Lectures. The rise of the Romish church...

Preface

The author of this "book cherishes no ill-will to any individual member of the Eoman Catholic Church, but a spirit of steady opposition, from a sense of duty, to the system of Eomanism. Let the reader keep this distinction in his mind. The old and the young, but especially the latter, as they will take part in the coming conflict with the papacy in this land of Protestantism and civil and religious freedom, need to be informed of the past history and of the present designs of the Eoman Catholic Church.

In the preparation of the lectures which comprise the subject-matter of this book, I have derived valuable aid from Dr. Mosheim's Ecclesiastical History, Lectures on Eomanism, by Dr. Cumming, debate on Eomanism between Alexan-

IV PREFACE.

der Campbell and Bishop Piircell, Kirwan's let ters to Archbishop Hughes, and the comprehensive and valuable work entitled, " Eomanism as it is," by the Eev. Dr. Barnum of Connecticut.

Upon this work, believed to be a necessity of the times, I "invoke the considerate judgment of mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God." J. B. H.

Contents

PAGE.

PBEFACB ^ 3

Introduction 9

Chapter I

Christ the divine and onlj true head of the church upon the earth— Early corruption of the church— Foundation for Romanism — Claims of Romanism to apostolic succession — Not an apostolical, but an apostate church — Constantine the Great— Union of church and state 51

Chapter II

Paganism and Romanism compared — Apocryphal New Testament received by Romanists— Why rejected by Protestants... 70

Chapter III. 4

When false doctrines were incorporated into the church of Rome— The first attempt at the reformation of the church — Decrees of Pope Gregory VII.— The allegiance of the Romanist to civil government— The apostolical tree 82

Chapter IV

Diversity of opinion in regard to the location of the papal infallibility—Conflicts of popes and councils on the subject- No infallibility of moral character on the part of many of those who have set up the claim to it— Blasphemous declaration of a Romish layman in regard to it— Pope Pius IX.— No respect for him where he has been the longest and best known— Dr. Doellinger*s charge in regard to the corruption of text-books on the doctrine of infallibility— Logic applied to the doctrine... ....^ 07

Vi CONTENTS.

Chapter V. Page

Growing corruption of the Romisb church, with continued conflicts between those in authority— The reformers of the sixteenth century: Luther, Melancthon, and Zwingli— Why the efforts of these reformers were successful where others had failed— Not the vices alone of the church, but the doctrines also assailed by the reformers— All true reformation must reach and change the heart— The indulgences— The theses-* 'All-saints' day''— *' All-souls' day." 109

Chapter VI

As the resultant of error, there must eventually come either revolution, reformation, or ruin — Truth alone gives an enduring peace— Every plant which God hath not planted shall be plucked up— Reformers must come 129

Chapter VII

Duty of watchfulness enjoined— Romanism and civil freedom — ^An aspect in which this government is favorable to Romanism^ The Chinaman— The Mormon— Nations become enlightened and free only as they sever themselves from the church of Rome— Bishop's oath to persecute and wage war upon Protestants 150

Chapter VIII

Romanism repudiated where it is best known— The greater danger to the civil and religious institutions from the decline of the Romish church in Europe — Means employed for its establishment in this country — Progress of the church in this country— How soon will this country become Roman Catholic ?— Map of our great West in Rome— Balance of power—No religious liberty when Romanists once obtain the rule— A political church— New York City government— Dr. Cumming and the pope 175

Chapter IX

Folly of encouraging Romanism in this country— The pope, where he is better known than he is here, expelled from Italy in 184S- Napoleon's soldiers, and Graribaldi's march upon Rome— Victor Emanuel's election, and the pope's overwhelming defeat— The pope's titles— * 'Distance lends enohaatiaent to the yiew"—Sentiiaents hostile to public free*

OOJJJTENTS. Vll

PAGE.

dom — Gladstone on the papal decrees — Dr. Manning speaMng for the pope— The Roman Catholic system in a etate of dissolution ; but it will die hard— The mystery, Babylon is falling— The blood of the saints will be avenged ^**The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.*' 204

