The New York herald., 1874-12-07
81. pATR1oK's CATHEDRAL.

The SusldeMnoss OF Death and the Me-
csssfty OF PreparatioM-Sermon by the
Rev. Father Damen, 81.
The Cathedral was crowded In every part yester.
day long before the last mass was commenced.
The mission, which has been going on Tor some
days past snder the auspices OF the Jesuit Fathers
has attracted immense tnrongs Of the faithful and
II has generally been regarded az one OF the most
guccessful that have taken place Tor years. The
Rev. Father Kearney was the 0fi1ciating clergy
man, and at the conclusion OF the nrst gospel the
Rev. Father Damen preacned sermon, taking
his text from the Psalms-"Precious In the
sight Of God Is the death OF the Just"
The reverend gentleman, In the course Of
q powerful and vivid description OF DEATH
and Its surroundings, commented upon It's awful
suddenness and briefly alluded by way OF illustra-
ton. TO the unexpected demise OF the late Mayor
Thus ne said, the highest magistrate In the city
had hardly time 70 say farewell for in the twink
ling OF an eye he was before the judgment seat Of
God-hardly time to bia farewell TO the world
ard It's hOnors to Its wealth and its distinc
tlone. The preacher showed the necessity OF prep
arati0n for the great event which was TO begin
eternity. God could not be blamed Tor the loss OF
soul. FOR He gave every opportunity for grace
II IN the next world husbands we're separated
from their wives and parents from their cnildren.
the fault ay with those VITO had neglected TO keep
the commandments OF God ana follow IN the path
OF rig teOu6ness. He thea drew Startling PIC
ture Of me death Of the SINNER and 6y way OF oon-
trast described the last moments OF the just with
such Iorce and eloquence as evidently made q
profound impression on the congregation, which
continued, both the just and the sinners, the
strong and the weak, the rich and the poor-an
great truth, but they knew not The day or the
h0ur. Three thoughts occurred TO tne dying
pa ss ape sas a 10
his soul and almost ,Orced him to yield 10 despair.
Bat the Just man looked into the past and slE,
perhaps the period Of MS lite when ne, too, was
SINNER, ana when, through the grace OF GOD, ne
became repentant. He thought OF the past and
rejoice1 that ms peace wltn God mad been made
about 90 appear Tor judgment Even the greatest
saints tembled at the thought OF aeatn, put
breast oi the unrepentant sinner, VINO. perhaps
surrounded with all the juxuries OF the world.
never see his friends or relatives again In the
world to como. The thoughts ot the past were
those oil vexation, those OF tie present painiu,,
anu the thoughts of the luture fearful to contem.
plate But the scenes iucdent to tue death oil the
sSoa man were sOs ,s % e ey
and Weep nosior him. for he would see them soon
arass 70 Or me Ama TePc 'Hs VAS
tressing or alarming IN the death or the good
man. In conclusion the reverend gentleman
earnestly exhOrted the congregation to avail
themselves III time Of the opportunities offered
Tor salvation. contendiog that even IN this lite
performance OF Cnijsiian duties than there could
be in neglecting them. He who was cnained Dy the
letters OF Sin was not freeman. In fne he pointed
out the good results Of attending tne mission,
which had been gwen Ior the benedt OF all who
desired TO be restored TO the grace OF God. The
sermon was listened 10 throughout with devOut
attention. The choral arrangements, under Pro-
lessor Gustavus scnmitz were excellent. the
dered with splendid cnect-the "Credon being
particularly noticeable. "Veni Creator,n by Mine
was sung by Miss Beckmap, and Mercadantc's
"Aye Marian brMrs. Giles. both yocalists proving
themselves good acquisitions 10 the choir, whicn
has OF late attained a standard worthy oil the
church. The services yesterday terminated about
hali-past twelve O'Clock.