The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-06-16
ST. PATRICK,S CATHEDRAL
Gods Invitation to Sinners to Repent
Sermon by the Rev. Father Quinn.

Gods Invitation to Sinners to Repent
Sermon by the Rev. Father Quinn.
The Rev. Father Quinn delivered the sermon at
the high mass services at the Cathedral yesterday.
He took for his text Luke XIV 1924, in which Is
given the parable OF the man who "made great
supper" and sent out invitations to all those "that
were bidden" to come, but who excused them
selves for various This parable, the rev.
erend preacher remarked. showed two things
first, what God does for u.s. and second, what we
ought to do for ourselves. The great banquet the
Lord referred to was the enjoyment OF God In
heaven, and even here on earth, where the good
man enjoyed happiness In the practice of virtue.
THE BANQUET WAS INDEED GREAT ONE
for it was extended by God Himself to all The
invitation held out was not limited to any particular
class, but to every man. and all were welcome. The
reverend gentleman then went on at great length
to describe what lesson was taught to us by the
parable, and how applicable 1t was to men who
refuse from some cause or other to heed the voice
OF God calling upon them to abandon their evil
ways and become rec0nciled to Him. God was
continually calling upon MS to the banquet pre-
pared for in heaven-eternal life itself with the
enjoyment OF God. Those who excused themselves
from attending at the supper the parable auaes to
were all engaged in some employment that was
legitimate and proper and Il should be borne in
act as to merit heaven was made not to those
buried in heinous crimes alone. 1t was addressed
as well to all who, though engaged In emplOyments
that are legitimate, in
ENJOYMENT OF PLEASURES
that may be innocent In themselves. were often in
greater danger Of eternal death by their careless
ness and neglect OF duty than even great crimi.
nails. Examples were to be found all around us OF
how men, in the accumulation or wealth,
things OF tits world, forget ali about their
religion-the duty they owe to God. Thus
many, by the concurrence OF the flesh and the
pride Of life, gradually and by slow degrees
rectitude God was merciful, but His justice was
in1exibe as His mercy was unb0unded, and many
who, alter being repeatedly called by God to re-
turn to righteousness persisted In their bad ways
simply presumptuous in the goodness OF the
Almighty, were often left to themselves when
their cry for mercy was greatest. And thus many
men who needed not the call OF God finally
DIED IN THEIR SINS,
CRYING for mercy when there was no mercy IN
deed, it often happened that he upon whom was
who was finally left without mercy when most 1t
was needed. This was Gods punishment for the
sinners persstency In doing evil after having over
and over again been the recipient OF His merceS.
The reverend Father then spoke OF the happiness
of heaven-of that eternal enjoyment OF God, the
extent OF which st. Paul said even the heart had
not conceived, and earnestly exhOrted his hearers
live day to be partakers at that banquet
prepared by God Tor those who loved Him here
on earth and faithfully served Him to the end.
was hard world to battle with, and that the way
to heaven beset "a We are by temptations on all
sides, Is q narrow and rugged one; but u him
who was OF good Will and courage God always ex.
fully accepted His invitation to como to Him.
The musical part OF the services was, as usual,
excellent. The 80 salutarls hostta' duet, con-
tralto and soprano, was exqusitely rendered.