away; neither will they, till liberty of conscience is allowed, and the Bible permitted in the hands of the laity.  Under papal rule, those unfortunate nations will never rise from their degradation; for their masters and teachers ‘love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil.’  It has often been said by those who fail properly to consider this subject, that the Roman Catholic schools and colleges which abound in the United States are far superior to similar Protestant institutions.  Why do not these very superior teachers disseminate knowledge at home?  Why do they not first enlighten the Spaniards ere they cross the Atlantic to instruct American pupils?  The ignorance of Neapolitans is proverbial; yet Naples is the peculiarly favored city of Romanism.  Tell me why these learned professors do not teach their own people?  Florry, papal institutions in America are but branches of the Propaganda.  They but come to proselyte.  I have heard it repeatedly averred of a certain nunnery, ’that no efforts were made to affect the religious views of the pupils.’  Yet I know that such is not the case.  They are far too politic openly to attack the religion; yet secretly it is undermined.  I will tell you how, Florry, for you look wonderingly at me.  Prizes are awarded for diligence, and application; and these prizes are books, setting forth in winning language the doctrines of their church.  I have seen one of these which was given to M——­ K——­, and I also read it most carefully.  It was titled ‘Alethea; or, a Defense of Catholic Doctrines.’  Yet most indignantly they deny any attempts toward proselyting the pupils intrusted to their care.”

“Who will deny the truth of your statements, Mary!  Yet, if such are the facts, how can the world be so utterly ignorant of, or indifferent to them?  Strange that they can thus regard a subject so fraught with interest to every lover of liberty—­to every patriot.”

“Florry, Papists are unacquainted with these things; for, begirt with darkening, crushing influence, they are effectually secluded from even a wandering ray of light on this subject.  The avenue through which all information is conveyed at the present day is barred to them.  Books are denied to the Catholic laity.  You may ask how this is effected in this enlightened and liberal age.  The prelates of Rome, who long ago resorted to ignorance as their bulwark, are ever on the alert.  No sooner is a new publication announced, than it is most carefully perused by them; and if calculated to point out the fallacy of their doctrines, or depict their abuse of power, a papal bull is forthwith issued, prohibiting all Catholics from reading the heretical book.  The writings of the prince of novelists, Walter Scott, which are universally read by other sects, are peremptorily refused to all Papists.  And why?  Because many of his darts are aimed at their profligate priesthood.  Now if, as they tell their people, these are but slanderous