BY attempting to enforce the Infallibility Dogma on those inconsistent
people, who, calling themselves Old Catholics, have seceded from Popery
in exercising their private judgment, and refusing, though ordered by an
OEcumenical Council, to eat dirt, the Archbishops of the Roman
Obedience appear to be waking snakes. The _Pall Mall Gazette_ a few days
since, said:--
"It was announced in our latest edition yesterday, that the
ARCHBISHOP OF MUNICH has excommunicated PROFESSOR FROSCHHAMMER.
To-day a German correspondent informs us that the Professor has
published an essay, in which he proves that the Catholic Clergy
are all excommunicated for adopting the Copernican system and
taking interest on money."
Professors FROSCHHAMMER and DOeLLINGER, however, are snakes in a more
serious sense than the ordinary cobras, rattle-snakes, copperheads, and
vipers in general which the Fathers of the Lateran Council would mean by
snakes, as a name for heretics. Hitherto heretics have been regarded by
the Roman Catholic hierarchy as vipers which, in impugning Authority,
bite a file. The above-named Professors appeal to History against the
POPE. DR. MANNING may declare this appeal to be treason. He might add
that it is undeniable treason. The reproach of treason lies in failure.
"But when it prospers none dare call it treason."
Such snakes as PROFESSOR DOeLLINGER and PROFESSOR FROSCHHAMMER bite
things more vulnerable than files. They bite legs and feet, through
scarlet stockings, and white satin cross-embroidered slippers.
* * * * *
=A Creed Miscalled.=
THE researches of MR. FFOULKES and other learned investigators appear to
have proved that the creed of St. Athanasius, so-called, was not
composed until ages after the decease of that personage. If so, it was
unduly entitled with his name. Considering the purport of certain
generally unpopular clauses in Athanasius his Creed, one conceives that
it might, perhaps, be more appropriately styled the Creed of
Anathema-maran-athanasius.
* * * * *
[Illustration: "CHEEK!"]
_Commercial Gent_ (_to Swell who was smoking a fragrant Havannah_).
"WOULD YOU OBLIGE ME, SIR, BY CHANGING INTO ANOTHER CARRIAGE, OR PUTTING
YOUR CIGAR OUT _PRO TEM_.?"
_Swell_ (_nonchalantly_). "O, CERTAINLY." (_Throws his Cigar out of the
Window._)
_Commercial Gent_ (_complacently producing and filling his Meerschaum_).
"SORRY TO TROUBLE YOU, BUT I NEVER CAN ENJOY MY PIPE WHEN THERE'S A BAD
WEED A GOIN'!!"
* * * * *