THE JESUITS.

New Zealand Tablet, Issue 389, 24 September 1880, Page 7

THE JESUITS.

We take the following from a letter written by Mr A. W. Bathurat in reply to certain remarks on the Jesuits made by the Paris corresponpondent of the Lyttelton Times, and which was published in the JPrssß the Times having refused to insert anything of the kind :—: — He (the correspondent) says, in rather slipshod English, M It is not to the creed but the moral teachings of the disciples of Loyola that the law has been applied." If this enigmatical sentence means anything, it should seem to be that the Jesuits believe one thing and teach another. A new accusation I The French Ministry accused them of hating the Republic and of instilling that hatred into the minds of their pupils, but this " own correspondent" would have us believe that loving the Republic themselves, they yet taught others to hate it. However, as he is evidently unshackled by the ordinary bonds cf grammar, he may mean something very different. The words " moral teachings" have a fine sonorous effect, in spite oi their vaguenes, and, I remark, are often used by those who, knowing but little of morality, are anxious to cover their own nakedness with a mantle of respectability. Now, Sir, I defy this gentleman or anyone who may agree with him, to adduce tne slightest proof that the morality of the Jesuits differs in any way from that inculcated by Him whose sacred name they bear. Let him cite, if he can, one passage from any of the countless works written in every language by members of the Order, opposed to the true spirit of Christianity, and I will at once admit with him that the Jesuits are a curse to society, and have Deen rightfully treated in France. But if he capnot do this, let him not come forward with vague accusations, repeating oft-refuted calumnies, and endeavouring to arouse the fiend of intolerance in this peaceful community. I likewise defy him to substantiate his statement that " since 1850 the Jesuits have labored to dominate the secular administration of Franc*." The political acts of Napoleon 111. and of Marshal de MacMahon were certainly not in the direction in which the Jesuits wish society to move. Did the Order promote the campaign of Italy, the abandonment of Rome, or secular education ? Perhaps, also, it lighted the fires of the Commune and instigated the massacres of Paris. If not, of whose " moral teachings" were these the result ? Perhaps the Times' correspondent will deign to tell us. The utter ignorance this gentleman displays proves his incapacity for the honourable post which he so unworthily fills on the staff of the Times. He misrepresents the action of the one hundred and six judges who have resigned their high positions rather than be the ministers of injustice ; he confounds regular clergy with secular ; he evidently ignores the first principles of that concordat to which he appeals ; he ialsifies hi-tory. Have the Catholics of Christchurch not a right to complain? It is useless, as it would be unprofitable, for me to answer all this correspondent's assertions in detail, and even if your patience were to allow me to do so, I should only be showing what the Jesuits do' not believe. Let me rather endeavour to show what they do b^lievu and teach, and why they have excited the animosity of the French Government. By anyone who knows as I know, and as the Times correspondent knows, the actual state of France, the recent attack on the religious Orders can only be regarded as the necessary preliminary to an attack on Christianity. '1 he France of to-day is fast becoming infidel. Godless schools are fast doing their work, ann the great body of the youth are being trained up to despise and blaspheme all that their country once held sacred. I speak knowingly. I myself have heard boys of tender age publicly announce their disbelief in the existence of God. and amid the approving smiles of their elders, make a wretched avowal of atheistic ana communistic opinions. I have seen clergymen of all denominations hooted and insulted in the very streets. I have seen both Patholic and Protestant worship disturbed by intruding bands of blasphemers. In the Lycees, in the Universities, Freethought is openly taught. One of the most important chairs in the Faculty of JMbntpellier, is at present occupied by a man who has for months been teaching free love doctrines to his disciples, and these latter have been distinguishing themselves by stoning three respectable professors who objected to such doctrines, and who had appealed- — vainly — to the Government to apply the law to these " moral teachings." Against all this the Jesuits protest, and have ever protested. Respectable, God-fearing parents of every creed entrust their sons to them, and these sons are trained up in the principles of virtue, of honour, of respect for authority, of obedience to God. Hence, and hence only, the hatred of the dominant party. That party wishes to do away with the very name of God, with the very idea of property, and to substitute — what 1 History tells us ; and unless God in Bis mercy interferes hifrtory will repeat itself. The streets of fair Paris will again flow with the blood of all that France has of noble and true ; a prostitute will again hold Court under the august roof of Notre Dame ; and frightened Europe will again be forced to band itself together to meet aggressive legions sworn to advance the Devil's kingdom.