Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-06-01
FOR tho Waterman
Tendency of ROmaiiism.

The Protestant church has much to learn from the
Roman church. More than fifteen centuries since
Christianity obtained declared supremacy over
Roman paganism. In these many successive
ages the church militant, according to the Romish
succession, has been welding a tremendous moral
power over numbcrless myriads OF the human
race indeed her history through successive cent
uries was the history of almost the entire Chris
tan world. Schooled by experience, sagocious in
policy, she has secured vast wealth and political
power over many nations of Europe and America,
besides not little influence in other parts Of the
world Long ages prior to the bursting forth OF
the light of knowledge and literature following
the rise Of professionalism, she claimed mo-
nopoly Of the science, literature and arts Of the
world.
1t may be well to enquire how the church Of
Rome has acquired such vast power and prestige
in the government of mankind, for most evidently
she is still intent on maintaining, if not in cticnd-
ing, her dominion lmpeed by most laudabe
zeal worthy even Of the Apostolic church in its
earlier and purer days, were the purpose Of that
zeal as far removed from worldly interests as was
that of the early disciples, the Roman ecclesastics
Of all ORDERS especially the Jesuits have read the
human mind deeply. They have sought to find
the latent springs Of human action. They have
long and diligently studied the philosophy Of gov
eminent, as well as Of mind and human ailec-
tions
BY most severe and thorough training Of mind
and body, they have learned the wants and capa-
bilitcs Of body. intellect, and heart They have
learned the attractive power Of ceremonious rites
and Offering, idoatrous show. With these at
tractiye features Of externas, and creed liberal
in ndulgences, notrigidly exaoting in works or Of
humbling faith in sovereign, free grace, but with
much reliance on the confessional, and doing pen
ance, we find such a religion well adapted to pop
ular favor. Tocompete its perfection, needs only
the dogma Of inIallibility aud the belief of no
salvation out of mother church.
From an early day in its history, the church Of
Rome or rather, the higher orders of its ccclcsi-
astics, have unquestionably aspred to dominant
civil as well as ecclesiastical power throughout the
world More or less seli-dcceiyed, and deceiyng,
in the true moral nature Of the motives impclling
them to such almost superhuman efforts to bring
I t"' "vliH' ~ eHoy tn'"hf "'uot N"o ih"u'"VV W
the Cross, they have made the mcaHs OF so great
achievement their deep study for many contu
ries. No wonder, then, if fhey are profoundly
skilled in the science Of government, if science
it may be called, the theory Of which has been 50
little perfected, as is evident from the unsettled
and imperfect state Of the human race. This first
principle Of government they perfectly under
stand that the great secret is TO begin by early
discipline and training. The nursery, the school
room and seminary for children and youth are
carefully Inspected Hence their hostility to
free, Protestant schools, or those of no religious
character Their plan or policy is to teach their
pupils the faith of the church first, and human
learning as il may be for the interest Of the church
alterward