If we apply the Sparta-poetic precept in this case, we shall probably come to the conclusion that, however the system of 66 PLENARY INDULGENCE" may excite a smile of pity, or even of contempt, in the mind of the transitory passenger, familiarity with the precepts and practice of that system may operate a great change in our moral feelings, and induce us ultimately to look with a very indulgent eye on a doctrine which we were at first inclined to condemn ! RELIGION. I approach this sacred subject, not as a BIGOT, who condemns every mode of faith that differs, even in shade, from his own; nor as a SCEPTIC, who believes in no religion-but as a philosopher, who wishes rather to estimate the moral influence of different systems of religion on earth, than to weigh their intrinsic merits in the eye of Heaven. The latter task, not less dangerous than difficult, I leave to the province of the divine. The fundamental objects of every religion I imagine to be these -first, to foster the good and check the evil propensities of man's nature in this world-and, secondly, to procure him immortality and happiness in the next. How far the Catholic system of faith and worship, as professed and practised on the classic soil of Italy, is calculated to secure the salvation of the soul, I will not venture to judge, for the reason above-mentioned. But I deem it not out of my province to form some estimate of its influence over virtue and vice-and of its tendency to good or evil actions in the common affairs of life. I humbly conceive that there are two radical defects in the Catholic religion, as practised in Italy-first, the facility of absolution, before alluded to—and secondly, the perpetual intervention of saints and angels between the human heart, whether in a state of contrition or adoration, and the throne of our Creator. I need not repeat what I have already said, as to the baleful effects of cheap and easy remission of sins, through the pp medium of heartless ceremonies, if not virtual bribery. It is now pretty well ascertained that, in proportion as the duty on a contraband article is diminished, the consumption will increase, so as that the revenue loses nothing by relaxation of its demands. I believe the same maxim will hold good as to moral articles of contraband-especially where no worldly dishonour attaches to breaches of the law. It is impossible to view the facilities with which sins are washed away in Italy, (not to speak of the permissions to commit them) without coming to the conclusion that one of the most effectual checks to vice which religion affords, is thus rendered not only inefficient, but absolutely conducive to the evil which it is intended to remedy. Forsyth, while speaking of certain scenes which took place at Naples during a memorable epoch still fresh in the recollections of the present race, has the following passage. 66 They reeled ferociously from party to party, from saint to saint, and were steady to nothing but mischief and the church. Those cannibals, feasting at their fires on human carnage, would kneel down and beat their breasts in the fervour of devotion, whenever the sacring bell went past to the sick; and some of Ruffo's cut-throats would never mount their horses without crossing themselves and muttering a prayer.” The perpetual intercession of saints and angels, not to speak of priests and relics of the dead, in pardoning sins and saving souls, must inevitably diminish, if not destroy that awful solemnity which attends, or ought to attend, a direct appeal from man to his Maker. In respect to the pompous formalities, the gorgeous imagery, the superstitious rites, the solemn mockeries, and the sickening delusions of Italian WORSHIP, whatever influence they may have on people immersed in ignorance and trammelled in priestcraft -they can have but one of two effects upon Englishmen—that of turning the Romish religion into ridicule, in strong mindsor that of overpowering and converting minds that are weak! The latter is probably the less deplorable of the two evils.* I suspect that the habit of despising religions different from our own, does not always strengthen our veneration for that which we ourselves profess. I speak of those who have travelled through various countries, and who have contemplated the superstitions, as they call them, of the people among whom they have sojourned. Experience, not very limited, has convinced me that the genuine precepts and doctrines of Christianity inculcated in early life at home, have not gained, in general, by intercourse with foreigners, whether Christian or Heathen. "There is no more pleasant or fantastic sight (says a talented modern writer) than that presented by the groups which ascend the Quirinal on Sunday mornings; some on foot, some in carriages, but all bending towards that shrine of weekly pilgrimage to foreign visitants, the Pope's Chapel. Members of all churches, and professors of all sects, cardinals and their suites in their gaudy glass-coaches, monks on foot, and carabiniers on horseback, all pour through massive portals, which are still guarded by gigantic Switzers,' habited in the same trunk hose, buff jerkins, laced ruffs, and leathern bonnets, as they wore when they lost the Bicoque in the plains of Lombardy!