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Eva Sellers
VOLE
from the hand of History the records. of time, and
seatter the torn leaves to the winds of Heaven ! My
son, thou hast walked in the company of the foolish,
and thy conversation has been with the sons of dissi-
pation, and the children of unbelief. The testimony
of a generation is the record of a fact, and that record,
my son, is the authority for the children of other days.
The apostles of the Saviour have received their com-
mission from him, and the generation in which they
lived, have borne testimony to the fact, and that re-
cord is the ground of our certainty at present. The
tradition of ages has brought down the testimony to
us, and we can trace the successors of the apostles
amongst us. To them my son, has the same authori-
ty been committed, They have equally a right to
teach. But, my son, the Bigot, is he who is unrea-
sonably wedded to an opinion, for which he can neith-
er shew the authority of God, nor the force of reason,
and the illiberal man is he, who refuses to another the
right of exercising an understanding or his liberty of
opinion where God has left him free. . And the RE-
LIGIOUS PERSECUTOR is he who in this world
punishes man for his adherence to that F; aith which
he thinks to be best. The first man is a fool—the
second is a despot—and the third unites the bad
qualities of both, with cruelty superadded. But, my
son, the man who convinced of the truth of his reli-
gion, steadily professes and adheres to its tenets, who
sees others in error, who endeavours to reform and
pities without afilicting them, who opposes, calmly and
inflexibly, every attempt to destroy or to weaken the
religion of Jesus Christ, ‘is not a Bigot,—but is a
CHRISTIAN, ae D.
..., TRELAND. .
CONSECRATION OF THE REV. DR. CROLLY, TO THE
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF DOWN AND CON-
» + NOR. .
(Further particulars, ) .
“We noticed in our last that this ceremony took
place on Sunday, the 1st of May, in the New Chapel,
Donegall-street. So early as 10 o’clock, those who
had obtained tickets, began to throng in, in order to
secure seats,. About half after 11, the gallery was
completely filled with highly respectable people ; but,
owing to the arrangements, no accident occurred.—
We observed clergymen. and gentry of all religious
denominations present ‘At 12 o’clock, the business
of the day commenced by Professor Denvir, of May-
nooth, reading the Papal Bull, confirming the election
of Dr. Crolly, who then proceeded to repeat the usu-
al vow of spiritual allegiance to the Pope. . After ex-
amining into Dr, Crolly’s belief, the Primate, Dr. Cur-
tis, assisted by Drs. M‘Laughlin, and M‘Gettigan,
Bishops of Derry and Donegall, performed the cere-
mony of anointing, investing with the episcopal mitre
and crosier, and laying on of hands. The whole pre-
sented a highly imposing appearance. .
In the afternoon, a Sermon was preached by the
Rev. Mr. Kenny, of Clongowes College, from the 89th
Psalm, 35th verse—“ Once have I sworn by my holi-
ness, that I will not lie unto David. His seed shall
endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.
Tt shall be established for gver as the moon, and as a
faithful witness in heaven.” :
The Rev. Gentleman made some observations on the un-
changeable nature of the Church of Christ ; and went on to
show, from ew Testament, that Christ had made Peter
chief of the apostles. This power, he argued, descended di-
rectly to the Popes who succeeded Peter, in the See of Rome.
The apostles always appointed bishops over particular churches,
and consecrated them either by themselves, or others duly au-
thorised to do so. This custom has been regularly followed in
the Roman Cathulic Church for 1800 years, and never, in one
single instance, bad any consecration taken place, unauthorised
by the Holy See, Such was the nature of the present conse-
tration, which be then explained, by the example of Paul or-
daining Timothy. He observed, that uo institution in any, save
the Roman Catholic Church, could be of divine origin; but he
did not thereby mean to reproach, good and sincere Christians
of other sects; for, said he, “ though faith be a virtue, and hope
be a virtue, yet charity is a greater still.” “Christ still taught
“the people in parables, which he explained only to his disciples,
who alone were given to understand the mysteries of his word.
Neither were the disciples ordered to write the gospels, but only
to preach and teach; and hence, he argued, that to their suc-
cessors only helonged the tight of explaining and teaching the
doctrines of Christ. _He condemned the private interpretation
of the Scriptures, as tending to destroy the unity of the law,
which Jesus came to fulfil. “Me concluded bis Sermon with a
warm and just enlogium of Dr, Crolly, whose fitness for the
episcopal office was proved by his successful and diligent minis-
try of several years, and by the high character which he bore
among bis townsnien, of 4! ranks and all religtous denomina-
tons,
THE DINNER. i
On Monday evening, at 6 o’clock, Dr. Crolly enter-
tained a large company to dinner, in Ward’s Hotel,
to celebrate his elevation to the episcopal chair.—
About 250 gentlemen were present, of whom the great-
er number appeared to be Protestants. After dinner
the following toasts were given :— :
“The King.” . :
“ The Royal Family.” , ‘ se
“The Lord Lieutenant, and Prosperity to Ireland.” a
“The liberal and venerable Primate, Dr. Curtis, and the Ro-
man Catholic Prelates of Ireland.” 1
Dr. Curtis, in returning thanks, expressed tke de-
light he felt at the account given him by Dr. Crolly,
of the uniform liberality of the people of Belfast. The
general harmony which he beheld around him was
highly gratifying, and evinced the true spirit of Chris-
tianity, which ordered every man to love his friend.
