Two Addresses Part 6

FOOTNOTES:

[H] In the preceding pages, I have a.s.serted, that the Protestant Church, is unjust, in taking from the poor their portion of church property, which was left them by our charitable Catholic ancestors; nay, that it is also unjust, to exact t.i.thes from those, who do not belong to the Protestant Church of England. Now this bold a.s.sertion against the Protestant Church, certainly requires a little explanation. A law may be considered in _two_ points of view, as a law of the _land_, and as a law of _G.o.d_. Now as the law of t.i.thes in the Protestant Church, is sanctioned by act of parliament, of course the Protestant Church, is justified in exacting these t.i.thes, for it has the law of the land at _its back in this respect_. But then, the Protestant law of t.i.thes, considered in a _moral_ point of view, is certainly an unjust law. And why? Because it takes from the poor, what was _justly_ left them by our charitable ancestors, and it exacts money from the Catholics and dissenters, without doing any thing to them _in return_ for this money.

Thus you see, that the law of _man_ and the law of _G.o.d_, sometimes _contradict_ each other; and this is _often_ the case, in your scriptural Church as by law established. But is not _G.o.d_ _always_ above _man_?

Certainly; and therefore the _law_ of _G.o.d_, ought _always_ to have the preference to the _law_ of _man_. But this subject of Church t.i.thes, reminds me of the famous Dr. Hook of Leeds, who is _often writing_ against the Roman Catholic Church, but slyly _never_ condescends to _answer_ any of her replies. Now, _mark well_, I am going to prove, _even to a demonstration_, from the words of Dr. Hook, that the Roman Catholic Church, is _really_ the _true_ Church of _Christ_ in _these realms_.

Well, you will say, if you _can_ do _that_, Dr. Hook must be a _very strange_ and _inconsistent_ doctor of our Church. Really, do you know, I was just thinking the same. In the year 1832, the Somerset County Gazette informed the public, that Dr. Hook, in a sermon which he preached _before the Queen_, uttered the following _remarkable_ words: "Were all connection between church and state, at this very moment to cease, the church (that is, the Protestant Church) would remain _precisely_ as she _now_ is; that is to say, our bishops, though deprived of _temporal_ rank, would still exercise all those _spiritual_ functions which, conferred by higher than human authority, no human authority can take away; still to vacant sees they would consecrate new bishops, still ordain the clergy, still confirm the baptized, still govern the church."

Such are the famous words of Dr. Hook, in his sermon before the Queen.

Now let us see how _nicely_, they _prove_ the _Roman Catholic Church_, to be the _true_ Church of Christ in these realms. Whether this prophecy of Dr. Hook respecting the _Protestant_ Church, would be _really_ verified, were his church to be _separated_ from the state, I will not here enquire; but _this_ I will say, it has been already really verified with regard to the _Catholic_ Church _in England_. For although at the Reformation, the _Catholic_ Church was deprived of all aid from the state, although she was unjustly spoiled of those temporal riches left by her charitable children, and although the exercise of her faith, subjected her followers to the most _severe pains_ and _penalties_, (which must be for ever a disgrace to this country), still, Catholicity could not be extinguished in these kingdoms; for her bishops "_still continued_ to exercise all those _spiritual_ functions, which, conferred by _higher_ than _human_ authority, no human authority can take away, _still_, to _vacant_ sees, they consecrated new bishops, _still_ ordained the clergy, _still_ confirmed the baptized, _still_ governed the church."

And hence this _Catholic_ Church, notwithstanding all the _stormy trials_, which she has undergone _in England_, exists now, and is exactly the same in spiritual power, as she was before the time of the Reformation. If, therefore, Dr. Hook considers that _this_ would be a _mark_ of the _true_ Church of Christ, were it to be _verified_ with regard to his _Protestant_ Church, we may _justly_ infer, according to the _Doctor's_ principle, that the _Roman Catholic_ Church, is the _true_ Church _of Christ in these realms_. And why? Because the doctor's principle, has been _already really verified_, with regard to _this_ church in these kingdoms. Really, I begin to think that the _famous_ Dr.

