with all its attendant recommendations. But the Roman Catholic clergy know their interests too well, to aid the approach of this happy period; they are aware that the blind ignorance of the laity, constitutes the basis of their sacerdotal authority; and they are, therefore, not likely to instil principles into their flocks, which, at some future point of time, might enable them to escape from their disgraceful bondage-to awake from their `dream of infatuated superstition-and to appear in all the native beauty of Protestantism!-But to return, the reader will easily perceive, that the doctrine of infallibility, as recognised by the Catholics of the present age, is one, which completely counteracts the effects of all the arguments which have been adduced in favour of (what is invidiously termed) " Catholic emancipation." The amiable characters and loyal principles of many of the Catholics have been urged as cogent reasons for the concession of their claims. These, certainly, in any other sect would be forcible reasons; but, as far as they relate to Roman Catholics, they can be none, since the Catholic is not allowed to judge for himself;-since his priest is the keeper of his conscience; and since he may be " obliged," however he may detest in his heart, the matter of any received decree," to adhere implicitly to such decree," and to repose his vindication for so doing upon the "infallibility" of his holy church! These are doctrines which can never be provided against; and as they form some of the principal tenets of the Papists, they must necessarily remain in their full theoretical vigour, whilst the Romish church exists" semper eadem ;" and we may rest assured, that absolute conformity to the religious opinions and practices of the antient Catholics, is the chief glory and pride of the modern disciples of the church of Rome.

Upon a retrospect of what has been advanced, I would ask, what security have we, that a repetition of the horrid and bloody scenes which disgraced the reign of Queen Mary in this country, and signalized the massacre of St. Bartholomew in another, would not take place, if an adequate power were lodged in the hands of modern Roman Catholics? If we may be allowed to judge of this question, by the bold, and (I cannot help calling them) honest confessions of the Catholics themselves, the probability is, that such a repetition would ensue, if existing circumstances should ever admit of it; which circumstances would be most materially forwarded, if the claims now advanced by the Roman Catholics be conceded-claims, which they never would have ventured to have urged, had not the present critical state of public affairs smiled propitiously on their endeavours-claims, which can never be granted under any securities whatever, since the same council, (4th Lateran) which enjoins the utter extirpation of all Christians differing from the church of Rome †, and the dethronement of Heretical

See Dr. Troy.

Sce Bishop of Lincoln's "Charge,” p. 25.

sovereigns; declares, that all engagements entered into with Heretics, though sanctioned by oath, are nullities in themselves *!!

That the Roman Catholics view the concession of their claims as a most important acquisition to their religion, is clear, from the earnestness with which they urge them ;-that the concession itself would most materially augment their political strength, is evident, from the very nature of the offices to which they claim admission-offices, several of which are allowed to be holden by Protestant dissenters; because their principles do not militate against such a tenure; but which, cannot, without imminent danger to our civil and ecclesiastical constitution, be intrusted to the execution of Roman Catholics: because the Popish religion is peculiarly inimical to the existence of any civil government whatever; and because it would not only be a manifest absurdity, but an act pregnant with the most serious evils, to admit the Papists to offices, which are any ways connected with our present equitable and tolerant establishment.

The idea of conceding any of the Roman Catholic claims, on the ground of expediency, is most preposterous; since it requires a very slight acquaintance with the Catholics to know, that while an individual wish of theirs is disregarded, they will never cease to petition the legislature.-A partial concession of their claims, would only have the effect of increasing the expectations of the Romanists, without satisfying them; and of placing the legislature in a situation, where it would be more difficult to resist their additional claims, than it would have been to have rejected absolutely their former ones: if," (to adopt the reasoning of an enlightened and highly respected peer) "we concede the present claims of the Catholics, for the sake of expediency, what may we not be called upon to concede at some future period, for the same reason, after we have materially augmented the political strength of the petitioners †?" and, "if the scruples of con"science of the Roman Catholics, be sufficient causes for repealing or dispensing with those oaths, which were framed at the revolution for the security of the constitution in church and state ;-scruples of conscience also afford a sufficient excuse for every Roman Catholic to insist upon paying tythes exclusively to his own clergy;-scruples of conscience may "oblige the Irish Roman Catholics to require a restitution of the ancient "pomp and splendour of their religion;-and scruples of conscience may "induce some future petitioners to insist that their bishops and vicars

