have a clear idea of the character of his adversary, Henry. When this course shall have been pursued in the consideration of his thoughts, his acts, his views, his efforts relatively to the age in which he lived, we shall then, provided we be free from prejudice, arrive at an opinion as to his character entirely different from those who would prescribe to the pontiff, as a rule of action, the views and ideas of their own age.

To attain the end which Gregory had in view, he could scarcely have acted otherwise than he did. For, to be pope, he must have acted as pope: he must have acted otherwise than the multitude, otherwise than his predecessors, to rise above all, and to be a great man.*

But it is asked, do we recognise in him that sincerity, that profound and so much boasted conviction of the justice of his pretensions and the goodness of his cause? Were not his actions governed by intrigue and perfidy? Did he not attempt to build up the fabric of his mighty monarchy upon false facts, groundless inconsequent induction and untrue interpretation of Scripture? The opinion which he maintained as certain and which ascribed to the pope a power so great, does it not deserve the name of the Hildebrand heresy? In fine, was not Gregory a heretic, a hypocrite, an imposter ?+ The answer to all this is obvious-either Gregory was the vilest and most wicked of all men who have ever appeared upon the earth, or he is what his acts and writings show him to have been. His letters are filled with the liveliest affection and ardent love of religion, and an unshaken faith in the divinity of Jesus Christ.

Every where throughout the whole course of his career, we behold a consci

* That is, the peculiar circumstances of the times required a policy attended with peculiar difficulty and danger, which it was the merit of Gregory VII to exercise with intrepid firmness: but many of his predecessors were also great and illustrious men, for the very same reason that they governed the church with wisdom according to the times in which they lived.-EDITOR.

+ Bower, Hist. of Rom. Popes, b. 6, p. 563, &c.

entious administration, a deep settled conviction of the justice of his cause and his acts, a firm belief in the rewards and punishments of another world-everywhere we discover traits of nobleness, of dignity, of greatness, throughout we find language the purest and most expressive of his piety, of his noble designs and constant efforts towards a high and generous end. Where then are you to find proofs to overthrow testimony like this? In his acts? This cannot be, for he acts as he speaks; the facts are his witnesses, and it is impossible to deny them. Gregory upheld, it is said, many things which history does not recognise as exact-which his contemporaries and posterity have often attacked. Granted: but is it not possible, nay, is it not extremely probable that Gregory regarded them as true? Is it required of him that he should have been acquainted with the critical knowledge, science, and ideas which have been the birth of a long series of ages? Grant that he was decisive without knowing it, was he therefore insincere? Knowingly, he never put forward what was otherwise. He acted according to the only ideas which in his day he could have, and of the truth of which he was convinced. Who will dare prescribe others for him? Who has seen him as he was within? Who has read his heart, who has sounded the depths of his soul? To condemn him in this manner is to pass sentence on ourselves. If Gregory had erred in the selection of instruments proper to realize his plan, if he had neglected to study the circumstances, and to take into consideration the spirit of the age in which he lived, we might censure his prudence or his judgment, but not his heart. But it is precisely against the very dexterity he displayed in these regards that the clamour is raised, without always giving him credit for the goodness of his heart. The genius of Gregory embraced, and ought to have embraced the whole Christian world—because the independence of the church was a gene

ral idea-his action ought to have been full of energy, because of the character of the times in which he moved-his faith and his convictions ought to have been what they were, because they grew out of the course of events in his day. It is difficult to bestow an exaggerated eulogy upon Gregory, for he has laid the foundations of a solid glory. But each

one ought to be ready and willing to award justice where justice is due; let no man throw a stone at him who is innocent, let him rather give honor to a man who has labored, with such large and generous views, for the age in which he lived, let him who feels guilty of having calumniated such a man, seek counsel of his own conscience.

OH! he may brave life's dangers,
In hope and not in dread,
Whose mother's pray'rs are lighting
A halo round his head;
In wheresoe'er he wander

Through this cold world and dark,
There white-winged angels follow
To guard life's erring child.
Go! let the scoffer call it

A shadow and a dream-
Those meek subservient spirits
Are nearer than we deem;
Think not they visit only

The bright enraptured eye
Of some pure sainted martyr,
Prepared and glad to die:
Or that the poet's fancy,
Or painter's colored skill,
Creates a dream of beauty,

And moulds a world at will;
They live, they wander round us,
Soft resting on the cloud,

Although to human vision

The sight be disallowed. They are to the Almighty

What rays are to the sun : An emanating essence

From the great supernal One. They bend for prayers to listen; They weep to witness crimes, They watch for holy moments,

Good thoughts; repentant times; They cheer the meek and humble,

They heal the broken heart, They teach the wavering spirit

From earthly ties to part.
Unseen they dwell among us,
And when they watch below,
In spiritual anguish,

The sepulchre of woe;
And when we pray, tho' feeble
Our orisons may be,

They then are our companions
Who pray eternally.

