The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-27
A SEVENTY FIVE CENT
DINNERS EFFECT.
An incident Of Ingratitude Told by
Father Griffin in His Splendid
ThanksGivinQ Sermon.

HE had just partaken OF seventy-tlve
cent dinner and didn't recognize me
Thus spoke Father Griffin Of the Sacred
Heart Catholic church, yesterday morning
IN his Thanksgiving sermon, when preach
ing to his congregation q sermon 1ull o.
sweet Thanksgiving sentiment and sound
ness OF thought.
The man who had failed 10 recognize
Father Griffin had received at the priests
hands such fostering care as had saved the
nfe within him from starvation The story
- Il rare one and il is timely i'll this
season of grace
Father Griffin told in n tactful way the
story of this stranger wandering the
streets without food or money, without
friends or home seeking food and place to
lay his head, begging tor funds with which
20 reach his people, and finally ending his
journey at the rectory of the Church oil
the Sacred Heart. Father Griffin had re-
eeived the starving man into his home,
had shared with him his daily meals, haa
cared for his worn and suffering body ana
restored the man 10 health and strength
and finally, when his condl ION was such
that he could venture forth without risk,
runds were furnished sufficient 10 carry
the man TO friends. Father Griffin told
he story To hi scongrcgatlon, reminding
them that he did not desire 10 tell OF the
good work that was done either by him
self or any other person at the Tectory,
out mole to bring out before his people
The lesson which he had learned.
the streets ,hronged with men. women and
children carrying good things TO the homes
of the poor and needy, and hundreds OF
sick and lonely objects OF charity long ng
for the coming of the ministcrlng angels OF
goodness That was the picture on the
mind of Father Griffin as he walked up
Fayetteville street just after dark had
gathered on Thanksgiving eve. He was
passing prominent cafe when, to his sur
prise and pleasure he saw coming from
within the man whom he had saved from
sickness and possibly death from StarVa-
ton.
Speaking pleasantly, as IS his wont TO
do, Father Griffin addressed the man, say
| ing that he was very glad TO see h m again,
when the stranger shrugged his shoulders,
drew back from the priest and said: lex.
cusc ne, don't know you and turning
ON his heels left the minister standing
wondering what manner of man was this.
Father Griffin brought oLc before h g
hearers the lesson of this experience by
'elling his people that the one sin of in
| gratitude is so common in the world now
adays, and that while it seems TO be first
nature TO have contempt for such chaTac-
| tiers, rather should hearts be filed With
| pity for those who are lacking in apprecia-
| ton
| This one glazing offense, this single case
OF ingratitudc, held but moment of the
/ time OF Father Grffin's Thanksgiving ser
inon which was 4 beautifully drawn pic
ture of this great holiday as lived in Raj
/ igh, the work OF the Associa ed Charities
Of the orphanages, and of the children 81
this city The story of the good done by
these little ones formed for Father Grit
fin y text full OF examples OF noble efforts.
The apprecia| ion of those benefited was
such that this single exception served a
good purpose in offering IA contrast fol-
the observation of all people.