The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-04-16
FATHER HURLEY'S SERMON
Vigorous Words of Missionary Priest Inspire Large Congregation At
 St. Mary's

As a part of the mission being held
 in St. Mary's R. C., church, Pembroke
 street, strengthening, pleasing, and
 salutary address to young was deIiv-
 cred in the basement of. the .edifice
 last night by Rev. Fr. Hanley to the
 unmarried men of the parish.
 Outlining the scope of the mission,
 and forctbly presenting the necessity for proper preparation of both mind and body before actual participation,
 as a part of the general conduct of life, the reverend father discussed the many dangers and temptations which today surrounded. the young man both as a mortal and, as a member of the church.
 The menace of evil compan1onship was not alone held to apply to those who were profane or vicious, but in- eluded those lacking in religious senei- ment and whose influence tended to lessen the self-respect of the indfvid- uaL 'The man who steals your purse or your good name, or otherwise in- jures your person, steals something material said the able speaker, "bat the man who steals your self-respect and religion, destroys the soul and does an evil that will follow through all eternity" the moral being clear that all should shun bad associates
 The danger of drink was touched upon from it's effects upon those who could not remain temperate, as well as the bad associations it was likely to engender. To those whose minds were weak, it was pointed out as
 menace not only to the soul but to the health of the body while on earth The term Good Fellowship was clearly proven to be fa1lactous and d myth.
 Immortality in all it's many phases was described from it's inception in early youth to maturity of man. The temptations from association with other in factories, and upon the steet, were condemned and good companions recommended. This is not hard" said Err Hanley, 'Eas no temptation is so great that by prayer a man may not overcome it'' The example of the great St. Augustine was brought clearly forth for the young man to follow.
 The position of the parent as the head of the family and the obligation of love and respect of the child to- wards them, were clearly outlined. Though the parent may not be tn ought worthy they were held to be the representative of higher power upon earth, and the obedience and support of a child they bore due them; 1 and to the child there should never be 1 ! consideration of sin in the parent. l As an example of filiaI respect and l gratitude for having brought them to | earth, the Chinese and Japanese were | offered in contrast to the American 1 youth.
 The question of marriage was dis sussed from its effect upon the par ents, the contracting parties and the | church with the adjuration to all Toung men contemplating natrimony lot to forget their parents or to take l step beyond their means or one which would clearly jeopardize their uture salvation.
 Touching lightly upon the vacations if the individual Fr. HanIey closed lis eloquent and pleasfngly instruc- i've discourse with a recapitulation if the many forms, of temptation which should be avoided by youth, tating that the man who satisfied all lis desires, whiIns and appetites on arth thinks not of eternity, which is everlasting, but of life which is short.
 Arbitration to follow in the path which gives both length of life here, nd happiness beyond, greatly inn ressed the large Congregation.