. « I " f: T « ■ -t HISTOEY or THB PONTIFICATE AND CAPTIVITY PIUS THK SIXTH. TOGFrraER WITH A GLAXCE AT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. from tie Jf.tntt) BT MISS K***TH, A GRADUATE OP ST. JOSEPH’S, NEAR EMMITT8BURG, MD. NEW EDITION EEVISED & CORRECTED Nifo gork: P. O’SHEA, 27 BARCLAY STREET. BOSTON COLLEGE LIBEAR^ CHESTNUT HILL, MASS. J3t8 H Ma, 20578 lO fflE YOUNG LADIES OE ST. JOSEPH’S, NIAB BMMITTSBUBO. MD., HlittU 'Folumt 18 BESPSCTrVLLT DEDIOATBD VT THE TRANSLATOR. ^ V; . . w *>!' , -^V^’ ‘ - ' . r .jo _ -Zi:= :.::r.n- '1 •'■ '^ ^% propose to the minister of the Fi-ench Eepub- lie, to watch with him in the interior of the mansion of the Pope, and to name all the persons who should compose the guard. The Directory was not yet satisfied. The French Government ordered the Grand Duke of Tuscany to cause this dangerous guest to withdraw from his states. The prince, al- though he felt perfectly his dependance on the French Government, boldly replied to his commissaries — “ I did not desire to have the Pope in my dominions ; it is you who have given him to me. If you desire that His Holiness leave Tuscany, I will have all neces- sary preparations made; but France must take upon herself the inhumanity of the act : I have not the heart to drive him from my dominions.” However jtist, however reasonable the re- sponse, the Directory remained unsatisfied. They informed the Grand Duke that if he did not cause the Pope to leave Tuscany, CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 125 he should be held responsible for all the difficulties that his presence might cause to Eome. The Court of Tuscany, unable to resist these demands, was reduced to concert with the Court of Vienna. The Marquis Manfre- dini made a journey to the Austrian capital, for the express purpose of seeking a retreat for the Pope in the dominions of the Em- peror. The Monastery of Mo^lk, near the Danube, had already been chosen as an asy- lum for Pius YL, when unexpected circum- stances arrested the execution of the plan. They thought to pass through Spain ; but the King declared that he could receive them only on certain conditions, which, it was thought, better not to accept. “If he has the strength to say Mass,” said his enemies, “ he is sufficiently strong to bear transporta- tion.” Orders for his transportation arrived often, but the Grand Duke interceded with the 11 ^ 126 PONTIFICATE AND French commissioners in favor of the illus- trious captive. He made known to them the opinion of the physicians, who demonstrated the utter impracticability of the project, un- less they desired that the Pope should die at sea. The Directory was at last obliged to yield. At this epoch of his exile in Tuscany, the Pope received from several crowned heads and many eminent personages, letters ex- pressive of the most respectful affection. The French Bishops — ^refugees in England — addressed to him a most touching letter, in which they gave proofs of their unbounded respect and attachment. They were aston- ished that the sacred majesty of the Vicar of Jesus Christ, which had formerly arrested the ferocity of Attila, had not served as a barrier to the French republicans: that men who, in their infancy, had been nourished by the mild principles of religion, should show themselves CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 127 more ferocious than the untutored savage, a stranger to all civilization. Under the weight of so many evils,” said they, in conclusion, “we have, Holy Father, a lively faith that sustains our courage. The Catholic faith teaches us that the Holy See ma}^ be agitated by the waves of human pas- sion, but never overthrown. It will always find on earth a Pontiff, legitimate successor of him to whom it has been said — ‘ Thou art Peter,’ ” etc. The Pope replied to this letter of .the French Bishops, from which we will present several passages. “If our misfortunes cause you so much grief, the tender interest that you manifest for us merits, without doubt our gratitude; but we conjure you, with the Apostle, not to mourn for us, and not to lose courage in our tribulation ; for, whatever misfortunes we may endure. Will it be possible for our soul to succumb to sadness, when we are aware that nothing can procure us so much glory as these same sufferings, by which we are assailed by God’s holy permission ? 128 PONTIFICATE AND “ Should the hand of God appear to punish ns severely, what more glorious for us than this tribulation? We are but justly chastised for our sins ; by this chastisement we know that we are loved of God, He wishes to prove our faith and perseverance. Thanks to these trials, we can, all unworthy as we are, flatter ourself that we are pleasing to the Lord ; for we read, As gold is tried by the fire, so men beloved of God are proved in the furnace of tribulation. “We desire to endure not only tribulation but extreme sufferings, provided it be for Jesus and for justice.^^ If the Directory had been moved by the representations made from different quarters, of the inhumanity of exposing an octogena- rian to the fatigues of a sea voyage, it had not abandoned the project of transportation. On the evening of the I8th of March, 1799, a courier extraordinary arrived in Florence, dispatched by the minister of the Grand Duke in the French Eepublic. He informed tne prince that Talleyrand, then minister of for- eign affairs in France, commanded the Grand CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 129 Duke to conduct the Holy Father away from Tuscany. The following day Odescalchi was, at an early hour, sent to the palace, where he received the announcement of the inexor- able dispatch. The nuncio was sent to the prince, who replied that he should take no measures to force His Holiness to withdraw from his states, though he had not the means of resist- ing the formidable power that commanded him to give no longer to the Pope an asylum in his dominions. “ If the French should come,^^ said he, ‘‘ all will be lost. Tuscany, hitherto preserved, and so many times threatened with invasions, will become a prey to the revo- lutions, religious and political, which have desolated all the countries that have submit- ted to the republican regime. Every thing will be in confusion, and our Holy Father will find himself in no better position than at present. Monsieur Nuncio, though plunged in the most cruel anxiety, I will refer the 130 PONTIFICATE AND matter to His Holiness, and abide by his de- cision.’^ The next day, at an early hour, the Nuncio presented himself at Chartreuse.- Pius YI. had just finished his thanksgivings after holy communion. “Holy Father,” said the Nun- cio, “ a new misfortune awaits you.” “ God’s will be done,” said the Pope. Then he de- sired his minister to conceal nothing from him. When informed, he replied with sere- nity and dignity, “We are prepared for all things. Every precaution has been taken to preserve life. We adore in this lengthy per- secution, the secret dispensation of Provi- dence. May the will of God, in our regard, be accomplished. Convey to the Grand Duke our gratitude for his hospitality and kindness since our residence here. Say to him that if France seeks to find, in our abode in Tus- cany, a pretext for invading his states, that pretext shall fail her; for we are ready, quite read}^ to depart, rather than furnish the CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. i31 shadow of a cause for the invasion of these dominions, the oppression of these devoted people, and the ruin of their religion.” He then ordered Odescalchi to engage a ship, to hire post horses ; and it was only at the moment of departure, that a contrary order arrived from the French Minister at Florence. On the 25 th of March the French presented themselves at the gates of Vienna, and made their entrance two hours after mid-day. On the morning of the 26 th, a detachment of cavalry and infantry presented themselves at Chartreuse. “ The Pope sleeps,” said one to the chie^ who desired to speak with him. ‘^He must be awakened,” said he; “he sleeps too late.” They informed the Pope, who had the chief admitted immediately. “I have with me,” said the latter, “a detach- ment of soldiers, who are to occupy this dwelling; but entertain no fear: these meas* 132 PONTIFICATE AND ures are only taken for the safety of your person.'^ “ It is well,” replied the Pope. The next day the Holy Father learned that the Duke of Tuscany and family had been taken to Bologna, under a French escort. After this he received a visit from the chief of the brigade, who, without farther pream- ble, announced that he had been directed to transport His Holiness to Parma, and that the journey must be commenced without delay. ‘‘ To Parma? I am content,” replied Pius VI. The hour of departure was fixed for four in the morning, but afterwards changed to two. The venerable Pontiff rose at one, assisted at the Holy Sacrifice, and then received the religious, who came like faithful children, to pay their last respects to the common father of the faithful. Pius VI. offered them his hand to kiss, thanked them affectionately for their benevolent hospitality, and bestowed upon them his benediction. CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. xSS His infirmities had progressed frightfully ; his limbs were motionless, and a portion of his body was entirely paralyzed. His attend- ants carried him in a chair to the carriage; but as the door was very straight and nar- row, it was impossible for him to enter. Two of the grooms then entered the carriage, when by raising the Pope by his arms, and with the assistance of the domestics, they effected his entrance. The witnesses of this sad spectacle were deeply moved. The French captain could no longer bear so mournful a sight, and de- sired that he should be informed when every thing was in readiness. An ocular witness informs us that several of the F rench military were moved to tears. The carriage left Char- treuse at near three o’clock. They traveled slowly to avoid jolting; but notwithstanding this precaution, when they arrived at Maschea, two leagues from Florence, the Pope was in. a most alarming condition. He was lifted 12 134 PONTIFICATE AND from the carriage and taken to a small inn, which caused him as much pain as when he was placed in the vehicle on a former occa- sion. The Holy Father seemed ready to breathe his last. Mongen believed that soon his surveillance would extend to but a corpse ; God, who wished to give an example of lon- ganimity and patience, permitted that a day of rest, with a little nourishment, should re- store slightly the strength of the dying old man. The journey was recommenced on the 29th. On passing the Appenines, which were covered with snow, the Holy Pontiff became delirious. He raved of rivers, the waves of the sea, and of vessels ready to sail. The Prelates who were with him were obliged to place theii hands on his breast to prevent his falling on them. Seeing the deplorable situation of the Pon- tiff, Mongen had insisted on a little delay. But news unfavorable to the French had ar- CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 135 rived, and they resumed their journey the next day to Modena. Crowds of peasants met them, and notwithstanding the rain and mud, these faithful souls knelt to beg the benediction of the venerable Pontiff’. At the gates of Modena several ill-mannered men addressed insulting words to His Holiness. It was the first time that this kind of outrage had been inflicted on Pius YI. After the example of his Divine Master, he suffered this humiliation in silence. But Mongen, quite indignant at such shameful conduct, drew his sabre and dispersed them. From Modena they proceeded immediately to Parma, where the Pope was received into the monastery of St. John the Evangelist. During the passage multitudes implored the pontifical benediction ; but such was the ex- treme state of weakness of Pius YI., that he could not raise his arms to bless these good people. April 2, the Duke of Parma came to visit .36 PONTIFICATE AND the august exile. On entering the apartment he prostrated himself at the feet of the Holy Pontiff, and performed the same act of reve- rence on leaving. His example was followed by the envoy of Spain and the Parmian offi- cers. The Captain, Mongen, was present: he seemed deeply affected, and undecided what part to act. Pius VI. perceived the constraint of the French officer. He cast a mild and beneficent glance on him that penetrated his soul. Mongen could no longer resist: he fell at the feet of the Holy Pontiff, and