It would be rather unfair, if now, at compositions in the ballad line, we parting with M. Klauer, we should have said enough to show that the omit to recommend the handsome book must be a treasure to all cultivolumes from which our extracts have vated lovers of the original and marbeen made to all admirers of German vellous. We should not pass in silence literature in the kingdom. Though over the Lyrics, which may be regarded we have not space to praise them as as a condensation of almost the whole we could wish, we have quite enough poetic spirit of the author's country. to acknowledge that they deserve our Those persons also, for whom exterior praise. Of the three we prefer the decoration is an irresistible attraction, volume containing the Songs ; and will be pleased with the getting-up of from this our specimens have been these volumes, which to quote a line chiefly taken ; but no country has that M. Klauer will recognise : hitherto equalled Germany in the Bal

“ Füget zum Guten den Glanz und den Schimmer," lad ; and when we state that the compilation in M. Klauer's last volume and does infinite credit to the comembraces many of the most popular piler's taste.

BY-WAYS OF IRISH HISTORY --CHAP. XVII.

EDUCATION OF ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIESTS, CONTINUED.

“ Besides the priests educated at Maynooth, we are informed that about one "hundred and twenty students are in the course of education in other seminaries « in Ireland. The greater part of these are at Carlow; others are at Kilkenny, " Tuam, Waterford and Wexford.

“ It appears, further, that there are about one hundred and forty students for the " Roman Catholic priesthood now at different colleges on the continent. Seventy “ of these are in the Irish college at Paris; about twelve at Rome, and the “remainder at Salamanca, Lisbon, and different French seminaries."-Eighth Report of the Commissioners of Irish Education Inquiry, p. 9.

The above extract instructs us, that by a course of education over which the establishment and endowment of not only has the state exercised no the Royal College of Maynooth has authority, but into which it has not not protected the country from the even instituted an inquiry ; respecting erection of seminaries for the educa- the character of which, indeed, it retion of Roman Catholic Clergy, over mains, and seems contented to remain, which the government exercises no wholly ignorant. We do not hesitate species of supervision or control. The to declare our fixed persuasion that extent to which these independent this indifference is, in the highest institutions make provision for the degree, impolitic and criminal. A priesthood, according to the testimony government is assuredly inexcusable of the commissioners, may be learned if it sanction the teaching of doctrines from the following passage in the which, when converted into acts, it report:

pronounces and punishes as capital

offences. How far the British govern“ The College of Maynooth supplies ment stands chargeable with this crime, at present about fifty candidates annually

we shall leave to the reader's judgment, for holy orders. It is stated to us, that eighty or ninety are annually required by execrable Theology of Dens, as it has

only premising one observation. The the different parishes throughout Ireland.”

been ascertained by the Rev. Robert

M'Ghee, is an avowed class-book in Hence it appears, that more than a almost every seminary for the educathird, according to the lowest computa- tion of Roman Catholic priests in Iretion, and probably little less than a land, with, perhaps, the single excephalf, of the Roman Catholic Clergy in tiont of the Royal College of Maynooth. Ireland, are prepared for their offices With the course of studies prescribed

* Report, p. 8. † The exception is rendered more remarkable than it would otherwise have been, by Dr. Murray's apology for the publication of Dens, without an exception against

in continental seminaries, we regret to say that we are very imperfectly acquainted. We believe the Theology of Devoti is in general repute, and of the character of this classic of continental Romanism, it is enough to observe, that it is too intolerant to be acknowledged as an authority at Maynooth the work having been intro

duced by Dr. Troy, and rejected for its intolerance by the body of the trustees-rejected, however, as the philosopher would have Timon cast away his gold-not farther than it was recoverable: put away far enough for Dr. Murray to disclaim it, but placed sufficiently at hand to be employed by the professors.*

its objectionable passages. "This work, you are aware, was not written for the ignorant. It was written in Latin, beyond, of course, the reach of that class of persons, and designed solely for the use of professional men. Now those men had disavowed on oath the only opinion which could lead to any practical mischief. No student could be placed on the roll of Maynooth College without taking the oath alluded to in one of the letters which you will find in the Morning Register. (The oath is in these terms:-I, A. B. do swear that I do abjure, condemn, and detest, as unchristian and impious, the principle that it is lawful to murder, destroy, or in any wise injure any person whatsoever for or under pretence of being a heretic.")-Letter of Dr. Murray to the Rev. Maurice James, Sept. 21, 1835.