Hook of Leeds, must be some relation to Martin Luther; for Martin, _even_ after he had left the Catholic Church, proves, in the following words, that the _Roman_ Catholic Church, was the _true_ Church of _Christ_. In his book against the Anabaptists, he makes the following _candid_ confession: "Under Papacy are many good things; yea, _everything_ that is _good_ in Christianity. I say, moreover," continues he, "under Papacy is _true_ christianity even the _very kernel_ of christianity." Here we have two doctors of the Protestant Church, leaving, _even after_ they had strained every nerve to _overturn_ this Catholic Church, we have, I repeat, these two Protestant doctors, leaving in their writings to posterity, _one_ by his line of _argumentation_, and the _other_ by his _own_ words, the most incontestible proofs that the Roman Catholic Church, is _really_ the _true_ Church of _Christ_, and that her fabric, is adorned with all the rich treasures of christianity. O how true is the declaration of the wise man! (Prov. xxi. 30,) "there is no wisdom, there is no prudence, there is no counsel against the Lord."

[I] Joseph Hume, Esq., is, or nearly I believe, the oldest member of the present House of Commons, and it may be _truly_ said, that, perhaps, no one in that House has acted with _greater_ consistency, and more _disinterested_ zeal, for the promotion of the welfare of his country. He has _always_ been a staunch advocate for reform, a patriot for the rights of the poor, and a manly defender of civil, and religious liberty _to all_. Hence, poor Dan. O'Connell, was sensible of the _distinguished_ political merits of this _great_, and consistent statesman; and hence, when an _English_ const.i.tuency rejected this worthy member from a seat in the House, Dan. _honourably_ obtained in _Ireland_ a seat for _this useful and consistent_ member. Now, I am glad to find, that the _remarks_ which I have just made, agree with the opinion of _this eminent_ statesman, _respecting the loaves and fishes of the protestant clergy_.

The following, are the words which Joseph Hume, Esq. has _just_ uttered on this subject: "but their zeal (that is, the zeal of the protestant clergy,) against the Catholics, looks to me, to originate from _fear_ of the _loaves_ and _fishes_, which they now so _largely_ enjoy for doing _little_, and in _many_ cases _nothing_ of public duty." (Joseph Hume's, Esq., letter to W. J. Cole, Esq., Lechdale, Gloucesters.h.i.+re, 24th Dec., 1850.)

[J] I cannot help relating here a circ.u.mstance (I hope it is not foreign to the purpose) that happened to one of my acquaintance. He was travelling in a coach, in which were three other respectable pa.s.sengers.

Among other subjects, the conversation (as is often the case) turned on Catholics. One of the gentlemen, immediately commenced a philippic against the Catholics, and called them idolaters, superst.i.tious, murderers, and many other _pretty_ names. My acquaintance allowed the gentleman, to pour out his abuse for some time _without interruption_, and appeared much amused by his bold a.s.sertions, and flaming descriptions of the poor _deluded_ papists. During the conversation, a person in liquor, rode up to the coach window, and began to annoy the pa.s.sengers, by his yells and impertinent behaviour. My acquaintance immediately said to the gentleman, who was telling such pretty things about the Catholics, let us have this drunken man taken up, he has murdered two or three people. The gentleman replied, "Are you, Sir, _certain_ that he _has_ murdered two or three people? Can you _prove it_? Because it would be very _unjust_ to take the man up, unless you could _prove_ the crimes which you mention." "No," answered my acquaintance, "I am not certain.