pros- trated himself three distinct times. The Pope was profoundly affected by the circumstance, and wishing to show his particular affection for the officer who had manifested for himself so much respect, he bought for him a magni- ficent horse, which he presented to him. On the 13th of April, Mongen, who had returned from Florence, reappeared at Parma at an early hour. He appeared impatient and CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 137 bewildered. He entered the chamber of Mon- seigneur Spina, and informed him of the order he had received from the General-in-Chief himself, to remove the Pope immediately from Parma to Turin. He had remonstrated with the Chief, but to no purpose. None dared disturb the repose of His Holiness to com- municate this sad news. On his awaking, they mentioned not Mongen, but only in- formed him that the French authorities wished his removal, that he might dwell in a more peaceful territory, and not in the theatre of war. Notwithstanding these precautions, the Holy Father received a severe shock from this announcement. He remained silent for some time, then he said in a dying voice, that he could not depart. Monseigneur Spina repaired to the Duke, to expose to him the state of things, and to beg his intercession in favor of the Holy Father, to obtain a delay of a few days. The prince, for his reply, 138 PONTIFICATE AND showed him the injunctions of the French, and the menaces that accompanied them. The inhabitants of Parma now learned that the French wished to remove the Pope, sick and suffering. The streets were soon crowded with an excited and irritated multitude. Mon- gen, on entering the convent, inquired if all was ready for departure. He received for reply that the Prelates and domestics were ready to depart, but that the Holy Father, overcome by illness, was unable to leave hia bed. Mon gen replied that he acted, not on his own authority, and that he must obey the orders of his General ; but that they should call in the most eminent physicians, and that they should decide whether the Pope could bear the removal. The physicians entered the chamber with Mongen. The Pope was grievously ill. The better to judge of the exhaustion of the ilbis- trious patient, they raised the bed-clothes, and discovered a body so thin and attenuated CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 139 that they decided that he could not, without peril, be removed to another apartment. Mongen demanded a written declaration from the physicians, and promised to return to Florence to get the order of the chief re- voked. This officer, in the exercise of his duties towards the Pope, had heretofore given evidence of a noble character; but whether he had been reproached for his conduct, or whether he had unwise counsellors in Flo* rence, or from some other cause, evil passions now gained the ascendancy in his heart, and it was only at rare intervals that he showed himself conciliating and polite. He commenced by exacting a sum of money for the expenses of his journey to Florence. When that had been remitted him, he con eluded that he would not perform the journey, and on the 14th of April, he announced that the Pope would certainly depart the next day. He threatened the minister of the Duke with severe consequences if the Pope were detained 140 PONTIFICATE AND u day longer. This minister, frightened at the state of things, made known to the Pon- tiff the calamities that would fall on the do- minions of the Duke, if he afforded any asylum to His Holiness any longer. “ It is enough. Monsieur,’’ said the Pope, who had recovered a little strength ; “ please God, we will not be the cause of disturbance to your prince or to his people. Whatever happens, we will depart, and all that we ask is that God’s holy will be accomplished.” The next morning, before day. Mongen ordered that the holy Pontiff should be awak- ened. He uttered no complaint, heard Mass, and departed. Mongen demanded an escort from the Duke, but the latter had not a single cavalier., Bonaparte having exacted that he should furnish seventeen hundred horsemen to the French army. The conduct of the Duke did not give rise to much satisfaction. As he was extremely easy of access, a -religious, celebrated for his CAPTIVITY- OF PIUS VI. 141 many virtues and great piety, humbly pre- sented his observations on the conduct of the Government under these circumstances. Fer- dinand excused himself on account of the disasters that might ensue. “Eoyal High- ness,” said the religious, ‘Hhe Jews employed the same argument, when they deliberated on the measures to be taken in regard to Jesus Christ. They said, the Eomans will come and destroy our city and our nation. They feared to lose their temporal power, and thought not of their eternal life ; and accord- ing to St. Augustine, they lost both the one and the other. Ferdinand was too good to be offended at this admonition, but he needed the courage to follow this heroic advice. \ ’■ / ■ I n. On the 15th of April, they directed their eteps towards Placentia. The Holy Father was lodged in the College of St. Lazarus, about two miles from the city. The Trabia was considerabiy swollen by the rain of the preceding day, and there was imminent dan- ger in crossing it ; but Mongen would listen to no entreaties, and gave orders for depart- ure on the following day. They were not permitted to enter Placentia; the gates of the city were closed, and they were compelled to proceed by miserable roads. The inhabi- tants, from the walls, anxiously demanded the apostolic benediction. Not far from the city, they encountered a band of French hus- sars. As soon as they perceived that the carriages contained the Pope and his suite. 144 PONTIFICATE AND they commenced to laugh, and grossly in- sulted His Holiness. The companions of thn illustrious exile were indignant ; he alone re mained unmoved. All at once they encountered an aide-de camp, who had concerted measures with Mongen, who caused the carriages to turn back. They retraced their steps, to regain the College of St. Lazarus. The captain wished to avoid Placentia, but the inhabi- tants opposed it. The boldest among them seized the bridles of the horses and led them I through Placentia, notwithstanding the men- aces of Mongen. Pius VI. interposed to calm the multitude. Soon after, the hussars, to whom the com- mand of the college had been confided, ar- rived. Pastor, who commanded, repaired immediately with Mongen to the chamber of the Prelates. Pastor declared that they must set out for Piedmont, as he was charged with the strict execution of this order. CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 145 Evening arrived, and still the Trabia could not be crossed without almost certain danger of perishing. The Pope was exceedingly fatigued. The Prelates, having vainly re- monstrated, exclaimed, with one voice, “ Gen- tlemen officers, right is on our side ; strength on yours. If you are determined to employ violence, order your soldiers to drag the Pope from his bed, and dispose, according to your liking, of the life of an old man, re- duced to the last extremity by afflictions and infirmities.” Pastor preserved silence. Mongen appear- ed frightened; he replied that he would first assure himself whether the passage of the Trabia were possible. Towards eleven at night, the two officers returned, saying that the waters were subsiding, and if no more rain fell, the passage could be attempted by twelve. In two hours they commenced the journey*. Mongen, Pastor and six hussars formed the 13 146 PONTIFICATE AND escort. The Prelates feared insulting con- duct on the part of the latter; but wher they witnessed the sufferings of the Holy Father, his patience and resignation, better sentiments prevailed, and during the remain- der of the journey, they showed themselves respectful and compassionate. At sunrise they reached the borders of the Trabia. The waters were still badly swollen. One of the carriages was overturned in the water, and they had much difficulty to re- cover it ; one horse was drowned. The ven- erable Pontiff at length reached the opposite shore. It took two hours to effect the pas- sage. The Prelates desired to make a short stay at Voghera, that the Pope might take a little repose. On application to Mongen, he re- plied that he should conform to the orders he had received. The commanding officer at Voghera received the Pope with honor, and CAPriVITY OF PIUS VI. 147 made him an address ; but ILis Holiness was so enfeebled that he could not respond. This officer knew that repose was necessary to the Pontiff, and although his instructions authorized but a few hours’ sojourn, he per- mitted him to remain until the next day. At Tortona, the commanding officer was inflexi- ble. He wished them to cross a stream that all agreed was not fordable. The inhabitants rose to prevent the departure of the Pope ; but the mob was suppressed, and His Holi- ness was exposed anew to peril. “We are in the hands of God,” said the Holy Father, “and nothing can happen without His per- mission.” On crossing the stream, the water flowed into the carriage, but no accident hap- pened. At Alexandria, he was kindly received, and a delay granted in the journey by the commanding officer ; at Casal, the same course of conduct on the part of the people and the 148 PONTIFICATE AND authorities. In the evening, a young man named Colas arrived, charged with the con- duct of the Pope. Mongen continued his journey to Turin. At Trino, all honors were rendered to the Pope. The hussars here took leave of him, after having received proofs of his libe- rality. The holy Pontiff was but a few miles from Turin. The inhabitants poured out to meet him by thousands ; so that Grouchy, uneasy at this manifestation, ordered that they should not enter the city until night-fall. The Pope was now reduced to a most alarming state. Several times his attendants thought he had ceased to breathe ; he swooned often and lost all consciousness, and fell in the arms of those in the carriage. A troop of disrespectful soldiers and women sur- rounded the carriage when they had entered the citadel ; it was necessary to disperse them before Pius VI. could be placed on his bed. CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 149 Scarcely had he been placed thereon, when a lawyer came to announce that the Direc- tory had decided that he should depart on the following day. This lawj^er ridiculously called the Holy Father the Citizen Pope. / Grouchy, however, allowed him a day^s rest. Early next morning, Pius VI. was awakened, to place himself anew in the hands of his enemies. At the first station, he was told that Car- dinal Gerdil, whom he tenderly loved, had solicited the happiness of seeing him. The heart of His Holiness was gladdened for a while, at the thought of meeting this beloved friend. “Has Cardinal Gerdil arrived?” in- quired he, several times. At length they were forced to inform him that the Cardinal had been prevented from presenting himself. Pius VI. uttered not a word, but raised his eyes to heaven, as if to offer up this new sa- crifice. At Suza, the Commissary, Colas, an- 13 * 150 PONTIFICATE AND nounced that his mission was at an end, and that the Pope was to be transported, not to Grenoble, as he had announced at Turin, but to Brian con. They now procured for Pius VI. a sedan chair, to be borne by six men. The weather was excessively cold. One of the mule-dri- vers presented the Pope with a pair of over- shoes, and an officer offered him his cloak. The caravan marched with difficulty through the snow and ice, and reached at last, without accident, the presbytery of Oulx, where the Pope remained till the roads could be cleared from the snow, that rendered them impas- sable. The route was recommenced. Mount Ge- n^vie appeared perfectly perpendicular; it was impossible to ascend it on horseback. It required all their strength and agility to as- cend the mount, bearing the sedan of the Holy Father. At length the Holy Father gained the French territory, where, for eight CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 151 years, a desolating war had been waged against religion ; and the poor village of Ge- nfevie presented the sad spectacle of a desC' crated church, deprived of its cross. Briancon could offer but a fatal abode. ‘‘ I know,” said the Cardinal Pacca, in his memoirs, “how painful to a Eussian, or a Pole, to be exiled to Tobolsk or Kamtschat- ka. I also know that an abode among the cold and inhospitable Alps can be contempla- ted only with terror by those who are accus- tomed