Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

114 DANGER IN THE DARK.
The Right Rev. Leo, who had but recently made a
visit to Rome, next arose and said:
-"Holy brethren-the wide world nowhere presents
a field so inviting to our order, nor opens a prospect
so fair and flattering to us, as do these United States!
It is not, however, to be disguised, that in this missionary
field, so replete with interest, so rich, varied,
....
and extensive, we have opposition to meet, and formidable
obstacles to surmount. The mad spirit of
progress and reform, pervading and animating the
masses; together with a wild, enthusiastic devotion to
liberty; a thirst for knowledge, and a disposition to
throw open the portals of light to all of every class,
are barriers in our way. The direst calamities threaten
the church from this source. Cautiously to put a
check on this rage to educate, will requira all the wisdom
and ingenuity we are master of; and it must be
done. Education manifestly tends to lead the minds
of the people from the true faith; learning has been
the mother of many heresies. Where the masses are
the most illiterate, there the priesthood exert the
most influence. Then, if we want to be revered, and
have rendered to us implicit obedience, we must
shut the gates that lead to the temple of knowledge,
and prevent the spread of general intelligence. Chains
of darkness are stronger than those of' iron! Do you
doubt it ~ look at Mexico; South America; at Canada
- and look at all the Catholic countries of
Europe! What gives to the clergy such unlimited
control in these countries~ Unquestionably, the be.