The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-10-20
FATHER HYACINTHE.

1t is evident that the step of this celebrated
Monk has produced profound sensation among
Roman Catholics, as will be seen by the letter of
the Bishop of Orleans one of the ablest now liv.
ing. A writer in the GALAXY for October, who is
acquainted with and has repeatedly heard Hya'
cinthe, and who has most exalted estimation OF
his piety his eloquence and general personal worth
makes the following remarks which indicate cor
rectly, we judge, the Importance to be attached
to this recent movement He says:
eff the secession of Father Hyacinthe were an
isolated fact, explanable by individual vagaries, it
would be unimportant 1t is one of chain of
events occurring throughout the Catholic world-a
gradual assertion IN fact, of the right of minds to
Judge in matters non essential The opinion OF
the French journals is most unanimous as to the
great influence Of Pere Hyacinthe's attitude in
this crisis Of the Church,
at is certain the liberal Catholics are much
averse to the letters OF mind likely to be imposed
by the Council. Passaglia struck the keynote of
opposition in Italy as Hyacnthe has in France. He
was communicated 1t may be so with Hya-
cinthe; but this will only increase public interest.
A great human soul seeking to draw men to the
realization Of lies grandest aim-this is too rare
to fail Of its due, even in an age like ours "
The telegraph gave information last week that
Hyacnthe had embarked for the United States, to
remain few months His arrival may be ex-
pected in few days, and will be looked for with
much interest. He is about forty-two years OF
age and let it be hoped that the Spirit of God
may so guide him Into all truth" and so inspire
him with wisdom and grace, that he may be an in
strument Of great good in leading others from
darkness to light We append the letter of the
Bishop of Orleans, and Hyacinthe's short but de-
cisiye answer.
!" ORLEANS, September 25, 1869.
"MY DEAR CoLLEA CUE The very moment |
learnt from Paris what you were upon the point OF
doing, | endeavored, as you know, to save you at
all cost from what could not but be for you great
fault and great misfortune, as well as a profound
sorrow for the Church that very moment, at night.
| sent your old schootelow and friend to stop you
if possible, But it was too late; the scandal had
been consummated, and henceforth you can meas
ure, by the grief Of all the friends of the Church
and the joy of all her enemies, the evil you have
done. | can only pray to God now and impore
you to stop upon the brink you have reached,
which leads to abysses the troubled eye of your
soul has not seen. You have suffered, know it;
but allow me to say it, Father Lacordaire and
Father Ravignan suffered, know more than you,
and they rose higher in patience and strength.
through love Of the Church and of Jesus Christ
How was it you did not feel the wrong you were
doing the Church, your mother, by these accuse.
tions; aud the wrong you are doing to Jesus Christ
by placing yourself as you do alone before Him in
contempt Of His Church? But | would fan hope,
and do hope, that it will only be momentary
alteration Return among u.s. after causing the
Catholic world this sorrow, give it great consola-
ton and great example Go and throw yourself
at the feet Of the Holy Father His arms will be
open to you, and in clasping you to his paernal
heart he will restore to you the peace of your cou-
science and the honor of your life. Accept from
him who was your bishop, and who will never cease
to love you, this testimony and these counsels of
true and religious affection. FELIX,
Bishop of Orleans.