you, that whatever you can achieve by power, provide for by counsel, or effect by authority, you will daily execute with the utmost earnestness, placing yourself as a wall for the House of Israel. With this view we issue the present Brief, viz. that we may convey to you a signal testimony of our approbation of your excellent conduct, and also may endeavour therein still more and more to excite your pastoral solicitude and diligence. For the general good imperiously requires you to combine all your means and energies to frustrate the plans which are prepared by its enemies for the destruction of our most holy religion: whence it becomes an Episcopal duty, that you first of all expose the wickedness of this nefarious scheme, as you have already done so admirably,to the view of the faithful, and openly publish the same, according to the rules prescribed by the Church, with all the erudition and wisdom which you possess; namely, that the Bible printed by Heretics is to be numbered among other prohibited books, conformably to the Rules of the Index, (§No. 2 and 3.) for it is evident from experience, that the Holy Scriptures,when circulated in the vulgar tongue, have, through the temerity of men, produced more harm than benefit: (Rule IV.) And this is the more to be dreaded in times so depraved, when our holy religion is assailed from every quarter with great cunning and effort, and the most grievous wounds are inflicted on the Curch. It is, therefore, necessary to adhere to the salutary decree of the Congregation of the Index (June 13th 1757,) that no versions of the Bible in the vulgar tongue be permitted, except such as are approved by the Apostolic See, or published with an "It will be seen that no Bible in the vulgar tongue is permitted, unless it has annotations approved by the church, which will act as an antidote to the pure word of God. They cannot trust God's own word to the people; it will ruin them! notations extracted from the writing of holy fathers of the Church. We confidently hope that, in these turbulent circumstances, the Poles will give the clearest proofs of their attachment to the religion of their ancectors; and, by your care, as well as that of the other Prelates of this kingdom, whom on account of the stand they have wonderfully made for the depository of the faith we congratulate in the Lord, trusting that they all may very abundantly justify the opinion we have entertained of them. It is moreover necessary that you should transmit to us, as soon as possible, the Bible which JACOB WUIEK published in the Polish language with a commentary, as well as a copy of the edition of it lately put forth without those annotations, taken from the writings of the holy fathers of our Church, or other learned Catholics, with your opinion upon it; that thus, from collating them together, it may be ascertained, after mature investigation, that certain errors lie insidiously cencealed therein, and that we may pronounce our judgment on this affair for the preservation of the true faith. Continue, therefore, venerable brother, to pursue this truly pious course upon which you have entered: viz. diligently to fight the battles of the Lord for the sound doctrine, and warn the people intrusted to your care, that they fall not into the snares which are prepard for their everlasting ruin. The Church demands this from you, as well as from the other Bishops, whom our rescript equally concerns; and we most anxiously expect it, that the deep sorrow we feel on account of this new species of tares which an adversary has so abundantly sown, may, by this cheering hope, be somewhat alleviated: and, we always very heartily invoke the choicest blessings upon yourself and your fellow Bishops, for the good of the Lord's flock, which we impart to you and them by our Apostolic bendiction. Given at Rome, at St. Mary the Greater, June 29, 1816, the 17th year of our Pontificate. PIUS P. P. VII. JOHN BISHOP OF NEW YORK. Lord of the conscience, and the intellect of his people. Will not every young man, who has been educated in the Catholic church in this country swell with indignation when he reads the Letter of the Bishop of New York. "The freedom of speech and the press, by the constitution of the U. S. . is guaranteed to every man in the land. A few young men in the city of New York, presuming upon this, had formed themselves into a society for the promotion of religious knowledge; upon which the Bishop comes out, denouncing it is danger. ous, as prohibited by him, and censures the Editor of the diary for commending it. He denies them the privilege of reading any thing but what he approves, carrying out the rules of the Index, and at the same time commending to their notice, if they wish to read, the Jesuitical works of Milner and Bossuet. Let it no longer be said; Rome does not hate light, that she loves free discussion. NEW YORK CATHOLIC SO CIETY. To the Editor of the Truth Teller. NEW YORK, Oct. 3, 1836. Having read, to my great surprise, in the Catholic Diary of last Saturday, a notice of a society, calling itself the New York Catholic Society, for the promotion of religious knowledge, of the existence of which was ignorant, with an Editorial article encouraging and drawing public attention to such a society. Whether application has been made to you to publish the same, or wisely you decline publishing it-I consider it my duty to request you to publish the following copy of my letter to the Editor of that paper, in order to obviate as as soon as possible, the mischief which such a Society, if countenanced, might produce. You know my opposition to