may

If we may be allowed to credit Sir Richard Musgrave's "Memoirs" of the late Irish Rebellion, it seems clear that the decrees of the antient Romish general councils, (and particularly those of the 4th Lateran) were the occasion of many of the horrid and bloody scenes which occurred in Ireland at the period referred to.

+ Vid. Lord Kenyon's "Observations on the Roman Catholic Question,” 4th edit. much enlarged. I have not his Lordship's masterly publication with me at this time; but I believe that the above quotation comprehends nearly bis Lordship's words.

apostolic should sit in the House of Lords!" In point of fact, if any concessions be made, it will be difficult for the granters to say, where they can properly and safely stop. In what manner then ought the Roman Catho ic question to be dealt with? Let the strong and energetic language of a right honourable and learned judge (Sir John Nichol) answer this enquiry" the only way of dealing with the Roman Catholic question is "to_mect-resist—and set it at defiance at once t;" if ever there were a time in which this ought to be done, it is now!

Surely, surely, the exertions now making by the Roman Catholics speak stronger than any arguments can possibly do ;-surely they imperiously call upon all Protestants to wake from the lethargic and disgraceful slumber into which they have unfortunately fallen, and to use their utmost efforts for the inviolate preservation of those civil liberties, which were purchased for them by their ancestors in " fields of blood, and in the flames of martyrdom," let us then obey the call; and with an union of heart and hand, press forward to the bar of our legislature, and there with a loud and triumphant voice, exclaim,-" Nolumus leges Angliæ mutari !!!"

I remain, Mr. EDITOR, most sincerely your's,

BRITANNICUS.

We rely on Britannicus's candour to pardon our very late insertion of his valuable Paper.

INTELLIGENCE FROM IRELAND.

We have received, in various letters from Dublin, the following communications, which may serve to exhibit the character and conduct of the Irish Roman Catholics in true colours. If they can be guilty of such outrages, and such acts of oppressive dishonesty, now that they stand in the predicament of petitioners, we may easily conceive of what nature their behaviour would be, were they armed with power. For the sake of ⚫ common decency, outraged at Killorglin, we hope some friend of the Roman Catholics, either in the House of Commons or elsewhere, will take the trouble to disprove, if he can, or frame an apology for the violences which have disgraced the county of Kerry. Let the Parliament, however, and let all men decide, whether the Romanists have acted in a way becoming professors of Christianity? Is religious fury, in the bosom of a Papist to violate, without reprehension, the principles of humanity and moral integrity, held sacred even by Pagans and Heathens them. selves?

* Vid, a pamphlet entitled " Catholic Emancipation; and the only Manner in which it can be effected, pointed out;" 3d edit. enlarged.

+ Vid. Sir J. Nichol's Speech in the House of Commons, on the 3d of February, 1812. Vid. No. I. of the " Protestant Advocate," p. 56.

Extracts.-No I.

"SIR, I request you will state, in the following words, the instance of Popish fanaticism which occured at Killorglin, in the county of Kerry:"Last summer, the Rector of Churchtown, near Killorglin, in the county of Kerry, began to build a church, as there had been no Protestant place of worship for above a century in that Parish. The Popish multitude, impelled by that fanatical hatred of Protestantism, which their clergy unceasingly infuse into them arose, demolished that part of the church which had been built, dispersed the materials, and persecuted some of the masons employed in erecting it. They also posted placards or notices, denouncing any mechanics who should be engaged in the work, and threatening with destruction the 'squire of the parish, Robert Blennerhasset, Esq. and all his family, if he permitted the church to be built; and yet, about that time, a spacious and elegant Popish chapel had been finished at Killorglin, the greater part of the expence of creating which had been defrayed by Protestants. Lord Ventry, besides a sum of money, gave a piece of ground, for ever, to build it on."

