The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-12-14
A Solemn Scene.

~ ELOQUENT SERMON fROh FATHER ELLlOIT
AND IMPRESSIVE CEREMONIES IN CONCLUD-
INC THE MISSION.
At st. Peters Cathedral on Sunday the
mission was concluded after high mass with
a most eloquent and feeling sermon by Rev.
Father Elliott and ceremonies Of the most
impressive character. The sacred edifice
was filled 10 its utmost capacity. On the
left hand, on st. Joseph's altar, had been
erected baptismal monument, upon which
was placed all the sacred and embematical
appurtenances and robes used in the cere-
mony OF baptism. There was the white robe,
or robe Of innocence; the purple and white
stoles. each conveying their significance;
The holy oil, the salt of publication, the
candle implying the light of faith, the church
register: and the whole surmounted by the
baDtismal font. In rear OF the platform
which had been erected within the sanctuary
railing for the mission sermons stood huge
black wooden cross, with white cloth hang
ing from its arms, and representing the garb
of innocence and the sacred winding-sheet.
All these unusual symbols impressed those
present with the solemniiy OF the occasion,
and readily prefsced the eloquent remarks
of the reverend Father In his farewell SER
mon.
The speaker opened his sermon with a
beautiful and graphic picture OF the beau
ties Of home as lingering In the memory OF
age. The love for dear mother and an
hOnored father was dwelt upon with great
feeling. The return to the scenes OF youth
as yividly portrayed here furnished an easy
transition to the principal themes OF his
discourse-the happiness OF the repentant
sinner and the eternal joys opened 10
Christians through the regenerating waters
Of baptism, which he dwet upon at length.
The earnestness Of The preacher seemed 10
infuse his hearers with much OF that zeal
which spoke in his powerful utterance, and
prepared them for the call which was
10 test the sincerity OF their recent
professions. With voice OF power ana
emotion he called upon that vast assem6lage
| to rise and answer aloud and without re-
straint the interrogatives which he should
now PROFOUND i'm the course OF the renewal
| OF the baptismal vows taken Tor them by
| their sponsors IN early life. The responses
| in expressing their belief in the existence
| of .sOne God" and in the articles OF faith
were given as with one voice. The I'M
pressiyeness OF this scene was at this point
heightened by an appeal for all to raise
their right hands; when Father Elliott,
| in ringing tones, asked, "Do you re-
nouuce the devil and all bis works."
The congregation answered. 1--WE do
renounce Them" Again, " Do you re-
| nounce the world and all its pomps
and yanitles," and second time the re-
sponse came, ave do renounce them. y
The speaker then proceeded to say farewell,
and concluded by pronouncing his blessing,
the congregation kneeling whilst he, mold
ing aloft the emblem OF Christianity-the
crucitix-uttered the benediction. Many
were affected to tears, whilst all. OF tnose
present must have experienced feeling OF
awe and piety In the great lmpressivehess
OF scene which will ever be remembered.
AIS O'Clock at night the first OF the mis-
sion services for colored people was held' a
large gathering OF that race beng present
also many whites. Right Rev. Bishop
Keane officiated, and delivered short but
comprehensive dOctrnal discourse, during
which he gave an interesting epitome OF the
Old Testament from the days OF our first
parents 10 the coming OF Christ. Rev. Father
Elliott delivered the regular mission sermon
on death, taking his text from the Sd chap'ei
Of Genesis, 18th verse: sin the sweat OF
thy face shalt thou eat bread till thou re-
turn TO earth, out OF which thou was
taken: for dust thou art, and unto dus'
thou shalt return"
Last night the second OF The series, an
other docirinal discourse, was delivered by
the Bishop, giving condensed review o
the principal events in the life OF Chris
and showing the application OF each to th
teachings Of the Catholic Church. Fathe
Elliott followed with another powerful ser
J mon on the horrors OF hell and eternal pun
ishment.
Tonight, the last Of the course, Fathe
ElIiott's sermon will be upon "The for
I giyeness OF Sins"