The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-02-08
Gbs Doits of tbs 4eopls.
THE CATHOLICS.

MIrcHELL's MILLS, Jan. s, 1855.
am much pleased with your course in devo
ting part of your paper to the people; and, as
an old friend of the Era, may claim space for
few words in " The Peoples Department
The Know Nothings have been charged with
persecution. Are they "guilty, or not guilty.
We say, not guilty" at once.
1t appears passing strange to us that men
will continue to raise the cry of persecution,
whenever we speak or act against the Roman
Catholics. We have nothing against them as
individuals. They may come and make their
homes amongst us-build houses and churches
with steeples and crosses; they may worship
the Virgin, or their images and relics. But as
a body polite, led on by cunning, designing
Priests and Jesuits, they are dangerous ele
ment In community-nerer to be trusted, and
should nerer hold the reins
The natural benevolence of some men leads
them to think that Popery is not what she once
was, and they tell us not to be frightened by
her "raw-head and bloody bones" But how
can this be? Are not the falminations of wrath
issued by her scumenical councils vet on hen
statute books? We're not those councils infal
lible? Then, if infallble it is right to affirm
that no faith is to be kept with heretics; and il
that principle ID to be acted on, what will be the
consequence? The fire and fagots the argu-
ments used to refute the hereto John Huss,
would be used tomorrow, if it were not that
"expediency enjoins forbearance" This is no
unfounded assertion-it is doctrine taught in
their schools. doctrine inculcated by their
standard books of theology Let the Catholics
once get the ascendency, and they will soon
show US that /" no faith Is to be kept with here
tics"
Allow me to give the readers of the Era a
few quotations from their Theology, issued 1888,
and now in use:
Baptized in6dels, such as heretics and
apostates usually are, also baptized schismatics,
may be compelled, even by corporal punish
ments, to return to the Catholic faith and the
unity of the church"
"The rights of other inidels, viz: pagans
and heretics, in themselves considered are
not to be tolerated; because they are so bad, that
no truth or advantage for the good OF the church
can be thence derived
Except, however, unless greater evils would
follow, or greater benefits be hindered.n
And, finally: "Are heretics rightly punish
ed with death?
"Yes; because forgers of money, or other
disturbers of the State, are Justly punished with
death therefore also heretics, who are forgers
Of the faith, and experience being the witness,
previously disturb the State"
Here you see who would be the prosecutors,
if they had the power or if it were "expedient"
We have said Catholics are not to be trusted
Read what is taught of the confessional
Although the life or salvation Of man, or
the ruin Of a State, should depend upon it, (the
secrets of the confessional shall not be reveal
ed.) Nor can the Pope give any dispensation
in this case; so that this secret of the seal is
therefore more binding than the obligation of
an oath, vow, natural secret, &C."
"What must the priest answer, if interroga-
ted concerning what he has heard confessed?
He must reply that he does not know it.
and, if it is necessary, he must confirm it with
an OATH"
Such is Romanism. She now wears mask
but, concealed, she carries the bloody dagger ;
and yet, if we place ourselves on guard we are
charged with persecution. If we see the enemy
secretly sapping the very foundation of our lib
critics, are we not to give the alarm? When I
think of these things, l am apt TO think loud,
and perhaps say too much. But enough. /
hope the time may soon come, when Americans
viii put check to the insidious encroaches of
this priest-led power, and also SO control their
actions, that nothing may be done to hinder the
other great and good cause which you so nobIy
advocate + w