New Zealand Times. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1875.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4338, 13 February 1875, Page 4

New Zealand Times. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1875.

We have no desire whatever to pursue the discussion on Papal Infallibility, to which our correspondent, “A Catholic,” returns this morning. It could tend to no good result. However, we shall say a few words by way of more fully explaining our position, which our correspondent seems to misunderstand. And first, there is no difference of opinion between us as to the effect upon Catholics of the non-acceptance of the dogma of Infallibility, as defined by the Vatican Council, Our correspondent writes as if he supposed we disputed his position. We do not. It is unassailable ; —one of those rigidly logical xiositions which cannot be breached. Those who profess to belong to the Catholic Church must accept, as an act of saving faith, the doctrine of Papal Infallibility, as defined by the Vatican Council, or “they are ipso facto “ excommunicated.” Nothing is clearer than that. But what follows 1 Why, simply this, that men whose reason revolts against the doctrine submit to it rather than incur the anathemas of the Church of the Vatican, and the opprobrium of heresy ; and so it is that “ the “golden rule of Catholic unity” is enforced. This latest development of doctrine, the growth of centuries, and the necessary outcome of the decrees of the Council of Nice, prostrates the Catholic world beneath the feet of the Vatican authorities, under pain of excommunication, and the unseen terrors of a reprobate Hereafter. Nay more, it prepares the way for a still further development of doctrine in the same direction, to which the Infallibility Decrees nnmistakeably point, and which, once decreed, may not be questioned on pain of excommunication, and deprivation of all the consolations of religion. It is this exhibition of systematised Absolutism which we described as the most perfect Despotism of which history furnishes an example. “ A “Catholic” exclaims against this description, and points to the exile and proscription of Bishops and Priests, and the confiscation of Church propertyin various parts of .the world, as a proof of the tyranny of the Civil Power and the lamblike spirit of the Vatican. Now, we do not justify the measures that have been taken against the Church in many places ; but it cannot be denied that the State was forced to take extreme measures in Germany and Brazil, through the hostile attitude of the high Dignitaries of the Church, who set themselves above the law, in obedience to instructions received from the Vatican, which, by virtue of its Infallibility, asserts the right of declaring what laws may be obeyed. and what should be resisted even unto death. In this way, the Church has been brought into conflict with the State in Catholic countries, the rulers of which have the alternative forced upon them of acknowledging the universal sovereignty of the Pope in things temporal and spiritual, or incurring the censures of the Church, and the supreme penalty of excommunication for denying that authority. This is not fair to the Catholic world. It has created a dangerous schism in the Church already ; it is likely to create still more dangerous breaches in the mighty force of nations which, under judicious guidance, the Vatican might wield at pleasure. But evidently it is intended to push thelnfallibility dogma to its extreme limit. This, then, we say, is a Despotism of the most complete kind, not presently as an active persecuting Power, but a despotism over the reason and conscience, which if unchecked by the champions of civil liberty and free thought, would lead, to an iron rule of uniformity throughout Christendom, enforced by the sword.

Wo trust our correspondent understands us now. That is exactly the position which Mr. Gladstone has taken up. It is the position which all leading statesmen, Catholic and Protestant alike, have taken up in this controversy. The danger is, however, quite as great to the Church of the Vatican as it is to the Civil Power. A reaction is imminent; and that reaction would set in all the sooner but for the repressive policy of Prussia. It has evoked a sentiment of sympathy with •what is supposed to be the weaker side. Men usually look at the surface of events. They see what is going on around them, and do not often trouble themselves to lift the curtain, and examine the principles that are at stake in the struggle. It is a real battle of giants, however, although all the strength appears to lie on one side. Whether Prince Bismarck will succeed in secularising the Catholic Church in Germany is very doubtful. It would be a reverting to ancient forms and organisation ; but the World does not retrograde, neither does the Church, and Bismarck, with all his force of character, cannot compel thought backward. Wo think he will fail; but we likewise think the Vatican will fail in maintaining its pretentions. A compromise may be effected ; but it will not be just yet.

“A Catholic” does not believe in the accuracy of Professor EbeidkicH’s Documenta; neither does ho believe Mr. Gladstone’s letters on Italy, nor any contemporary history that would make against his Infallibility dogma. We cannot help that. He would have us “ burn “ our books,” as was advised by a leading New Zealand statesman when the principles of Political Economy were somewhat inconveniently opposed to his theories. We are to burn the Docicmenia, reduce to ashes Mr. Gladstone’s telltale book on Italy, believe in the paternal rule of the King of Naples and his relative of Modena and Parma, and in Papal Infallibility, and all will go well with us. But men won’t burn their books, neither will they disbelieve the evidence of their senses, nor subordinate their reason and conscience to the will of men who, with all their claims to infallibility, are quite as

liable to commit mistakes, and to do wrong, as they are themselves. And finally, with respect to British Catholics, we are not in any sense concerned about them. Their loyalty will remain unshaken, and their obedience to the laws of the realm will not be influenced by anything that may arise out of the Infallibility Decrees. They are too conscious of the advantages, to themselves and to their children, Of the British Constitution, to resist any laws that may be enacted by Parliament, although invited to earn the crown of martyrdom by resistance to the death at the command of the Vatican : a fate which “A Catholic” clearly anticipates for them in the closing sentence of his first letter. Although Lords Acton and Camoys and Mr. Henry Pbtrb are not orthodox believers in. Papal Infallibility, we have no doubt they are very good Catholics, the Tablet notwithstanding ; and should ever the day come when Catholic Englishmen will be compelled to take sides on this question, by reason of aggression on the part of the Vatican authorities, we are convinced that the vast majority of the rank and chivalry of “ the Old Faith ” will be ranged beside the noblemen named, and not with Lord Pbtrb and the Marquis of Bipon.