DOMESTIC.

ARCHDIOCESS OF BALTIMORE.-St. Peter's Institute.-A Society has been recently organized by this title, chiefly among the members of St. Peter's congregation, the immediate object of which is to establish a Catholic Library. Besides the utility of such an institution to Catholics themselves, the number of inquirers and converts who are seeking for works illustrative of Catholic doctrine and practice, would seem to point to its particular necessity. The effort made some years since under the auspices of the "Calvert Institute," shows that the importance of the subject has been well considered before, and although the result of that undertaking did not prove finally successful, sufficient progress was made in accumulating books, &c., to justify the originators of the present society, in anticipating the collection at this time, by assiduous attention, of a library of at least tolerable pretensions. It is contemplated also to add a reading room for Catholic papers and periodicals, when circumstances will permit. The "Institute" possesses an advantage, in haying a library already commenced, and the books in use, although as yet the number of volumes is small. The collection was begun during the last year by the pastor of the church, and a circular issued to invite contributions, from which we extract the following:

"Some years ago a Catholic Library was established for the use of the Sunday School of St. Peter's church.

"The consoling effects it produced among the children of the school, induced several zealous persons to wish for the extension of the same blessing not only to all the members of the congregation, but also to all the Catholics of the city at large.

"To be able to comply with this pious desire, it becomes necessary to procure a sufficient number of books, and consequently to call for assistance upon those who feel an interest in this good work.

"It is needless to expatiate upon the salutary effects which will flow from the diffusion of such books among all the classes of the Catholic community. The mind will be enlightened and faith strengthened; sinners will be converted from their evil ways, and the just confirmed in the practice of virtue; the examples of the saints will encourage the

timid and the weak, and inspire them to renewed vigor to conquer the enemies of their salvation, and deserve the crown of heaven. The evils caused by licentious books will be counteracted, and the reading of the doctrine, maxims, and life of our divine Saviour, together with the written instructions and lives of his faithful followers, will produce the happiest results."

The many duties however of the pastor not permitting him to give the requisite attention to the charge, he has handed it over to the members of St. Peter's Institute, who have been engaged in soliciting contributions in money and books. They have also got up a course of lectures for the benefit of the Society, during the past season, which were delivered in the basement of the church, as follows: Rev. John P. Donelan, "On the Influence of the Catholic Religion on Literature and the Arts."

Wm. A. Stokes, Esq., of Philada., "Obser

vations on the Influence of the Catholic Religion among the people of Europe." Joseph R. Chandler, Esq., of Philadelphia, Italy: its condition and prospects."

Rev. A. Hitselberger, of Norfolk Ireland and her wrongs."

An additional lecture will close the course, to be delivered after Easter.

Whatever advantages the library may lose by not possessing a more central location, (being now kept in the basement of the church,) it is believed will be more than compensated by its being under the immediate supervision of a clergyman, and at the point of meeting of the greater portion of the members of the Institute. In truth, however, the great increase of the city in a western direction, the wants of the large congregation already wor shipping at St. Peter's, and the number of converts constantly seeking instruction at the church, will doubtless occasion a demand for as many books as the society will be able to supply for a long time.

Donations in books have been received among others, from F. Lucas, jr., John Murphy, Mrs. John E. Howard, Jas. W. Barroll, Jno. McColgan, and H. H. Burgess. A number of other contributions are promised. To these

:

and to the following contributors to the funds of the Institute, (particularly the first named gentleman,) the sincere thanks of the society are due T. Parkin Scott, John Sharkey, C. Oliver O'Donnell, Basil R. Spalding, Dr. O'Donnell, Daniel J. Foley, Edward Boyle and F. Dandelet Other contributions in books and money have been received from members of the congregation.

Although the establishment of the Library is the object to which the efforts of the Institute are now directed and its funds appropriated, it is not the sole comprehended in its organization, and as time permits, other fields of utility not interfering with the scope of existing societies will be developed. The attention of our Catholic brethren is solicited to the following summary of its constitution, which it will be seen, offers great inducements to them to become members, and to contribute their abilities in behalf of an undertaking likely to prove at once advantageous and honorable to Catholicity among us. "Its object," (article 1st) "shall be to advance the interests of religion generally, to sympathise with Catholic movements, and to aid in the dissemination of religious knowledge." The pastor of St. Peter's church is, ex officio, the president of the society, but the other officers are annually elective. The following were chosen in December: 1st vice president, John S. Sumner; 2d do., Jas. A. Williams; secretary, Dr. Joseph A. Keenan; treasurer, I. Casey Barry. No fee is required from members, and the names of those who wish to become members

are handed to the pastor, to be reported by him for election at a succeeding meeting. None but Catholics are eligible, and of course those who are known to neglect their religion will not be reported by the pastor for membership. As the Institute is incurring no expenses other than attach to the Library, its regular resources are expected to be derived from subscriptions for the use of the books, which are upon a very moderate scale.

