State of Religion in Europe.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 9, 5 January 1870, Page 3

State of Religion in Europe.

The CEiumenical Council, which is about to meet in Rome, excites European interest. As reported by telegram, the C.itholic Powers decline to send representatives, and reserve full liberty of action whatever the decision of the Council may be. The German Bishops warn the Pope of the perils of proclaiming the Syllabus announcing his infallibility and repudiating modern civilization. Thoy are, consequently, denounced as heretics. Father Hyacinth©, the celebrated preacher of Notre Dame, has written and published a very remarkable letter addressed to the General of the Order of Carmelites, to which he belonged. He denounces the attempts made to deprive him of his rights of free preaching, and formally severs all connection with congregation and Order ; he bitterly assails the spiritual despotism of Rome, and claims the right and duty to reject the chains sought to be imposed on him ; he protests vigorously against the Roman (not Christian) policy of Ultramontanes in seeking the proposed divorce between the Church and society in which we live, and expresses doubt of the freedom and independence of the (Ecumenical. The Bishop of Orleans regrets the rash step taken by Father flya-' einthe, and exhorts him to submission • but the Father in a brief reply says he cannot accept either reproaches or counsels and what he, the Bishop, calls a great fault committed, he consideis a great duty accomplished. The Superior of the Order of Carmelites has written to Father Hyacinthc ordering him to return to the convent un-ler penalty of excommunication, and a declaration that he is dishonoured in the eyes of the Church. The noble language of the Father's letter, in the bold assertion of the freedom of thonght it contains, has made 9 great; impression on Europ'e.