The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-10-17

The abolition of the order of the Jesuits
and the confscation of their property by the
Provisional Junta in Spain, is justly regarded
as an important step towards the indepen-
dence of the Spanish people. There was as
much need TO break the shackles of ignorance
and superstition as of political tyranny, and
the Society of Jesus in its very nature and
nurpose is the antagonist of liberty. Its aim
has always been the ensavement of the hui
man mind. To be rid of its baneful power
was an almost indispensable preliminary to
the establishment of anything like freedom of
thought. Once before, in 1867. the Jesuits
were expelled from Spain by order of King
Charles Ill. From the time OF their organiza-
ton by Ignatius Loyola, in 1910, they had in
creased in numbers and audacity until they
veutured to assert dominion in every Catholic
country, and the power of the Society has ex-
ceeGe ed that of Rome ITSELF But they at
length overleaped the barriers of prudence,
and in 1867 were driven from Spain by royal
decree. At about the same time other Catho-
lie countries, beginning to feel their tyrannical
eXactions and determined to rid themselves of
their influence, expelled them from their do
main also. But in 1874 the Pope, Plus VII,
restored to them their confiscated property,
and called upon all Catholic princes to afford
them protection and folief Such command
was binding upon the catholic conscience, and
the Jesuits proud and defiant re-entered the
| countries whence they had been expelled, and
| in Spain and elsewhere have not ceased to ex-
ercise a powerful influence. The force of rev.
| olution has again driven them away, and per-
haps the new influence of liberty may be suf-
| ficient to resist their pressure, and secure for
| unhappy S1ain the advantages of at least
a more enlightened Catholicism.-Since the
above was written we have news that one OF
the Catholic bishops of Spain has declared
himself against the now government, and is
organizing an almed resistance. Doubtless
he will have the support against the Junta Of
all those who prefer the unquestioned domino
ton of Catholicism to liberty and progress fol
the people of Spain. This class is dangerous
| ly large. 1t will be for time to show which
side is to triumph in this contest. -.
| In the Episcopal Convention on Thurs.
day, the Committee on Provincial system re-
ported the course proposed in 1865, dividing
the church into six provinces, each to be gov
erned by Primate, and concluding with reso
lutions that the course be referred to specia
committee of five to consider and perfect anC
report TO the Convention. That after the
adoption of said canon the General Conven
ton of the Church be known by the title o
National Synod, and that committee of five
| be appointed to draft new constitution fol
the National Church. In the same body the
report on the Interpretation of that canon fol
violation of which Mr.. Tying was tried, wa.
made the special order for yesterday. .-
DR.. Hedge, Unitarian, and DR.. Chaplin
Universalst, agree in recommending the es-
tablishment of liberal preaching in Paris
France, because the only preaching in English
there is rigdly Calvinistic. Oh L-N
Rev John T. McGrath, who has been rec
tor of Christ Church, Gardiner, since the
death of Bishop Burgess, resigned his charge
last week, having accepted call to Jackson
Michigan. rs .s.-g.s eeaaaE
The Rev. j. A. Lowell has resigned hi.
position pastor of the Main Street Free
| Baptist church in Lewiston.
The Kennebec Congregational Conference
holds its semi.annual meeting at Clinton
| Tuesday, October 9th. .
The annual convention of Y M. c. AS Of
Maine will be held at Bath, October Goth. ....
The "liberal christians" of Pennington
have purchased lot for a church, and pews
to the value of sixty have been subscribed for