The oath of allegiance is the antidote by which the poison of Dens is to be neutralized. But strange to say, the oath is taken where Dens and his poison are excluded, and where Dens is admitted the juratory preservative against him is not administered. In Maynooth, where the oath of allegiance is taken, Dens is not a class-book-in the other colleges, where he is, there is no oath of allegiance.

It may be well to subjoin the advertisement through which, as Mr. McGhee stated at the Hereford meeting, October 13, 1836, the adoption of Dens as a collegiate class-book was ascertained ::

"In a book which was purchased at the auction of that very priest whom Dr. Troy appointed to revise the notes of the Rhemish Testament, Mr. Walsh, I found the identical advertisement in question; it is a copy of Coyne's catalogue for 1814, and these are the words: A catalogue for 1814 of Catholic books published by R. Coyne, 16, Parliament-street (near Essex-bridge)-Dens Complete Body of Theology, in seven vols. 12mo. price £3. This comprehensive work is now read in the colleges of Carlow, Waterford, Limerick, Cork, and Cove. It has been adopted by the Catholic bishops, as the safest and best work extant, and from which the respective conference of each diocese is taken.' There have been, perhaps, one or two seminaries instituted since the date of Coyne's advertisement, respecting which we have not adequate information. We cannot affirm what is the course of instruction prescribed at St. Jarleth's, but are strongly disposed to believe that under the jurisdiction of John Tuam it is not likely to have been rendered, in the aspect it turns towards Protestants, 'too civil or two obligingly flat.'"

* Examination of Most Rev. Dr. Murray:-"Do you recollect any other books brought over by Dr. Troy at any time?—Yes.

"Why were they not used?-Because they were supposed to inculcate opinions too strong with regard to the interference of spiritual authority in temporal

matters.

"And for that reason they were not used in the college?—Yes, for that reason they were not used.

What was the name?-Devoti."—Appendix, No. 67.

"A list of works recommended by the Professors of the Roman Catholic College of Maynooth for the perusal of the students, or referred to by them in the course of their lectures."

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By the Professor of the Dunboyne establishment:

"Canon Law-Van Espen, Devoti."—Appendix to Eighth Report of the Commissioners of Irish Education Inquiry.

"Recommended or referred to" is a very comprehensive, and, at first view, it would seem, very unsatisfactory, phrase. The commissioners were desirous to ascertain the works by which the opinions and principles of students at Maynooth are formed. If the returns were designed to assist them, they should contain lists 1st-Of the class-books.

now:

It is much to be desired that our of the Rev. B. Crotty, President of government should enquire into the Maynooth, “there was formerly an Irish state of education and the course of college which had some funds of its own, study pursued in all seminaries where sufficient probably to support a dozen candidates for the Roman Catholic students, and, as that establishment was priesthood in this country are instructed. entirely destroyed, even before the French In foreign countries, with which diplo- invaded Italy, the government at present matic relations are maintained, 'the supports a certain number of young men enquiry could be prosecuted through in the College of Propaganda. I suppose the British ambassadors ; and it is there may be six or eight.”* not to be apprehended that colleges Such was the condition of Irish and seminaries in Ireland and England students in Rome in the year 1826, would refuse to afford the required when the Rev. B. Crotty gave his information. There might be difficulties testimony. The Most Rev. Doctor respecting the Irish college at Rome, Murray shall describe what it is but of the character of instruction afforded in that seminary, little doubt “Of the singular affection which the can be entertained. It is, in all Holy Father entertains for his Irish probability, conformable to the spirit children, you will perceive, with gratitude, and letter of the doctrines held in the a splendid proof in the unsolicited grant papal court : what these are, ecclesias- which his holiness has recently made of tical history bas rendered abundantly the spacious college of St. Agatha, toevident, even to the general reader; gether with its annexed church and garden, and that they are the doctrines taught for the accommodation of the Irish stu

