pery, and ably and well. But a succinct and yet comprehensive view of the leading features of Romanism, as delineated by the unerring pencil of inspiration, and reflected not only in the history of the past, but above all in the events of the present day, is, at this moment, a desideratum. The following pages are intended as a contribution, in some measure, to supply the desideratum. Most of the work now presented to the reader was written before the recent elevation of Pius IX. to the chair of St Peter. But notwithstanding the praises that have been heaped on the new Pontiff from all quarters, as if he were destined to cleanse the Augean stable, the author has seen nothing in all the much-lauded sayings or doings of his Holiness that required him to change or to modify a single statement as to the Antichristian principles or practices of Rome. Pius has indeed departed, in some respects, from the beaten track of his predecessors; but the changes which he has either made or announced, are changes merely of administration, not of principle-changes that may make some little difference in the secular management of the Roman States, but do not at all affect either the doctrine or discipline of the Romish Church. His Holiness has relaxed on the subject of railroads; but he has relaxed nothing on the far more vital subject of liberty of conscience. One of the latest acts of his that have transpired, is his "condemning and proscribing into the Index Expurgatorius," four new works, two of which are translations of the Gospels, one into French, the other into Italian. Those, therefore, who expect any real reformation from Rome, are looking for grapes from thorns, and figs from thistles. Popery may change its phase, but never changes its nature. It is always the Mystery of iniquity; and not less so, because his Holiness has the art to dazzle the eyes of the world by seeming concessions, and splendid acts of clemency, which are both fitted and intended to bind his subjects the more firmly in the bonds of spiritual despotism. Individual cardinals may feel, or affect to feel, antipathy to some of his measures; but there can be no doubt that his policy has the full sympathy of the "Sacred College," in which, it is well known, the rankest principles of Jesuitism have long been predominant. The very fact that one so young (his Holiness being only 54) has been UNANIMOUSLY elected by the Holy Fathers, and that in the brief space of two days, while it demonstrates the entire agreement of his views in all essential points with their own, is at the same time a strong indication that in their estimation he must be possessed of more than ordinary abilities for gaining for these views the approbation and acceptance of the world. Oct. 5, 1846. |