“Dr. Mant, and the Protestant Clergy of Down and Connor.”
Rev. Mr. Kinanan, of Newtownards, returned
thanks, . . :
“Rev. Mr. M‘Ewen and the Presbyterian Clergy of Down
a im?! ‘ :
5
id Antrim.’
Mr. M‘Ewen bore testimony to the high character
of Dr. Crolly, and his uniform zeal in promoting the
great cause of charity, with a spirit truly worthy of a
Christian minister. : no
“Rev, Dr. Hanna, and the Synod of Ulster.”
Dr. Hanna had been summoned from the room;
and, in his absence, the Rev. H. Monrcomery re-
turned thanks for himself and his brethren, - He ob-
served that the Synod had always displayed the’ most
uniform and consistent liberality, and, when called on
to express their sentiments, had still advocated the
cause of civil and religious liberty. -If they were then
present, he felt convinced that they would unanimous-
ly echo the sentiments which he then uttered. This
declaration, he thought, was rendered necessary, by
some late circumstances, to which he need not al-
lude more particularly—( Loud and repeated cheers.)
“Rey. Dr. Bruce, and the Presbytery of Antrim.”
‘Dr. Bruce congratulated Dr. Crolly’ on his. eleva-
-| tion, and the Primate on receiving so worthy an ac-
cession to the number of Irish Prelates, He alluded
to the great liberality of this province and the’ gross
misrepresentations which had been made of it: but he
was sure that the scene before them would fully refute
those assertions. He took notice of the measures at
present before Parliament ; and hoped, however these
might terminate, that-no triumph-or mortification
would be shown on either side. -
“Rey, Mr. Carr, and the Seceding Synod of Ire-
land.” 0). toe, sl ee,
Mr. Carr, in offering his thanks to the company,
remarked that it was generally supposed that the Se-
ceders were inimical to emancipation: but he could
assure them, that the creed of that body was not cal-
culated to produce any such feeling. The present
evening proved that the Catholic Religion also, how-
ever calumniated, was such as to cherish the purest
feelings of benevolence. rots re,
“Our worthy Sovereign, John Agnew; Esq.” - °°
Joun Acxew, Esq. briefly returned thanks,’ and
proposed the health, of Bishop Crolly. <0...
Dr. Crotty declared that this was not the first time for him
to feel the kind partiality of the people of Belfast.. When he
first came among them, he was friendless and unknown, with-
out even an introducton to any inhabitant. But he- had not
breathed the air of Belfast for many days, when thé clergymen
of diferent communions stepped forward to, extend the right
hand of fellowship and welcome; nor were the laity slow in
following the example. He rejoiced that his present elevation
would afford him more opportunity of proving his gratitude.—
It shall be my constant endeavour, said he, to diffuse universal
benevolence through the diocese committed to my care;’nor
shall I cease, while one illiberal member of our church is to be
found, from the mountains of Mourne to the caverns of the
Causeway. Ifthere should be any Priest tainted by narrow
and gross prejudice, I shall send him for his cure to inhale the
liberal atmosphere of Belfast. He was proud to be able to
convince Dr, Curtis, and his other brethren, that Belfast might
be counted the most liberal and charitable town in any part of
Europe. Ofthis there was a standing testimony of the New
Chapel, which was built by the generous contributions of every
class of Christians—and ['trust, said the worthy Prelate, that
under my care the voice of bigotry has never profaned its walls.
We regret that our space does not permits to follow Dr. Crol-
ly through the whole of his interesting and animated speech.—
He concluded with hoping, that he would never give his towns-
men cause to change their favourable opinion of him. - -* .
| “Lord Bonegall, our benevolent landlord.”
“The Marquis of Downshire, and resident landlords,”
“The Marquis of Londonderry.” . wt
“Professor Young, and the Belfast’Academical Institution.”
Professor Youncrose amidloud cheering; and after
congratulating Dr. Crolly on his elevation, the pleas-
ure of which must be so much enhanced by the uni-
versal joy manifested on the occasion, alluded to the
former illiberality of Scotland, which had now almost
died away, and left charity and benevolence flourish-
ing in its stead. He pronounced the heaviest censure
o those who attempt to monopolize religious free-
om, and declared it downright calumny to say, that
any creed can subvert the operation of Nature in the
heart of man.» He said, that no regard to sects wa:
paid in the, Institution—(cheers)—that no attempts
, were mad¢ to gain proselytes among the Students .to
any’ particular doctrines—(loud applause)—that the
very principles on’ ,which the Institution was,
founded, precluded such a. supposition—that every’ ,
Professorship, every office about it, was open to any ©
man whose qualifications were deemed sufficient, let his
religions ‘creed be what it might—and._ that, whoever
asserted the contrary, must.speak either from igno- ,
rance, or from some worse? motive, disgraceful to the. .”
individual and dishonourable to human nature! ‘The
learned Professor sat down amidst the loudest ’ap-
plause we have ever witnessed; and which lasted unin=
terrupted for a considerable time,, . toys
oa
‘
“Rey. Mr. Gray, and the Belfast Academy.” fey
“ Counsellor Corley, and the liberal portion of the Irish Bar.’"?