Chapter X

Brownson's admission of the necessity for the reformation of the Roman Catholic Church — Indulgences and indulgence auctioneers— Price of indulgences— Robbery of John Tetzel — What is meant by an indulgence — Purgatory — Missionary meeting in one of the towns of Ohio— Ignorance and thriftlessness of Roman Catholic countries in comparison to those which are Protestant 223

Chapter XI

Our free-school system— Hostility of Romanism to it— Objection to the reading of the Bible in the schools only a pretense on the part of Romanists— Our free schools declared atheistic and godless— Moral and religious subjects in our school-readers— Extreme folly and inexcusable guilt of ^Protestant parents who patronize Romish schools— Such become the destroyers of their own children— What a priest says concerning Protestants 260

Chapter XII

There has always been a true church in the earth— Where was it in the centuries of corruption, preceding the Reformation?— Doctrines held by tho&e who never bowed the knee to the Romish Baal— The plea of majorities by the Romanist—Progress of true Christianity since the Reformation— What entitles a church to the name of "the true church?*'.. 316

Concluding Reflections— The duties of citizens and of the state 349

" If the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman : if when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall ^be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned ; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand." Ezekiel xxxiii. 2-6.

Introduction

The following lectures have been preparea by the author thereof in the hope that they may be found useful to the public. He has given to the subjects therein discussed profound study, and patient, thorough, and careful investigation. His lectures are replete with erudition, and are alike able and eloquent.

The recent discussions in Prussia, Great Britain, the United States of America, and other nations, on the relations of the Eoman Catholic Church to the respective governments and people of these countries, seem to render the publication of this volume appropriate.

In all past time among enlightened men the three great inquiries constantly claiming attention have been : What is truth? What is duty? What is interest? And as circumstances are continually changing, these inquiries must forever continue to engage the attention of all inquiring minds. They are so comprehensive in their character as to include all subjects — materi-

^ INTRODUCTION

al, scientiiic, moral, an<J religious. The full discussion of these would include and exhaust all learning, all logic.

The following lectures were designed by their author to elicit the truth as a means of pointing out the duty, and with it the true interest, of the people of this country on a particular moral and religious subject, or subjects, — the doctrines and purposes of the Eoman Catholic Church, and the danger they threaten to true Christianity and to civil and religious liberty.

Our duties in relation to these, as to many other subjects, are threefold: To God, to ourselves, and to our neighbors. This classification of duties rests on " the great commandment," and on "the second" which is "like unto it." Matthew xxii. 37; Mark xii. 30; Luke x. 27. It is sanctioned and sanctified by reason] which is a part of that unwritten law to be found in the human intellect, and which may be read when we " look through nature up to nature's God."

One purpose of the author of this work is to show that some of the dogmas announced, and principles taught, by the Eoman Catholic Church are not those of the Christian religion, and that hence it is a duty to God to use all appropriate moral and persuasive means to expose their ei rors.

INTRODUCTION. XI

It is equally a duty to ourselves to ascertain the truth upon these, as upon all moral and religious subjects J by employing the means within our reach, and by exercising the faculties which God has given us. A knowledge of the truth is essential to the proper discharge of moral and religious duties, just as a knowledge of true science is requisite to make a correct application of its principles. But duty does not stop here. "Sin brought death into the world, and all its woe."

The first man born into the world seemed to regard himself under no obligation to care for his neighbor. As a consequence, he committed the highest crime that brother could commit against brother. He betrayed the sentiment, the feeling, that led to his crime when he put the inquiry, "Am I my brother's keeper?

Because of the error of his sentiment, and the execution of the purpose to which it led, he was "cursed from the earth " and became " a fugitive and a vagabond." Genesis iv.

The command "go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" necessarily implies that there is a duty to know the truth, and then teach it for the benefit of all mankind. Every dispensation of religion, and every great instructor in morals, has taught that every rational being is under a moral obligation to love

Xil INTRODUCTION.

his neighbor, and to manifest this by bis works so far as he may by all moral and persuasive means. Christ cursed the barren fig-tree and it withered.