And let me ask you, if _you_ are _certain_, that all the charges, which you have just brought against the _Catholics_ are _true_? I am a Catholic, and must tell you they are _false_, and if _you_ would only follow the advice, which you have just given _me_ about this man, you would find the truth of what I say. If _you_ would not wish _me_ to accuse this man of a crime, which I am not certain he _has_ committed, I beg that _you_, for the future, will _never_ accuse the _Catholics_ of charges, which _you_ cannot _prove_ to be true, and which, if you would only take the trouble to examine, you would find to be _absolutely false_." The gentleman looked _much perplexed_, and was so ashamed of himself, that he never spoke another word until they parted. The other two gentlemen _enjoyed the joke wonderfully, and laughed most heartily_.

[K] We read of the ancient prophets, whom G.o.d sent to reform the Jews that they began their prophecies by admonis.h.i.+ng the people, that the Lord had spoken to them: "Hear, O ye heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the Lord hath spoken." Isai, c. i. v. 2. Whereas G.o.d has permitted that the doctrine of the Reformation, should have been originally announced to the world, by a man of insupportable pride, who disclaimed the authority, and doctrine of all Churches then upon the earth; who made no difficulty of acknowledging, that it was from _the devil_, he learned _one_ of the princ.i.p.al articles of the Reformation, and who might therefore, have said to his followers, "Hear, O ye heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the _devil_ hath spoken."

[L] But some will perhaps ask, why did the _first_ reformers inveigh _so much_ against _Purgatory_ and _Prayers for the dead_? Why the first reformers liked _spiritual_ commerce, _without_ duty if they could only contrive it. Now, as a remuneration for Prayers for the dead, our charitable ancestors had left certain handsome sums of money; now these reformers liked the _money_, but _not_ the _obligation_ of the Prayers; and, therefore, they inveighed _right l.u.s.tily against_ the Prayers, but took care to slyly pocket the money. But when this spiritual commerce could _not_ be carried on unless the duty was _performed_, they very kindly retained the popish practice, and thus secured the money; witness the tolling of the bell for persons _just_ dead, the churching of females, and of burying the dead. These and other are in reality the remnants of popish ceremonies, and the performance of them inspire on the _Catholic_ mind _devotional_ feelings; but by Protestants are, _in general_, looked upon very lightly, in a _spiritual_ point of view. But then take away these popish ceremonies, and off flies the fee. Will the fee for baptism be now demanded, as baptism has been _lately_ declared to be an unnecessary act of religion in the Protestant Church? Our Saviour said to His Apostles, "Go, teach all nations, _baptizing_ them," (that is, all nations,) but the Protestant Church says to her ministers, "Go teach all nations," but as to the _absolute necessity_ of baptism, our Saviour _must_ have been wrong, and, therefore, go please yourselves about it.

[M] Appendix to "Reasons why I am not a member of the Bible Society. By the Hon. Arthur Philip Percival, B.C.L. Chaplain in Ordinary to His Majesty."--Fifth Edition.

[N] Would my Lord Harewood, who _lately_ figured so conspicuously on the platform in York, as the advocate for the pure and unadulterated Word of G.o.d, without note or comment, point out to the people _the sure guide_, which they are to follow, amidst this _awful Protestant_ falsification, and mutilation of the Sacred Scriptures? The Spanish chemist (as related above) cut his master into pieces, and put the pieces into his sublimatory gla.s.s, with the hope of raising his master, to a more perfect state than he enjoyed, when G.o.d made him. Now, my Lord, from what I have said above, has not the Protestant Church, cut the Scriptures into pieces, and put them into the sublimatory gla.s.s of falsification and mutilation? but, my Lord, will she be ever able to raise them again, to as perfect a state as they were in, when G.o.d made them, or when your Protestant Church received them, from the hands of the Catholic Church? I am sure, my Lord, she will be here at _fault_.

