Xliv FATHER HYACINTIIE's LETTER, ETC. 



certainly to know), is complemented by the (loctrine equally set- 

 tled, that excommunication binds the soul onl}^ -when tlie offence 

 charged is actual, of which the hierarcli is no infallible judge.* 

 Bearing, within, a conscience void of offence before God, he may 

 walk amid the falling thunderbolts of Rome unhurt, and " fear 

 no evil, for the Lord is with him." 



* The famous theologian, Passaglia, I am told, has discussed the subject of 

 excommuuicatiou in this sense, in terms which were deemed offensive by 

 the Roman party in the Roman Church ; but I have not had time to find his 

 pamphlet. 