No. II.

"Nothing can equal the intolerant spirit of Popery. Some Protestant tradesmen in this city (Dublin), who signed the petition to Parliament in support of the Established Church, have been deserted by all their Po pish customers; and all the voters, both Protestants and Papists, who gave their suffrages, on the late election, for candidates, attached to the present constitution, have been denounced, abused, and, in many instances, persecuted. It appears, by a letter from Sir Arthur Chichester, Lord Deputy to James I., that the same practice was pursued on the election of the first General Parliament in Ireland; and Lord Strafford mentions the same, in his State Letters, in the year 1639."

No. III.

"No less than 18,346 Protestants in Dublin signed the Petition recently presented to Parliament; and there were but 600 signatures to the petition in favour of Popish claims, though its advocates exerted themselves for many months, and used every influence that hope or fear could create. Combinations among Papists, never to deal with a Protestant, are frequently made in different parts of Ireland; and yet some of them will get deep in the books of Protestant merchants, and then become bankrupts. This expedient, to overturn Protestantism, is frequently used in this country."

No. IV.

"Among all the expedients and artifices used by the Papists here to injure Protestantism, the following gives the greatest shock to good faith between man and man. A Papist embarks extensively in trade,

without any capital, and, as soon as he becomes deeply indebted to Pretestants, he fails and gains great wealth at the expence of heretics; and he gets absolution from his priest for the perjuries which he commits on his examination before the commissioners. This is a common trick. A worthy alderman of this city (Dublin), lost, lately, £30,000, and a Protestant banker £20,000, by this diabolical artifice."

No. V.

"They are publishing, in the Jacobin prints here (Dublin), the names of the Protestants who signed the petition against Popish claims, for the purpose of turning the dagger of the assassin against the opulent and respectable, whom they vilify and abuse; and they are persecuting the poorer class. Quid facient domini? What would they not do, had they that power which they now claim?"

No. VI.

"A very strong pamphlet has been lately published here (Dublin), on the Catholic claims, by William Watson, bookseller, Capel-street. It is entituled, A Refutation of the Second Part of the Book, entituled, A Statement of the Penal Laws which aggrieve the Catholics of Ireland; with Commentaries.' Watson has sent a number of copies to J. J. Stockdale, No. 41, Pall-Mail.

No. VII.

"Lord Kenmare, induced by the harmony and good fellowship which he saw subsisting between the members of a lodge of masons in the county of Kerry, of which the Reverend Mr. Hyde, Rector of Killarney, is master, and those of another lodge, the warrant of which is attached to a regiment of militia, of which Lord H. Moore is Lieutenant-Colonel, expressed a wish to be admitted into a society which promised so much gratification, and, accordingly, he was unanimously accepted. But he had scarcely arrived at the second step of masonic honours, when he received a letter from the titular Bishop of the diocese, expressing his deep concern at hearing that his Lordship had become a member of a society, the secrets of which are not to be divulged; and that, unless he would withdraw himself from it, he should be under the necessity of withholding from him the rites of his Church. On the receipt of this epistle, Lord Kenmare consulted his aunt, Madame C., who told him, that, as she had known the most respectable Protestants and Romanists in the kingdom to belong to Masonic lodges, and to live in the most perfect harmony and love, she advised him to pay no attention to the Bishop's letter, and to continue a member of the society into which he had the honour of being admitted; but his Lordship, far from pursuing the advice of his aunt, waited on the titular Bishop, apologized to him for his conduct, and promised to withdraw from the society of masons."

This Gentleman is mentioned by name in the leading article of the present NumPer of the Protestant Advocate-no less a personage than C. Sughrue,