The Sun.
London, England, 1857-06-15 00:00:00

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havr-h.kvo+ censider tf Romen CTl.shOie: Liz'!`
be, alien tole -e of the Ito lo wee t 'ns of the
pre,ent age. Wherever Vie p..este,ts that be- aro
opposed t). their pretensions, there the Roman
Catholics-are noisy reformers and demagogues. But
wherever the Government' s a dutiful sebject of the
Vatican, who so zealous on the side of order as the
Popisheniestbood ? There is, however, this wide
difference between their conduct under each ,con-
tingency. Democracy they hate from their hearts,
and only use as a toil ; despotism they love with
congenialwarmth, and use as a trust-d.confederate.
From one point of view we cannot blame them.
High theories of civil government' re naturally allied
to high theories of ecclesiastical government. We
might object to either or to both ; but as long as
the alliance - was openly: acknowleged and -vindi-
ca+e-1 on broad principles the Romanists would be
entitled to as niu3h forbearance and chari'y as any
other houest antagonist. But it is the attempt to
ire-suede the people of this country
_th et Roman-
ism is something essentially different from what it
is—something which sympathizes with fieetlom. of .
theught and action both in religion aid politics,
instead of being fundamentally hostile to both--
that Las excited in tne minds- of the British people
a sentimeet of unconquerable distrust. It has now
become almost impossible to eersuede them that
when the R6manist.spealis on pol questions
be has anything at heart, but the ail vAncetneet of
his re'igiv.us tenet,. D-structive in one coutitry
an.l obstructive in another ; here calling for reli-
gious liberty, there burning the Bible and 'fleshing
the heretic ; now prating of loyalty, and anon
whispering rebellion, be has created an impress'on
which it will take nigh a century to efface—'hat
with politics lie plays fist and loose, and will ad-
vocate political theori• s meet opposed to the funda-
mental principles of his creed if he thinks he cto
thereby shake the resolution of Ministers or
entrap the .sympathy of mob'. The above
remarks may seem too. severe for the occa-
sion, and we hasten, to repeat that it is the sys-
tem we are condemning more than indviduals.
Under the potent influence of a carefully organised
system, directed by the deepest sagacity, experi-
ence, and foresight, individals lose much of their
responsibility, and become almost . unconscious
agents. We have no desire to.ma,ke any personal
reflections upon' those noblemen and gentlemen
Who are band d together fur the purpose of repeal-
ing the securities exacted from their coreligioulets
in 1829. We only say that their language upon
the subject of religious liberty does but show the
extraordinary extent to which men can impose upon
thenpielves, and th-; ext. aordinary confidence which
Romanists entertain in the credulity of mankind.
1f the Church of Rome were as consistent as the
other bodies of English .Dissenters, she would
be treated with the same consideration ; but
we cannot allow the great watchwords of civil
and religious liberty to- be prostituted to the
pUrposes of a church which would throw
us off our guard by professions of friendship, and
when the ramparts were unmanned rush on the .
defence'ess citadel. This language, we repeat over
and over again, is not ton strong. It is justified
by experience ; it is justified by the conduct of the
Roman Church in this country in 1850 it is justi-
fied by the spectacle of Irish and C.intinental
Popery fet many years past ; and more than all it
is justifi d. by her recent expetimnts in Belgium.
It is the boast of Rome that she never changes ; and
if the. speaks fair to Litnralism we may be cer-
tain 'it is with the intention of betraying it.
Granted that the oath' imposed in- 1829 leaves
many Roman Ca-holies perfectly free in con •
science to vote as they choose, it does not leave
all, and even that is something gained. But what
is more to the purpose is this, that a great principle
is thereby affirmed ; that the dangerous difference
between Rontanisin and every other form of dissent
is constantly kept before us ; and that this un-
doubtedly does exerciee a certain moral influence
over the whole of the community. This is the ad-
vantage of the existing state of things, and we do
not see what counterbalancing boon would really
be conferred on the Romanists by the removal it.
If they wish to remain good subjects of Queen Vic-
toria, and to abstain from interference with the
Church of England, where is the hardship 7 It they
don't, where is the policy of granting their request?
—The Press.

TILE 0 A TO7/3/LL.