Going to Canossa by Alonzo T. Jones

International Tract and Missionary Society · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Feb 4, 1886

"Going to Canossa."

By Alonzo T. Jones

IN 1075, A. D., Pope Gregory VII. took it upon himself to interfere in the affairs of State of Germany. It was determined that any ecclesiastic who should accept office from the hands of a layman should be deposed, while the secular lord who should presume to bestow investiture, should be excommunicated. Henry IV. resisted the pope's pretensions, and so was brought on the war of investitures, and the memorable contest between Hildebrand and Henry. Henry first deposed the pope, and then was in turn deposed by the pope; then went to Canossa, and, in the garb of a supplicant, stood three days and nights in the wintry blast, awaiting the pleasure of Hildebrand to receive his submission.

In 1872, a similar contest arose between the German Chancellor, Bismarck, and Pope Pius IX. The contention went on quite bitterly; but in 1873, Prince Bismarck declared, "We will not go to Canossa."

In 1885, a dispute sprang up, which, for a while, threatened war between Germany and Spain. To get out of the difficulty, Bismarck sought the mediation of the pope, and selected him as arbiter in the controversy. This so tickled the pope that he conferred upon the Chancellor the "Decoration of the Order of Christ." And that so pleased Prince Bismarck that his gratitude found vent in a letter to the pope, of which we copy the following report in a London dispatch of January 18, 1886:—

"A sensation has been created by the publication of a letter from Prince Bismarck to the pope, acknowledging the receipt of the Decoration of the Order of Christ, recently conferred on the German Chancellor by his Holiness. The letter commences by addressing the pope as 'Sire,' and says: 'Your kind letter and Decoration have greatly gratified myself and Emperor William.' It then goes on to state that the pope's words, that 'papacy means to practice works of peace,' first suggested to Prince Bismarck the idea of seeking the mediation of his Holiness in the Carolines question, and in deference to his faith and unweakened confidence in the pope's elevated views and impartiality, he selected the pope as arbiter of the dispute. Germany and Spain have no cause to complain of the terms of the protocol, and the effect of the mediation will be lasting. Prince Bismarck says he will not neglect chances to testify his lively gratitude, highest devotion, and deepest respect for his Holiness in the future. The letter is signed, 'Your very humble servant, Bismarck.'"

Taking the matter altogether, we think Prince Bismarck is a long way on the road, if he has not actually gone, to Canossa. And so princes and kings are all going to Canossa. A. T. J.