Polynesian., 1845-01-25

craven plate of Aaron. But II they mani
fest more of sinful humanity than of holy
wisdom, whether Protestant or Catholic,
their gold will be accounted but tinsel and
their vcstmcnts as rags.
They cannot be too scrupulons in avoiding
an error into which men Of their cloth have
not uncommonly fallen, by identifying their
persons too intimately with the cause they
take upon themselves to represent, and con-
sequcntly supposing that whatever charge
religion. In other words that the public
opinion. which is based upon their actions
rather than their professions, by condemn
nc them, is guilty of intolerance and pcrse-
cution. This is n fatal mistake. 1t is the
worst species of cgotlsm. 4 irail, erring
man assumes the mantle Of which angels
have not been found altogether worthy, and
dazzled by its supernatural brightness,
ncglects the corruption that is within. Min
isters have not only their own reputa-
ton as men to sustain, but also the majesty
of that Being of whom they claim TO be rep
resentatives. SO far rs they dignity their
profession they will be held in reverence.
What is true of them individually Is like
wise as sccts. The laws may be perfectly
impartial in their application, yet there is a
power behind the laws, that of public opin-
ion, by which each sect will be judged. Ev-
cry political right may be cqualizcd, but law
cannot control opinions. Both Catholics
and Protestants should keep this distinction
clearly in view. The law may protect them
equally, but their sectarian reputation, the
estimation in which they are regarded by So
ciety at large, their consequent Importance
and facility in perfecting their labors, de-
ponds entirely upon themselves. Govern
ment can only make general rules, under
which society is left to regulate itself. Con-
sequently to obtain that social pre-emincncc
to which it is both lawful and proper to as
pire, there should exist a continued pro-
voking" to good works. That which men
find best adapted to their spiritual wants, the
most imbucd with truth, the brightest mani
~festation of Christianity, be it of Rome,
Canterbury or Geneva, that will they VEN
crate and cherish.
Able Castan's objection to the swearing
Catholic witnesses upon the Protestant BIZ
bic was not only ludicious but proper, and
we are gratified that the question has been
brought up, in order that a correct rule may
be made and adopted by all the courts of
the kingdom. A witness of feeble conscience,
every one will allow, will be more likely to
tell the truth if sworn upon what he holds in
religious veneration, whether it be cross,
bible, or the image of Nishnu. The GER
cmony in itself is but a means of extracting
truth, and to men of probity unnecessary.
But the attorney general in his report has
so fully treated of this subject, as to pre-
clude further comments.
A present difficulty suggests itself about
swearing Catholic witnesses upon the Vul-
gate. Where are the courts TO procure
them That version Of the Holy Scrip
lures, nor any other, so far rs we are inform
ed, has ever been circulated among the in
habitants by the French missionaries. 1t
may not always be convenient for a French
priest to attend the court will, his bible. in
every case that concerns one of his nco-
phytes. lie may be far away, or his bible
in use for more sacred purposes, But per-
haps we are in error and the Holy Scrip
lures are more common among them than
we had supposed.