I in the Irish college, the signal marks dents at Rome. And perhaps I may be of favor extended to the seminary by allowed to introduce here (what, from the reigning pontiff, certify, (one woulů personal knowledge, I can'aver) that

those virtuous young men who, with be disposed to say, considering the

their admirable president, have been the character of Gregory XVI., and of the chair in which he presides), with the regard, have conducted themselves in a

first to profit by this mark of pontifical decision of “infallible” authority.

manner so creditable to the Irish chaThe encouragement afforded by this

racter, that they are pointed out, even pontiff to those who would qualify at

in the holy city, as examples of piety : Rome to become Roman Catholic and many of them, even in that seat of priests in Ireland ought not to remain ecclesiastical science, as rare instances of unnoticed. He found the ancient what talent and application can do for establishment for their instruction des- the extensive acquirement of those varied troyed, and he restored, and, to sume attainments which are likely to render extent, we believe, endowed it.

them ornaments of their profession.”+ “ In Rome,” according to the testimony Such favor from the Pope, such

3d - Of books referred to with approbation.

4th-Of books noticed for the purpose of being refuted or censured. Recommended or referred to" is a more convenient classitication for one who desires to withhold information rather than to afford it. In the present instance, however, the classification is not so unsatisfactory as at first sight it might appear. Its ambiguity is corrected by a qualification annexed to a subsequent item in the returns, To the list of works returned under the head of logic, metaphysics and moral philosophy, the following observation is appended :—" Some of the writers mentioned are noticed by the professor, when confuting the opinions maintained in their works.” No such qualification as this having been added to the canon-law returns, it is reasonable to conclude that none such was required; and thus it would appear, that the conduct of the trustees, which enabled Maynooth to disclaim Devoti, left its professors at liberty to recommend him.

Appendix to Eighth Report of Education Inquiry, p. 82. + Letter of Dr. Murray to the Roman Catholic, or, as the writer styles them, the “Catholic” Clergy of the arch-diocese of Dublin, October 5, 1836. The Catholic Directory and Almanack is not less careful than the Most Rev. Divine to make known to his holiness' subjects in Ireland the good-will of the “common father" towards the college established by him in Rome, and the advantages, also, aceruing to them from the institution. The Catholic Annals of Ireland for 1837 report that on January 31 “ his Holiness Gregory XVI. visited the Irish students at the college of St. Agatha, which he had graciously bestowed upon them. Cardinal P. Franconi received his holiness at the grand gate, whilst the Right Rev. Drs. Brown and Higgin (from Kilmore and Ardagh, in Ireland,) and the learned president, Rev. Dr. Cullen,

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honor from ecclesiastics in the holy city, render it sufficiently manifest, that the principles in which the Irish students are indoctrinated, must be such as the court of Rome has uniformly patronised and recommended.

Rome is not the only place on the continent where Irish Roman Catholics have been encouraged, or (perhaps we might be justified in saying) allured, to pursue their ecclesiastical studies. The interest taken by France in the education of these young persons was so great as to alarm the loyalty of Mr. Daniel O'Connell. We certainly are not entitled to expect a favorable reception for testimony borne by that learned gentleman when it suits our purpose to produce it. Yet, at the same time, in a country where the evidence of a guilty approver will be received, if corroborated by collateral testimony and by concurring circumstances, we think ourselves justified in submitting to the reader the sworn declaration of Mr. O'Connell, and letting it tell for what it may be thought worth.

legislative provision for the Catholic clergy,

DEPENDANT UPON THE WILL AND PLEA

SURE OF THE CROWN?-YES, IT DOES.† I think it would be very desirable, in that case, that the government should possess a legitimate influence over the Catholic Clergy, so that in all the relations of the state with foreign powers the government should be as secure of the Catholic Clergy as they are now of the Protestant Clergy. I think, therefore, that it would be very desirable that the government should have that reasonable bond, that would bind the Catholic clergy in interest to them as well as in seeing government possess that influence. duty. I should be very desirous myself of

