Sketches of Italy and the Italians.
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treat at all, when they may cut the knot by a single effort, and burst for ever the fetters imposed upon their Catholic subjects by a foreign prince ? The chain which once made every state in Europe subservient to the Pope is now reduced to a single link the appointment of bishops ; and when- ever any German prince has moral courage enough to cut away this last stay of Romish despotism, he will be supported in the struggle by the con- sciousness of a righteous cause, and by the approbation of all Protestant Eu- rope. Instead of tamely seeking a concordat, let him peremptorily refuse admission to bishops of papal appoint- ment ; let him reject all Catholic bishops, unless chosen by German Catholic Chapters, and consecrated by German Catholic bishops, and he will at oncediscover that the Pope will quiet- ly submit to measures, which, from his personal and political insignificance, he cannot prevent, Xor would it be difficult to find German priests willing to accept Episcopal rank on these terms, if assured that the importance of their sacred office would be acknow- ledged and supported by an energetic and enlightened government. It is in vain to expect the conversion of Ca- tholics to Protestantism by any mea- sures of this nature; but, whenever they become independent of Rome in church discipline, a great moral transformation will commence. Free and independent Catholic congre- gations would gradually assume na- tional feelings and characteristics. The hitherto unbending uniformity of Romish discipline would yield to pu- rifying and rational innovations: an unfettered and more intellectual Ca- tholic theology would arise ; a salutary shock of opinions would grow out of it ; and evidence, both historical and biblical, would be consulted without
any childish terrors of Romish disap- probation. The consequences of such a state of Catholic society are incal- culable. The first material change in their church discipline would be a per- mission for priests to marry, a reform earnestly desired by all the respectable and thinking Catholics in Germany, both clergy and laity. The benefits of this measure alone would be immense. That esprit du corps of the Catholic priesthood, which is so hostile to the true interests of religion, would be ex- tinguished ; and, instead of being a separate caste, they would become an integral portion of society. Instead of undermining thepeaceand purity of do- mestic life by that libertinism, which is the natural iruit of constrained celiba- cy, their affections would be healthily exercised, and they would become, like the Protestant pastors of Germany, exemplary husbands and fathers. A married priest would be open to every kindly influence ; he would be more gentle and humane; he would have more sympathy with the sorrows and infirmities of his congregation ; and he would become a better man, a better citizen and patriot. At a later period, masses in the German language would be substituted for the Latin ; nor is it romantic to hope that, in some future age, an union between the Protestant church and the purified Catholic church will be consummated. It is impossible to foresee the time and manner in which so desirable a com- munion will be accomplished ; but, whenever the Catholic Church shall have attained, by the gradations de- scribed, a more evangelical spirit, the two churches will necessarily approxi- mate, and, in a more enlightened state of society, the adoption of some tenets, and the sacrifice of others, on both sides, will remove obstacles at present insurmountable.