to the mild temperature of southern Italy.” Snow prevails during nearly all the year at Briancon. The apartment of the Holy Father was in a most desolate condition ; the chimneys were in such a state that the snow and rain poured down them. The Pope was placed under the surveillance of a man — by name Berard — a vicious revolutionist. The commanding officer of Briancon wish- ed to ameliorate the sad lot of the Sovereign 152 PONTIFICATE, ETC. Pontiff; but Berard threatened to denounce him, if he undertook the defence of the pris- oner ; he even interdicted all communication between the wife of this officer and the Pope or Prelates. vn. The Austro-Eussian army had penetrated Italy, and gained great advantages. It was reported that the delivery of the Pope was at hand. The Commissary, Berard, fearing that his prey might escape, wrote to General Mul- ler to solicit the transportation of the Pontiff into the interior of the kingdom. A military courier arrived shortly after, and ordered that in case Pius VI. was unable to travel, he should remain at Briancon, and his suite should proceed immediately to Gre- noble. The Pope remained silent a few moments, and then repeated his favorite expression; “We wish but to conform to the will of God. I am ready,” said he, “ to depart with my ecclesiastics.” A delay of five days was 153 154 PONTIFICATE AND sued for, to make preparations for the jour- ney, and to procure carriages, as there was not one to be found in Briancon. “ Car- riages exclaimed Berard, “ a cart will be good enough for the Pope; and as for the rest, have they not feet to walk Unwilling longer to yield to the fury of Berard, the commander granted a delay. Men and women became indignant at such brutal conduct, and the Prelates themselves had to labor strenuously to calm the pop- ulace. June 7th, a new courier, dispatched by Muller, gave orders that the Pope must re- main at Briancon alone, and that his suite must depart immediately. The Holy Father addressed him a note, through Cardinal Spina. He recalled the agreements entered into on his departure from Rome, renewed at Florence and Turin ; the passports signed by Eeinhard and Grou- chy ; the promises made him, that he should CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 155 have near him persons of his own selection : he announced that the Prelates who formed his suite were disposed to submit to the most severe measures, and even to imprisonment, provided they could communicate with the Sovereign Pontiff, and render him those ser- vices that his asre and infirmities rendered ne- O cessary. The letter terminated thus : “ I draw near to the close of my earthly exist- ence. I desire to be assisted in my last mo- ments by the ministers of the Holy Church, of which God has placed me at the head.^’ Muller was inflexible. They at last plead that a single ecclesiastic should be allowed to remain with His Holiness. The choice fell on Father Fantini, confessor of Pius VI., a •venerable and excellent religious. The evening before their departure, all the Prelates came to present their homage. When the august Pontiff beheld them at his feet, he said to them : “ Go in peace ; go in the name of God He will be your guide and proteo 156 PONTIFICATE AND tion. I hope that we will soon be united/’ He raised his trembling hands and blessed them three times. He afterwards granted to the ecclesiastics all the power usually granted by the Holy See in those places where the Church is per- secuted. He created Monseigneur Spina Apostolic Delegate, and conferred on him ab- solute authority. The Prelates departed, with an escort of three officers and fourteen cavaliers. At Em- brun, it soon became known that the ecclesi- astics had arrived, and a crowd surrounded the inn. The landlord distinguished himself by his affability. Shortly after, the muni- cipal corps presented themselves to compli- ment the Prelates. The chief then men- tioned that it had been decided that they should be lodged with the most wealthy and influential families in the village. Monseig- neur Spina thanked the municipality for the benevolent offer, but said that his colleagues CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 157 did not wish to be a burden to the village ; and that now they particularly desired to re- main at the inn, as the landlord had shown himself so polite and respectful in their re- gard, and had prepared for them the neces- sary apartments. “ You will not accept, then said the mu- nicipal officer. The landlord replied that he would throw up his interest and satisfaction in favor of these worthy people. The families designed to receive these ex- iled priests gave them a hearty welcome; each family esteemed itself happy in enter- taining one of these Confessors of the Faith, and employed solicitations and even presents to obtain this favor. They received their benediction on bended knee, and recommded themselves to their prayers. In vain the ec- clesiastics, confused by so many marks of respect, told them that they did not merit such veneration, but that such honors be- longed to the Vicar of Jesus Christ. 153 PONTIFICATE AND At Gap, the same reception awaited them. At Grenoble, their sentinels became more se- vere ; they were confined as prisoners in the inn ; and to prevent all communication with the interior, redoubled vigilance was used. The order then arrived, that these afflicted Prelates should proceed to Dijou. The En- voy of Spain, Senor Labrador, endeavored to change this determination, and showed great zeal in furnishing these unfortunate travelers with as much money as they needed. Notwithstanding all the care taken by the police to prevent an interview between the inhabitants and the prisoners confined in the inn, several ladies in Grenoble evaded the vigilance of the sentinels. We will quote a few words from the interesting recital, made by Monseigneur Baldassari, who was one of the proscribed : “ Several of them, in order to visit us, dis- guised and loaded themselves with vegeta- bles, fruits and flowers, made their way to CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 159 the inn, where they not only presented the landlord with their merchandize, but paid him generously to be allowed to act as wait- ers at our table. Each day, three or four ladies presented themselves to fill this sta- tion. “We admired their modest mein, and re- marking that they changed daily, we could not comprehend how, in so small an inn, there could be found so many waiters, and of such distinguished manners. The mystery was soon disclosed. One day, one of the ladies came to wait on us, a dish and plate in hand. She remained immovable ; she raised her eyes to heaven, and then turned them on us, and then lowered them. One of the offi- cers, observing this, inquired what great af- fair preoccupied her mind. ‘I revere the Pope,’ said she, ‘as the Vicar of Jesus Christ ; I regard these gentlemen as succes- sors of the disciples of Jesus our Saviour.’ Then elevating her voice, ‘How long,” said she, ‘ will it be in the power of the impious to oppress justice and innocence? When will they cease to call this an enlightened age, and boast of our country as one in which the rights of men are guarded? When wiil they cease to trample on the sacred rights of na- ture and humanity ?’ The officer, who had provoked this reply, was at first silent, but 160 PONTIFICATE AND seeing that she continued in the same tone, said, with an authoritative air, ‘Madam, it belongs not to you to decide on matters of this kind. Out of respect to your sex, I will endeavor to conceal the fault you have com- mitted ; but learn to respect the government, and not censure its acts ; and now leave this apartment^ and be seen here no more.’ “ The noble lady retired in silence, and the good humor of the officer soon returned. Nevertheless, the landlord received a severe reprimand, and the surveillance became still more rigorous.” The situation of the Pope became more mournful. He spoke but seldom, and found consolation in nothing but prayer. Notwith- standing, they wished him to journey on again, and it was with difficulty that a delay was granted, until a carriage could be sent for him. General Muller ordered that a phy- sician of Grenoble should accompany the Pope, But the inhumanity of Berard, and a com- missary from Gap, put an end to these mat- ters. The latter had scarcely arrived at CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 161 BriancoQ when he sent an envoy to say, that if Pius VI. refused to depart, he should be dragged from his bed. In vain the physician of the hospital gave a certificate saying, that the Pope was reduced to such a state that to force him to resume his journey would com- promise his life. “ That,” replied the com- missary, ‘‘ is one of their usual impostures ; the day after to-morrow, he shall depart, dead or alive !” In truth, on the day named — ^June 27, 1799 — the Holy Father was transported to the gates of the city. They placed him on a cart. Father Fantini at his side, and at his back two domestics, to hold him. The mili- tary were called out to put a check on the people, who murmured loudly at the Pope’s departure. His Holiness was no longer conscious, and Father Fantini was obliged to yield his place to a domestic, young and strong, who could support the agonized Pope* 14 # 162 PONTIFICATE AND The inhuman Commissary did not wish him to enter Embrun; but the population, coming out to meet him in numbers, he dared not resist their entreaties. The Holy Father had recovered his consciousness. It was the 29th of June, the festival of SS. Peter and Paul. The Holy Father desired that the Holy Sacrifice should be offered ; btit they dared not comply with his request for fear of irritating still more the Commissary, who could not endure any thing pertaining to re- ligion. They now encountered the carriages that had been sent from Grenoble with Doctor Duchadoz. The Doctor, a mild and consid- erate man, arrested the cart in which the Pope was, and seemed alarmed at the languid state in which he found the Pontiff. He was carefully conducted as far as Gap ; and the Doctor there decided that it would be impos- sible for His Holiness to continue his journey until the 2d of July. CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 163 July 1st found Pius YL much better. Such a change, the Doctor said, was almost mira- culous. A noble and pious lady of Grenoble, the Marchioness of Yaux, had solicited and ob- tained the favor of receiving the Sovereign Pontiff He arrived there July 6th, followed by an immense concourse of people. At the foot of the stairs that led to his apartments, the Holy Father found the faith- ful companions of his exile. On perceiving them a sweet smile animated his countenance. Raising his eyes to heaven, and joining his trembling hands, he thanked God for this reunion. The Marchioness de Yaux, who received the Holy Father, was much agitated. “ Ah,” said she, “ I am not worthy to receive in my house the Yicar of Jesus Christ. How shall I return thanks for the insetimable favor granted me ?” The Commissary of the department pro- 164 PONTIFICATE AND menaded through the Pope^s apartmeutis with hat on. He approached Pius VI. with head uncovered, and addressed to him a few words ; then replacing his hat, continued his prome- nade. The Holy Father inquired the name of the lady that had received him, and was informed that he had seen Madame de Vaux. He desired to see her. She returned imme- diately, and fell at the feet of the Pontiff, which she bathed with her tears, without being able to utter a word. Below stairs a vast assemblage demanded the happiness of seeing the Pope. The Com- missary, troubled by this excitement, lowered the curtains of the apartment ; but the irri- tated multitude cried out, “ Away with the Commissary ; •we wish to see the Pope.