Ungovernable Priests

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 27, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 33.

Ungovernable Priests.

ENGLAND'S difficulties in Ireland are aggravated by unscrupulous and belligerent ecclesiastics. Their influence is boldly used for the encouragement of attacks upon the Government. Archbishop Croke in a recent speech at Kingstown, just after his return from Rome, denounced the civil authorities by name, as if they were the only criminal class in Ireland. In addressing the "Confraternity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus" at Fethard, he remarks:—

"If I were allowed to introduce anything profane into this matter, I should say that confraternities are the land league of Heaven."

Inasmuch as the Land League is a system of terrorism which has disgraced the century, inspiring crimes which have shocked the civilized world, it may be a fitting symbol of the organized power of Romanism. Three years ago it was supposed that the pope had condemned this Land League which an archbishop now celebrates as akin to the most cherished religious associations. Romanism everywhere is more a political than a religious danger. It will fight the same battles here which it has fought in Europe and the East, and here too it will be defeated unless the world revolves backward."—Sel.