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Have you considered, and can you communicate to the committee, the details of any such measure?—I think a moderate provision for the Catholic Clergy, ascertaining that they native born subjects, born within the allegiance. With the exception of individuals yet alive, and fit for offices, who have been partly educated abroad, my wish, and that of the Catholic noblemen and gentlemen with whom I act, would be, that the Catholic Clergy should be, means being found for that purpose which do not exist at present, educated within the allegiance, so that all foreign influence, by reason of education, should be taken away, as well as foreign influence by birth,

"Is it not generally believed that the members of the Roman Catholic hierarchy in Ireland, who have been educated abroad, are as respectable and as well conducted in all respects, and as much attached to the constitution, as those who have been educated in Ireland?Certainly, it is so believed, and I am convinced it ought to be so believed, for I would venture to say, I know that they are so; but I happen to know that, in future, it may not be quite so safe. The gentlemen thus circumstanced were educated while foreign influence, operating upon the Catholic mind, was checked by the natural anti-jacobinism, if I may use the phrase, of the Catholic Clergy. The revolutionary tendency on the continent was, to destroy the Catholic Clergy and the Catholic religion; and those who have been thus educated, at present are all not only perfectly loyal persons, but, if they have a fault at all, it is the exaggeration of that good principle. But I have reason to fear, that there are means taking in a neighbouring country to educate a number of Catholic priests for Ireland; and there is certainly now no antiCatholicity in that country, but the contrary; and I FEEL IT A SACRED DUTY TO SAY, THAT I LOOK WITH ALARM TO

THE PROGRESS OF THAT SPECIES OF EDU

CATION, unchecked as it would be in future by enmity between the Catholic Clergy generally, and the particular power to which I allude in the present instance."*

Such were the sentiments expressed by Mr. O'Connell on the subject of the dependance in which the Roman Catholic Clergy ought to be placed towards the state, and on the perils of foreign education. We may be reminded that the testimony of the learned gentleman is not of that kind on which we are disposed to place reliance ; but when we contend for no more than that it shall be permitted to suggest the consideration of useful topics, which may not otherwise have been remembered, we do not think that we can be justly charged with overrating its importance.

and it is not an unwarranted conjecture to believe, that, even if the statements of Mr. O'Connell were groundless and false, as testimony, they may, regarded in their prophetical capacity, have acquired an altered and an improved character, and realised for themselves a species of truth. Foreign countries may have profited by suggestions designed solely to put England on her guard; and foreign education may thus have become that against which Mr. O'Connell, in the exuberance of his loyalty, felt it a solemn duty to warn the British parliament.

There is, however, one part of the learned gentleman's testimony, which we believe to be an undeniable truth. It is that in which he speaks of the exertions made to provide an education for Irish priests, such as should cause loyal subjects of Great Britain to feel alarm.

We believe that such exertions were made-we believe that facilities for imparting such an education were liberally provided-and we believe that numbers, far greater than those of the year 1825, are now profiting by the advantages of foreign education.

This, in the present estate of Romanism on the continent, is a matter of no little alarm. The political principles associated with Roman Catholic doctrine have undergone a very material alteration. In former times, ecclesiastics, in what were termed "Catholic" countries, had interests which they felt to be inseparable from those of good order and national prosperity. They had, everywhere, a country; and, if they could be regarded as siding with a party in the state, the party and the principles which they upheld, were what have, in recent times, from the power and success of revolutionary combinations, received the name, "Conservative." Accordingly, Romanism, in many countries, but especially in France, was modified, by restraints, and correctives, and precautions, which rendered it, to some extent, a national religion. The temporal interests of the clergy, or, at least, of those who influenced and led them, were the same with those of the sovereign, and the state had thus a guarantee for the faithfulness with which a distinction, which here, in Ireland, has served no other end than that of confusing hasty politicians-the distinction between temporal and spiritual power, and the independence and inviolability of each,

There is another point of view in which we hold Mr. O'Connell's evidence worthy of notice. Whatever may be the value of his testimony, the suggestion involved in it, or deducible from it, is worthy of profound attention. In warning England against the influence of foreign education, he must necessarily have reminded those who directed that education of the uses to which it could be rendered subservient: Lords Com. on Ireland, 1825. March 11, p.p. 154, 155. D. O'Connell, Esq

should be inculcated on aspirants to the priesthood. The relations between