Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1855-02-09
Catholicism VS.. Republican Protestant
ism.

| WaItham, Jan. 3D., 1855.
Catholicism vs. Republican Protestant
ism.
ny EPLlsoN.
We determine the titncs. OF an indi-
vidual for becoming member Of any So
ciety or institution. BY ascer,aining the
conson ance Of his character aud belief
and practice with the principles Of that
society or institution; and certainly We
should be as solictous to learn the char.
acter of any stranger which we admit
into the institutions Of our democratic
fraternity Republic.
lie, US, then, kind reader, very brief!
investigate this question: OTWhat Is
there in the system Of Catholicism to
recommend it to our republico-prote stanl
princples?L This is a vital question !;
and one in the careful examination oil
which we all should be seriously interest,"
ed.
And in answer remark, lst.-Ca,hol.
icism is immoraJlc. And what is the
import of the language Of the Pope him.
self in relation to this point! l, is this
The spirit and principles Of this infalli-
bic aud most holy church remain forever
the same, and without the shadow OF
turning; and if our principles and insti'
buttons are not maintained and carried
out wherever our religion is introduced,
it is because Of the predominant infiu.
ence OF the Here,,cs!' Here is an ar.
sument before which Bishop and Priest
must quail. Their spiritual Head has
vaun,in,ingly boasted that the spirl, OF
their religion car suffer 10 change. Its
,ene,s and dogInas and principles and
pratfices, too, of the 18th century, are
the same in spiri, still. The same dis
! positions aud desires and propenslties re-
main, and If We doubt this, we disbe.
in Republic Protestant America! Here
movements and renova,ions are borne on
every breeze. New principles are dis
covered new theories are discussed
new truths are received and examined.
Here. then, is perfect an,agonism.--
The one fixed :mmobility ; the other a
perpetual movement.
| Again, Catholicism rejects the idea Of
ameiora,ion. This feature necessarily
results from its .f1edness. Its presen.
customs aud institutions and worship are
the same that they ever have been. Its
laity endure the same rigid restrictions.
comply with the same mandates Of Pope
and Bishop and Priest, and submit to
the same CALLING usurpa.ions as they ev.
er have done. There is-there can be
no change. But with US, the passion for
Improvement is inflaming every Ameri.
can mind. The desire to ameliorate the
condition Of our race. to tighten the bur.
dens which are depressing the nations,
and TO scatter broadcast the blessings Of
principles and institutions which expert.
ence has fairly ana faithfully tested. is
universal. 1t actua,es every mind it
tn robs in every breast.
Catholicism. again. unpcses restraint.
upon thought, and iorbids free inquiry.
1t attempts TO shore up institutions which
rested upon the states Of society and
modes Of thinking which long since
passed away. II seems to forge, that the
press is disseminating agent. Il tells
its votaries that they must speak and
write, tkinR and act in accordance with
the blindness and ignorance and oppres.
sion Of the Dark Ages" and the ages
before nor will it be convinced that the
present is not the past. Blu, enquiry is
.he very vital spirit of our country and
age the boldest enquiry, invading ev-
cry region Of thought aud conjecture,
even. The free American will think |;
and elements Of thought will ripen into
principles Of action and any a,,emp.
to destroy or curb this tendency will be
as futile as were the rash efforts Of Xer.
xes 10 chain the wild surges Of the Hell.
lespont.
To BE Contisued.