The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-11-30
The Conversion of Canon Cam
piello.

God has granted to our brethren of the
Episcopal Methodist missions an important
victory. at which we all rejoice A high digni-
tary of the Popish Church. member of that
Roman aristocracy which till now has remained
SO faithful In Its allegiance to the dethroned
pontlf, Count Campiello, canon of st. Peters in
the Vatican, has in the most public manner
abjured the errors of the Church of Rome and
Joined, after full confession of his faith, the
Methodist congregation of DR. Vernon, in Piazza
foi There he stood up one evening last month,
In the midst of the brethren, and pronounced a
speech, In which he boldly declared that he
renowned Romanism, to follow the pure Gospel
OF Jesus Christ. His aburation was accompanied
with the publication of letter to his former
superiors. in which he declared, that after hav-
ing waited long under Pho TX, not to give him
the grief seeing one of the canons of St Peters
itself leave the Church. after having vainly
hoped that Leo XIII would do something to
remedy the evils under which the Church groans.
he felt constrained to obey the voice of his con-
science. and to declare for Christ against His
pretended vicar
1t is easy to understand how such an event
must have created the greatest possible sensation
throughout the whole of Italy Not paper in
any province but has announced and COM
mented, either favorably or in hostile spirit,
on the astounding fact of canon of the very
Church OF the Vatican leaving the Popsh com
munlon to Join publicly, and without the small
est hlndrance, the eudnqelici, the disciples of
Calvin and Luther The news has gone to
every village, and cannot fail to have struck
many mind, and perhaps encouraged many a
trembling and doubtful heart. Italy had seen
nothing of the kind since the late Dr. Desanctis
gave up, more than thirty years ago one of the
best parish churches in Rome to follow the pure
Gospel. But Desanctis in those days had to
steal away unperceived from Rome, and his con
We sion to Professionalism could be kept from his
countrymen being known only to a few Count
Camplello, on the contrary has abjured Roman
inns In Rome itself, and remains there free and
undsturbed citizen. His conversion is publicly
proclaimed throughout the whole peninsula.
Many papers praise his courage and his dis
lnterestedness in giving up prebend of several
thousand Scudl year to follow the voice of con-
science. The Italians must draw the conclusion
not only that Protestant missions are at work
everywhere, but that they are successful. The
very priests that surround the pope, and live
with him In the Vatican, are beginning to leave
him. Why should not others follow the ex
ample2
Since his conversion Count Campiello has
published also his own autobiography-a most
interesting little book, in which we come to
know that many priests l Rome itself have
been for long time of the same mind. Indeed.
they went so far as to form under his leadership
KIND OF association intended to promote a re-
form In their own Church 1t was discovered.
OF course, and very soon silenced. But may we
not hope that some of the conspirators may take
courage and follow the example of their former
chief? True, the Romish clergy are generally
very timid and submissive, yet it is not to be
denied that many recognise the evils and the
corruptions of their own Church, and would be
glad of change if they could see their way to
1t. Count Campielo has shown them the way,
and, although to many it may appear hard and
daring to follow, should not wonder if his
noble and courageous example had few imita-
tors.
To some his motives for joining Professionalism
may appear more of political and patriotic
than Of a religious and spiritual kind 1 grant
that In his printed declarations there might be
more of Christ and the Scriptures, and less Of
political complaints. But we must remember
that many minds open only gradually to the
full light of truth. Let us remember that Luther
himself for time only thought of the sale of
lndulgences, and never had dreamed to 90
the length he went in his opposition to the
Church of Rome. No doubt when Count Cam
Plello comes to know the Gospel from nearer
point of view, he will find in it much more than
ne ever expected, and rejoice in the possession
OF riches which will compensate thousandfold
the valuable prebend he left behind-Rev. A.
MeltIe IN Catholic Presbyterian