The Hawaiian gazette., 1878-03-20
TIC Decen.ed I.one.

Pope Plus TX died in the eighty-sixth year Of his
arc and the thirty-second Of his POntiicate. The
fact. though for time expected will greatly
agitate the Christian world aud especially the Church
OF which he the head, and which embraces
large majority Of the Christians elrth. The de-
ceased PentIf justly beloved by his spiritual
children and by thousands Of Professionals throughout
the world wh8 had seen him. and others who had
candidly studied bis gentle nature and benevolent
character. The Papal chair was never filled by
more pleasing and popular man. From youth to
age. the gay young Giovanni Maria Mastai-
Ferett Priest, Bishop, Cardinal aud Pope. he
charmed By his amiabty aud tact his pleasant face
and voice and his winning manners, all with whom
he eamein contact and all who by any means be-
came acquainted with his character. Even during
the most trying events Of his oheal life and in his
last days, when racked with physical agonies, his
natural suaYty and genteness Of manner for
sock him. but pred0minaed over all cares and Attic
ti8ns and beamed forth benignanty and paiernally
upon all His counteBAnee was a constantly IN
eouded that shed light and pleasure on all who
saw it and awakened kindred kindness in every
heart And his voice less charming than his
smile, whether in conversation in addressing the
multitude. He hue orator, and his soft but
souarous tones, which the remotest auditor could
always distinctly hear. made it extremely eaptvat-
ing. The charms Of his amiable demeAnOT, winning
oounteuance and melifuous voice, his personal pres
eues End naturally graceful attitudes and movements
rendered him Of the most engaging personages
known history. The worst that be said Of his
personal qualities that his amiable temper and de-
sire please made him sometimes too plastic in the
hands Of the designing aud more resolute men sur
rouadiug him Yet, Il must be confessed that these
cold and crafty managers were not often able 10
lead him far Astray prevent him from persist
ing 10 aud accomplishing the reforms and liberal
works upon which be had privately determined. In
the main be was himself the Pope, in fact well as
in name, aud a more benignsnt or on the whole a
more wise Pope reigned. The Roman catho-
lie Church will be fortunate, indeed if the next occu
pant Of the Pont6cal chair shall be in all respects
the equal Of his instrious predecessor. Nor need
discuss the religious tenots be held and represented
Such work we leave to the sectares and professional
theoogians. His religious doctrine they may pick
to pieces II they choose. and they may traduce him
for entertaining the views did aud for endeavorng
10 promulgamate them, but they should pray God
that they may die good he. He fol
lowed his convictions sincerely and hon
estiy to the end, and II they had been different
we shoald have quarrel with him nor with hi.
memory. BE had most Of the Christian world at hi
back. and if be wrong the majority of Christians
are In Bat, right wrong in belief, the late
Pope eninenty right in practice. and presented
10 the world one Of the loveest characters IN Chris
tendon. His Church's loss viii not pretend e
estimate. but we know that by his death the world
has lost great and good man-a man whose hear
was moved BY human distress wherever existing ana
whose hand ever ready 10 administer relief Il
the safsring, whether Cath5hc or Protestant, jew
or Gentle As read 10 evening contemporary
oua Of his FIRST acts to appropriate part Of hi
own fortune to paying the debts Of the inmates of tn
debtors prison at Rome. He also distributed Sl4 90
in marriage portions 20 poor young girls, and abel
ished some Of the most oppressive distinctions be
tween Jews and Cbaristiaas which bad existed 70
many centuries. Poor Jews given the sam
claim upon pablo charity poor Christians and tn
Jews no longer obliged by law to live IN on
quarter Of the city BeneToenee was the ruin
trait Of his character and this is Of the leadin
characteristics Of a true Christian The Church Q
Rome. though it has suffered irreparable loss,
fortunate in havi1g 50 long bad SO good man
guide it.-PbiadelphiA Public Record.