Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1873-06-28
Catholic Tolcration.-A small

Catholic TO1cratiOn.-As small
number attended the lecture upon Catholic
liberation in Maryland in Colonial Times,
at the NJ. f. Church on Thursday evening,
| by Rev G. II. HUMPHREY, of Pttsburg-
The presence of other entertainments in
town probably contributed to the want of
interest which his subject would otherwise
have attracted.
Mr. HUMPHREY began with brief sketch
of Maryland colonial history, in which he
marked the boundaries of the land granted
by Charles l. to Lord Baltimore with pro-
prietary rights and po,eer. Through his
lberality and tolerance Maryland was made
an asylum for Catholics and Protestants
alike While Papists are justly proud of
his life and character his tolerance is not
due to Catholicism. This originated with
Charles l. as provided in the charter grant
ed to Lord Baltimore, comforting special
| privileges upon Catholics and Episcopal
ans, from which grew the attcrthought of
general federation. This was encouraged
| in the succession of Cromwell to the rule of
England, whose desire it was to see all re-
! ligions flourish. Catholicism then, as such,
can lay no claim to this religious liberation
Lord Baltimorc's character is eminent for
/ sagacity, shrewtness, generosity Born of
Protestant parents in Protestant Yorkshire,
his early tuition and surroundings were not
such us to prcdispose him to Catholicism
II later years, however, tired of the divis-
ions, subdivisions and sub-subdivisions of
Professionalism, he fled TO the quicter bosom
of the Roman Catholic Church But with
| this bis character sustained no change
! Catholics can claim nothing because this,
one of their prosclytes, was tolerant. As
well may they claim the credit of discover
ing America, the Mississippi and the Pacific,
because Columbus, De Soto and Balboa,
were Catholics Nay, more. They may in
the same manner exact tribute for the plum
der, rapine and slaughter in Mexico, because
fernando Cortes was Catholic of extreme
character.
On the contrary, Catholic intolerance was
vigorously exercised in colonial times. In
Germany Protcstants We're necessarily per
secuted; Ferdinand III, banshcd them from
his dominions; Bohemia, Silica and Hun
gary were the fields of bloody persecution;
Louis XIV. drenclied his kingdom with
Protestant blood, Rapine, torture and
bloodshed mari; the history of the Catholic
, Church the Irish massacre; the GunpOw-
der Plot--a Jesuit scheme to destroy the
royal family, etc.
! 1t is not right to hold the Catholic Church
responsible for private acts, but it has con-
nived at crime through its priests, bishops,
archbishops and popcs, who have never au-
thoritatiycly condemned it.
1t is no answer to this that Professionals
have also been guilty of prosecutions. This
was to be admitted and condemned.
But the Catholic Church, with the belief
none can be saved without its pale, is intol-
Grant from principle. 1t denies that any are
christians excepting those who belong there
to--al else are herctics. The Jesuit maxim
-"the end justitics the means comprises
their policy and spirittl.at end Protestant
determination without scrupic as to means
AS Lord Baltimorc's power waned spec
ial demands for Catholic privileges increas-
Ell, and Catholics were favored They have
tinkcrcd with State legislation to meet their
desires. Meanwhile, liberation is progress
ing throughout Professionalism, and with it
general advancement. Have Catholics pro-
crossed in this, or anything within the
range of their influence The history OF
! Maryland, in many respects Il brilliant one,
shows it Il slow State. 1t was the last to
sign The articles of confederation and with
tn s significant instance its course since has
been consonant
hHt liberation exists among Catholics
results from necessty-not from approval.
Lord Baltimore was tolerant as SPECTATOR
Instead of founding colony for the sake of
federation, he was tolerant for the sake of
his colony. He was no Ignatius Loyola ;
nc bigot not a consistent Catholic He
was tar-secng and generous; not weighed
down with eXclusiyeness nor hump backed
with the Ailantcan term of infallihity.
The lecturer was closely listened to by
his audience which included few Catholics
The time occupied was less than one hour
We understand there will be reply to
the above Lecture on Monday evening at
8 O'clock in St. Mich4ls Church, by Rev
Father SULLIVAN, of Wcsternport Adj
mission free,
1t is n pleasure to examine the qualities
and prices of HITcMISs Bros. Tremendous