^’ The Commissary was advised, in order to calm the excitement, to transport the Pope, for a few minutes, to the balcony. He agreed to the proposition, cursing what he called their fanaticism. CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 165 Pius VL was habited in his white semer and red mantle. The Commissary, with hat on, stood near him. The immense crowd im- plored his benediction. It was a spectacle majestic and consoling. Beholding the Com- missary, the multitude exclaimed, “ Off with the hat ; away with the Commissary.” The delay at Grenoble was of four days. It was with some difficulty that it was agreed that the traveling companions of the Holy Father should follow him to Valence. Through the interposition of Muller and the Spanish Envoy, it was decided that the suite of His Holiness should precede him, and that shortly after he should rejoin them at Valence. Pius VI. quitted Grenoble, July 10. When descending the stairs from his apartment, Madame and her two daughters fell at his feet, shedding torrents of tears. “What can I do for you?” said the Holy Father. “We are,” said the mother, “three humble servants of the Lord : we have been concealed 166 PONTIFICATE AND since yesterday in this house, in the hopes of receiving the benediction of the visible head of the Church.” When leaving the city, he passed near a prison, in which were confined a number of ecclesiastics. His Holiness was informed of this fact, and blessed them as he passed. In- credible demonstrations of respect were paid him. Young girls, dressed in white, went before his carriage, strewing the way with flowers. On his arrival at the next village, all the faithful desired the happiness of entertaining the Holy Father. The preference was given to a rich citizen, who inhabited the finest mansion in the village. He observed that in regard to the Pope, he should be treated with all decorum, and that he should be as free from all disturbance and unpleasant events as if dwelling in the house of a fanatic. His wife borrowed many pious pictures, and decked the apartments with exquisite CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 167 taste. The master of the house amused him- self with her zeal, and said, laughingly, “ The Pope is but a man ; it is only the credulity of weak minds that creates his grandeur.” When Pius VI. arrived, his host hurried to receive him. lie witnessed the long: and painful operation of lifting him from the car- riage. Ilis heart was deeply moved; but when he saw the serenity and patience that manifested itself in the countenance of His Holiness, he fell on his knees and asked his blessing ; afterwards made his confession, and repaired by a life of merits and good works for his long wanderings. ^ VI ■ - f -i /- ■ ); - i /■■ •'■' ' ■ ■ ■ ^ ^v., . r,. -v j^ fti j- : -:-: •. .;, . •- -i'-.:: v r:*^ -^d w;--vv ^ Af. 90 L: U .■:>-V(f''#¥3i^.-( .,5 : V- - f ' , • ;■ .*> . • • ■" -riV? 'T^K. m July 14, the Vicar of Jesus Christ was re- ceived with respect by the inhabitants of Va- lence ; but as soon as he entered the lodgings prepared for him in the citadel, the central administration declared him under arrest. The new Commissary, Cornier, was an excel- lent man ; he desired that the Holy Father should drive out, and receive visits; but his praiseworthy intentions were completely pa- ralyzed by the obstinacy of the administra- tion. This administration even questioned the propriety of allowing the ecclesiastics who accompanied the Pope to offer the Holy Sacrifice ; but they dared not oppose it alto- gether, and by the attention of the Commis- sary a chapel was soon prepared. The ad- 15 170 PONTIFICATE AND miaistratiori demanded the keys. Cornier suggested that they should close the doors, without locking them ; so they continued to say Mass. Boveran, one of the administrators, took no part in these vexations, but visited the Prelates every day, and employed every means to ameliorate the bitter lot of the Pontiff. The health of Pius YI. was much im- proved. He recited his office daily, heard two Masses, and found in prayer and contem- plation a celestial aliment for his soul. He manifested a lively devotion to St. Peter. In the afternoon he suffered more, but was able at night to recite the rosary. Still another grief was added to the many that he had borne so well. Labrador, who had shown himself so generous and devoted, now demanded payment for the favors soli- cited from the Court of Madrid. His Holi- ness acquiesced in all that his conscience per- CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VL 171 mitted, but remained inflexible concerning the rest. Labrador insisted. “ Monsieur,” said the Pope, “for all the monarchs in the world, I would not act contrary to my con- science ; and to please men I will not offend God, to whom I shall soon go, to render an exact account of my life.” He then informed him that to lose the support of Spain would be to subject himself and suite to extreme want. “Let no one believe,” said the generous old man, “ that I am capable of selling my conscience to pro- long my life. Necessaries will never be wanting to those who put their trust in Providence.” Thus an end was put to all negotiation ; and the Chevalier Labrador continued his kind offices no longer. July 22, the Directory decreed that the Pope should be removed to Dijon. This order was directed to Cornier, who appealed to Dr. Blein to report on the state of the 172 PONTIFICATE AND prisoner's health.*^ The physician attested, by writing, the extreme situation in which he found the Holy Father. Cornier sent this certificate to the departmental administration, and also sent a copy to the Directory. Cornier was dismissed, and the name of Boveron effaced from the list of administra- tors. It was necessary to inform Pius VI. of the departure. “Whatever God orders will happen,” said he ; “I had hoped to die here, but His will be done.” The new Commissary now came to an- nounce that the orders of the Directory were positive, and that His Holiness must proceed immediately. But Providence decided this time that the desires of his persecutors should not be accomplished. August 16, 1799, the holy Pontiff swooned away, and fell into a kind of lethargy. The physicians were called, and held a consulta- tion. The commissaries and members of the administration came in a body, to assure CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 17c5 themselves of the true situation of the august invalid. August 18, he revived a little, and wished to recite his office, but he repeated, disconnectedly and irregularly, psalms which he knew by heart. They wrote to Grenoble for Duchadoz, who arrived shortly thereafter, and took up his lodgings in the citadel. Au- gust 27, the Holy Father was conscious and serene ; he desired that the Holy Viaticum should be administered to him ; he was placed in his arm-chair, and after having made his confession, he was dressed in his rochet, mosetta and stole. Monseigneur Spina preceded the ecclesias- tics, who bore lighted candles, to carry to His Holiness the Holy Eucharist. The Pope bared his head, and remained some time in adoration before the Saviour of men. A Prelate recited, in his name, the profession of Faith. Pius VI. yielded a ready atten- tion, and by an inclination of the head, ad- hered to all that the Prelate said. He recp 15 * 174: PONTIFICATE AND ted the Confiteor, and thrice repeated the “ Demine non sum dignus.’’ During his thanksgiving, his eyes were fixed on the crncifix. He asked pardon of God for his faults, and conjured the divine mercy to apply the merits, passion and death of Jesus to himself. He rejoiced that the end of his pilgrimage had nearly arrived, and that he was about to receive his immortal crown. August 27, the administrators repaired to the citadel. Duchadoz informed them that he had no hopes of the recovery of the Pope. One of the administrators inquired if his body could not be transported to Italy. Mon- seigneur Spina answered, that this demand would be made at the proper time. One of the members of the administration had pro- posed that the body of Pius VI. should be buried in quick time, to deprive the fanatics of his relics ; but this plan was given over, CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 175 ** since the superstitious/’ said he, “would contend even for his ashes.” In the afternoon, the Holy Father prayed with extreme fervor. He repeated with joy these words of the royal prophet : “ In Thee have I hoped, 0 God ; let me never be con- founded !” August 28, the physicians judged that the time had arrived to administer the Sacrament of Extreme Unction. Pius VI., on receiving the information, was filled with joy. Mon- seigneur Spina had provided himself with holy oil at Floretice, and commenced the ad- ministration. Scarcely had he recited the first prayers prescribed by the ritual, when the Pope signed to him to speak softly. They placed in his hands a crucifix, which he raised to his lips and kissed tenderly. Towards the middle of the following night, he experienced great difficulty in breathing ; his right hand could no longer retain the era 176 PONTIFICATE AND cifix, and he placed it in his left. The Pre- lates and ecclesiastics surrounded his bed, and the Pope gazed on them with affection and gratitude. His confessor then suggested to him that he should imitate, in a particular manner, his Saviour, Jesus Christ, who, whilst bleeding on his cross, prayed for his executioners. His Holiness made an effort to speak. He utter- ed, in an intelligible manner, these words : “0, my God, pardon them! Domine, ig- nasce illis 1” These were his last words. He afterwards received absolution and the bene- diction, in artkulo mortis. Father Fantini commenced the prayers for the agonizing; he ceased for a moment, and the Holy Father raised his right hand, and gave his assistants his triple benediction. After this proof of paternal affection from Pius VI., his arm fell on the bed; he remained motionless; the crucifix escaped from his hands, and after a death-agony of a few moments, he ceased to CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 177 breathe. Pius VI. departed this life August 29, in the eighty-first year of his age. Notwithstanding the evil inclinations of the departmental administration, the body of Pius YL was embalmed with care, and de- posited in a leaden coffin, which was encased in another of walnut. His remains were ex- posed for some time in the chapel of the cita- del, where Masses and the offices for the dead were celebrated, with all the solemnity that the circumstances permited. Pius VI. was pronounced great by his dig- nity, great by his virtues, and greater still by his death. To give some idea of the impressions pro- duced by the death of this venerable Pontiff, we will quote two extracts taken from the journals then printed at Paris : “ The death of Pius VI. has, in a measure, placed a seal on the glory of modern philoso- phy. When we recall the numerous attacks made in this century against the pontifical throne we cannot help admitting t* the 178 PONTIFICATE AND triumph of philosophy had not been so great, if it had not dragged a Pope behind its car. To crown its enterprises, it was necessary that the exterminating genius, that has mingled the ruins of the altars with the blood of priests ; that has sported with their corpses in those horrible days of September, and pre- cipitated them in numbers in the waters of the Loire and of the ocean, should direct her car towards the capital of the Christian world, and under the roof of the Vatican, reduce the Sovereign Pontiff to slavery. Let re- ligion shed in secret pious tears over the body of a revered Pontiff. Philosophy has triumphed by having attached the tri-colored cockade to the pontifical tiara; by having planted the municipal ensigns on the tomb of the Pope, and disposing of his remains in un- hallowed ground. But what fruit has it pro- duced? Had it need to add to its many titles the guilt of this death ? Was it neces- sary to render itself, in some measure, guilty of a new assassination ? for if it had not placed the Pontiff* on the scaffold, it had counted his years, and impatiently waited his last sigh. The inconvenience and fatigues of the journeys, hastened the too slow death of its victim. It is vain to repulse the accu- sation. Already has ix)steTity placed Pius VI. among the martyrs of modern philoso- phy. CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 179 “ Philosophers believed that in presenting Pius YI. to the public, deprived of his dig- nity, and reduced to the condition of a pris- oner, he would become an object of disgust. Why could they not perceive that his mis- fortunes, in the end, would render him more glorious; and that all the magnificence of the Holy Faflier — all the splendor and pomp of the Yaticari — were eclipsed by the humble dwelling that served him as a prison ? Could they not perceive that these privations ren- dered him more august than ever, and that he was less great, and less venerable, when performing the most majestic ceremonies un- der his canopy, than in the midst of that troop of armed men, who dragged him from place to place as a malefactor? We say nothing of the cortegd, with which religion surrounded this august prisoner, nor of the homage