the rights of Simon Peter, to whom Jesus,
in the Gospel, had entrusted more particu
larly the care of feeding his sheep. He
accordingly assumed the pompous titles of
successor of St. Peter, Universal Bishop,
and Vicar of Jesus Christ.
It is true,
these titles were often contested with-
him by the oriental bishops, too proud
to bow willingly under the yoke of their
brother; but by degrees, through diot o.
artifices, intrigues, and frequently violences,
those who enjoyed the See of Rome, ever
prosecuting their project with ardour, sne-

THE POPE. vance the fight they arrogated of judging MR. COBBETT,In my last I pro- their brethren, and incite them to declare mised to give you some account of the rise themselves the monarchs of the Christian of the Pope, and the insolent and arrogant church. A very apocryphal tradition had domination which the Roman See has uni-made St. Peter travel to Rome*, and had formly exercised over those kings and also made the chief of the apostles establish people, who were so infatuated as to ac-his See in that city. The Roman bishop, knowledge the supreme authority of its in-therefore, pretended to have succeeded to tolerant sway. Having concluded my former letter with an extract from a recently published work, which, as I there stated, has been suppressed by the strong arm of the law, I find I cannot do better than commence this, by giving you the sentiments of the same writer on the origin of the Papal power. After a rapid, but clear, sketch of the feuds and contentions of the doctors of the church, which disgrace the early part of its history; and after explaining the motives which led Constantine the Great to attach the bishops to his party, our author proceeds thus:-"By this po-ceeded in getting themselves acknowledged litical revolution, so favourable to the in the west, as the heads of the Christian clergy, the bashful chiefs of the Christians, church. Pliant and submissive at first to who hitherto had reigned only in secret, Sovereigns, whose power they dreaded, they and without eclat, sprung out of the dust, soon mounted on their shoulders, and and became men of importance. Seconded by trampled them under their feet, when they a very despotical Emperor, whose interests saw themselves certain of their power over were linked with theirs, they very soon cm- the minds of devotees, rendered frantic by ployed their credit to avenge their injuries, superstition. Then, indeed, they threw off and return to their enemies, with usury, the mask; gave to nations the signal of rethe evils which they had received. The volt; incited Christians to their mutual unexpected change in the fortunes of the destruction; and precipitated Kings from Christians, made them soon forget the mild their thrones. To support their pride, and tolerant maxims of their legislator. they shed oceans of blood; they made They conceived that these maxims, made weak princes the vile sport of their passions for wretches destitute of power, could no-sometimes their victims, and sometimes Jonger suit men supported by Sovereigns: their exccutioners. Sovereigas, become they attacked the temples and gods of Pa-their vassals, executed, with fear and tremganism; their worshippers were excluded bling, the decrees of Heaven pronounced from places of trust; and the master against the enemies of the holy See, which Javished his favors on those only who con- had created itself the arbiter of faith. In scated to think like him, and justify his fact, these inhuman Pontiffs, immolated to change by imitating it. Hitherto the their god a thousand times more human Christian sect, spread throughout the em- victims than Paganism sacrificed to all its pire, had been governed by bishops or divinities." chiefs, independent of each other, and perfectly equal as to jurisdiction. This made the church an aristocratical republic; but its government soon became monarchial, and even despotical. The respect which was always entertained for Rome, the capital of the world, seemed to give a kind of superiority to the bishop, or spiritual head, of the Christians established there.-His brethren, therefore, frequently shewed a deference to him, and occasionally consulted Nothing more was wanting to the ambition of the bishops of Rome, or to ad

bim.

