The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-12-31
Reply to Rev. Mr.. Wariag.
Editor Of The Tribune.

Eoltof Oh The Tribune.
Sir: lii Monday mornings Tribune
read the farewell discourse of the Rev.
l.. H. WarinS, which purported to be a
reply to certain charges made by Father
valentine in one OF his lectures at the
Cathedral. Tho Reverend Waring would
apparently attribute to ambition, 10 oN-
aggeratcd DretentiOns, and to Il purely
mundane policy, certain measures OF the
popes which We're but the natural con-
sequences of co-eXisting conditions. Even
q superficial knowledge Of the n,0na,Cies
of the middle ages shows that religion
was regarded as the basis ana indls pen
sable bond of society. The first duty of
the prince and OF all who shared his au-
thority, it was believed. was to respect
ana make others respect religion. SO that
the sovereign or magistrates who ncg-
lccted this essential duty proved thent-
selves, by the very fact, unworthy of their
title and deserved to be deprived Of it.
This principle was clearly laid down in
the legislation of France. OF Spain. Of
England and OF Germany, and in order to
enforce its observance it was succassively
established in these different states. that
the sovereign should not be elected OK
cept on the eXprss or tacit condition of
processing the Catholic religion and OF lie
Tending it with all his might against the
attacks OF hercsy and mpiety. In all tho
OF the two powers. temporal and spir-
itual, was regarded as the natural conso-
duence OF those principles and as essen
tial for the general welfare OF society.
This prevailing belief procured for the
clergy numerous prcrogatives and Very
extensive jurisdiction oven IN the ten,-
poral order, and also brought In the on
ercise of papal influence. In the midst
of the disorders of all kinds. which dis
figured society, the princes saw in the
holy see center at once of religion, OF
enlightenment, and of civilizations; still
more, they saw ip 1t the inost powerful
protection which they could invoke
against the usurpations OF their neigh
bors. and against the rcbollious OF their
vassals. There was. them no other All
thority acknowledged universally but
that of the pope; and being thus The most
respected Of all, even by the most yio-
lent and barbarous men, Is II surprising
that the sovereign should he solicitous 20
have the holy see as the arbiter OF their
diiferonces, as mediator ana guarantees
OF thcir treaties. ana sometimes to do
homage to it for their kingdoms, in NJ
der to secure more cffectually the aid
which they required? The wholesome en-
ercise Of this supremacy by the popes Is
amply attestsd by historical writer's such
as Voigt, Roscoe, Fisher, ally Sou,hcy,
Wheaton, Comtn, Guizot Robertson,
l.ecky, Schlegel and l.ingard. These au-
thors would afford the Roy. WaIing some
wholesome reading in regard to the SUI
premacy of tho popes.
The history and doctrine o. indulgrnces
are also grossly misreprostnred. Wet'~
sters Dictionary. The Century Dictionary.
or the Encyclopedia '.rittanica would
give him to fair conception u What an in
dulgence means, and the slightest ac-
quaintance with history would teach him
that prayer. fasting ani alnssiviH2 to-
gethcr with confession ana repentance
We're conditions laid down Tor the gaining
OF an indulgence. lnduigencos are not H.
censes to commit sin; neither are they
pardons Tor sins already committed. livon