Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1855-02-17
GEORGETOWN COLLEGE, I'd. CD
Rxhr

MESSRS. EDITORS: composition, bearing
Nl the title Of The Jesuits' OATH" has been
circulating IN the papers of the country is said
extensively. On reading il myself the imposition
seemed SO glaring, so like Steme's curse, made t.
hand, for the Pope, tina. il seemed to me no one
could peruse 1t seriously. Friends, b viewer, assure
me that the oath is rea by many with long faces.
Despite, then, an extreme replgnance 10 appear in
the public journals, request a small place in your
columns fer the positive and unqualified denial of
the usc or even existence, now or ever before land
this aver thoughtfully and with full knowledcs OF
any such oath among the Jesuits. IL summoned 10
court they may take osths as OF citizens but
Jesuits they take no oath at all.
l am Illuminated, as a Marylander, at being cal ed
upon, on the borders Of my native State tn make
the above dis laimer, and thus repel the charge o,
more than latent treason! The western shure of
Maryland, the home of my childhood, has ever beer
a classic place, cherished in my heart with patriotic
prlde. There are the remains Of my grandfather, q
revolutionary soldier, and there, in an adjoining
county, is the landing place Of the pilgrims of 81.
Mary's," whose brightest scenes and best memo. i
are imp 'rsnably connected with the Jesuits' namr
Such antecedents, though not ashamed of, C ..
tainly should not have adverted to had not an at
tempt been made, by q fabricated oath and its e.
ceteras, to cast an unjust and deadly odium apon
religious order, of VIII h am, present, Superior
In Maryland. cannot help seeing In this an effart
to render me and my brethren in religion aliens a;
home, and strangers BY our own side. We are
cruelty msrepresented by the trainers of the above
named oath. Were we more like the caucature
made OF Us, feel convinced that they would like
us Oettei uldn tneV 90. hsslmudtl0n would beget
affection Still, while, with very little heart ache,
torgo their Affection due respect for the opinions
of men Of good will moves me to make brief de =
laration of our tenets Jesuts. For this purpose
will use the highest Official authority and employ
the language Of our recentIy-elected and present
Superior General.
quote from an encyclical letter of his received
a Few days since: "The Society of Jesus being
religious order, has other doctrine no other rule
OF conduct, than those of the Catholic Church. a.
was publicly decla ed by my predecessor In lS47.
IN fact and in right, the Jeuits ars, and declare
themselves. entirely unconnected with any o. ucal
party, be what il may. Always and everywhere
they say to all by their teaching and by their con
duct Render unto Cesar the things are ssars
and to God the things that God's- MARK L. III
such are the principles which the Society of Jcsu,
has always held, ard from which il will .ver de
part"
This Is the definition Of the Superior Goner.I and
his declaration alone is Of authority for the whole
society.
I may yet refer TO q stn higher authority = the
constitutions of our society. These inc apaciate
member from holding any Office of dignity or trust
In il who in'emeddles in any political affairs or
business Of State (See Institute, vol 9, $50
There we see the constitutions of the Jesuits ex
GLIDING them from the political arena and the Iegs-
Iative bail.
Our churches and the liberty to do good must suf
nee for us aud, whatever our enemies NAV saw,
faithful history and grateful hearts do and will vet
witness in our favor.
Respectfully.
CHARLES HENRY sTONEsTREET, j.,
IL Provincial of MARYLAND