They are as you have well described them, a most
respectable and loyal body; from loyalty, indeed, they never
swerved, and though they have been accused of plots and
conspiracies, it is now well known that such had no real existence,
but were merely calumnies invented by their religious enemies.
During the civil wars the English - cheerfully shed their blood and
squandered their fortunes in the cause of the unfortunate martyr,
notwithstanding that he never favoured them, and invariably looked
upon them with suspicion. At present the English - are the most
devoted subjects to our gracious sovereign. I should be happy if I
could say as much for our Irish brethren; but their conduct has
been - oh! detestable. Yet what can you expect? The true - blush
for them. A certain person is a disgrace to the church of which he
pretends to be a servant. Where does he find in our canons
sanction for his proceedings, his undutiful expressions towards one
who is his sovereign by divine right, and who can do no wrong? And
above all, where does he find authority for inflaming the passions
of a vile mob against a nation intended by nature and by position
to command them?
Myself. - I believe there is an Irish college in this city?
Rector. - I believe there is; but it does not flourish, there are
few or no pupils. Oh!
I looked through a window, at a great height, and saw about twenty
or thirty fine lads sporting in a court below. "This is as it
should be," said I; "those boys will not make worse priests from a
little early devotion to trap-ball and cudgel playing. I dislike a
staid, serious, puritanic education, as I firmly believe that it
encourages vice and hypocrisy."
We then went into the Rector's room, where, above a crucifix, was
hanging a small portrait.
Myself. - That was a great and portentous man, honest withal. I
believe the body of which he was the founder, and which has been so
much decried, has effected infinitely more good than it has caused
harm.
Rector. - What do I hear? You an Englishman, and a Protestant, and
yet an admirer of Ignatius Loyola?
Myself. - I will say nothing with respect to the doctrine of the
Jesuits, for, as you have observed, I am a Protestant: but I am
ready to assert that there are no people in the world better
qualified, upon the whole, to be intrusted with the education of
youth. Their moral system and discipline are truly admirable.
Their pupils, in after life, are seldom vicious and licentious
characters, and are in general men of learning, science, and
possessed of every elegant accomplishment.