In corroboration of what is here" stated, if we look into the bistory of the Popes, we shall find reason to conclude, that they

* Several authors have denied, and with much reason, that St. Peter ever set a foot in Rome. In the Acts of the Apostles, no mention is made of this journey, unless we suppose that Luke has omitted to speak of St. Peter, for the purpose of attributing to St. Paul.his master,the conversion of the capital. If St. Peter had been at Rome, his Gospel would have been forced to yield to that of the Apostle of the Gentiles, more accommodating to the heathens, as it dispensed with

circumcision. It may, therefore, be presumed, that St Paul was the first Pope,

were the most abandoned and flagitious of circumstances, might have occasioned the mortals, who hesitated not at the perpe-overthrow of the Papal power, had the eftration of any crime to accomplish their feet of causing a revolt amongst the Empurposes. Even Popish writers admit, that peror's troops, who elected another master. no throne was ever filled with such mon- We afterwards find, in the year 1072,anosters of immorality as the chair of St.ther Emperor deposed, through the cunning Peter. They are described as having been and knavery of the Pope, and obliged to not only detestable in themselves, but as cross the Alps in winter, barefooted, and having given occasion, by their example, to in a woollen frock, to ask pardon of his the perpetration of all sorts of wickedness, Holiness, before he would sanction his imposture, delusion, oppression, robbery, restoration to the crown. This Imperor's tyranny, murder, and massacre. Of Pope offence was his presuming to nominate Formosas, it is said his successor Stephen bishops, and to govern the empire conformVII. considered him so horrid a criminal, ably to the practice of his predecessors. A that he caused his body to be dug out of second offence induced the Pope to transthe grave and thrown into the Tyber. mit the crown to another, and to abStephen himself was regarded as equally in-solve the subjects of the former Emperor famous, and strangled on account of his from their duty and allegiance. Pope crimes. Pope Sergius was so far lost to all Gregory the VII. equalled, if not sursense of shame, that he openly kept hotli passed, his namesake in acts of cruelty and the mother and daughter as his mistresses. insolence. Innocent the III. was desigLike many other modern concubines, these nated by his Catholic historian, “a lion in holy females (for every thing is esteemed cruelty, and a blood sucker in avarice." holy that belongs to the Pope) regulated all There is a decree of this Pope,by which he matters of State, and governed the church, "discharges the subjects of all heretical as best suited their interest. A successor princes from their allegiance, and gives of Sergius in the papal throne, John XI, is away their kingdoms to Catholic princes, in represented to have been the fruit of this order to exterminate heretics."-During intercourse with the daughter, and to have the reign of Henry III. of England, it was taken his own mother into keeping.-John this Pope who plundered and oppressed the XII. is accused of practising magic, of people during the greater part of that silly paying divine honours to Venus and Jupiter, monarch's sway. Benedict XII. is accused and of having debauched females on the of having purchased the sister of Petrarch steps of the altar. He was afterwards de- from her family, to live with him as his posed by a Council supported by an Empe- mistress; and it is charged against Pope ror; but this act has been censured by Alexander VI. that, after debauching his some Popish writers, on the ground that no own daughter, he gave her to one of his man on earth has a right to judge as to the sons as a mistress, who transferred her to conduct of the Pope. Boniface VII. is another son, with whom she afterwards accused of murdering Benedict VI. in lived as his wife. Innocent VIII. had order to make way for his elevation to the sixteen natural children. Leo X. used to Papal Sce. It is indeed admitted by Car- exclaim, "what treasure the church has dinal Benno, that a bravo, of the name of derived from the fable of Christ!" Of Brazet, was kept in pay at Rome by his Pope Paul III. it is said, that he " not aspiring brethren; and that this holy assas- only lay with his own daughter, but, to sin actually carried off seven or eight Popes have her all to himself, poisoned her husby poison, at the instigation of those Cardi- band."-We all know from our own history, nals who became impatient to fill the chair that the arrogance of the Church of Rome of St. Peter. Of Gregory the II. it is well had reached to an enormous pitch in the ascertained, that he deluged Germany with year 1161; for we then find our Henry II. blood. When the Emperor, in the year leading the horse of Pope Alexander III., 728, issued a decree against the worship of on the one side, and Lewis VI. of France images, this pious villain caused the Vicar on the other, while his Holiness made a of the Empire to be put to death for giving triumphal entry into Tourey, and this at a it publicity; and such was the extensive time too when the papal See was disputed influence which the Church of Rome then by another Pope, who was as much revered possessed over the minds of the people, and in Spain and Germany as his rival. The the awc with which her mandates were ex-sketch which I have attempted to give, is excised, that this murder, which, in other but a faint one indeed of the atrocities

