The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-11-23
NKIy YORK HERALD.
Religious Tendency of the Age-NeSv Catho-
lie Church.


A lew years since, the good people OF
ms country became considerably alarmed at the
rapid spread OF infdehy over the tar fields which
had been previously whened with the blossomng
and fragrant flowers Of piey and religious faith
On every hand was heard the cry, "we are fast
yerglng 10 the darkness of unbelei and the scenes
Of the French revolution will be re-enaced in our
own land"-and in fact, these fears were not entire
IL groundless. The theological works of Spnosa,
Strauss, and Kaut, perusal of which had formerly
been confined to German scholars, were badly trans
lated into English and scattered among the think
ing minds of this country, and were fast weaving
them from the faith of their fathers-he faith in
which they had been educated-to the wild and mys-
tcal dreams OF the smoke-begrined German meta.
physicians. In New England, the very heart OF
purtanical orthodoxy, the theories took deepest
root The common mind became reused to spirit
Of inquiry No temple was deemed too holy TO be
entered and examined. The pulpit itself, was not
exempt from this general examination into old forms
OF faith; and in many churches, where the religious
system of the pilgrim fathers had been Vigorously
taught, the principles Of German rationalsm crept
IN and took strong hold of both priest and people
For years this spirit Of inquiry has been at work,
until that reaction which always follows an unnatu-
raj excitement, has commenced Its operations. The
religious mind OF any people cannot long exist IN
state OF doubt and uncertainty. II must have an
undoubted faith, and system upon which II can re-
pose IN confidence, perfectly assured Of its right. A
chaotic and uncertain state of mind lasts but for
season, and then comes desire for belief without
doubt, and faith without fear OF error In such
condition is the religious mind of the present day.
Men have become tired of questionings which
yield no answers, endnow seek for haven OF firm
religious faith and undoubting security.
AT this point, the Catholic church, with its venera-
bic forms, and its creed that has remained I'M
changed through the revolutions of centuries, steps
in and offers itself as panacea for the ills OF all
who have wandered through the maZes of uubelief,
and found no light but dissatisfaction and unhap-
plness That strong tendency to Catholicism has
commenced IN this country, one can doubt.
Over the spreadlngprarle OF the west and through
her fertile Valleys the cToss-mounted churches Of
Rome have reared their glitering spires; and from
west 10 east, from north TO south, through the
length and breath OF our land, men are beginning TO
embrace the venerable Mother Church. whom they
formerly considered monster IN divine form.
Many, however, who would otherwise have
sought repose IN her BOSOM have been deferred
rom SO doing by what they considered her anti
republican tendencles-her acknowledgment of
The supremacy OF the potentate of another country
has been the great stumbling block in the way Of
her advancement. But another new movement has
commenced which promises TO reconcile all differ
ences regarding this matter. And as from Ger
many came the evil, so from Germany comes the
offered remedy. The new Catholic church. retain
ing the same spiritual faith and forms which have
been cherished by the Church for eighteen CEN
lures, but at the same time denying the supremacy
OF the Pope, and dIscarding some of the more
obnoxious practices of the old Church. is fast spread
Ing IN Germany, and has been commenced in this
country In Cincinnati church. has been formed,
and It's apostles will ere long be found scattered
al over the land Not only among Professionals,
gergng 10 Catholicism, but as well 10 Catholics,
who have become dissatisfied with the anti repub-
hcan tendencies Of the Church, will this new system
mud a home. ltrequlres but another Martin Luther
81 Philip Melancthon, al this juncure, to give
HE new movement impetus in this country
winch would surpass in power even the reforma-
non OF the 18th century.