The Daily bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Hawaii]) 1882-1895, 1892-03-25
A PULPIT GRAFTON.
First Discourse of n series by Rev
w. y. Kirby OF san Francisco.

1neTe was SOOulN congregation
of English hearers at the Roman
Catholic Cathedral yesterday evening
at o'clock. Women, however, pre-
dominated in numbers over men, as
rs is usually the case in religious as
semblies. The occasion was the first
of three discourses by Rev. w. p.
Kirby, curate to the Archbishop of
San Francisco. AS the preacher of
the evening entered, accompanied by
the clergy of the Mission, Brother
Francis of st. Louis College played
solemn music on the organ, as pre-
lude to the singing of an anthem by
the choir of Brothers.
Father Kirby said he had been re-
questcd by the Fathers of this Mis-.
sion to deliver few sermons before
departing for San Francisco. He
gladly complied, knowing how glad
they would be to hear dscourses on
their holy faith in the language in
which most of them were brought
up. 1t was difficult to select from the
great range of subjects within the
scope of their holy religion, but he
trusted that the few remarks he should
make would sink deep into their hearts
and influence their future life. His
subject should be: "What is the
Catholic religion to people during
life, and what is it at the hour of
death?" Jesus Christ came to earth
to do great work in obedience TO
his Father and to provide a way for
men TO save their immortal souls.
The preacher spoke of disease vanish
ish and death letting go its hold at
the approach of Jesus when on earth.
The first great work on record was
that of raising Jairus' daughter from
the dead, the account of which the
preacher related. The next mighty
service to the afflicted was the rails
ing of the son of the widow of Main.
Father Kirby described the funeral
procession coming out of Main and
meeting far different procession,
the one following Jesus. Next was
reeounted the story of the raising of
Lazarus. Now, as Christ while on
earth brought JOY and consolation to
the distressed on earth, so their holy
religion brings joy and consolation to
the afflicted and distressed of man
kind, more especially at the hour of
death. Their religion taught them
that God was the Creator, and that
death was the punishment of sin.
Sometimes hope left them when they
thought of their sins, but their reli-
gion consoled them with the know
ledge that the second person of the
Trinity had provided salvation. 1t
told them of the penitent thief on the
cross who was saved by the dying
Jesus. Also, Of the prodigal son,
who left his fathers house, and in
that far country, if there were any
saloons there, he was to be found
in them; if any theatres, there
he would be; or, in any place where
sin was, there was to be found the
prodigal son. Yet when he had squan-
dered his share of his fathers wealth
in riotous living he went back and
was received with gladness and for
giveness. They also were left with
share of a bountiful Fathers for
tune--the priceless heritage of divine
grace, yet many squandered it in riot
Gus living and drunkenness. When,
however, their consciences rebuked
them and caused them TO make hum
BILE confession to the church, she was
ready to receive them with open arms
and grant them forgiveness for their
sins. Many of the learned pagans
of old knew nothing of the immortal
soul, which their religion taught them
how to value. Asking how could he
describe what the soul was, he gave
in illustration the story of Queen
Catherine who, on being shown pic
ture of soul, painted by a great
master, asked to be struck dead be-
fore the impression produced on her
mind should be corrupted by further
contact with the world. The soul
was that for which Jesus shed his
last drop OF blood. Father Kirby
gave an eloquent recital of the ad-
vantages for this life and the next in
devout and faithful connection with
the Holy Catholic Church. On the
other hand, those who went along
carelessly, paying no attention to the
dictates of their holy religion, would
be consigned to eternal torrents.
Let them despise no man, avoid no
man, abhor no man, except one who
would rob them of the consultations
of religion in life together with its
great rewards after death-the man
who says there is no God and throws
disrepute on religion.
Father Kirby is a finished orator,
his diction exceedingly felicitous,
and voice clear and musical. His
discourse was listened to with rapt
attention. Indeed the profound
silence that, save for his ringing
utterance, pervaded the edifice was
almost oppressive. The second dis
course by this talented visiting
clergyman will be delivered this
evening at z O'Clock.
Mass was sung at the conclusion of
last nights sermon, being beautifully
rendered bV the BROTHERS. with the