The bishops bowed first to the altar, secondly to the consul, and lastly to the cardinal. This was remarked by the public; as, under the monarchy, the representative of the pope was permitted to receive this homage before the sovereign of the country. The oath settled by the _concordat_ having been taken by the clergy, high mass was instantly said. At the conclusion of this ceremony, M. _de Boisgelin_, formerly archbishop of Aix, lately named archbishop of Tours, ascended the pulpit, and delivered a discourse appropriate to the occasion. I regretted much, that the distance at which I was placed was so great, that it was impossible for me to hear the venerable preacher, who excited no little curiosity, from the singularity of his situation. He is the same man, who, at the “_sacre_” or coronation, of Lewis XVI, preached before that unfortunate monarch. His sermon will, no doubt, be published in the “moniteur,” where you will have an opportunity of seeing it. It was the custom formerly on these occasions, for the bishop, in beginning his discourse, to address himself to the king. A similar form was observed to day, and the expression of “_sire_” was exchanged for that of “_citoyen premier consul_.” After the sermon, “Te Deum” was chanted. All the band of the opera house was employed, and _Lais_ and _madame Bolla_ supplied the vocal parts. The effect was fine, yet, comparatively, very inferiour to our musical meetings in Westminster abbey. I heard some _connoisseurs_ object to the air, as not sufficiently grave or dignified for the subject which it was intended to celebrate. As I am totally ignorant of music, I can form no judgment as to the justice of the criticism. The church was immensely full. The aisle was filled with the military, the different uniforms of which had a splendid effect. Behind the consuls sat the ambassadors, the ministers, and the generals. In a box above, at the entrance of the chapel, was placed madame Bonaparte, accompanied by her daughter and some other ladies. On the other side was a similar box, appropriate to the use of the ladies of the “corps diplomatique.” The two galleries or choirs, which surround the church, were divided into an orchestra for the music, seats for the different constituted authorities, and places for such individuals as were favoured with tickets. In the latter were of course seen all the persons at Paris most distinguished for situation, talent, or beauty. The _coup d’œil_ altogether was very striking. The procession returned with the same ceremony as that in which it arrived; and all the streets of Paris were lined with spectators. A discharge of sixty cannon was heard at the departure of the first consul from the Thuilleries; and his arrival at the church, and his return to the palace, were announced in the same manner.