that was rendered him. His misfor- tunes, his virtues, his innocence, and his gray hairs, obtained for him respect and compas- sion. The philosophers believed that in pos- sessing themselves of his person, they would annihilate his power, which cannot be de- stroyed even by death. Death left in their hands only an inanimate body; and already the name of his successor is inscribed in the Book of Eternal Life.” The second extract, printed in the journal 160 PONTIFICATE AND “Indispensable/^ October 4, 1799, had been addressed to this journal by a Protestant of Geneva : “ Citizen : Virtue, suffering and in adver- sity, awakens in every honest soul a tender affection, irrespective of difference in religion. I have experienced these sentiments on read- ing the incidents of the persecution excited against the glorious Pius VL Although a stranger to the religion of which he was the visible head, I have felt deeply the indignities offered him ; at an age, too, that should have excited the respect of people the most fero- cious. My heart is moved, deeply affected at the cruelty of these philanthropists, as they call themselves, who, under the beauti- ful appellation of friends to God and men, manifest, by the martyrdom to which they condemn the true representative of God, how little affection they have for men. “ They have covered their own memory with ignominy, and caused palms to flourish on the tomb of Pius VI. Future generations will admire, as does the present, the magnan- imity, courage and constancy of this glorious martyr, who, before sleeping. in death, par- doned his executioners, and called down on their heads the blessings of heaven. “The Catholic will return thanks for the CAPTIVITY OF PIUS VI. 181 victory of the Head of his Church ; and the Christians of different communions will see clearly where the true Church is to be found. The weight of years incline me to the tomb, and I cannot hope for myself a long future ; but a secret presentiment informs me, that my children will see the happy day when the eyes of the citizens will open to admit the light of truth, and demand admittance into the fold of Christ, to which I belong by de- sire, and from which my ancestors separated only to attach themselves to men governed by the spirit of pride, independence and tl *e most shameful passions A GLANCE AT THE CHURCH CATHOLIC. After the perusal of the history of the pontificate of Pius VI., we can not avoid casting a retrospective glance on the Catholic Church, that for eighteen hundred and forty years has been attacked by human passions and by the temptations of hell, but has ever been victorious, according to the promise of her Divine Founder. Ark of the Covenant, out of which there is no salvation : Brilliant Light, that enlight- ens the world; the Church oJffers, in her origin and in her duration, all the characters of truth, grandeur and immutability. What consolation to the children of God! and what conviction of the truth of the 183 184 A GLAIVCE AT THE Church, when they see the Sovereign Pontiff, who to-day so worthily fills the most hono- rary post in the Church, has succeeded to the succession established by Jesus Christ since the time of Peter. What a succession ! what a marvelous chain! This succession no heresy, no sect, no so- ciety, but the true Church of GtOD can show. False religionists have imitated the Church in many things, and above all, in sajdng that their societies were founded by God. If God created man, if He created him to His own image, He did not disdain to teach him the means by which he might serve Him. Every sect that fails to show this succession is not from God. In this respect, all sects and societies that have arisen show their inferiority. For ex- ample, the false prophet of Arabia maintained that he had been sent by God. After having deceived an ignorant people, he profited by the divisions among his neighbors, to extend, CHURCH CATHOLIC. 185 by force of arms, a sensual religion. He was unable to show any real or apparent connec- tion with past ages. Fearing that they would seek in the Scrip- tures of the Christians for proofs of his mis- sions, similar to those that Jesus Christ found in the writings of the Jews, he said that the Christians and Jews had always forged their books. In the same manner the heresiarchs, who have founded new sects, have endeavored to render the faith more easy, by denying those mysteries that can not be comprehended by human reason. They have dazzled men by their eloquence, by their apparent piety, and seduced them by their novelty and licen- tiousness; but notwithstanding, they can show no public miracle, and their novelty has al- ways been to them a misfortune. It is evident to all, that the various sects that have been established are separated from the ancient Church that Jesus has founded, in which St. Peter and his successors hold 15 * 186 A GLANCE AT THE the first place. The period of their separa- tion is so evident, that the heretics them- selves dare not claim uninterrupted succes- sion. The Catholic Church preserves this succes- sion, and it can never be denied. Another proof of the truth of the Church is, that she has always been victorious over her enemies, and to this may be added the continual pun- ishment of the Jews, who have not received the promises of Christ, made to their fathers. Thus we have numerous proofs that our religion is as ancient as the world, and con sequently that it was founded by Him who formed the universe. It does not, then, astonish us, that God has proposed for our belief so many articles that are worthy of Him; but that having established the faith on an authority so firm and manifest, so many should remain blind and incredulous CHURCH CATHOLIC. 187 Our disorderly passions and indomitable pride are the cause. We prefer to risk every thing rather than obey ; we prefer to remain in ignorance rather than confess it; we are better pleased to nourish vain curiosity and indulge in liberty of belief than to bow to divine authority. But God permits this for the instruction of His children. But for this we would not understand the awful corrup- tion of our nature, and the abyss from which Jesus has drawn us. The incredulity of the one humiliates the other; and the rebels who oppose the designs of God cause Him to manifest his power, by which, independently of all else. He accomplishes the promises that He has made to His Church. These promises assure us of a future life. God, who has shown Himself so faithful in all that pertains to the present, will not be less faithful in accomplishing that which con- cerns the future; and the Church on earth 188 A GLANCE AT THE will remain invincible up to the time when her children, being assembled, shall be trans- ported •to heaven, their true abode. For those excluded from this happiness eternal rigor is reserved. After having lost, by their own fault, a happy eternity, nothing will remain for them but endless misery. Thus the promises and menaces of God are equally certain. We see constant order in the designs of God, and a visible mark of His power in the perpetual duration of His people. Those who are united to the Church and perform works worthy of their faith, are assured of eternal life. The true Church has this advantage — her origin is certain, and her traditions have de- scended to us without interruption. We have in our hands her history, written by her dis- ciples — books more ancient than any in the world. Our religion rests not, then, on fa- bles, like the religion of the ancient Pagans and the Greeks. CHURCH CATHOLIC. 189 The poets, who were their prophets and theologians, proclaimed themselves instructed by the muses or other divinities, without giv- ing any proof. They dared not cite any tes- timony to the facts which they related. GtOD, in His goodness, has worked miracles to recall us to Him. Miracles have been worked, at times and in places the most pro- per to preserve His memory. Moses per- formed miracles in Egypt before the king, at a time when the Egyptians were the most learned and polished men in the world. He had for witnesses to them an entire people, whom he delivered, and afterwards formed laws for. Jesas came in the time of Augus- tus, the most enlightened century of the Ko man empire. Jesus was born in Judea, as predicted by the prophets. He taught His doctrine, and performed the greater portion of Hs miracles in Jerusalem, which was the capital. He died there, and there His resurrection took place. 190 A GLANCE AT THE His disciples soon spread over the Eoman empire, and a short time after over the entire world. They first preached in the large cities —in Antioch, Alexandria, and even in Eome. They taught in Athens, Corinth, and in every portion of Greece, in the cities the most en- lightened, the most corrupt and idolatrous. Before all nations, Greeks, barbarians, na- tions learned and ignorant, Jews and Eomans, before people and princes, the disciples of Jesus testified to what they had seen with their eyes, heard with their ears, and touched with their hands; and particularly did they testify to His resurrection. They testified to these facts against all human reason and pru- dence, even to their last breath, and to the shedding of their blood. Behold the estab- lishment of Christianity. What has happened since? These doc- trines so incredible — ^these morals so contrary to the passions of men — ^have they been sus- CHURCH CATHOLIC. 191 tained? Has there been no void, no inter- ruption? From whence do we derive our knowledge? From writings published from age to age ; by traditions which have passed from fathers to their children ; by solemn assemblies held in each province and city, and by the exercise of this religion. Since the founding of the Church by SS. Peter and Paul, we have always had a Pope. We have their names from that period until the present. We have a list of the names of the bishops of Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexan- dria and Constantinople. To come nearer home, we know the bishops of Lyons since the time of SS. Pothin and Irenaeus ; of Tou- louse since Saturninus; of Tours since St. Gatian ; of Paris since St. Denis. All the churches that extend as far back as the remote ages show a succession of p^- tors, always united with the other churches-, and principally with the church at Borne. 192 A GLANCE AT THE Every church that possesses this advantage is Catholic. The true doctrine is that which has always been taught by the Church. The Christian religion is purely the work of God. We have seen that it was estab- lished in the Eomati empire, and from thence spread rapidly, not only without human aid, but notwithstanding the resistance of men. From the times of St. Irenaeus and Tertullian, that is to say, towards the end of the second century, the Christians were found in every direction. Whence came they? Were they not the same people that for ages were plunged in idolatry and debauch ? What had changed them thus suddenly? .... Who had caused them to despise the customs of their fathers, and to leave religions that favored all their passions, to embrace a serious and painful life? It must have been that they were struck by the miracles and virtues of those TUrho announced this new religion. But what did this new religion promise ? CHURCH CATHOLIC. 193 Only a future life, and in this world persecu-- tion and continual peril. It is well known how the Christians were treated during three entire centuries ; how many thousand means were employed by the persecutors to tempt the disciples of Jesus. The Greeks and Eo- mans knew how to die for their country, but not for their religion. It is true there were a few martyrs among the Jews; but they were in possession of the true religion, and the Church honors them as Saints, That, which was so common among the Christians, was regarded by philosophers, and with truth, as the height of virtue. “The just,” said Plato, “ is he who seeks not to ap- pear good, but to be so.” One sees easily, then, the difference between the true religion and the false. Idolatry fell of itself, notwithstanding it was upheld by the public power. God permitted the apos- tacy of the Emperor Julian, who, with the power of the empire, and the assistance of 17 194 A GLANCE AT THE philosophy and magic, could not reestablish Paganism. Idolatry breathed its last in his reign, and since that time Eome has had but Christian princes. The solitaries of this pe- riod present another marvelous spectacle. Under this name is comprised the ascetics, and at a later period the anchorites. We may call them martyrs of penance. Their penances were voluntar}’' and long ; they bore their crosses manfully during a period of fifty and sixty years. The lives of these religious may be regarded as a proof of the truth of their religion, and at the same time as models of Christian perfection. They were true phi- losophers ; they separated from the world to meditate on celestial things ; they re- nounced marriage and the society of men, to deliver themselves from the temptations and business of the world, and to contemplate God; to meditate on His mercies, the pre- cepts of His holy law, and to purify their hearts. CHURCH CATHOLIC. 