Page images
PDF
EPUB

ranny than in

than in any other kingdom or state of Europe.*

* On page 501, in a note, I have mentioned the name of Lord Petre: since that part was printed, I have met with the following particulars, which I will take this opportunity to introduce :-The character of Lord Petre was remarkably dignified and amiable; it is thus sketched in the preface to Dr. Geddes's Translation of the Psalms :-" His Lordship's exalted and amiable character will not soon be forgotten. Adored by his family, the centre of a numerous and honourable band of friends, connected with some of the most illustrious personages in the kingdom, all of whom revered and loved him; the warm and steady friend of civil and religious liberty; the soul of the successful attempts in 1778 and 1779, for the relief of his Roman Catholic brethren; but, in his expanded benevolence, knowing no difference of Catholic, Protestant, Jew, or Infidel, his Lordship seemed to exist only for purposes of charity and munificence; his death (though his conscientious adherence to his religious principles kept him from the public situations to which his birth, his possessions, and his character, entitled him) was generally bewailed as a public loss."

The following circumstance, in which his Lordship bore a principal part, is one of many proofs of Roman Catholic loyalty. In consequence of some occurrences, in the years 1791 and 1792, the committee of the Roman Catholic body, had thoughts of sending the late Dr. Hussey, the titular Bishop of Waterford, to Rome, to clear up the erroneous notions, which, they thought, were entertained there of their proceedings; and Lord Petre undertook to defray the expenses of the Dr.'s journey.-The instructions given to Dr. Hussey contain the following article:-" If any scruple should be raised about the act of settlement, and limiting the succession of the crown to the Protestant line, Mr. Hussey will not permit that subject to be discussed, because the English Catholics acknowledge no authority to interfere with the succession of their kings, but the law of the land, the authority of which law, they have already solemnly acknowledged by their oath of allegiance of 1778."

Dr.

If any Protestant should infer, that because I have taken a somewhat favourable view of Popery, as it is called, I am, therefore, inclined to admit the truth of its doctrines, or the scriptural authority of its discipline, let me be permitted to assert, that so far from having become more inclined to admit those doctrines, by the investigations in which I have been necessarily engaged, I am, if possible, more disposed to express my gratitude and praise to the Great Governor of the Universe, that I have been born and educated among Protestants, and that I have the unspeakable privilege of deciding for myself what appears to my own mind to be the genuine religion of the Son of God, and what the weak and fallible "commandments of men."

It is not needful for me to say a single word respecting the style and manner in which this publication has been written; nor how far I have made a good or ill use of the materials before me. These are matters which belong so entirely to the public and the critics, that I must be content to submit to their decisions, as I shall always be happy to profit by their advice.

LONDON, July 18, 1812.

Dr. Hussey's projected journey did not take place: but the above extract of his instructions deserves to be preserved, on account of the true sentiments of loyalty, which it expresses.

« PreviousContinue »