Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1854-10-21
Know Nothings-Rev. G. Menard.

WITHIN the walls OF his churcn. we tooh o0eaeioi
to warn the reverend gentleman against the
evils which might ensue, should he persist In
delivering sucb lectures. Our remarks, we are
fattered to say, were approved and highly
lauded by nearly every well-informed member
of this community. Moved by reasons similar in
thier nature to those we then entertained, we now
with deep regret, feel ourself again called upon
to express our disapprobation of the political
sermon delivered by our much esteemed Priest,
the Rev. CHAs. MENARD, to his congregation
at St. Joseph's Church, on Sunday morning, the
1st inst The subject of the reverend gentle
mans discourse, on the occasion above alluded
to- was the Kno,o Nothings, whom he denounced
as dangerous order, at the same time warning
his audience against certain unnamed persons
residing within limits which he defined.
By what means the reverend gentleman be-
came acquainted with the secrets of this order,
is matter which remains yet unexplained. All
we know is that he said he did become acquaint-
ed with them after diligent inquiry of two OF
three days.
1t is not our purp ,se here to denounce or de-
fend this order: but to ask the reverend gentle
man who has thus sullied his sacred mission,
and that too, in a temple dedicated to the ser
vice Of Almighty God on1y-by assuming at the
same time the character of Priest and Politician,
how is it that he has been able. in the short
space of two or three days, to pry into the
secrets of this political association, when the
most segacious politicians of our times, know
so little of the "Holy Order Of Jesuits?" But
why, Mr.. M6nard, do you consider the Know
Nothings dangerous order? Have they not
declared that their only object is the
protection of their country against foreign in
fuence and power? Is there anything in this
that is inconsistent with the doctrines of the
Roman Catholic Church? If SO, speak, for then
have they offended Is this declaration of
war against Catholicism? It is possible that
such is your opinion; for, if we are not mis-
taken, not very long ago, yourself and many
other catholic clergymen called upon the con
gregations under your charge to give money
mot for the church, butt to restore sovereign
to his throne; thus inviting our citizens to
violate the neutrality laws of their country, that
States, might subdue his rebellious subjects.
We know, sir, that Popes have caused men
10 be absolved from solemn oaths; monarchs
rom binding obligations; and subjects from the
allegiance due to their kings. We also know,
hat about twelve years since, Marquis DRosTE
v1sHER1Na, Archbishop of Cologne, in Prussia,
was imprisoned and finally banished for violating
~ command of his Holiness the Pope, the
avs Of that kingdom. Again, we know that
he present occupant Of the pontifcal chair at
Rome, has lately delivered an ALLEGATION on the
State of affairs in the Republic of New Grenada,
wherein he claims powers (presuming that
country to be settled principally by his folowers
otally inconsistent with the sovereignty of that
Republic. In view Of Ill these focts, do you,
Mr.. Menard, hold the allegiance we owe to our |
country less sacred than that which is claimed |
or the Pope? If so, speak, for then have they |
fended. Are the duties Of an American citizen |
with the privileges of the Church
nd the salvation of soulse
You are, Mr.. Menard, we believe, natur- |
lized American citizen, and as such have re-
ounced allegiance to all foreign, kings, princes,
nd potentates. Are you also opposed to the
Ioly Catholic Church Of Rome? Certainly not;
Or, otherwise how could you reconcile your
ath of allegiance with the duties of your re-
gious mission; in other words, how could you
e both Priest and a citizen of the United |
tates? We said g certainly not" because no
ian can serve two masters at the same time,
nd you are certainly incapable Of committing
erjury. Wherefore, sir, since you are both a
REST and good citizen, from whence do you
raw the conclusion that the Know Nothings are
pposed to the Catholic Church?
We may again revert to this subject at some
nture period. We sincerely trust, though, that
he reverend gentleman will, in the future, abb
tain from any or all interference in the politi-
al affairs Of his adopted country. and confne
imself particularly and exclusively to his &c
lesiastical jurisdiction. No religious denom
lation have right to appeal to the prejudices
their congregations to advance OF counteract
,e influences of any political party, be they
hat they may. The genius Of our government
oes not, nor will it tolerate any such course.
he temporal and spiritual powers, in this
,untry at least should ever remain separate
nd distinct. Our country first; religion next.
A REAL TREAT.-Those of our citizens who
re fond Of reading fresh news from New Or
ans, will be delighted to learn that our young
lend Chas. Lesseps, Of the firm of Lesseps &
eguilhem, Of this place, has made arrange
ents with the worthy proprietors of the New
rleans Bee, one among the best and most ably i
nducted journals published south of Mason
id Dixon's line, for daily supply Of that
per to be regularly forwarded to him by the
ew Orleans and Opelousas Railroad. Persons
lshing copy of that paper may always obtain
le, fresh from the press, by calling on Mr.. i
esseps, next door to the Postofice We sim .
rely trust that the enterprise will be encour-
ed to that extent that will ensure its con- 8
,uance for all times in the future. Who I