pre

committed by these pious,or rather impious be credited, has likewise authorised the rePontiffs. An eloquent writer has said, establishment of an Abbey of Benedicthat "the Christianity preached to the In-tines on the Continent. These measures fidels of the sixteenth century, was no seem to savor too much of an intention longer the Christianity of the three first to support the papal See in her schenies ages-it was a bloody, a murdering re- of universal dominion over the consciences ligion. For five or six hundred years ac-of men. Should this be the case, which I customed to carnage, she had contracted carnestly hope it is not, the Sovereigns of an inveterate habit of maintaining and ag- Great Britain and of Austria will only grandizing herself, by putting whatever have themseives to blame, should they find, opposed her to the point of the sword.perhaps when it is too late, that his HoliBurning, butchering, the horrible tribunalness meditates the subjugation of the of the Inquisition, Crusades, Buils exciting bodies, as well as the consciences, of their subjects to rebel, seditious preachers, con-subjects. I also observe, that Pope Pius, spiracies, assassinations of Princes, were in the gigantic strides he is making for the ordinary means which she employed universal dominion, has published another against those who submitted not to her in- Edict, for the purpose of restoring all junctions." Nor will this appaling pic-those ancient Monastic Orders, by which ture of the diabolical proceedings of the the Catholic cause was formerly so extenRomish See excite surprise, when it is con- sively promoted, and the Popedom sup sidered, that it is held lawful by the ported in its arrogant pretensions to disCanons of that church "to kill a Prince pose of crowns, and to release entire who is excommunicated by the Pope, nations from their caths of allegiance. A wherever that Prince may be found; for perusal of this document, (of which I the Universe belongs to the Pope; and sume you will preserve a copy in the the man who accepts a commission of this Register) gives rise to many important rekind, is engaged in the most charitableflections, and naturally leads one to make employment." What Sovereign can be some enquiries respecting a fraternity, safe, what people can be virtuous, where whose existence, in former ages, was so principles of so infernal a nature are re- prejudicial to society, and who are again cognised and inculcated? It has been at- threatened to be let loose to ravage tempted by modern Catholics to soften civilized Europe. But as I have already down,and give a more favourable interpre-excceded the limits of an ordinary letter, I tation to the infamous doctrines formerly must delay my remarks on these interestheld and acted upon by the Church of ing topics to another opportunity.Rome. But if that church is again restored to unrestricted power, how easy will it find excuses for reviving its ancient decrees? The readiness with which Pope Pius restored the Inquisition and the Jesuits, when he felt his authority somewhat extended, and the frivolous pretences he assigned for this, sufficiently proves, that if Sovereigns are disposed to permit his Holiness to consult his own inclinations merely as to the lengths he ought to go, there is not one of them but may be obliged, ere long, to supplicate permission to reign from the successor of St. Peter

Yours, &c.

AN OBSERVER.

MONASTIC ORDERS.-The following is the Edict, referred to in the above letter, issued by the Pope for the re-establish

ment of the Monastic Orders :

revolutions which we have witnessed, one of Among the calamities occasioned by the the most severe, doubtless, is the oppression and almost total annihilation of those reli gious societies, who formed one of the firmest pillars of the church, and were a fruitful source of advantage to education and science in Christian and civil commustored to his See than he perceived the pernities. No sooner was the Holy Father renicious effects which had already resulted, and must continue to result, from that de struction which God, in his impenetrable de I observe that the Emperor of Austria signs, has permitted impiety to consummate has so far given way to the solicitations of in the capital of the Christian world and in the Pontifical States. His Holiness, penethe Pope, as to issue a decree for the sup-trated with the sentiments which, as head of pression of Freemason Societies in his do- the Church, he must feel for all these sacred minions. His Royal Highness the Prince institutions; guided by the particular affecRegent, if the foreign newspapers are to tion which he bears them, as a member of one

there is not a nation in Europe who will not be prepared to dethrone kings, and to deluge the earth with blood, on a signal given by the Roman Pontiff.

