Opinions of modern Papists.

To satisfy the Protestant, that the Popish doctrines and political principles have not been misrepresented; a succession of printed opinions, delivered, even within these few years, by their chief authorities among ourselves, shall be here given.

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In 1815, Mr. Gandolphy, one of the most popular among the Popish clergy in London, published a series of Sermons, entitled, A Defence of the Ancient Faith, or a full Exposition of the Christian Religion." Of this work he had previously presented the first part to the late "Vicar Apostolic" of the London district; by whom it was received with the highest approbation; and Mr. Gandolphy was urged to continue his labours. On the completion of the work, in four volumes, he presented it to Dr. Poynter, the successor of the late Vicar, previously to the author's carrying it to Rome, to be submitted to the censorship. Dr. Poynter is probably a man of sense and caution, and has been therefore stigmatized, by the Irish agitators, in the most unmeasured language, even to the extent of being designated as "one, who, by the intrigues of a faction, which has

been for three and twenty years undermining the Catholic Church; has sought to be the director-general over the independent IRISH HIERARCHY; an executioner," &c. Adding a determination to "keep themselves distinct from Dr. Poynter and the Veto party." (Dublin Evening Post, Dec. 20, 1816.)

What may have been Dr. Poynter's motive, whether piety or policy, for ordering the suppression of this work, must be left to conjecture. But another divine, Dr. Troy, in the case of the atrocious notes of the Rhemish Testament, mentioned, as among his motives for their suppression, "that very bad consequences had followed the publication of the Rhemish Testament; for, finding its way into England, it had armed their enemies against them, and this at a time when they were seeking emancipation." How ever, without regard for the Vicar's motives, Mr. Gandolphy carried his volumes to Rome, and laid them before the established censorship.

There they were read with the highest approval by the Censors, and declared to have rendered the Articles of the Catholic · Faith clearer than the light!" his opinions were pronounced to be "supported by the authority of the Councils, and the perpetual tradition of the Church!"-compelling heretics to "acknow

ledge, all enveloped as they are in darkness, that they are unacquainted with the light of the true Faith, and the Polar Star of Catholic unity, without which we must necessarily suffer shipwreck! "The work is further panegyrized as

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not merely containing nothing contrary to the pure faith and doctrine of the Roman Catholic faith ;' but as one," which, if it were but fairly perused by those persons, who glory more in the name of Protestants than of Christians! would quickly make them return to the bosom of the Catholic Church !"

The author is in those documents characterized as " a most well-deserving defender of religion,” and it is further declared that “multiplied Editions of this Work, so worthy to be cased in cedar and gold, will be highly advantageous to the Catholic Church!"

Those judgments of the Papal Censors, with the " Imprimatur," are signed by Damiani, master of Sacred Théology; by Ofinan, professor of Sacred Scripture; by Anfossi, master of the Sacred Apostolical Palace, and Frattini, Archbishop of Philippi, and Vicegerent.

Authorities of this kind are unanswerable pledges for Mr. Gandolphy's credit, as an Expositor of the present doctrines of Rome.

From those volumes but a few sentences shall be extracted, merely as specimens of the general opinions of his Church.

Of the Authority of Councils.

Every Catholic regards the decision of the Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church upon any controverted Article of Faith, as the voice of God." (v. I. p. 398, &c.)

"A Catholic finds no more difficulty in assenting to any truth she, (the Church,) proposes to him as an Article of Faith, than he would in admitting the Oral testimony of GoD HIMSELF." (v. I. p. 429.)

We may remember, that the chief Councils curse all heretics, including the Protestants; and order them to be tortured and put to death!

Of Heresy.

"The crime of heresy is an obstinate opposition to any Article of Faith." (v. I. Note p. 414.)

"If we may be permitted to judge of a crime by its consequences, there is none before heaven of a blacker dye, than heresy." (v. II. p. 66.)

"The different sects of Reformists which have shown themselves in this and other countrie within the last two centuries, were all engendered in the heresy of Luther." (v. II. p. 390.) Heresy is usually the burst of some turbulent mind that can be controuled only by FORCE." (v. IV. Note p. 35.)

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The Church of England.

"The Church of England is the eldest of her heretical sisterhood! is a schismatical branch! a dead limb of the true vine! a REBELLIOUS child." (v. I. p. 390.)

"Until the Reformation, the Church of England was a limb of the true vine, &c. But having been once severed by the destructive hand of schism; with a hateful eye He now views the sickly sprouts, which issue from its fallen, crushed and broken branches.-This shall wither, and they shall gather It up and cast It into the fire and IT SHALL BURN." (v. II. P: 368.

The Protestant Clergy.

Mr. Gandolphy, having first determined that the knowledge of the revealed will of God is