you would seek for them in vain; they are scattered in convents, or, once members of holy orders, are distinguished by their learning and acuteness of intellect, for their knowledge of ecclesiastical traditions and old customs; they it is, who prepare the transactions which are afterwards received by the Papal council, and which the Pope usually merely signs.”
If it be so, and I have no doubt on the subject, then it appears to me that the Pope's position and outward consideration is a piece of actual charlatanry.[1]
Last evening, the prophetic spirit fell upon Sœur
Geneviève, under the influence of which, drawing
herself up to her full height, she, with upraised arms,
foretold the fall of the temporal power of the Pope,
war, bloodshed, and great revolutions, but out of
which the Catholic church shall come forth renovated,
victorious, poor, but holy and powerful, as in the
early times.”
If Sœur Geneviève had not been a nun, she would unquestionably have been a great actress. High praise is due to her, when it is recollected that she has, whilst still young, handsome, eloquent, gifted
- ↑ As regards this consideration, very different opinions prevail, even amongst Catholics themselves. Some assert that he is not infallible except—as the expression is—ex cathedra, or when he is at the head of the general council. Sœur Geneviève preaches this doctrine. Others again—and the great unlearned multitude—are inclined to attribute to him alone, “as the representative of Jesus Christ,” absolute inspiration and infallibility in questions of faith, and I suspect that he himself is inclined to take this view, which is the most convenient for him.—Author's Note.