But the inquiry my arise, Who is my ^^neighborf^^ This is a generic and comprehensive term, and includes our fellow-men as individuals, as members of society, of the church, and of the state or nation.

The author of the following lectures submits them to the public, in the hope that they may be of some utility in pointing out truths of fact and of principle which may aid a proper discharge of duty to our fellow-men in the several conditions or relations indicated. The language and sentiments of the lectures are his alone, and he only is responsible for them.

There are, perhaps, but few to deny that we all have moral and religious duties to discharge to our neighbors as individuals, and as members of society, socially considered. But there is a vague impression somewhat prevalent that Christians have no imperative duties to perform as citizens of the state or nation. There are duties of this character, and they can no more be omitted or imperfectly or improperly performed for want of correct knowledge, when this is attainable by the

INTRODUCTION. Xlll

e^xercise of proper care and diligence, than any other duty to our neighbors.

The following lectures were prepared as a means of enabling the reader to arrive at correct conclusions in relation to this class of duties. In this connection it may be useful to present an extract from a volume, which I now have in preparation, entitled " The Lawof Eeligious Societies,'' a portion of which has already been published in the Philadelphia American Law Begister for April, June, and September, 1873, and February, 1874. It is therein said :

"We live in a republic. Subject to the limitations imposed by the national and state constitutions, and in the mode therein prescribed, the people of the United States who exercise the right of suffrage may be regarded as the source of all political power. If government is not administered honestly or well it must of necessity result in wrong or injury, and generally both to some or all the people. If these evils exist they may most frequently be traced to the source of political power; that is, they will generally be found to grow out of the omission of some or many good citizens to participate in the nomination or election of candidates to office, or from a failure to sufficiently study the wants of the people, and the measures of government neces-

XIV INTRODUCTION.

sary to secure them. Where these are rightly understood the public interests will be properly taken care of if the citizens faithfully exercise the rights secured to them by the constitutions and laws. A long continued neglect of large bodies of citizens to know the public interests and exercise the rights of citizenship must resul in evil and terminate in the overthrow of republican government.''

This is the lesson of history/ the testimony of statesmen, the conclusion of reason and philosophy.

In tne very nature of things it is evident that a proletariat could not secure the well-being of ^ people or be permanent as a republic. Like Spain, Mexico, and the so-called republics of South Amrica, it would degenerate into military despotism.

(1) Mayhew on popular education, Chapter IX. See opinions collected in annual report of department of education at Washington for 1867-8, p 58, etc.

In an article in the New York International Review for September, 1875, p. 636, it is said: *'In the matter of education the United States has much to learn ; much either to create or to borrow, before it can rank with the leading countries of Europe, One of the most important elements of any school system— compulsory education — is just beginning its career with us. It has been adopted in but half a dozen states ; in the others public opinion has not been lifted to the necessary level. Yet this feature has been the pride of the Prussian schools for more than a century, and is found in many other continental countries.'*

See report on education in Vol- VI of reports of the United States Commissioner to the Paris exposition in 1867.

There is a volume, published in Boston in 1872, entitled, ''Public School Education,'* by Michael MuUer, C. S. S. R., priest of "The congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer," against all schools except those in which the Roman Catholic religion is taught. See "The RepubUc'* [Washington D. C. monthly] for 0ctober,1875, p. 219.

INTRODUCTION. XV

The first and highest duty of a citizen, as such, is to study and understand the measures essential to the public welfare, and the dangers which may imperil it. This duty results from the command to love our neighbor. It is explicitly taught in the Christian dispensation. ^ It is a dictate of reason and an impulse of patriotism.

The logical result of all this is that it is equally the duty of every citizen to exert all the influence in his power to make his knowledge effectual. He who omits to do good, or fails to avert evil, may inflict as much injury on society as he who commits a positive wrong. There are of course limitations, imposed by reason and religion and by the theory and structure of our government, on the right of citizens to interfere with the opinions and practices of others. So there are like limitations on the power of government itself. There are correlative limitations on the rights of citizens to interfere with the rightful exercise of the powers of government. And the government is clothed with the powers essential to its own preservation

(2) The Apostle Peter, in treating of government and the duties of citizens, says: '* Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake ; . . unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of Grod, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. . . Love the brotherhood.'* I. Peter ii. 13-17. And see Romans XIII. and Clarke's commentary thereon. The same lesson is taught by divine authority at an earlier date. * ' Thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear Grod, , . to be rulers." Exodus xvni. 21- **Take you wise men, and understanding, . . and I will make them rulers over you." Deut i. 13.