195 Morality was their only study. They lis- tened with docility to their instructions; many of them knew not how to read. They concealed themselves as much as possible from men, and sought only , to please God. It was only by their miracles that they were known. Of the lives of multitudes of these solitaries we would be entirely ignorant, if God had not excited the curiosity of some, who went in search of them, and caused them to speak. They were reduced to extreme poverty; they gained by labor the little that they re- quired for sustenance, and the remainder was given in charity. Some owned small farms, which they cultivated themselves; but the most perfect preferred simple occupations, by which they gained sujficient to live from day to day. Each religious remained attached to his community, and each anchorite to his cell. Their greatest care was to render their souls 196 A GLANCE AT THE tranquil; they avoided fine situations and agreeable dwellings, and remained mostly in jheir cells. They esteemed labor necessary, not only that they might not be a burden to others, but that they might preserve humility and avoid ennui. Their communities were numerous. They held it as a maxim that they should not be multiplied in the same place, because of the difficulty of finding Superiors, and also to avoid jealousy and divisions. Each commu- nity was governed by an Abbe, and some- times by a Superior Gieneral, who had the superintendence of several monasteries, under the name of Exarch ; but they were all, without a single exception, under the juris- diction of Bishops. Such were the monasteries, so often praised by St. Chrysostom, St. Augustin, and by all the Fathers. Still more perfect models of Christians were found in the Bishops, Priests, etc., who. CHURCH CATHOLIC. 197 after the example of the Apostles, practiced the interior life in the midst of the world, without being sustained, like the religious, by the practice of silence, and flying all danger- ous occasions. “We are Christians for our- selves,” said St. Augustin, “ and Bishops for you.” In general, each government had for its end the good of the governed, and not of him who governed; as the physician propo- ses, not to cure himself, but the sick.' They possessed that spirit of abnegation and sacri- fice that characterizes the disciples of Jesus; they renounced all temporal interest in be- coming Christians; they were neither ambi- tious nor avaricious, and saw no advantage accrue to them from governing others. On the contrary, it exposed them to great peril, such as commanding and being obeyed. On the other hand, the resistance of those whom they might have to correct, if they were re- fused their just demands, the pain of men- acing or punishing — and in the end, persecu- 17 * 198 A GLANCE AT THE tioa and martyrdom — for the Bishops and Priests were most exposed. They had no motive, then, but an ardent charity, or sub- mission to the will of God, which could oblige them to prefer the pain of serving others, to the convenience of being served. For the election of such Bishops, the great- est precautions were taken. It was ordinarily to the eldest and most experienced men that such government was confided. The Bishops thus chosen lived poorly ; some labored with their own hands, and others were called from a monastic life, pre- serving their practices. The title of Servants of the Servants of the Lord, taken generally by these venerable men, indicated the senti- ments of profound humility with which they were penetrated; they no doubt recalled to mind these words of the Evangelist: “He who would be first among you, let him be the servant of others, as the Son of Man came to serve, and not to be served.” Their CHURCH CATHOLIC. 199 occupation was prayer, instruction and cor- rection. The Christian religion, said Fenelon, con- sists in loving God. The Christian religion taught by Jesus, obliges us to love God more than ourselves, and to love ourselves only for the love of Him ; it exacts the renunciation of ourselves, and compels us, through char- ity, to love all. Behold what the spirit of man could never have invented ! It was ne- cessary that a superior power should pro- nounce this sentence against self-love. Chris- tianity is the complete overthrow of idolatry and self-love — the establishment of the true worship of God, by supreme love. Prom what has already been said, we feel called upon to prove that the Catholic Church is the only society that properly provides for the wants of men. All men, but particularly the ignorant, have need of an authority to which they can refer without engaging in discussions which 200 A GLANCE AT THE are beyond their capacity. How could a vil- lage girl or an artisan examine the original texts, editions or versions of the Bible? God would be wanting in His care of men, if He had not given them an infallible au- thority, to spare them from this impossible research and prevent their being deceived. All the new sects exclaim, “ Bead, read and decide The ancient Church says, ‘‘ Eeason not, decide not ; be humble and do- cile. God has promised to preserve us from error*” Picture to yourselves a paralytic, who wishes to leave his bed because his house is on fire. He addresses himself to five men, who say, “Eise, run, pierce through the crowd, and save yourself from the fire.” At last he finds a sixth man, who says, “Let me act ; I will take you in my arms.” Be- lieves he the five men, who charged him to do what they well knew that he could not? Would he not rather believe in him who CHURCH CATHOLIC. 201 promised him succor in proportion to his strength? Would he not abandon himself to the latter, and remain passive in his arms ? It is precisely in the same manner that an humble and ignorant man cannot listen to the sects that cry to him, Bmd^ reason and decide when they well know that he is in- capable of these acts. He is consoled in lis- tening to the ancient Church, that says, “Humble yourself; be docile, and trust in the goodness of God, who will not leave you without succor.” • r. -r ' ;■[ * M, f ^ • ■■ i. ';V - ■ ■r't/ J:; . ■ - . t i ; ;1 O • ' >1 : • I CHAEACTEE OE MAEKS OE THE TEUE CHUECH. That Jesus has established a Church, and that this Church is composed of all the faith- ful who have existed up to the present time, and of all those who may hereafter exist, to the end of the world, is a thing well demon- strated. That He has established but one, is no less certain. He has called men of differ- ent conditions and countries, but united them in belief and doctrine. If He has sent the “ apostles to the different Countries of the world,” He has expressly charged them to preach everywhere the same Gospel ; to teach the same doctrine, and to agree exactly in faith and morals. His manifest intention was to found his Church without distinction of 204 CHARACTER OR MARKS climate, country or nation, so that however dispersed, believing the same truths, they should comprise but one Church. He who believes not all that has been taught by Jesus, cannot reach heaven; for without faith, it is impossible to please God. See the sentence that Jesus has pronounced Himself, against those who hear not the Church : “ If he hear not the Church, let him be to thee as the heathen and publican that is to say, as those who have not the faith. Refuse to believe a single article that the Church teaches, and you place yourself in the condition of those who believe none of them; and eternal reprobation is your lot. Whoever transgresses the law in a single point, is as gujty as if he trangressed the whole. Our Divine Master gives no hope of salvation but to those who accept the entire law. Those who reject a portion, shall be as the Pagans ; their judgment is already pro- nounced ; their reprobation certain ; from OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 205 / whence it is certain that there is no salvation out of the true Church, Where, then, is this true Church? This is most important to know. What are its distinguishing marks? Behold what we must endeavor to discover, since out of ix there is no salvation. There are certain characters or marks which belong only to the true Church, and they serve to distinguish it from all others. According to the symbol drawn up by the General Council of Constantinople, and which is but an extension of that of Nice, the Church is One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic. The four characters united, mark the true Church. The Catholic Church — that is to say, the societies of the faithful, that in dif- ferent parts of the world recognize the Eo- man See as the centre of Catholic unity, and its Bishop as their head — is the only Church that unites these four characteristics. 'V' - ■>, j • <. •< i raiTT OF THE CHUECE The Unity of the Church consists in the exterior profession of the same faith ; in the participation of the same sacraments ; in sub- ordination to legitimate pastors, and in union with the visible head that governs the Church. “ There is but one faith, said St. Paul. The same faith that Jesus has taught his dis- ciples and apostles, this same have they preached to the whole world. The faith of the Church has remained unaltered, from century to century. The Church has never suffered those under her care to profess other faith than her own. Whatever libertv she may have left to her *207 208 UNITY OF THE CHURCH. children, regarding points not jet decided on, she has always decided that, as regarded arti- cles of faith, there should be but one senti- menr. It is clear, then, that to heretics this unity does not belong. The participation of the same sacraments is another exterior mark by which all the members of the Church are distinguished. The Church, in administer- ing the same means of salvation to all her children, regards them as one faithful family, however scattered they may be. It is by her sacraments, as well as by her faith, that the true Church is one. It is by baptism that she admits her members. There is but “ one baptism,” said the Apostle ; consequently the Church has always held it a crime to repeat it. By this sacrament, we become new crea- tures in Christ. It is to represent this unity that the Eu- charist has been instituted by Jesus, and that it is distributed to the faithful. As a sym- UNITY OF THE CHURCH. 209 bol of this unity, Jesus is concealed in the Eucharist, under the appearance of bread — several grains formed into one mass, and in the wine, several grapes forming one liquor. It is to consummate this unity that Jesus con ceals himself under these veils; and He wishes that we eat the same bread, and drink of the same chalice, to become but one body. All the other sacraments conspire to this same unity, according to the particular grace attached to them. The signs and exterior symbols of the sacraments remain the same. The remaining ceremonies of the Church can vary or differ, according to time and place ; but the substance of the sacrament always remains the same. It is in the participation of these same sac- raments that we belong to the Church, and by exclusion from their participation that the Church cuts off from her body those who have merited this separation. Submission to pastors is also necessary to 18 * 210 UNITY OF THE CHURCH. preserve this unity. In truth, the Church is but a fold, under the conduct of pastors, of whom Jesus is the Sovereign Pastor. It is to conduct His Church that He has given it other pastors, who submit to Himself as the head, and to whom He communicates His power. Jesus, after choosing His Apostles, selected Peter as their chief, to be His visible repre- sentative on earth, after His ascension. Jesus has given to Peter a preeminence, not only in honor, but in the jurisdiction of the Church, which has descended to his succes- sors ; he has assured us that His Church shall always have a visible head on earth, in the chair of St. Peter. The Church is one, says St. Cyprian, al- though by her fecundity and marvelous growth, she numbers multitudes of the faith- ful ; in the same manner as the multiplicity of branches to a tree hinders not the unity of the trunk, the Church sheds the light that UNITY OF THE CHURCH. 