Another remark or two, my Lord, and I have done. The man, who embraces a religious opinion from conviction, has undoubtedly the right to maintain it by argument. But truth will be his first and princ.i.p.al object, and the champion of truth, will disdain the petty artifices of subst.i.tuting a.s.sertion for truth, and misrepresentation for fact. He will never condescend to swell the crowd of idle disputants, whose ingenuity first, frames a creed for the Church of Rome, and then, after combatting a phantom of its own creation, exults in an easy and a decisive victory.

My Lord, just adopt this advice in all your _future_ observations on the creed of Catholics, and then, you will escape two ridiculous consequences; of exalting the Scriptures on the one hand, and of transgressing on the other, one of the golden precepts of that sacred volume, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." But far be it from me, my Lord, to _a.s.sert_ that you have _already done_ this. I merely wish to guard your Lords.h.i.+p, against the above ridiculous consequences. Now, as your ideas, with regard to the _Catholic_ doctrine on the Scriptures, appear to be rather vague, I will just state, in short, our doctrine on that subject. Our Saviour commanded his apostles to go and preach his gospel, and after they had done this for a certain time, he then inspired some of them to write certain books, for the fuller instruction of those persons on certain points, which they either did not perfectly understand, or of which they were ignorant. For, as the apostles were absent from these persons, (for twelve men could not be in many places at the same time,) they found it necessary to communicate by their pens, certain instructions which these persons required. Now, as what the apostles _wrote_, as well as what they _preached_, was _equally_ the inspired Word of G.o.d, the Catholic Church, afterwards, carefully collected those sacred books, which were written by some of these inspired men, gave to the whole of these sacred books thus collected, the name of the New Testament, and presented this volume to the people as the inspired Word of G.o.d, and has handed it down as such to her faithful in every age, in as perfect a manner as possible.

And in the distribution of it to her faithful in every age, she has followed the example of the apostles. For she orders her ministers to go _first_, to preach and teach the gospel to the people, and _afterwards_, for their further instruction, she puts the sacred Scriptures into the hands of the faithful. But mind, as your Protestant Reformers have _shamefully_ corrupted and mutilated the sacred Scriptures, she rejects your human and metamorphosed translations, forbids the use of your incorrect, corrupt, and mutilated translations, and puts into their hands, _well-authenticated_ copies of that sacred volume. Hence, on account of her _great anxiety_, for the distribution of _correct_, and _well-authenticated_ copies among her faithful, certain Protestants have the _audacity_ to a.s.sert, that the Catholic Church, forbids the use of the Scripture to her people, or at least, will not let them read the pure word of G.o.d without note or comment. Do I impeach the veracity of these Protestants! Of some indeed I do, but not of all. But this I will say, most of them might know better, if they would only seek information from proper sources. I hope, this short explanation of the _Catholic_ doctrine on the Scripture, will satisfy Lord Harewood, and caution him never to speak on matters, which _essentially_ concern _his neighbour's_ interest, _unless_ he _first_ perfectly understands them.

One word more, and I have done. I once heard, that a n.o.ble Lord, attending a great County Meeting, in the York Castle-yard, had achieved for himself a lasting notoriety, by declaring, that in his opinion, "the Bible ought to be read by all men, and women, and children, and _even idiots_." And scarcely had the merriment excited by this memorable burst of sound sense subsided, before his Lords.h.i.+p was heard thus resuming his exhilarating eloquence. "Yes, even by idiots. I myself have derived great advantage from that book." The effect upon the meeting was electric. The n.o.ble advocate of the unfortunate idiots, had so completely identified himself with his clients, that laughter became irresistible, and to what cla.s.s of intelligent beings, his Lords.h.i.+p belonged, most evident. I believe this is the only instance on record, of a n.o.ble Earl, establis.h.i.+ng his religious opinions, at the expense of his understanding.

[O] Here follows a long extract from Lord Tenterden's Speech, which it is unnecessary to reprint.