controversial disputes on religion, particularly in debating Societies, or newspapers. Sherlock, if I remember well, has with some propriety observed that no man is reasoned out of his religion; there are, no doubt, some exceptions, but they are only in favor of simplicity, good sense, purity of morals, and above all fervent prayers. Generally speaking, those controversial disputes are only calculated to cre ate ill will among citizens, filled with contrary prejudices,--enough has been said and written to convince a sincere enquirer after truth. To the Ed. of the Catholic Diary. In the Catholic Dairy of Saturday last, October 1st, I find a notice from you, of a society calling itself, the New York Catholic Society, for the promotion of religious knowledge. Of the existence of that Soci ety, I was utterly ignorant, and feel surprised that you, who ought to know better, would think of encouraging and drawing public attention to such a Society, without first ascertaining the sentiments of your Ordinary on so important a subject. The Church wisely ordains that nothing of the nature of this Society can be established without the approbation of the Bishop of the Diocese, where it is meant to introduce it, and that permitted, it should be governed by such rules and regulations as to him may seem pro. per, for it obviously partakes of the nature of a Theological School,Far be it from me to impede the progress of religious knowledge; nothing could be more dear to my heart than to encourage whatever contributes effectually to its promotion; but placed as I am, as a sentinel over the sacred ark of religion, it is my imperative duty to prevent it from being touched by profane or unpractised hands. So far from viewing this Society in the light you see it, it is my decided conviction that it ought not to be sanctioned by me; how can it be supposed that young men, whose education is chiefly mercant ile of BIBLE. mechanical, can come with sufficient THE TWO LITTLE BOYS AND THEIR preparation to the discussion of a question that requires vast erudition with a degree of research, which they cannot possess; you cannot be ignorant of the severe mental discipline to which students are subjected in our Theological Seminaries, before they are allowed to commence the study of theology. You know also, that this study is regulated by experienced and able professors, that young men are not allowed to grope their way with only their own feeble light, through the dark mazes of deceitful cavil and infidel sophistry. We have often heard, and read of the two little boys mentioned in the following letter, addressed to the Editor of the London Evangelical Magazine in the month of December 1819; but have never seen the particulars as they are here recorded by the individual who had gathered them. It is such a delightful exhibition of the value of sabbath school instructions, and of that blessed book which God has given us for the rule of our lives; such a comment upon the reading of the scriptures in the vulgar tongue, (the authority The members of this society, who thirst so much for religious knowledge, can read our elementary works and also, the masterly productions of Milner, Fletcher, Bossuet's history of the Variations, late- of the Pope and the Catholic church ly printed, and others, where they to the contrary, notwithstanding) are sure to find the tenets of our faith explained with a precision and that we cannot refrain from giving elegance that cannot fail to satisfy it a place in our columns. the sincere inquirer after truth. The precision of ideas, and elegance of expression in the imparting of religious knowledge, their preamble sets forth to be the main objects of this Society, and it covers the desire and intention of acquiring that species of tact and dexterity in theological debate, which would enable them to follow into the arena the fanatics of the day. All this must condemn as well as the publication of crude essays of tyros among us. Let us dispute less and practise more. The Church in the most positive manner prohibits all laymen from entering into dispute on points of religion with sectarians, “inhibemus," says Pope Alexander IV., "ne sin quam Laicæ Personæ liceat publice vel privat im de fide Catholica disputare; qui vere contrafecerit, Excomunicationis laqueo innodetur;" had you recollected this sentence, I am sure you would be far from calling on the Catholic young men of this city, to become members of a debating society on religious subjects, open to so many serious objection s. +JOHN, Bishop of N. York. "The circumstance to which I allude is introduced to our notice in the following words: 'About three weeks ago, two little boys, decently clothed-the eldest appearing about thirteen,and the youngest eleven,called at the lodging house for vagrants in this town, (Warrington,) for a night's lodging: the Keeper of the House (very properly) took them to the Vagrant Office to be examined; and, if proper objects, to be relieved. The account they gave of themselves was extremely affecting; and no doubt was entertained of its truth. It appeared, that but a few weeks had elapsed since these poor little wanderers had resided with their parents in London. The typhus fever, however, in one day, carried off both father and mother, leaving them orphans, in a wide world, without a home and without friends! Immediately after the last mournful tribute had been paid to their pa rents' memory, having an uncle in Liverpool-poor and destitute as they were, they resolved to go and throw themselves upon his protection. Tired therefore and faint, they arrived in this town on their way. Two bundles contained their little all. In the youngest boy's was found, neatly covered and carefully preserved, a Bible. The keeper of the lodging-house, addressing the the little boy, said, 'you have neither money nor meat, will you sell me this Bible? I will give you five shillings for it.' 