Lectures and Sermons Volume . 1 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905 Excerpt: ...flowing from every vein. It was the sympathy of Ireland's music--the strong, tender sympathy of her bards--that sustained the national spirit, even when all around seemed hopeless. The first great passage in our history, as recorded by Ireland's poet, and by him attuned to a sweet ancient melody, describes the landing of the Milesians in Ireland. It was many centuries before Christianity beamed upon the land. An ancient Druidical prophecy foretold that the sons of a certain chief called Gadelius were to inherit a beautiful island in the West. This became a dream of hope to him and to his sons; so, at last, they resolved to seek this island of "Innisfail." And, as the poet so beautifully expresses it--"They came from a land beyond the sea And now, o'er the Western main, Set sail, in their good ships, gallantly, From the sunny land of Spain. 'Oh where's the isle we've seen in dreams f Our destined home or grave, '--Thus snng they, as, by the morning's beams. They swept the Atlantic wave. "And lo, where afar o'er ocean shines A sparkle of radiant green, As though in that deep lay emerald mines. Whose light through the waves was seen. "Tis Inntsfail --'tis Innisfail ' Rings o'er the echoing sea, While, bending to Heaven, tne warriors hail The home of the brave and free " For many years after their landing, the Milesians labored to make Ireland a great country, and they succeeded. But the brightest light of all had not yet beamed upon us; the light of Christianity was not yet upon the land. Yet many indications foretold its coming; and, amongst others, there is one, commemorated in ancient tradition and ancient song, which the poet has rendered into the language of our day. We are told that, years before Ireland became Catholic, the...