THE EFFECT OF OPPRESSION.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume III, Issue 140, 7 January 1876, Page 8

THE EFFECT OF OPPRESSION.

Preaching on Micliaelmas-day at the opening of the German Chapel in London Cardinal Manning took for his text the passage in the Apocalypse (eh. XII), relating to the conflict of St. Michael against the Dragon and his Angels. Referring to the present state of the Church in Germany, his Eminence said : — Was there a land that had suffered more than Germany for the faith, all its northern portion being cut away from the unity of the Church by civil power ani by persecution ? But the tree which Boniface planted 6tood as the mystical vine of Jesus Christ, and the sharp axes of this world fell upon its roots in vain. The Church of Germany had been purified, consolidated, and strengthened beyond all precedent. It was being reduced to the state and the attitude of the Catholic Church in England. It was in peace and in prosperity some forty years ago, but it did not thrive in the sunshine as it now thrived in the itorm. It was too well off in this world, and now the sharp blasts of those who hated it, and who would sweep it from the face of the earth, were hardening the wood, confirming the root, and strengthening the branches. The German Bishops were sotting a splendid example of a band of apostles bearing their witness in the lace of imperial power, and the priests in Germany, like faithful pastors, stood at the head of the flock enduring imprisonment and shame rather than betray their trust, 'i hey met each other day by day, and in passing one another in the road repeated the words " Gelobt sei Jesus Christus " (Praised be Jesus Christ). They cherished the living faith which no power on earth could crush, and the spectacle presented by the Church of Germany was the glory of the whole Catholic Church. The future waa certain. In a little time all would be over, and the Church of Christ would be found standing in all % the majesty of its might and splendour.