[P] By the fundamental rule of Protestantism, every individual, possesses the right of private judgment, and of course, is allowed to interpret the Bible, as his reason, or his feelings, suggest; and yet, _mark_ the contradiction, he is _not_ allowed, to interpret the _thirty-nine Articles_. For in the declaration prefixed to this singular code, it is said: "His Majesty, prohibits his loving subjects, the least difference from them, or putting their _own_ sense upon them; but requires them, to be taken in _their literal_, and _grammatical_ sense." Now, Dr. Paley says, that "the Thirty-nine Articles, will be found, on dissection, to contain about two hundred and forty _distinct_, and independent propositions; many of them, inconsistent with _each_ other." In fact, few of the English Clergy subscribe the articles in the literal, and grammatical sense; "and Burnet says, that in his own times, the greater part of the clergy, subscribed the Articles, _without examining them_,"

and that others do it, because they _must_ do it, _though they can hardly satisfy their consciences_, about some things in them. Dr. Balguy says, that "the Thirty-nine Articles impose upon us doctrines of dark, and ignorant ages." How just, then, must the observation of Gibbon be, "that the great body of the English Clergy, sign the Thirty-nine Articles, with a _sigh_, or a _smile_." Really, to require that men, should take these Articles, in their literal, and grammatical sense, whilst many of them, have _no literal_, or _grammatical_ sense, nay, moreover, to oblige men, to swear that they believe them, is, in my humble opinion, a violation of common sense, and of decency. In all this, there may be some degree of political wisdom, but it is surely, an act of very gross, religious inconsistency.

[Q] The name of Ireland, brings to my mind, the great O'Connell, the pride of his country, the wonder of England, and the admiration of the world. When I read the direful grievances of that ill-treated nation, I wish, for the sake of England, (which I dearly love) that those grievances had never been written, either on the pages of history, or on the records of heaven. Oh, Ireland, how thou remindest me of the sufferings of my Saviour! "a man of sorrow, and the outcast of the people." Had not _his_ divine example been continually before _thy eyes_, thou never couldst have endured thy load of miseries, of sorrows, and of persecution, and so n.o.bly have proved thy loyal allegiance to thy sovereign, even amidst a deluge of insults, and of wrongs, and of injustices, that would have maddened any other nation, into a whirlwind of fury, and revenge, and rebellion; but thou rememberedst the words of thy Saviour, "love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, and persecute you." But thy days of sufferings and of sorrow are, I hope, hastening to a close; but perhaps, the time of retribution for England has yet to come. Oh, may Heaven avert this dreadful day of reckoning for my dear country! But, Oh, Ireland, I must not forget the pride of thy heart--the great O'Connell--the much-abused and calumniated Dan. He is now, indeed, beyond this land of misery; but alas, he died a beggar! Yes, HE whom the newspapers _formerly_ held up, as a _most base knave_, a _deceiver_, and a _money-hunter_, _even he_ at last, died a beggar, for the _love_ of his country. He n.o.bly sacrificed his, from ten to fourteen thousand a year, which he was making by his profession, and in lieu, accepted the comparatively small and precarious offerings of his countrymen, every farthing of which he spent in promoting their welfare; he blasted all the patrimonial prospects of his own family, and at last, died a martyr and a beggar, for his country; and yet, there is not one English Protestant newspaper to do him common justice, by _even hinting_ at these _heroic_ actions. Oh, how justly may I address them in the severe words of the poet:

"You all did hate him once, but without cause, What cause withholds you, then, to mourn for him?

Oh, judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts!

And men have lost their reason."

But, Oh immortal Dan! their praises or censures to thee are equally worthless, for thy colossal deeds during life, and thy heroic death, have immortalized thy name. But of all thy sorrows, the _stab_ that _burst_ thy generous soul, was the "_unkindest cut of all_;" for when some of thy countrymen, whom thou hadst _raised and honoured_, wished to take into their hands the maddening weapons of injustice, revenge, and rebellion, and wished to bury thy dear country in the ruins of bloodshed and revolution, thou,

"Then rus.h.i.+ng out of doors, to be resolved, If these men so unkindly knocked, or no, Ingrat.i.tude, more strong than traitors' arms, Quite vanquished thee, then burst thy n.o.ble heart!"

