnestly
Goulu hnd It, and who valued II well could keep IL.
was poured out from the bosom OF Him Into
snas y, the Church, and Its holy head was the
apost9nc almoner OF the spiritual blessings OF tho
Most high. In closing he referred to the approach
Oh i LENT IN appropriate terms, and spoke OF the
after the sermon the people slowly passed out
ana eIt ane tapers burning brightly on the altar
ito th a mas pouring forth Its grandest tones
Grating life and hes,.n -'' '"' VI LIVE
SEVENTH STREET METHODIST CgupnU
The Entry OF Abram Into Canaar-rn.
HALFWAY Christian Who stops AZ
Observation-Disclosures by the Rev. L.S