—all urge their way through colonnades and halls till the temple is reached, at whose entrance the sexes separate. There the subaltern clergy of the chapel (in such a curious and grotesque variety of costume as might supply the carnival masquerades of Paris) present themselves to do the honours deputed to their care. To the heretics of England is invariably assigned the place of distinction; while, if some devout Italian Catholic appear (a rare event), he is elbowed off; for here the joy is literally for the arrival of the sinner, not for the just; and Mother Church sets * Were I asked what is the state of religion in France? I would answer by asking another question :-What is the religion of the state? Certainly there is not much chance of our English youth being converted to the Catholic or to any other faith in France :-but whether they may come back to their native land improved in the principles and practices of their national religion, is a question which I leave for others to solve! aside the claims of her legitimate children, in favour of the spurious offspring of Luther, Calvin, or-Johanna Southcote. "The Chapel of the Quirinal is at last filled to suffocation. The tribunes on either side are occupied by the elegantes of London and Paris, Petersburgh and Vienna, Cracow or New York. In the central nave the throng is composed of abbots, priors, and dignitaries in grand costume,-the Mamelukes of the church! Roman generals, all armed for the military service of the altar, the only service they have ever seen-monks, guards, friars, Swiss soldiers, and officers of state!-Outside a cordon, drawn round the choir, are placed the foreign gentlemen. The choir, the scene of action, all brilliant and beautiful, is still a void. When the signal is given, the crowd divides! and the procession begins!-'Mutes and others' form the avant-garde of the pageant, and lead the way. Then comes, personified Infallibility! feeble as womanhood! helpless as infancy! withered by time, and bent by infirmity; but borne aloft, like some idol of Pagan worship, on the necks of men, above all human contact. The Conclave follows, each of its princes robed like an Eastern Sultan! Habits of silk and brocade, glittering with gold and silver, succeeded by robes of velvet, and vestments of point lace, the envy of reigning empresses. The toilette of these Church exquisites is perfect: not a hair displaced, not a point neglected, from the powdered toupee to the diamond shoebuckle. The Pope is at last deposited on his golden throne: his ecclesiastical attendants fold round him his ample caftan, white and brilliant as the nuptial dress of bridal queens! they arrange his dazzling mitre: they blow his nose; they wipe his mouth, and exhibit the representation of Divinity in all the disgusting helplessness of drivelling caducity. His Holiness being thus cradled on a throne to which Emperors once knelt, the Conservators of Rome, the caryatides of the Church, place themselves meekly at its steps, and the manikin, who represents the Roman senate, precisely in his look and dress resembling Brid'oison, in the Mariage de Figaro,' takes his humble station near that Imperial seat, more gorgeous than any the Cæsars PONTIFICATION. 293 ever mounted. Meantime the demigods of the Conclave repose their eminences in their stalls on velvet cushions, and their caudatorj (or tail-bearers) place themselves at their feet. In the centre, stand or sit, on the steps of the high altar, the bishops, with their superb mitres and tissued vestments. Then the choir raises the high hosannahs; the Pope pontificates; and the Temple of Jupiter never witnessed rites so imposing, or so splendid. Golden censers fling their odours on the air! harmony the most perfect, and movements the most gracious, delight the ear and eye! At the elevation of the host, a silence more impressive than even this solemn concord of sweet sounds' succeeds; all fall prostrate to the earth; and the military falling lower than all, lay their arms of destruction at the feet of that mystery, operated in memory of the salvation of mankind. "The ceremony is at last concluded. The procession returns as it entered. The congregation rush after; and the next moment, the ante-room of this religious temple resembles the saloon of the opera. The abbots and priors mingle among the lay crowd, and the cardinals chat with pretty women, sport their red stockings, and ask their opinions of the Pope's Pontification, as a Marveilleux of the Opera at Paris takes snuff, and demands of his Chère-Belle, Comment trouvez vous ça, Comtesse?' Bows, and courtesies, and recognitions- nods, and becks, and wreathed smiles'-fill up the waiting-time for carriages; and then all depart from the Quirinal to re-congregate at St. Peter's, to hear vespers, give rendezvous, and make parties for the Opera, with which the English-the Sunday-loving English-close their Sabbath-day in Italy. For English cant is left on English shores; and the most rigid observers of forms at home, being at Rome, do as Rome does!”—Italy, by Lady Morgan. That a solitary exhibition of this sickening mockery of religion, compared with which the superstition of the Hindoos is respectable THEISM, would go far to disgust any one with POPERY, (using the term in its restricted sense,) I can well believe;— but how far it is safe or prudent to habitually contemplate |