The regular meetings are held on the fourth Sunday of every month, and at present at the pastor's house, adjoining the church. Probably for some time the Library will be open only on Sundays, but as a regular librarian is now appointed, it will be open at other times or at all times, as circumstances may justify. Books can also be procured at 8 o'clock daily on week days: Peter Smith, librarian. The pastor can also furnish books when desired.

The president has also the privilege of selecting, once a month, some member or other person to deliver a discourse before the Institute on the day of its meeting. This will give an opportunity of bringing forward the talent and resources of some of our Catholic brethren, which, while it may do honor to themselves, will effectually subserve the edification of their neighbor. It will also afford an opportunity of hearing distinguished strangers from other places, when occasion will permit, or of having their productions read when sent.

Persons desirous of becoming members, (and we look forward to the great extension of the society), can hand in their names through the officers or members. In like manner, donations in money or books will be thankfully received, and will be taken charge of by the pastor, for the society. Ad Majoram Dei Glo

riam.

Spiritual Retreat.-The retreat which was opened at the Cathedral on the fourth Sunday of Lent, was closed on Passion Sunday. The Rev. Samuel Mulledy, S. J., preached three times each day, and several clergymen were in constant attendance at the confessional. We have been informed that about three thousand persons approached the holy communion in the Cathedral and other churches. On the last day of the retreat, the M. Rev. Archbishop addressed the people, and gave the papal benediction.

Preamble and Resolutions, adopted by the teachers of St. Vincent of Paul's Sunday School Association, Baltimore, April 18th, 1848: Whereas, it has pleased an All-wise Providence to remove from among us our fellow member, JOHN MCCAFFREY, and to call him prematurely from this land of trials, to reap the reward of his labors in a better world:

Whereas, the deceased during life was endeared to us all, and to all who knew him, by his integrity, his zeal for religion, and exemplary piety and

Whereas, by his death society has been deprived of a valuable member; a fond mother of an affectionate son; a disconsolate wife of a devoted consort; and relatives of one, in whom were centred their deepest affections: Be it therefore

Resolved, That the members of this Association have received with the deepest regret the announcement of his death.

Resolved, That we sympathize with the re

latives of the deceased, in the loss they have sustained.

Resolved, That we wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days, as a testimonial of our sorrow for his death, and our respect for his memory and virtues.

Resolved, That these resolutions be published in the U. States Catholic Magazine, and a copy of the same be sent to the relatives of the deceased.

M. J. KERNEY, chairman, Committee, E. J. GRAHAM,

V. A. CROSS.

Young Catholic's Friend Society.-At a meeting of the Young Catholic's Friend Society held April 2, 1848, the following gentlemen were unanimously elected members: Wm. J. Wells, James Storm, John Sullivan, Michael Roach, Patrick Kernan, Edward Boyle, James Carroll, John Carroll.

DIOCESS OF RICHMOND.-Sisters of the Visitation. We are pleased to learn that the school, lately opened by these religious ladies at Wheeling, is prospering beyond their most sanguine expectations. It numbers already about fifty pupils.

Catholic Church on fire.-The Baltimore Sun states, that on Good Friday, the Catholic church at Richmond, Va., was considerably damaged by fire. After service, one of the lads attending the altar commenced extinguishing the candles in the sacristy, when the drapery caught fire, and immediately the whole was enveloped in flames. Every thing like drapery in the sacristy was almost entirely consumed, and several small paintings were likewise destroyed. The Rev. Timothy O'Brien, in his efforts to extinguish the fire and save such articles as were most valuable, had his face and hands severely, though not seriously burnt. A son of Mr. Henry Miller had his hands and face also badly burnt.

DIOCESS OF CHARLESTON.-Episcopal Visitation. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Reynolds recently visited Macon, Milledgeville and Savannah, and at the last mentioned place he confirmed, on the 9th April, about forty persons, of whom one was a convert.-Cath. Miscellany.

New

ARCHDIOCESS OF ST. LOUIS. Church. We learn from the St. Louis News Letter, that the corner-stone of a new church was laid at Westphalia, Osage county, on the 19th of March. The first church built there in 1837 was of wood, and being too small for the congregation, will be replaced by that now

* Seven of this number only confirmed.

In this enumeration are not included the students and pupils of the university, seminary, female academies of both convents, high, public or private schools, or children of the male and female orphan asylums."-St. Louis News Letter.

The News Letter. We regret to perceive from an announcement in this paper of April 1st, that it will be henceforth discontinued for want of sufficient patronage. The News Letter was a well conducted journal and should not have been suffered to retire from the field in which it had so usefully labored. When will the Catholics of the U. States begin to understand and to discharge their duty of sustaining the press which has been established for the defence of their religion?