Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-05-26
NAPOLEON'S- RELIGION.

Whatever were the religious sentiments Of
this extraordinary man, such companions were
likely neither to fix nor TO shake, to sway nor
to alter them. have been at some pains to
ascertain the little that can be known of his
thoughts on such subjects, and though it is not
very satisfactory, it appears to me worthy Of re-
cordng In the early periods Of the revolution,
he, in common with many of his countrymen,
conformed to the fashion of treating all such
matters, both in conversation and action, with
evity and even derision In his subsequent
career like most men exposed to wonderful vi
cissiudes, he professed, half in jest and half in
earnest, sort of confidence in fatalism and
predestination. But on some public solemn oc-
casions, and yet more in private and sober dis
cussion, he not only gravely disclamed and re-
proved nfdelity, but both by actions and words
implied his conviction that conversion to re-
ligious enthusiasm might befal himself or any
any other man. He had more than tolerance
he had indulgence and respect for extravagant
and ascetic notions of religious duty He
grounded that feeling not on the soundness for
their truth, but on the uncertainty of what our
minds may be reserved for, on the possibility of
our being prevailed upon to admit and even to de-
vote ourselves to tenets which at first excite
our derison. 1t has been observed that there
was tlncture Of Italian superstition in his
character; sort of conviction from reason that
the doctrines of revelation were not true, vet
persuasion, or at least an apprehension, that
he might live to think them SO. He was sats-
fed that the seeds of belief were deeply sown
in the human heart.
In the programme of his coronation, part
OF the ceremony was to consist in his taking
the communion. But when the plan was sub
mitted to him, he to the surprise of those who
had drawn it, was absolutely indignant at the
suggestion. "No man," he said, had the means
of knowing, or had the right to say, when or
where he would take the sacrament, or whether
he would or not" On this occasion, he added
that he would not" nor did he. There is some
mystery about his conduct in similar respects
at st. Helena and during the last days of his
life. He certainly had mass celebrated in his
chapel while he was well, and in his bedroom
when i'll. But though have reason to believe
that the last sacraments were actually admins
tered to him privately few days before his
death, and probably after confession, yet Count
Montholon, from whom | derive indirectly my
information, also stated that he received Napo-
Icons earnest and distinct directions to conceal
all the preliminary preparations for that melan-
choly ceremony from all his other companions,
and even to enjoin the priest, if questioned, to
say he acted by Count Montholon's orders, but
had no'knowledge of the Emperor's Wishes
1t seems as if he had some desire for such as
surance as the church could give, but yet was
ashamed to own it. He knew that some at ST.
Helena, and more in France would deem his re-
course to such consolation infirmity perhaps
he deemed it so himself Religion may sing
her triumph, philosophy exclaim, "pauvre hu-
MANTLE" more impartial skepticism despair of
discovering the motive, but truth and history
must, believe, acknowledge the fact.
Lord Hollands "reminiscences.