211 she has received from God in every direc- tion. Yet, nevertheless, there is but one light ; her branches are everywhere extended, and in all countries does she manifest the fruits of her marvelous fecundity ; yet there IS no division in her body ; she is one com- mon mother, and her children are nourished with her tenderest care. From all that has been said, it is easy to conclude that the faithful are attached to the body of the Church by four ties; by faith, the sacraments, subordination to legitimate pastors, and unity with the visible head of the Church ; and if they detach themselves from these ties, they belong no longer to the body of the Church. This conclusion answers perfectly to the idea advanced of the unity of the Church, when in commencing this arti- cle we stated in what that unity consisted. Lastly, we will recall a few words selected from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians: Are you not one body and one spirit in Je- 212 UNITY OF THE CHURCH. sus, as you are called in one hope of your calling? One Lord, one faith, one baptism One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all. But to every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the giving of Christ. And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and other some evangelists, and other some pas- tors and doctors. Until we all meet into the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the age of the fulness of Christ. That henceforth we be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with ev- ery wind of doctrine, by the wickedness of men, by cunning craftiness, by which they lie in wait to deceive. But doing the truth in charity, we may in all things grow up in Him who is the head, even Christ.” Jesus has taught us a doctrine by which we are to regulate our faith and manners: He has instituted a determined number of UNITY OF THE CHURCH. 213 sacraments ; He has clothed his pastors with authority to govern His Church; He has given to these pastors a head, invested with honor and jurisdiction. We cannot with- draw from or contradict one of these institu- tions, without resisting Christ, and conse- quently losing the faith. “ The unity spoken of by St. Paul consists principally in charity, peace, and mutual tol- erance,^^ say some. St. Paul, it is true, re- commended peace, union and concord ; but never was he heard to order the toleration of error; nor a revolt against the established order of the Church. It is absurd to pretend that toleration of opinion causes unity of be- lief; and that toleration of abuses produces unity of custom or usage. Can peace exist without order? and can order reign in the midst of confusion, of errors, of whimsical opinions, of the caprices of self-love, of pride and passion ? What order could we hope for in a world where all commanded and none 214 UNITY OF THE CHUKCH. obeyed ? What concord or harmony could there be among men actuated only by the spirit of insubordination ; each attributing to himself the gift of infallibility, and author- izing him to believe and act according to his fancy, taste or. humor. Yainly have Protestants endeavored to en- force unity of faith, by the profession of cer- tain dogmas that they have called funda- mental. All that Jesus has revealed is fundamental in this sense. It is not permitted for us to reject a single article through obstinacy or indocility. Jesus has given us this informa- tion when He said, “He who believes not shall be condemned.” Protestants have had recourse to this sys- tem of fundamental articles, since without them they knew it would be impossible to establish any kind of unity. The principle on which they have based their schism is, that the holy Scriptures contain all that is UNITY OF THE CHURCH. 215 necessary to be believed, and that each indi- vidual shall possess the right of private inter- pretation. The Catholic Church only can maintain among her members, unity of belief, similarity of faith, the practice of the same rites and the observance of the same rules. Happy in being members of this Church, let us return thanks to God for this great blessing, and beg of Him the grace to profit by it, since it is not sufficient to eternal sal- vation to be in unity with the Church : we must be animated by her spirit, and live up to her regulations. t '■•I sanctut op the chijhch. The second characteristic of the Church is sanctity. The Church is holy, since she pos sesses all that constitutes sanctity. Her founder is holy, her doctrines are holy, her laws are holy, her sacraments and rites are holy, her spirit is holy. Jesus, the Head of the Church, is the source of all sanctity. Jesus instituted His Church but for man’s sanctification, and He will never abandon His work. He has promised to be with us all days, even to the end of the world. It would he impious to imagine that Jesus has not performed His promises. The doctrine of the Church is that of Jesus Himself — the same that He taught His apoa 217 218 SANCTITY OF THE CHURCH. ties, and that has been communicated by them to His Church, and that the Church has disseminated throughout the universe. All that the Church believes and teaches came from Jesus. Does mortal dare believe that our amiable Saviour has ta^Jight any thing that is not holy? ^ What more do we require to become holy than to conform to the doctrine taught by our holy Church? She has given us saints in every state and condition of life: saints on the throne and in private life; saints in the world and in soli- tude ; saints in the states of celibacy and marriage. We see them detached from the goods of this lifcj and living only for heaven ; fleeing from injustice and corruption, serving God, and walking before Him in holiness and justice. ‘‘Judge,” said St. Augustin, “of the doc- trine of the Church from what she has taught publicly from the pulpit, when multitudes as- SANCTITT OF THE CHURCH 2J9 sembled to learn how to live holily in this life, that they might hereafter be happy in heaven/’ If sometimes you have heard false doctors substitute their own opinions for her holy doctrine, you have seen that the Church has silenced them as soon as their erroneous doc- trine was well known. The Church is the depository of the Seven Sacraments instituted by Jesus. The great Apostle has said of baptism, that Jesus puri- fies His Church by water, and by the Word of Life. What sanctity is communicated by baptism ! Freed from sin, we become child- ren of God, and have the promise of eternal life. The Sacrament of Confirmation strength- ens our faith, and renders us more perfect Christians. What more powerful means of salvation and sanctity than the Eucharist, that unites us intimately with God, not only by faith, bat by the real presence ; that pre- serves in us the spiritual life ; that weakens 220 SANCTITY OF THE CHURCH. the violence of our passions, and becomes foi us the pledge of eternal life ! The tribunal of penance, where the sinner goes to recon- cile himself to God, and humbly acknowl- edge his faults, with the firm resolution of correcting them, and of making satisfaction to God and his neighbor, is it not an indis- pensable and efficacious means of acquiring virtue, and thereby sanctifying ourselves? What more holy institution than the Sacra- ment of Extreme Unction, that is adminis- tered to the dying for their spiritual and cor- poral solace, to purify them from their venial faults, and strengthen them to bear their pains, and to fortify them against the fear of death, and above all, against the temptations of the evil spirit, and the agitations of the soul, that are so violent at the close of life. The Sacrament of Matrimony is not less holy. It blesses and sanctifies the union of the couple, and renders it indissoluble ; since it had God for its author, and it is denied tc SANCTITY OF THE CHURCH. 221 mail to separate what God has united. The Sacrament of Holy Orders consecrates sub- jects to the altars of the Church, giving them power to fulfill their ecclesiastic functions and the graces that are necessary to their sanctity. 'The Church is holy in her rites. In her Communion only, is offered the “legitimate sacrifice,^' the pure oblation, which, accord- ing to the prediction of Malachi, “ was to be offered to the Lord in all places.’^ “The Church,” said St. Optatus, “is holy in her desires, in her ministry, in her cere- monies, in all the practices she employs for the honor of God, and to render to Him the worship that is due His Supreme Majesty.” It is the spirit of Jesus that animates the Church, and this spirit is the spirit of holi- ness. It is this spirit that inspires the truly faithful with contempt for the goods of the world and its pleasures. The Church has in all ages applied herself to the sanctification of her children, and to 222 SANCTITY OF THE CHURCH. the present time, it is the object of her zeal and prayers. It is to multiply among the faithful the fruits of sanctity that she ex- horts them, by her ministers, to the perusal of pious books ; that she imposes obligations on them, and that she exhorts them to the practice of the evangelical precepts. It is to this end that she assembles them so often in her temples ; that she prays with and for them, and that they pray with her. It is for the same end that so much pomp is employed in her ceremonies. It is, if we may use the expression, to force us to walk in the way of holiness, that she recalls so often, and with such solemnity, the memory of those of her children who have had the courage to sacri- fice their lives lOr their God. What should be the sanctity of that Church that desires to render its children so holy, and that labors so constantly, and with so much ardor, to cav^e them to merit and obtain the happy eternity that God promises to his saints ? SANCTITY OF THE CHURCH. 223 The desire of the Church is, and has al- ways been, fulfilled with regard to a great number. In all ages, she has numbered mul- titudes of holy members. Notwithstanding the deluge of corruption that has inundated the world, and continues to do so, the Church has always been holy, and continues to be so. What examples of sanctity have we not had in every age? In later times, witness the zeal of St. Charles Boromdo ; the virtue and mildness of St. Francis de Sales ; the fervor of St. Th^r^sa; the ardor of St. Francis Xavier, for the conversion of Infidels, and the charity of St. Vincent de Paul for suffer- ing humanity. But besides the infinite num- ber of saints that are admired for their he- roic virtues, and to whom homage has not been withheld, there is still a greater number whose sanctity and virtues are hidden from the eyes of men. The present age, notwith- standing the general corruption, witnesses in the Church as many good works and acts of 224 SANCTITY OF THE CHURCH. virtue as the preceding centuries. There are now quite as many that are sanctified by the Faith, by the use of the sacraments, and by submission to the discipline and laws of the Church. In this Church only is found true sanctity. The spirit of Jesus is only found in the Church of Jesus. ‘‘ Wlwever violates the unity of the Churchf says St. Augustin, “ cannot have the charity of Gon.^^ Our adversaries object that we are not more holy than they. We can reply that Jesus has predicted that in the Church there will always be this mixture of good and bad. A man’s children maybe wicked and ungov- ernable, yet we can not always reasonably con- clude that the father is not virtuous.. But we have another reply to make to them. There is a great difference between the child- ren of the true Church and those of the re- formed. Those who are vicious amongst us, oppose the doctrines which they profess, neg- SANCTITY OF THE CHURCH. 