XVI INTRODUCTION.

and the protection of all citizens in the enjoyment of true and rational religious liberty. It is not possible always to detine the boundaries or limits of the respective rights, powers, and duties of government and people, and especially in relation to the exercise of duties or practices which rest on conscience or religious faith. A full discussion of all these is beyond the purpose of this work; indeed it is impossible to anticipate the conflicts that may arise. The solution of these must be left to the times and exigencies out of which they may arise.

But there are some general principles which may be stated. It has been so often said that "there is no established religion" and "no union of church and state " in this country, and that "religious liberty and the rights of conscience" are here protected, that it is sometimes supposed that there is no constitutional authority to interfere with any purpose or practice entertained or executed in the name of conscience or religion, however destructive to government or public interest, and that there is not and can not be any danger to our political institutions from any such purposes or practices, or from ecclesiastical power. Very many people, indeed, believe that by constitu tional provisions we are so fully protected against all such dangers that a discussion of any of them

INTRODUCTION. XVll

is SO unnecessary as to savor of bigotry and persecution.

This is by no means correct. It is irrational to suppose that we can entirely escape all conflicts of opinion resulting in struggles which have convulsed nations through all time. In the United States there are two distinct, and in some respects independent systems of government The constitution of the United States organized a supreme or national government over the people of all the states, the territories, and the entire na. tional domain. This government has its legislative, executive, and judicial officers exercising the powers confided to them by the constitution, and the laws made in pursuance thereof This supreme government is limited in its powers over organized states, but over the territories and the public domain outside of the states, it is in many but not all respects absolute.^

(3) It has been urged frequently that, as to them, congress is omnipotent in all respects, and that none of the restraints of the constitution apply there. See App'x Cong. Globe, vol. 20, pages 270, 273, 274 ; 2 Benton's Thirty Years' View, 729, 731 ; 2 Stat., 245, sec. 2.

In 1 Peters Reports, 511, it was said that "in legislating for them (the territories) congress excercises the combined powers of the general and of a state government.*'

Judge Curtis in the Dred-Scott case said : '* The subject-matter is the territory of the United States out of the limits of every state, and consequently under the exclusive power of the people of the United States (that is, of congress*). Their will respecting it, manifested in the constitution, can be subject to no restriction.*' * * 19 Howard R., 611.

In United States v. Gratiot, (14 Peters, 52,) the power of congress was said to be '* without limitation." (See U, S, v. Rogers^ 4 Howard, 667 ; 19 Howard, 393.)

Story says the power is *' clear, exclusive, and universal, and their legislation is subject to no contLol, but is absolute and un-

XVlll INTRODUCTION.

The constitution of this national government contains two provisions on the subject of religion, besides that which requires that senators and representatives in congress, and members of the state legislatures, and all executive and judicial offices of the United States and of the several states shall be bound by oath or affirmation to support the constitution, if this may be regarded as havving a religious significance."^ By one of these provisions it is declared that "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."

A glance at English history will explain the purpose of this. In England there was and is an " established church." Paley says : " The notion of a religious establishment comprehends three things : a clergy, or an order of men secluded from other prefessions to attend upon the offices of religion ; a legal provision for the maintenance of the clergy ; and the confining of that provision to the teachers of a particular sect of Christian - limited, unless so far as it is affected by stipulations in the cessions, or by the ordinance of 1787.'' (2 Const., g 1S28, 2d ed.)

Kent says of the territories : '* Congress has assumed to exercise over them supreme powers of sovereignty ; exclusive and unlimited power of legislation is given to congress by the constitution :ind sanctioned by judicial decision.'' (1, Kent, 3S3; Rawle on Const., c. 27, p. 237.)

