PERILS. — ROM AX ISM. 85 



childhood up, is calculated to disqualify the mind for 

 independent action, and renders it highly improbable 

 that any considerable number of even moderate and 

 liberal Eomanists would, in the supposed event, forsake 

 their allegiance to the Pope. 



V. The rate of growth, therefore, of Romanism in the 

 United States becomes a matter of vital importance. 



Many who are well acquainted with the true character 

 of Romanism are indifferent to it because not aware of 

 its rapid growth among us. They tell us, ^and truly, 

 that Rome loses great numbers of adherents here 

 through the influence of our free schools, free institu- 

 tions, and the strong pervasive spirit of independence 

 which is so hostile to priestly authority. But let us not 

 congratulate ourselves too soon. The losses of Romanism 



ing that we share in their folly, favor tliat most wicked system, and tliink so 

 benevolently of every class of mankind as to suppose that not only the sons 

 of the church, but that the rest also, however alienated from Catholic unity, 

 are alike in the way of salvation, and may arrive at everlasting life. We 

 are at a loss, from horror, to find words* to express our detestation of this 

 new and atrocious injustice that is done us." 



The writer continues: "Mark well, Pius IX. uttered these solemn words 

 against 'certain men,' whom he calls the enemies of the Catholic Faith— he 

 means liberal-minded Catholics, as is evident from his words, which, on 

 July 28, 1873, he addressed to the members of the Catholic Society of Quim- 

 per: ' Tell the members of the Catholic Society that, on the numerous oc- 

 casions on which we have censured those who held liberal opinions, we did 

 not mean those who hate the church, whom it would have been useless to 

 reprove, but those Catholics loho have adopted so-called liberal opinions: 

 who preserve and foster the hidden poison of liberal principles.''" Pius 

 continues: " To entertain opinions contrary to this Catholic faith is to be an 

 impious ivretch." (Appendi.K p. 8). This is what the rising generation of 

 Roman Catholics is being taught concerning " liberal Catholics.'' 



I can prolong this note to quote only a few words from the instructions 

 given concerning the relations of church and state. " Therefore, the church 

 is not to accommodate her legislation to the legislation of the state, but that 

 the state laws must not conflict with the laws of the church." (p. 199). 

 After enumerating some laws which Romanists do not like, the writer con- 

 tinues: '• Just here let us lay down an incontestable platform. We have a 

 right to secure just legislation and wipe out unjust and scandalous laws. 

 We have that right on the ground of citizenship and we mean to exercise 

 every right in that category, whether the hordes and mobs howl, sneer and 

 jeer, or quietly let us do so." (p. 200). 



Such is the mold in which the Roman Catholic mind of the coming gen- 

 eration is being cast 