of the oldest orders, which he has ever gloried his want of success, and the necessity he in belonging to, deems it worthy of his found himself under of giving up the conpaternal solicitude to devote all his cares to test.They had not the candour to acknowtaeir restoration from run. Many obstaledge, that he owed his reverse of fortune to cles oppose the accomplishment of his Holiness's wishes; in addition to its being far treason and to treachery; that he fell a from easy to collect the religious dispersed Sacrifice to the unbounded confidence which in all quarters, their houses and convents are he placed in those whom he ought never to despoiled of every necessary for their ac-have treated in any other way than as the commodation, and the greater part are with out revenue-The Holy Father is o cupied with the means of overcoming these difficulties. His views are principally directed to the great object of giving these communities a new lustre by repairing past disorders, and bringing thein back to the observance of rules suitable to the holiness and excellence of their profession. To attain this object, his Holiness appointed a commission to investigate every hing that relates to the re-establishment of the regular orders. It has now formed and presented a plan to his Holiness, tending to procure for them the requisite means, and to settle regulations which should be observed in those religious communities! But as circumstances for the moment do not permit the re-establishment of these regulir societies in all the Pontifical States, it has been pro posed to make a commencement at Rome, where all the disposable couvents shall be given them, in which the Superiors may be fodged, and the greatest possible number of Mouks assembled. It is hoped, from the religion of the Governments, and the zeal of th Bishops of the Catholic world, that they will patronise the establishment of these asylums of Christian piety and evangelical perfection. His Holiness has approved the plan of the congregation, and as ordered its publication, that all concerned may know it, and may apply to the Secretary of the congregation, who will inform them of the house or coavent where they are to assem ble.. -(Sigued) B. Cardinal PACCA, ProSecretary of State -Rome, Aug. 15, 1814.

FRENCH FINANCE, AND THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON. Of all the accusations brought against the Emperor Napoleon, there was none more evidently unfounded, or more manifestly malicious, than that which charged him with hastening the ruin of France, by the enormous load of national debt, which it was pretended he had contracted. Were we to believe the tenth part of what was said on this subject by our corrupt press, we might have very justly concluded, in the language of the apostate Pitt, that Napoleon brought his country to the verge, and very gulph of bankruptcy. It was to this cause, the exhausted state of the finances, and the total inability of France to afford him any more upplies, that his calumniators attributed

enemies of liberty.-No-this would have
been shewing too much generosity towards
a man, whose conduct, in almost every
other instance, put his most inveterate foes
to the blush when they reflected on their
own crimes.- Necessary it was, that.
such a man, who, in every step, and in..
every measure, reminded them of their own
errors and omissions, should be put down
without any regard to the means of accom-
plishing this.--The manner, however, in
which Napoleon chose, with so much honour
to himself, to retire from the busy scene, so
greatly disconcerted bis persecutors, that
his fall did not satisfy them; for ever since
he subscribed the treaty of abdication, they
have defamed him with as much rancour as
they did before. The same charge, of
having ruined the country, has been prefer-
red with as much virulence, and reiterated
with as much truth, as at any former period;
and when the present Government of
France lately thought it politic to publish
an Exposé, of the state of the nation, it
was then that corruption was loudest in its
censures of Napoleon, to whom was attri-
buted every unfavourable aspect in public
affairs, which ought, in fairness, to be
traced to the nature of the revolution
France had undergone, and to the peculiar
situation in which that occurrence, and the
length of the struggle, had placed her as to
surrounding States.-In the midst of these
clamours, no one ventured, except myself,
to expose the knavery of these infamous
detractors. Though the means employed
to obscure Napoleon's fame had the effect
intended, I was not without a persuasion
that truth would one day dispel the mists,
and compel even his most determined foes
to acknowledge, that he was neither so bad
a man, nor so great a tyrant, as our vile
and prostituted press unceasingly repre-
sented him to be. That period, I am glad
to find, is fast approaching. Not only do I
perceive Napolcon treated with greater re-
spect, and more ample justice done to his
talents and views, in private circles; but
the knowledge, which is every day becoming
more extended, of the great improvements
he introduced into France, and the im

