American Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1855-1860, 1855-09-20


has at different times promulgated entirely
contradictory doctrines. The devotccs of
Rome are slaves, who dare not. upon re-
hgious subjects, entertain an independent
thought, but most obsequiously follow the
dictation of a mitored priest. Such men
cannot be true freemen.
When a man has onoo acknowledged
that his own judgment is insufficient for
his direction in his religious belief it is
easy TO persuade him that mankind are un-
fit to govern themselvesp politically. Hence,
we find that aristocracy AMI monarchy
have always lourished best in Catholic
countries. More than half the thrones Of
Europe are at this hour only upheld by the
influence of Catholic priests. So it has
ever been. Wherever the Catholic church
has had the most unlimited power, there
the worst forms Of despo!ism have prevail
ed. The Pope, asthe temporal ruler of the
Roman States, is the most complete tyrant
on the face Of the earth. He allows no
religious or civil freedom, makes no pro-
vision for the general education Of the peo-
pie. To read the Bible is high crime.
In short, the people of Rome enjoy none
of those great political privileges which
we consider so indispensable. Yet all the
bishops and priests Of this country have
sworn allegiance to the Pope. anallegiance
which binds them to destroy the liberties
of the country for the sake of promoting
the interests of the church.
| 3rd. II we visit the countries of Eu-
rope in which the Catholic religion pro-
walls, wo will find them far behind the
Protestant States of Europe in civilization
and refinement, in intelligence and mo-
rality. Tako the Catholic countries oil
France. Spain, Portugal, Austria, Naples,
&c, and compare them with the Protest.
ant countries Of England, Scotland. Prus.
sia, Sweden and Denmark, and you will
find the condition of the mass of the people
far more improved in the latter than in the
former countries.
4th. The only reason why republican
institutions have not succeeded in Mexico
and South America, is because those coun-
tries arc wholly under the blighting inhu
ence of Catholic priests.
9th. In no Catholic country is the press
free. The Romish priests have always op-
posed free presses. Rcpdblicans have al
ways considered free press MS the best
guardian of the liberties of the people
So here. again, tho Romish priests stand
opposed to one of the greatest instrument
alties Of modern progress and enlighten-
mcnt.
9Th. In no Catholic country is freedom
of speech allowed. Moreover, Romish
priests everywhere oppose popular educa-
ton, for they know that knowledge would
be fatal to that monstrous system of super
stition which they uphold. Hence the
priests never establish free schools where
they have the power todoitif ,hey wished;
hence they aie endeavoring to destroy the
FREQ schools in the United States. They
late kiyht because their deeds are evil.
7th. The Bible is not allowed to be
road in Catholic countries. The history
of our country shows that we eowe our free
dom to our common schools and an open
Bible in them. The Romish priests are,
therefore, hostile TO the very sources from
(which our liberties are derived. In view
of all these things, we ask whether it is
not evident that Romanism is, from it:
very nature, opposed to freedom and re
, publicanism. The number of those pro
Tossing this dangerous religion is increas
ing III the United States very rapidly by
immigration, aud they arc now admitted
to share in the administration of oul
: government almost as soon as they arrive
Is there really no danger in thus admitting
hordes of ignorant and superstitious for
eigners to share in tho government p
Americans this is the question you are
called upon seriously to consider.