As to the supreme and national character of the government of the United States see an article in * 'The Republic" monthly magazine [Washington] October, 1875, by Wm. Lawrence.

(4) Const., art. VI. sec. 3; Story on Const., sec, 1843; Paschal Aunatated Const., p. 250, sec. 242; McCulloch v. Maryland, 4 Wheat.. 416.

ity."^ And he declares that "if any one of these three things be wanting . . there exists no national religion or established church according to the sense which these terms are usually made to convey."

In England, from which country we derived most of our constitution, there was much legislation from time to time in relation to religion and the church established by law. A learned author says :

" In order the better to secure the established church against perils from non- conformists of all denominations, infidels, Turks, Jews, heretics, papists, and sectaries, there are, however, two bulwarks erected, called the corporation and testacts. By the former of which no person can be legally elected to any office relating to the government of any city or corporation, unless within a twelve-month before he has received the sacrament of the Lord's supper, according to *.he rites of the Church of England; and he is also enjoined :o take the oaths of allegiance and supremacy at the same time he takes the oath of office ; or in default of either of 'hese requisites, such election shall be void. The other x;alled the iest-acty directs all officers, civil and military, to lake the oaths, and make the declaration against transubstantiation in any of the king's courts at Westminster, or at *;he quarter-sessions, within six calendar months after their admission; and also within the same time to receive the sac-

(5) Paley's Moral Philosophy, book 2, p. 174. In some countries provision is made by law for the support of the ministers of all Christian^ sects regularly organized. Paley may not be literally accurate in his definition. The Mahometan or any other religion might be an established religion.

XX INTRODUCTION.

rament of the Lord's supper, according to the usfjge of the Church of England, in some public church immediately after divine -service and sermon; and to deliver into court a certificate thereof signed by the minister and church v/arden; and also to prove the same by two credible witnesses, upon fche forfeiture of ;£"5oo, and disability to hold the said office."6

This and all similar legislation is prohibited by our constitution so far as the national government is concerned. The result is, as observed by Mr^ Justice Story, that —

" The Catholic and the Protestant, the Calvinist and the Arminian, the Jew and the infidel may sit down at the common table of the national councils, without any inquisition into their faith or mode of worship. "7

In other words, for all purposes of holding any office of public trust, no distinction can be made by law on account of any form of religious faith or practice. Voters and those having authority to appoint to office have a power of selection which has generally been wisely exercised in the sjpirit of the constitution. But if the advocates of any particular religious faith, or those denying all religion, should by reason of their particular views demand legislation, even in secular affairs, injurious to the public interests, or dangerous to public liberty, there is a power reserved to

(6) See Montesquiu ; 4 Blackst. 44, 63, 57 ; 1 Story, Const. , sec. 184-754; 2 Story, sec. 1819; 2 Kent, Com. Lect.,24, 34. 35; Rawle on Const., ch. 10, p. 121 ; Paschal, Const.. 251-2&4.

(7) 2 Story, Const., sec. 1879

INTRODUCTION. XXl

voters, or those in office representing them, to defeat such legislation. How important then is it that voters should be fully advised as to all that pertains to the public welfare, that they may judiciously exercise toleration and judgment at the same time !

By another provision of the constitution, the first article of amendments, it is declared that :

" Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

This is to be read and construed in view of the legislation in England and other countries for the establishment or support of religion. It prohibits any law which would create any one of the three elements declared by Paley to constitute a part of a religious establishment. No law can create an order of clergy ; no law can provide the means of support for such order as a part of a religious establishment, or for the general instruction of the people in religion ; no law can establish a religious faith.

The history of England and her colonies and of other nations was fresh in the minds of those who ordained this amendment of the constitution. [n England there was an established religion, and revenues were raised for its support. Men who iid not subscribe to its tenets were nevertheless '^axed to support its ministrations. This was be-

XXll INTRODUCTION.

lieved to be unjust, and the constitution has forever prohibited all this as any part of our national system.