64

66

in advance for the services of the ensuing year, and to assign the payment of the arrears anterior to 1st April laat, from certain funds at determined periods; and in the manner most just and least burthensomo. This projet of the law, except some amend

meuse benefits he conferred on that country, shews that a great alteration in his favou has already taken place in the estimation of the public. Nothing, however, has tended so highly to produce this effect as the developement that has just been made, by the Minister Talleyrand, of the flourishments, has been already printed and dising state of the French finances, and the tributed. When, according to your estanear prospect there is of that country being blished form, the House shall have sent it relieved of all public debt, without the ne- for examination to the Committees, if furcessity of imposing additional burdens upon ther elucidations are required, the Ministhe people. The visionary and fanatic ters will be happy to give all in their power. writer of the Times, who, both before and It is then only that all the details can be since the fall of Napoleon, made it his entered into, to render the law complete. chief study to deceive the public on this The only object, therefore, which calls for subject, now speaks of "the very favourable your attention to day on this subject, is the prospect which this Budget holds out, of spirit and outline of the law in question."relieving France from all her financial You will there see, Gentlemen, that the indificulties in a short space of time."-tention of the King has been not only to proHad the Emperor Napoleon been that vide immediately for the wants of the pub"spendthrift and regardless wretch," which lic service, by establishing a proper balance this same writer so often represented him between the receipts and expenditure, but to be; had he scourged, pillaged, and ra- also to create, in the financial administra vaged France, in the manner the good tion, a new regime both with respect to its people of this country were led to believe, object and its means. It is new with reit would have been impossible she could spect to its object, because it will found the have recovered herself in the short period prosperity of France on a real public creof two years, now assigned by the Prince dit, proportioned to the extent of her reof Benevente, for settling the demands sources. It is new with respect to its of her public creditors. Whatever data means, because they are all adopted in the the French Minister has assumed as the most perfect sincerity: it is the determiground work of his calculations, and what-nation to adhere to what has been promised ever may be the description of claimants and fidelity to its engagements, which, he refers to, it is undeniable, that had Na- this day, become the noble expedients propoleon thrown the finances into a state of posed by the candour of the King to his embarrassment by extravagant expen- subjects. By this simple proceeding, to diture, and unprincipled extortion, the im- the intrinsic power of the State will speedimediate and urgent demands upon the newly be added the influence of public opinion. Government would have been fifty times their present amount. My limits will not allow me to say more upon this important subject-I have annexed the speech of Talleyrand to this article. Almost every line is complimentary to Napoleon, and it will be found highly interesting not only as it relates to France, but as it states many plain and wholesome truths respecting our own country, which I find have already begun to give great uneasiness to the supporters of corruption.

FRENCH HOUSE OF PEERS.

SPEECH OF THE PRINCE OF BENEVENTE,
ON PRESENTING THE BUDGET, THE STH
SEPTEMBER.

GENTLEMEN-By order of the King we present you with the projet of the law on the Finances of the Kingdom. The object of this law is to fix and regulate the public expences of the current year-to provide

These two powers will lend each other mutual succours; and from their union, when well understood, will result the whole power of a great national credit.---We do not now mean to enquire if public credit, considered in the abstract, is in itself a great advantage. I think so, but this is nothing to the purpose. It is sufficient that it does not exist elsewhere; and as a great arm of strength to render it necessary that it should also be found in France. I can only regard it, in the present state of Europe, with respect to its relative advantages; and as a weapon necessary for opposing the weapons of the same kind of which other nations have taken so great advantage. The Ministers of the King are happy in this august Assembly, religiously ap proaching the sacred altar of honour raised by the glory of the French arms, to be enabled solemnly to abjure and proscribe for ever all those miserable conceptions, all