Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-03-07
JESU1TESM.

Although we have long been aware that the
motto Of the followers of that arch-intriguer
1gnazius Loyola, is, s'to be all things to all
men, and that they stopped at no obstacle in
carrying out their plans. yet we must confess
that we were wholly unprepared for the cool
assumption and unmittigated impudence of
following letter, published in the s:National
Intcliigencer," F." and signed by Charles Henry
Stonestreet, Jesuit Provincial of Maryland =
GEoRGETowS COLLEGE, ID. CD Feb Is, SO
eeHtfeRe'i.-A composition bearing the title of
the Jesuits oath has been circulating in the pa
pers Of the country, it is said, extensively On
reading il myself, the imposition seemed so gIar-
ing, SO like Sterne's curse, made to hand tor the
Pope, that it seemed to me no one couId peruse 1t
seriously. Friends, however, assure me that the
oath Is read by many with long faces Despite
then, an extreme repugnance to appear in the pub
lie Journals, request small place in your columns
for the positive and unqualified denial of the use
or even existence, now or ever before land this T
aver theughtfully and with full knowledgea of
any such oath among the Jesuits. If summoned
to court they may take oaths as other citizens but
as Jesuits, they take no oath at all.
[ am humiliated, as q Marylander at being call
ed upon, on the borders of nv native state To
make the above disclaimer. and thus rcpel the
charge of more than latent treason The Western
Shore of Maryland the home of my childhood,
has ever been classic place, cherished in my
heart with patriotic pride There are the remains
of my grandfather, revolutionary soldier and
there IN an adjoining county, is the landing place
OF 'the Pilgrims of st. Mary - whose brightest
scenes and best memories are imperishably con-
nected with the Jesuits' name
Such antecedents, though not ashamed of GER
taInly should not have adverted to had not an at
tempt been made, by fabricated oath and it's ct
ceteras, to cast an unjust and deadly odium upon
religious order of which I am at present Superi-
or In Maryland. cannot help seeing in this an
effort to render me and my brethren in religion
and fvO
We are cruelty misreprsented by the Trainers of
the above named oath. Were we more like the
earicature made of US | feel convinced that they
would like us better than they do. Assimilation
would beget affection. Still, while with very
little heartache forego their affection due re-
spect for the opinions of of goodwill moves
me to make brief declaration of our tenets as
Jesuits For this purpose L viii the highest
ofncial authority, and employ the language of our
| recently-eleeted and present Superior General [
quote from an encycical letter of his received a
few days since:
''The Society Of Jesus, being a religious order
mas no other docrine no other rules of conduct
than those of the Catholic Church. as was publicly
declared by my predecessor in 1S47 In fact, and
In right, the Jesuits and declare themselves en-
ureiy unconaeeted with any political party, be it
what it may. Always and everywhere thew saw to
all, by their teachings and by their conduct ken
der unto Caesar the things that are Caesar,s and
unto God the things that are Gods Mark xii
I'D Such are the principles which the Society of
Jesus has always held, and from which it viii ney-
er depart.
This is the definition of the Superior General.
and his declaration alone is of authority for the
whole society.
I may yet refer to still higher authority. the
constitutions of society. These incapaeitate a
member from holding any Office of dignity or trust
In it who Intermediates in any political affairs or
business of state. See Institute vol. ii, p. $50 }
Here the constitutions of the Jesui excludes
| them from the political arena and the legsla-
tive hall.
Our churches and the liberty to do good must
suffice for and whatever our enemies NAV say,
faithful history and grateful hearts do and will
yet witness in our favour. Respectfully,
CHARLES HENRY STosEsrRgET S. j
Provincial of Maryland
Let Us glance for moment at ssfsithful his