But the constitution goes further and declares that ''congress shall make no law . . prohibiting the free exercise " of religion. It proclaims the doctrine of toleration, by prohibiting any legislation that would deny or abridge the privilege of freely exercising any religion^ or any class of religious sentiment.

(8) Judge Paschal says: "The real object of the amendment was not to countenance, much less to advance, Mahometanism, or Judaism, or infidelity, by prostrating Christianity; but to ex elude all rivalry among Christian sects, and to prevent anj national ecclesiastical establishment which would gire to a hierarchy the exclusive patronage of the national government. *'

Art. 1, Amendments; Pasch. An. Const- n. 245 ; 4 Wallace 398:

1 Kent 633 (11 ed., pt 4, Lect. 24) ; Story's Const, 'i'i 1870-9. Tht object of this was to prevent any national ecclesiastical establishment. In England the Establishment, or Established Church, was recognized and supported by the state, Story's Const , ^ 1877 ;

2 Lloyd's Debates 195-197. For a discussion of the subject, see 2 Kent's Com. (11 ed.) Lect. 24, pp. 36-32 ; notes 1, ^t, 6. c, d ; Kawle's Const., ch. 10. pp. 121, 122; Montesq. Spirit of Laws, B. 24, ch. 3,5 ITuck. Black. Com. App. 296; 2 Id. note G, pp. 10, 11; 4 Black. Com. 41-59 ; Lord King's Life of Locke 373 ; Jefferson Notes on Virginia 264-^70 ; Story's Const , §g 1870, 1879 ; People v. Buggies, 8 Johns 160; Vidal y, Girard's Executors, 2 Row, 127,

See Robertson's Hist. Charles V., ch. 5, pp. 5i, 141, 315; Lindenmxdler v. People, 21 How. Pr. R. 156; People y. Ruggles, B Johns 291.

For the discussion of the policy of a church establishment, see Buck's Theological Dictionary, title '* Establisnments," where it is said: "Should the reader be desirous of prosecuting the subject further, he may consult Warburton's Alliance between Church and State; Christie's Essay on Establishments; Paley's Moral Philosophy, vol. 2, ch. 10; Bishop's Law Theory of Religion; Watt's Civil Power in Things Sacred, third volume of his works; Hall's Liberty of the Press, § 5; Conder's Protestant Nonconformity; Mrs. Moore's Hints on Forming the Character of a Young Princess, vol. 2, p. 350; but especially Ranken and Graham's pieces on the subject, the former for and the latter against establishments."

INTRODUCTION. XXIU

The Maryland charter, procured by Lord Baltimore, required religious toleration. This doubt, less had a salutary effect, and it is believed a large portion of the people of his religious faith in this country do not now approve of the pretensions s^tup by papal authority. It will be observed that these provisions impose restraints only on congress and relate only to the national government. They do not regulate or limit the power of the states.^

(9) Livingston v. Moore, 7 Pet. 551; Fox v. Ohio, 5 How. 434; Dale V. Kimball, 6 My.iue 171 ; Jones v. Carey, 6 Id. 448 ; Parish v. Wyiie, 43 Id. 487 ; Tyler's Ecc. L., ch. 2o, cites Osgood v. Bradley, 7 Id. 411; yenialdv. Lewis, 6 Id. 264; Aiiderso/i v. Brock, 3 Id. 243 ; First Parish v. Winthrop, 1 Id. 208 ; Michardson v Brown, 6 Id. 355; Shapleigh v. Pillsbury, lid. 271; Sewall v- Cargill, 15 Id 14, S C 19, Id 'Z^ : B sbee v. Evans, 4 Id. 374 : Cargill v Sewall, 15 Id. 288; Parsonfield v. Balton, b Id. 217; Cox v- Walker, 2Q Id. 504; James v . Coinm, 12 S <fe K. 221 ; Bater v. People, 3 Cow. 688 ; Barron V. Mayor of Baltimore, 7 Pet. 243; Bonaparte v. C, & A. M. Co.^ Baldwin 220 ; Story's Const , § 1878 ; Ex parte Garland, 4 Wallace 397-399 ; Permoli v. First Municipality, 3 How. 589-399 ; 1 Kent 633.