The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-03-07
CURSE OF INTEMPERANCE.
FATHER COOKS DISCOURSE IN THE
ST. PATRICK's MISSION.
Congregations Increasing and Inter
est Becoming Profound and In
tense--Attendants nom the City at
Large.

The mission at 81. Patrick's church still
continues TO crowd tho sacred ediilce with
faithful Catholics DESTROYS OF participating
In the devotional exercises and listening to
the eloquent sermons OF the renowned
missionaries. At 1880 o'clock last evening
not vacant seat could be found in the en-
tire church.
After the usual instructions, followed by
the rosary. the Rev. Father Cook assembled
the altar and delivered one Of those match
less sermons that have attracted such uni
versal commentator, and aroused a
spirit OF fervor in the Catholics OF
Memphis. He spoke chiefly on the
sin Of incompetence and its bane-
full results. lie warned his hearers
10 beware Of that deadly serpent that
would surreptitiousy steal away their
brains. destroy their body and ruin their
soul. In eloquent language he depicted
the downward course OF those poor I'M
fortunates whose love for the flowing
bowl became a passion that absorbed the
principles OF manhood, the honor OF citi-
zenship and the faculty of reason itself.
lie exhorted his hearers 10 shun that
blighting course that had consigned 10
many promising young men an untimely
grave. He urged them TO begin at once
nor postpone for q single hour what may
endanger tho salvation of the immortal
soul. II Is presumption on the mercy of
God, continued the speaker, to believe
that we can repent ut the last hour and
make our peace with him. GAS You have
lived, 80 shall you die, is a scriptural say
ing that too oft is verified.
The reverend authenticated an instance OF
whore he was called 10 attend dying
man who had been confirmed drunkard
for many years. The uncomfortable habit
had such entire possession OF the poor vic
tim that he was helpless in its accursed
power.
THE poor wretch made his dying con-
fesson, was anointed and received ex-
trcme junction, that last blessed sacrament
that accompanies the soul and strengthens
II on its journey TO God. The dying man
requested that all leave the room in order
that he might he the better able 10 pray
and commune with God. After a brief
time the father returned 10 the room and
approached the bed; the form was motion
less, the coyerlet drawn closely about the
chin and the hands resting upon the bosom.
The soul had winged its fight 10 another
world, the poor unfortunate was dead. All,
thought the father, as he noticed something
pressed TO the dead lips, tits the crucifix
gave him, he kissed IL in the last moment
OF his life. The coverlet was reverently
drawn down, when, behold instead OF the
crucifix, flask OF liquor was clasped in the
dead hands. pressed TO the dead lips. The
passion for drink was 80 strong within him
that in his last earthly moments he had
crawled from the couch and secured the
poisonous liquid.
"Thus," continued the reverend father,
will ii seize upon all who permit them
selves TO once come within It's deadly in
iluence. Do not wait until the last hour,
but make firm resolution and sacred
pledge to God that you will never again
taste drop OF intoxicating liquor In your
. liie."
The reverend father concluded his ser
mon with powerful appeal to his hearers
10 prepare for that final call which may
come at any hour.