Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-11-18
Father Ryan's Lecture at the Thea

The lecture Of Father Ryan, the poet
priest, under the auspices OF the Catholic
Library Association at the Theatre last
evening, brought out, as we predicted, a
very fiue assemblage, the body Of the
Theatre being comfortably filled
with ladies and gentlemen. On the stage,
were Father Ryan, Messrs. Peter Reilly, Z.
J O'COnDor. y. T. Thompson, NJ. A.
O'Byrue, 7. p. Townsend, committee OF the
Catholic Library Association. Capt. Henry
Blum, Luke Carson, Esq, and others
Shortly after eight O'Clock Mr.. n. +.
Thompson. fin behalf OF the association,
Introduced the distinguished speaker in the
following manner:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN-The nature OF
mau IS so complex, and, Withal, possessed
OF such conflicting springs OF action, that
varied are the means and agencies required
to influence it. Experiences teaches US that
certain ones are the most patient Tor this
reason. l have only TO name the press,
the platform and the pulpit to convey to
vOur minds the power of each In sWaying
mankind And when error is to be com
batted, OF the tone OF public sentiment
elevated, there is no antsgonism between
them, but they move in sweetest har-
mOny, moulding public sentiment INTO
wholesome and bsnehcent channels.
Nor can we claim that any one OF
these is all powerful in this direction, for
some classes are best reached By one and
some by another OF these agencies, depend
ing in s great measure upon the talents uls
Ulsved ia either field. 1t is not eXtraVagant
10 saw that he who, possessing these talents,
has the wisdom TO discern and the Will &c
use them only where they best tend 70
elevate society, best fulflls the mission ior
which the Almighty hath sent him into the
world. Such is he who is to address US to-
night His labOrs in the sanctum ana
in the sacred desk have been most
favorably received, and as we nave esteemed
and admired him ia each OF these, so now
We none the less delight to greet him on the
rostrum. for whether he appears as poet,
nriesf or lecturer the star OF genius still
marks his pathway and illumines his lie.
we ~ his own faith are proud OF him, but
not eelfshly SO, since we know that IN the
Iargepess Of his own large soul he mas taken
into its most sacred precincts the enure
Southern peOple, and we would have them
al To know and love him even as We do
Toe Ueople of the South can scarcely co
loss man admire and honor him, Tor IL Is
his men more than all others that has
ensbrfped deepes. In our hearts the hoHest
as well as the prOudest memories OF our
own sunny land; and now It Is MS voice That
is ringing out in tones OF sweetest melouyI
and where il can best be heard, IN Ylndlea-
tion ~ those principles which he knows can
alone render US truly good and happy
neOple. Yes, we love him, and more than
MS. we intend that his name shall be placed
uDon the topmOst pinnacle in the temple OF
fame and glory, in such characters that can
never fade, as evidence to the world that
the Durity OF his patriotism, the holiness OF
Ms life aud the brillisncy OF his genius are
fnlIv appreciated by the people he loves
and for whose welfare he labors. l Low
Introduce Father Ryan and his subject
1Ipfi ielity and Atheism"
Father Ryan, bowling his scknowledg-
mepts. opened his lee ure on Atheism ana
Tnfdeiitv," and fer over half an hour Kept
his large audience deeply interested by his
able and eloquent exposition OF the truths
Of religion. At the close OF his lecture be
recited a poem entitled "The outcast,
written by him in 1873, which was followed
nv a recitation or his famous poem, ia
Nemoriam," which elected enthusiastic
applause. -,.. ~ Sossrs
Reilly, O'COnnor and O'Byrne, left the
Tbeaire In a carriage for the Central depot,
and took the ten o'clock train Tor Atlanta,
from whence he goes TO Baltimore.