On which was engraved, in vivid characters, love for thy religion, patriotism for thy country, loyal and sincere allegiance to thy Queen, and a burning desire for civil and religious liberty for all mankind. Oh, how justly may we apply to thee, the words of the poet,

"Thou art the ruins, of the n.o.blest man, That ever lived, in the tide of times."

I, formerly, like many other Englishmen, thought only very lightly of thy actions; but thy n.o.ble deeds convinced me of my _rash_ judgment; and as some little retribution, I have paid this small tribute to thy memory.

Oh, may G.o.d forgive me for my rash judgments, and may thy colossal soul rest in peace.

But can I here forget "the finest Protestant (as the immortal Dan. justly observed) that Ireland ever saw?" O no! I know indeed, some will sneer at it, and call it the voice of flattery, but in the eyes of poor Ireland, it will be regarded as a just act of grat.i.tude, to remember the liberal, the high-minded, and chivalrous n.o.bleman, the Marquis of Normanby. When this kind hearted, and enlightened statesman, first placed his foot on the sh.o.r.es of Ireland, "the cauldron" (of political discords) as Lord Plunkett had said, "was boiling over, and the polemic (religious) contest was thrown in as an ingredient." But as soon as the Marquis of Normanby, hoisted in Ireland his political flag of truth, of justice, and of honour, then the cauldron (of political discord,) gradually cooled, and the polemic (religious) contest gradually subsided, into the more congenial calm of peace, of union, and of charity. Hence, might be seen the n.o.ble Marquis of Normanby, and his charitable marchioness, gracing, and gladdening by their presence the streets of Dublin, unattended by military escorts, but _safely_ guarded, by the generous hearts, and faithful loyalty of a grateful people. To have touched even a single hair of their heads, or to have offered the least insult to these n.o.ble, and generous creatures, would have instantly brought down on the base offender, the indignation and fury of the people. There the n.o.ble Marquis, without any detriment to his political dignity, walked without guards, surrounded by the hearts of the people, an honour to England, a just representative of our most gracious, liberal, and well-beloved Queen, the idol of the people, and the saviour of Ireland. But why mention merely Ireland? His _whole_ political career, has been a consistent course of truth, of justice, and of honour. When only young, the golden prospect of Tory promotion, the inheritance of his n.o.ble father's political influence, a seat in Parliament already obtained by a Tory const.i.tuency, were all laid before him; when lo! his penetrating though youthful mind, saw that his dear country required reform, and therefore, sacrificing all the above golden prospects, he disinterestedly ranked himself, under the banner of reform. Afterwards a sinecure, but profitable office under Government, was offered him by the Whig ministry; but his political creed, was reform and consistency, and therefore, he politely declined the tempting offer. He is afterwards honoured with the government of Jamaica, and there shews himself the sincere friend of the slave, and on one occasion, generously and manfully exposed even his own life, to vindicate and obtain their just rights: and how dearly he was there beloved, the sorrowful and sincere lamentations, that bade him the last farewell, can best tell. He is honoured also, with the government of Ireland, and gradually peace, contentment, and union, begun to smile on that long agitated, and mis-ruled land. But in all his political promotions, to his honour be it remembered, that he never solicits nor asks of Government any places of office for his relations. Such has been the consistent and even tenor of his political career. Long, will the name of Normanby, be dearly cherished, in the heart of every sincere Catholic, of every grateful Irishman, and of every true English reformer; and he will be handed down to posterity, as a worthy descendant of the Mulgrave family, whose character has always been distinguished, for their acts of justice, liberality, and charity to all, _without any distinction of religious creeds_. Well then might the immortal Dan declare, that "The Marquis of Normanby, was the finest Protestant, that Ireland ever saw."