'No!' exclaimed he, (the tears rolling down his youthful cheeks) I'll starve first.' He then said, "There are plenty of books to be bought besides this: why do you love the Bible so much?' He replied, 'No book has stood my friend so much as my Bible.' 'Why, what has your Bible done for you?' said he. He answered, 'when I was a little boy, about seven years of age, 1 became a Sunday Scholar, in London, through the kind attention of my master, I soon learnt to read my Bible: this Bible, young as I was, shewed me that I was a sinner, and a great one too; it also pointed me to a Saviour, and I thank God that I have found mercy at the hands of Christ, and am not ashamed to confess him before the world.' To try him still further, six shillings was then offered him for his Bible. 'No,' said he, for it has been my support all the way from London: hungry and weary, often have I sat down by the way side to read my Bible, and have found refreshment from it. Thus did he experience the consolations of the Psalmist, when he said, 'In the multitude of the sorrows that I had in my heart, thy comforts have refreshed my soul.' He was then asked. 'What will you do when you get to Liverpool, should your uncle refuse to take you in? His reply may excite a blush in many established Christians. 'My Bible, tells me,' said he, 'When my father and mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.' The man could go no further, tears choked his utterance, and they both wept together. They had, in their pockets, tickets, as reward for their good conduct, from the school to which they belonged, and thankfulness and humility were visible in all their deportment. At night these [1887. two little orphans, bending their knees by the side of their bed, committed themselves to the care of their Heavenly Father-to him whose ears are ever open to the prayers of the poor destitute; and to him who has said, 'Call upon me in the day of trouble: 1 will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.' The next morning these refreshed little wanderers arose early, addressed themselves to their journey, and set out for the town of Liverpool; and may HE who hears the ravens when they cry, hear and answer their petitions guide them through time, and bless them in eternity.' SETTLING ACCOUNTS. When a minister of the gospel was spending a few weeks in Edinburgh, there came, on buisness, to the house where he was, a man of the world. He was introduced to the minister in the following manner: "This is an acquaintance of mine and I am sorry to add, though young and healthy, never attends public worship; "I am almost tempted to hope that you are bearing false witness, against your neighbor;" replied the minister. "By no means," said the man, "for I always spend my Sunday in settling ac counts. The minister replied, "you will find sir, that the day of judgment will be spent in the same manner." JOHN RANDOLPH'S MOTHER. The late John Randolph. some years before his death wrote to a friend about as follows: "I used to be called a Frenchman, because I took the French side in polities; and though this was unjust, yet the truth is, I should have been a French atheist, if it had not been for one recollection, and that was the memory of the time when my departed mother used to take my little hands in hers, and cause me on my knees to say, "Our Father which art in heaven." GILDEA of St. M's Church, and KERNEY of St. Patrick's Church (Fell's Point.) THESE two priests, with every papist are sworn to believe and hold the doctrines and decrees of the Council of Trent. Some of them are as follows: "This true Catholic Faith out of which none can be saved." See Creed. In the seventh session of the Council of Trent, in the decree respecting Sacraments in general, are the following canons. Canon 8. "Whosoever shall affirm that grace is not conferred by these sacraments of the new law, by their own power, but that faith in the divine promise is all that is necessary to obtain grace; let him be accursed." Canon 9. "Whoever shall affirm that a character, that is, a certain spiritual and indelible mark, is not impressed on the soul by the three sacraments of baptism, confirmation and orders; for which reason they cannot be repeated: let him be accursed." Canon 11. "Whosoever shall affirm that when ministers perform and confer a sacrament, it is not necessary that they should have an intention to do what the church does: let him be accursed." (8. "Si quis dixerit, per ipsa novæ legis Sacramenta ex opere operato non conferri gratiam, sed solam fidem divinæ promissionis ad gratiam consequendam sufficere; anathema sit. 9. Si quis dixerit in tribus Sacramentis, Baptismo scilicet, Confirmatione, et Ordine, non imprimi characterem in anima, hoc est, signum quoddam spiritale, et indelebile, undè ea iterari non possunt; anathema sit. 11. Si quis dixerit, in ministris, dùm Sacramenta conficiunt, et conferunt, non requiri intentionem saltem faciendi quod facit Ecclesia; anathema sit.") The catechism published in this city contains the following. Page 142-3. "Representing as he does, in the discharge of his sacred functions, not his own, but THE PERSON OF CHRIST, the minister of the sacraments, be he good or bad, VALIDLY CONSECRATES AND CONFERS THE SACRAMENTS, provided he make use of the matter and |