225 iect or profane the sacraments, and violate the laws imposed by the Church. With Pro- testants, on the contrary, to do evil it is only necessary to follow to the letter the doctrine of the pretended reformers ; that which they have taught on justifying faith, on the inad- missibility of justice, on the merit of good works, on the effect of the sacraments and the inutility of mortifications, etc., is better calculated to increase vice than repress it. They have abridged practices the most capa- ble of inspiring piety, confidence in God, and the spirit of humility and penance. They themselves, far from being models of virtue, have given examples of the grossest vices. CATHOLICrrY OF TEE CHEllCH. The third characteristic of the true Church is its Catholicity ; that is to say, its universal ity — the word Catholic is derived from a Greek word, signifying universal. Our Di- vine Saviour desired, and continues to desire, the salvation of all men. Salvation is only to be had in the true Church, It is, then, the will of Jesus that all men should become members of the true Church. It was to this end that His apostles were commanded to preach the Gospel to all men, without dis- tinction of country, nation, climate or gov- ernment. Jesus wishes that the sheep should be united in one fold, under the same pastors, He wishes that the doctrine, the sacraments, 227 228 CATHOLICITY OF THE CHURCH. and rites be everywhere the same. The Holy Fathers have always held this belief, and it has been held in all the churches that are scattered in the various portions of the world. The character of universality belongs only to the true Church, and it is by this mark that she is readily distinguished. Also by the name Catholic the faithful are distin- guished from heretics and schismatics. The Marcionites received their name from Marcion; the Montanists from Montanus; the Lutherans have taken their name from Luther ; the Cal- vinists ivom Calvin; the Socinians from Sod- nus. The other heretics have taken their names from perverse and ambitious men, who have been their chiefs and directors. The Catholics have always preserved their name, which has ever belonged exclusively to them, “ K you enter a village,” says St. Cyril, of Jerusalem, “ ask not merely, wherejs the house of God, or you may be deceived ; for the most corrupt and impious of the sects fear CATHOLICITY OF THK CHURCH. 229 not to give this name to their places of as- sembly. Ask not simply where is the Churchy but where is the Oatholic Church ; for that is the proper name for the true Church. ’ The true Church is called Catholic ; that is to say, universal, because she extends to all time and to all places. The Church is as old as the world. It has for its author Jesus, who has charged His apostles to establish it in all countries. Con- tinually assisted by its Divine Founder, who is at the same time its Invisible Head; en- lightened by his spirit, it has not ceased to exist since its establishment. It has subsisted, notwithstanding the efforts of its enemies to overthrow it; it will always exist, and the vicissitudes of time can never destroy it. The Church has existed without interruption, pre- serving the same faith, the same doctrine, the same sacraments, the same unity, and the same sanctity. Every society not in com^ munionwith the true Church; every Church 280 CATHOLICITY OF THE CHURCH. that shows a more recent origin, cannot with truth imagine that Jesus is its head and chief, and consequently can lay no claims to being the true Church. Nothing is easier than to prove to the Pro- testants, and to all heretics and schismatics, that their societies are not the true Church of Christ. It is only necessary to recall their origin, and the date of their pretended re- formation, or their separation from the Cath- olic Church. We can say to them, as Tertul- lian said to the heretics of his time, “ Who are you, and from whence come you? Your Church is not that founded by the apostles. You oppose new doctrines to those first taught by the apostles of Jesus. Your doc- trine, far from being the doctrine taught by Jesus and His disciples, was never known until this time ; it is a doctrine forged and in- vented by yourselves. Two hundred years ago, and you were not ; but the Church of CATHOLICITY OF THE CHURCH. 231 I Christ has existed since the time of the apos- tles.’^ Not only does the Church extend through all time, but she embraces all countries. The apostles caused the name of Goo to resound, and the light of the Gospel to shine in the most remote portions of the earth ; and since that time, what progress has not the Catholic Church made? Apostolic men have penetra- ted the most distant countries, and planted the Faith. The most barbarous people have been mollified by the preaching of the Gos- pel, and the most intractable have submitted to the sweet yoke of our Saviour. Each day the divine law extends its empire to new countries ; and the Church, always fruitful, ceases not to gain new children to the Lord. It is true that she has sustained consider- able losses, and that schism, heresy and infi- delity have taken from her whole provinces and entire kingdoms; but she has always re- 232 CATHOLICITY OF THK CHOROH. paired these losses brilliantly. At the time that vast countries separated from the Church, a new world was added to her by the conver- sion of America and the Indies. What Infidel people have the enemies of the Church converted, and what progress has heresy made? The same places that gave them birth have beheld their ruin. The her- esies of Nestorius and Eutychius were never promulgated in the West, and those of Lu- ther and Calvin never penetrated to the East, whilst the true Church is found in the North, South, East and West. She reigns in Eu- rope, she bears fruit in Asia, and she has giv- en to Jesus children in the extreme portions of Africa and America. She is found where heresy is found, and not only where it is found, but where it is scarcely known — ^proof sufficient that she is Catholic and universal. In vain do our adversaries boast of their numbers ; but even in this point they have no advantage over the true Church. What CATHOLICITY vF THE CHURCH. 233 have they in common, except their hatred of the Catholic Church ? They do not form a single society, since they profess different dogmas ; they form sects and societies, sepa- rate and distinct, and are all enemies to each other ; they form not the Church, either sep- arate or together ; they cannot form the Church when taken together, for they are not united in doctrine; their inferiority of numbers when disunited, prove that they can- not — any one of them— constitute the true Church. The true Church is one, notwithstanding her numbers ; the immense number of her children derogates not from her unity ; she is but one body, however muliiiudinous her members. “ It is her unity that out of numbers forms but one people,” said St. Augustin. “ fake away this characteristic, and we have but a tumultuous, confused multitude.” Unite unity and numbers and you have 2 * 231 : CATHOLICITY OF THE CHURCH. the Church Catholic. The true Church is Catholic^ in every sense — Catholic in her dura- tio7i^ since she is not confined to certain ages; and since faith in Jesus will alvs ays be neces- sary to salvation, she will exist to the end of the world. She is Catholic in her extent, since she extends all over the world. She is Cath- olic in her doctrine^ since she always preserves the same faith and opposes the new doctrines of the sects and societies. t APOSTOLICITY OF THE CHHfiCH. The Apostolicity of the Church is her fourth characteristic. She is the same that the apostles founded; she has had an uninter- rupted succession of pastors since the time of the apostles ; and her doctrine is, and always has been, the doctrine of the apostles, which she has preserved and always taught. These advantages are only found in the Catholic Church, which is the true Church, as we shall see. The apostles, after receiving their mission from Jesus, dispersed in different directions, carrying with them the light of faith, preach- ing the Gospel, baptising the people and teaching them all that their Divine Master had taught them. 235 236 APOSTOLICITY OF THE CHURCH. We read in the Acts of the Apostles, that in each village in which they planted the faith, they there established bishops, priests and deacons to govern the faithful ; and that it was in this manner that churches were founded. Ecclesiastical history informs us that St. Peter founded the three principal Episcopal Sees ; that of Alexandria, in which he placed St. Mark ; that of Antioch, in which he placed St. Evodius, and that of Eome, where he won the palm of martyrdom, after a pontificate of twenty-five years. As St. Peter was the chief of the apostles, his successor, the Bishop of Eome, whom we call Pope, has always been regarded as first among the Bishops having divine right over the others. He is Christ’s Vicar on earth, and the visible head of the Church. The See of EOme is for this reason the first See of the Church, and is called the Holy Apostolic See, since it is the center of Catholic unity. It is from this See that the decisions emanate APOSTOLICITY OF THE CHURCH. 237 that terminate all differences. It is from this See that apostolic men receive their mission. It is from this See that they have been sent by Popes to all nations, as successors of St. Peter and inheritors of his authority ; and these rights have never been contested. The Catholic Church has existed from the time of the apostles until the present day, and has always been governed by a succe^s- sion of legitimate pastors. It is a point so well maintained that it has never been con- tested, even by our adversaries. We can show a continued succession, from the pres- ent Pontiff, who to-day governs the Church, as far back as the time of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles. St. Augustine says: “ What retains me in the Church is this uninterrupted succession of Bishops from the time of St. Peter, to whom the Lord confided the care of His sheep, even to the Pontiff who is to-day reign- ing in the apostolic chair.” 238 APOSTOLICITY OF THE CHURCH. Tertullian said, in speaking of the heretics of his time: “ If they pretend to extenid back to the time of the apostles, in order to make us believe that they hold the true doc- trine, we have only to reply that they must , show us a list of their Bishops ; for it is by tills means that we shall be able to say whether they are legitimate successors of the apostles. The Church in Smyrna gloried in having St. Polycarp placed in that See by St. John himself ; and the Church of Kome had a successor appointed by St. Peter, and that one was St. Clement.’^ If this uninterrupted succession retained in the Church St. Augustin and St. Ir^neus ano Tertullian, what authority should it not have with us, continuing through eighteen centu ries ? Is it not most certainly the hand of God that sustains the Holy See ? . . . . Have we not even more reason than had Tertullian, to say to the heretics, “ Who are you, and from whence came you?'^ Where APOSTOLICITY OP THE CHURCH. 239 were the Calvinists before the time of Calvin ? or the Anglicans before the time of Henry VIIL ? or the Lutherans before the time of Luther? And to whom did they succeed, and to what pastors have they left the right to teach? They were sent by themselves, and not by the apostles. They are not then apostolic. The Church has preserved, since her ori- gin, the doctrine received from the apostles. It is the apostles, who were instructed and en- lightened by Jesus, that are her masters. The writings and traditions which were confided to them are the true sources from which she draws the truths that she teaches. It is for the Church that the apostles have written the sacred Scriptures ; but it is not by writing alone that the apostles have in- structed the Church ; they have also instruct ed it by tradition. Tradition is, in one sense, more ancient than the Scriptures, since the apostles preached before writing. 240 APOSTOLIOITY OF THE CHURCH. What motives have we not for remaining inviolably attached to this ark of salvation? that no tempest can destroy, because formed by God. If we remain faithfully attached to the Holy Catholic Church, if we show ourselves respectful and obedient children of a Mother so worhy of our love and veneration, our happiness will be complete for eternity ; our faith will increase daily ; we will find in the instructions of our legitimate pastors new light to dissipate our doubts and to preserve as from error ; we will have greater hope of possessing heaven, and will beg with greater fervor the graces necessary to attain thereto. BOSTON COLLEGE 3 9031 01 OLLEGE / lllllllllllllllllll J 341280 4 pff 0 - 4 - 20578 BOSTON COLLEGE LIBRARY UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS CHESTNUT HILL, MASS. Books may be kept for two weeks and may be renewed for the same DeEUid^fifiie|B*t^. served. Two cents a day is charged for each book kept overtime. If you cannot find what you want, ask the Librarian who will be glad to help you. The borrower is responsible for books drawn on his card and for all fines accruing on the same.