A STRANGE CATECHISM.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVI, Issue 11, 6 July 1888, Page 11

A STRANGE CATECHISM.

A Russian traveller, Mr. William Ola y ton, has translated portions of a oatecbism which the Emperor Nicholas, grandfather of tke present Ozar, caused to be taught in " all the schools and churches professing the Greek faith throughout Russia." The following extracts arc of interest at a time when tiae Pontiff and the Csar are in commnnication as to the attitude the Poles are expected to auame toward! the Umpire : Q. What does oar religion teach us, the humble servant! of his Majesty the Emperor of Russia, to practiot towards him? A. Worship, obedience, fidelity, the payment of taxes, lore sad prayer : the whole being comprised in the words wonhip and fidelity. Q. What kind of obedience do we owe him ? A. An active, passive, and unbounded obedience in every point of viaw. Q. What benevolent sentiments are due to the Emperor 7 A. We should manifest our good-will and affection in endeavour* iag to promote the prosperity of our native land (not Poland). Q. Is it incumbent on us to pray for the prosperity of the Ea> peror, and for Russia. A. Both publicly aid privately, beseeching the Almighty to grant the Emperor health, integrity, and security. Q. How is infidelity to the Emperor to be considered in reference to God ? A. A s the most heinous of all sim, the most frightful crimißality . Q. Are we called up to respect the public authorities ? A. Tes, because they represent the Emperor ; so that the Emperor is everywhere. Q. What are the supernatural motives for worshipping the Bm peror 1 A . God commands as to love and obey, from the inmost recesses of the heart, every authority, and particularly the Emperor, from apprehensions of the final judgment.

Ibis catechism, which seems to over top the highest dreamß of JSrastian or Herodian shows very nakedly what come* of rejecting, or being torn from, the theocracy of Divine appointment. It needs ?•« ?L* n £- Word f *« dT .* w out the contrast While the Supreme Pontiff, the Vic.r of Christ' is Servus tervorum Dei, the Czar « causes " ™T!w 2 5"- tan K ht , throughout all the Russia* as a doctrine; and that dotrine exalts him to be, not a Pope merely, bat indeed a demi-god— Weekly Regitter. '