A YEAR IN BRAZIL. 



ance to those who differ from them, the object of these lines will 

 have been gained. 



For those who have been educated from childhood in the 

 Roman Faith, who have known no other, and who regard with 

 warped intellects the other branches of the Church, it is conceiv- 

 able that for them it is sufficient. But I cannot comprehend any 

 who have been brought up in the freedom and superior light of 

 the English Church giving their allegiance to Rome. Her errors 

 in theory as well as practice appear so very evident. 



As regards the one service, the only one commanded by the 

 Divine Founder of our holy religion, and therefore binding on 

 all Christians, called Holy Communion, the Eucharist (sacrifice 

 of thanksgiving), the Mass, the Lord's Supper, or Breaking of 

 Bread, I weekly saw hundreds attending this service. It was, of 

 course, in Latin. The priest's voice alone was heard ; the congrega- 

 tion did not utter a word. They crossed themselves at the Gospel, 

 beat their breasts at the non sum dignus, and their demeanour was 

 generally reverent ; but they hardly ever communicated, even at 

 Easter. What communion is there? The idea, noble in itself 

 perhaps, of one universal language for the celebration of the Holy 

 Mysteries is a mistake. Though, of course, the first object of the 

 Eucharist is the worship of God and the representation of the One 

 Sacrifice on behalf of mankind, yet the edification of the wor- 

 shippers who assist should be also considered ; but with the ser- 

 vice in an unknown tongue the greatest good to the greatest 

 number is not and cannot be attained. The people attend as a 

 duty, but few derive much benefit ; and I found that attendance 

 is considered as a kind of fetish or charm ! 



The celibacy of the clergy is enforced. How few keep the vows ! 

 The number of children that many of the priests have is well 

 known, and many others are notorious evil-livers ! How can it 

 be otherwise ? The number of men to whom the virginal life is 

 possible is proportionately very small. Preternatural grace of the 

 very highest degree is necessary to resist the natural inclination and 

 the influence of the habits and customs of those with whom the 

 priest must continually associate, especially in warmer or tropical 

 climates; and this lofty standard cannot be expected of many 

 thousands of men who have not, in all cases, entered the priest- 



