A Noble Priest; Joseph Salzmann, D.D., Founder of the Salesianum

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1903. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIV SELECTIONS FROM SALZMANN'S SERMONS Soon after Salzmann's demise some of his friends and admirers expressed the desire to possess a picture of him as he appeared in the pulpit. I consider this wish very natural and well founded; for great as he was in his life and labors, he was a very striking figure especially on the pulpit. The rapt enthusiasm that was characteristic of him through life, we see to the best advantage when he stands in the pulpit, to announce the Gospel of salvation. Here he was in his element. Though just before ascending the pulpit, he might be oppressed with heavy cares and distracted by the most painful and contradictory emotions, the moment he stood there, clad in the vestments of his priestly office, he was removed, as it were, to another region, far above the sordid cares of daily life, carried thither on the wings of his holy enthusiasm and zeal for truth. As the mountains of his native land bathe their summits in the light of the sun, while dark and stormy clouds hover over the lowlands, and there emit their menacing streaks of lightning; thus Salzmann, in these hours of exaltation, breaking away from life's benighting cares, fairly plunged into the refreshing light of eternal Truth. Though we have taken occasion in the preceding chapters to speak of Salzmann's ability as a preacher, we are loath to close this sketch of his life without adding a special chapter devoted to this phase of his priestly labors. We shall offer a few selections, a fragrant bunch of oratorical blossoms, from the many sermons he preached during his thirty-one years in the priesthood. If these selections will but recall pleasant memories of the days of yore, and bring before the mind's eye of those who were so fortunate as to listen to Salzmann's disc...