“Right Hon. George Canning, and the liberal and enlight- }
ened Members of his Majesty’s Government.” doe i’
“J. M'Cance, Esq., the liberal High Sheriff of Down.’
“ C. Brownlow, Esq., the honourable convert to the cause of
civil and religious liberty.” . wo, eos
sMany other appropriate toasts were also: drunk,
which we are unable to insert; and several gentlemen
favoured the company with songs ; after which, Dr. :
Crolly gave— fore a ca
\ The health of T. Moore, Esq., the bard of Erin, and,’ the
Memory of Robert Burns.”'. - ~~ a thas . .
On the latter toast being drunk, Professor Youne rose, and,
in a speech full'of animation and good humour, vindcated the
genius of Scotland. pot ues = ‘ 4
W. J Hancock, Esq., then proposed the health of Dr. Crolly
again, which was drunk with three times three. °, *
rv. CRouLy rose, and after thanking them for the manner in
which they had received his health the second time, declared
that their kindness had eft on his heart an impression whiclt
time could never obliterate. The only thing wanting to com-
plete the general pleasures of the day, was, that their separation
should be as harmonious as their meeting had been. « He trus-
ted that they would have many more opportunities of cultiva-
ting those social and friendly feelings which had that day been’
called into activity. “While he remembered that the sutirages
of his Catholic brethren had raised him to episcopal dignity, he
inust also remember, that their good opinion had been in a
great measure gained by the kind feelings of his. Protestant
friends towards him, and those. feelings he should always be
most anxious to cherish and cultivate. ve 4
bout half after twelve, the company broke up, highly de--
lighted with their host and with each other. It was not one of
those meetings, whose intercouse is confined to the mere, pres-
sure ofthe hand,’or the cold exchange of formal civility—it
was a meeting of Irishmen and of brothers, whose hearts were
all actuated by the same ‘sentiments of genuine liberality and of
Christian charity. The distinctions of the world were for a
season forgotten, and all metas the children ofa common coun-
try. It was an anticipation of what may be expected, when Ca-
tholic and Protestant are placed upon the same ‘footing, and +
when they learn every where to look upon each otbher—not with *
the sullen or exasperated glare of party feud—but with the. »
kindly beam of brotherly affection... When the apple of discord. ©
shall have been for ever removed from our island, and faction,
shall have ceased to embroil its inhabitants, such meetings as‘! «
this will be no longer contemplated with surprise, and the Irish
heart will be permitted to shew itself in its true light, warm, gens
erous and sincere. |" * “y an are cos ‘
‘
bog
(Re err Se RR
no ve @ewe
BRITISH HOUSE OF LORDS.
Turspay 17th May, 1 825,
CATHOLIC EMANCIPATION. |“ »
The ansiety to hear the debates upon this “imports :
ant question’ was immense, ‘The space railed round.
the Throne was occupied bya throng of members
from the House of Commons, among whom we notice
ed the Irish: Attorney-General, who stood during the
whole night, with Messrs. Brownlow, Dawson, Hob-’
house, Pascoe, Grenfell, Colonel Trench, and several
others, The Duké of Norfolk, Lords’ Stourton and
Clifford were seated in the front.’ The space at the
left hand of the Throne, within the curtain was alot:
ed to Peeresses, who filled the seats in full dress; se-
yeral also found accommodation at the opposite. side‘,
of the throne, and stood on the steps for hours among
the members of the Commons’ Iouse. Among the?
crowd below the bar, Mr; O’Connell stood ‘conspicu-
ous in front, with a Roman Catholic Prelate near him ;
Mr. O'Conner, sen., Mr, Lawless, of Belfast, and oth-
ers of the deputation, were also present. Lord Ken-"
yon and Sir T, Lethbridge were engaged in earnest. ,
conversation some:time before the procecdings of
this memorable- night. commenced... The. Bishops’
bench was thin until near: six o’clock. ‘The Bisho
of Chester, the ablest opponent of the bill was the first
Prelate who took’ his seat. At five o'clock’ Earl
Grey entered the IIouse, and laid on the table a: mass |
of petitions, among them one of immense bulk, that
from the Roman Catholics of England, siened by the
Duke of-Norfolk, all the Catholic Peers, and 30,000
individuals of that persuasion. Lord Sydney, from
the opposite benches, also laid, at the same time, sever
nd