Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-10-13
From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
SKETCH OF PARIS IN 1926.

e;oht mr. Ten wears since. The efforts IncesSant-
" made either covert or open bysthe reigning
family to force the ancienle religion, on the peo-
ME have had their effect. Those who wish to
make their way at court, TO obtain promotion
in the army, or in the civil offices, are to be
seen diligently going to mass. The French
ridicule this superstition, as they call 1t, and
will repeat the mons disiingues from Marshal
Souh. with his valet al his heels, with Moroc-
co gilt prayer-book under his arm, daily pacing
10 the church, 10 the names OF lesser rank who
have all some obiec, to gain by their prayers
and mass goings. In fact, whoever wishes to
thrive by the patronage OF the court, must be
dilieent at confessional, rigid in his lasts, a
warm advocate Of the missionaries, &c. &c.B ut
the mass of the people will not endure this-the
farce is too broad, and the tide of opinion and
feeling is every day flowing more adverse and
darkly
One of the most jealous mobiles for the reli-
pion ofthe day lately fell sacrifice 10 his en-
: thusiasm. It is not more than two months ago
that the Duke Matthew de Montmorency, tn
tor of the Duke de Bordeaux, was admitted
member of the Academy. The propriety OF
: his election had previously given rise TO much
and angry discussion in the newspapers; rldl-
Guile was poured on the peer in most unspar-
ing way, his talents, his principles, his lntegrl-
Nv, all were called in question. But his election
took 3lace with much splendour, and II was a
spectacle of the highest interest. The ball oil
the Academy was filled with the most literary,
as well as the most beautiful women among The
noblesse. About three weeks since, as the
Duke was passing the Pont Royal, he was
seized with sadden fit ofillness, that compell-
ed him to return home Instantly. len DAYS at
forwards, being much recovered, he expressed
an ardent desire 10 go to the church OF St.
Thomas d'Acquin, in order to pay Ahis devo-
lions there. His medical attendants strongly
dissuaded him from such step, as dangerous
in his delicate state of health; but the piety and
enthusiasm Of the "Chief Baron of the Empire,
as he is called" rose triumphant over every an
treaty and remonstrance, and, accompanied by
his wife and daughter, he went 10 the church
The object of his passionate desire was 10 wor-
ship at the tomb Of the Redeemer, for beneath
the altar in this edihce the priests had prepared
an imitation Of this sacred object Beneath the
altar was small recess cut to represent the
lower part of the tomb, where the body was
once laid; and figure OF alabaster, well execut-
ed. was extended; with the attitude and aspect
of one who had suffered with resignation and
hope. and over the paid scene drawn a
lamp-light was wildly thrown. The Duke APP
preached the spot, and knelt beside it, and APP
peared 20 be absorbed in devotion, when sud-
denly his countenance became pale as ashes;
his family spoke TO him, but he cid not answer
word, and tainted in their arms. Every effort
to revive him was useless; and in the attempt
to convey him TO his palace, he expired.
This untimely fit of enthusiasm has robbed
the future monarch of the grand nation of his
tutor. and the Academy of their newly elected
member; iilustrious for rank al least, though
ungifted with much talent. His funerak was
very splendid one; and among the numerous e.
ouipaees might be distinguished more than one
with the royal devices. AS the long and slow
procession passed opposite the entrance of the
Academy, IL afforded an impressive lesson Of
earthly yicissitude. A few days before, the OBJ
iect of his extreme ambition was there confer
red on him in the grand hall, past which he now
went to his quiet resting-place. Two or three
DAYS after bis death, we visited the church
where he had expired. The scene of the tomb
was still kept up, and was very impressive
one, and had considerable effect on the crowds
of people who were intently and devoutly gaz-
ing on it.
Two more instances of superstition, OF a less
refined cast, have lately attracted much notice
A week or two ago, woman, sent out, It was
said, expressly by the Jesuits, paraded through
several of the streets, barefoot, and in the garb
of penitent; and not far behind she was fol-
lowed by two attendants. The novelty Of the
thing attracted the gaze and merriment of the
Parisians, who ridiculed her deyout looks; but
as soon as it was whispered that il was the
work of the Jesuits, odium was instantly
cast on the whole transaction.
A few days afterwards, another penitent took
the field; but she was voluntary one, and walk
ed barefoot through several OF the streets with
look and attitude Of deep penitence and de-
vo,ion. She was good-looking woman, and
becomingly dressed. The people at trst gazed
on her silently, but soon began TO suspect It was
another trick of the Jesuits, similar 10 the form
er one; and the poor devotee, or rather the TAR
penitent, was followed with hissinGs and boot
ings; and the mob increased SO much, that she
/. was compelled 10 abandon the pill grimage; and
the Archbishop of Paris has since forbid 1t to
be'renewed.
The universal contempt and ridicule with