The Temporal Sovereignty of the Pope.
A RELIGIOUS CRUSADE INTIMATED.
Dr. J. W. Rogers, of New York, delivered a lecture in Boston on Tuesday evening, on the temporal sovereignty of the pope, before certain Catholic organizations of that city. Before the lecture a series of resolutions was adopted, denouncing the acts of the Italian Government as “high-handed robbery, unscrupulous usurpation, and abominable sacrilege.” The speaker went at considerable length into a consideration of the resolutions, dwelling upon the wrongs and injuries done to the pope and through him to the holy church, of which he was the father and head. In regard to this country, which is so much talked of as being a Protestant country, he had seen so much, in his travels through it, of the spirit of Catholicism, and so many Catholic spires climbing the mountains and pointing to Heaven, that he was amazed, and was fully satisfied that it was yet to be a Catholic country. In concluding his lecture, he thought it not wholly improbable that the final result might be another crusade in the defense of the rights and liberties of Catholicism. The language of the resolution was guarded, yet suggestive and emphatic. He did not venture to predict a crusade, yet he knew that if it should become necessary for the holy father to call for men, there are still “Red Knights in Ulster,” and men ready to espouse the cause. Though kings may forget the church, the people still remember that the popes have always been firm in their defense of the rights and principles of virtue, and they will drag down kings and princes, if need be, and stand by and support the church. If such a measure become necessary, then “woe betide the madman who shall confront the thunders of this last crusade.” [Applause.]