THE ENGLISH CATHOLIC COMMITTEE—MEMORIAL TO MR. PITT—DISABILITIES PARTIALLY REMOVED—PRESHOME CHURCH—BISHOP GEDDES ANXIOUS FOR GLASGOW—TOLERATION ADVANCING—BISHOP GEDDES AND ANTIQUARIAN RESEARCH—HIS CORRESPONDENCE WITH EMINENT MEN—DEPOPULATION OF THE HIGHLANDS—EDINBURGH GROWING—NEW SECRETARY OF PROPA­GANDA—SEVERE WINTER—BISHOP HAY WILL NOT HAVE BERWICK IN THE MISSION—CONVERSIONS IN THE NORTH—A FRIENDLY PROTESTANT—MUSIC IN CHURCHES—AN INSUPERABLE OBJECTION—SEMINARY AT SAMALAMAN ENLARGED—CONVERSIONS—REV. DONALD CARMICHAEL—BISHOPS AT FORMAL MEETING DECLINE SENDING STUDENTS TO ROME—SCALAN PROS­PEROUS—BOOKS FROM ROME—FEAR OF A BAD SEASON.

The “Catholic Committee” of England was once more at work, laudably engaged in endeav­ouring to obtain the repeal of the remaining penal laws. They had presented in February, 1788, a memorial on the subject to Mr. Pitt. That minister gave a favourable reply. There were, however, certain technical difficulties, and he recommended that they should delay their appli­cation to Parliament till the following session, and requested that, in the meantime, they should provide him with authentic evidence of the opinion held by the Catholic clergy and the univer­sities with respect to the existence or the extent of the power, alleged to belong to the Pope, of dispensing subjects from their oath of allegiance to their Sovereign. Hence the application that became so famous, to the Catholic universities of the Sorbonne, of Louvain, Douai, Alcala and Salamanca, for an opinion on the subject. Both the minister and the committee were satisfied with the replies, and on the 19th of April, 1788, it was resolved to prepare a bill for the desired repeal. This work was confided to Mr. Butler; and if the committee could have had the bill framed as they originally designed, it would have placed the Catholics in the position of dissenters generally, without an oath of any kind. It may be mentioned, as showing that the committee was not entirely under lay influence, that in May, 1788, Bishop James Talbot, Bishop Berington, coadjutor in the Midland district, and Mr. Thomas Wilks, O. S. B., were added to its members. The distrust experienced by the clergy, as to the ulterior purposes of the committee, appears now to have passed away. Bishop Hay considered that, as an effort was made to relieve the English Catholics of their disabilities, something might be done, at the same time, for Scot­land; and he suggested to his coadjutor that some friendly person might be induced to use his influence in favour of the Scotch Catholics. Could not Bishop Geddes prevail on his friend, Mr. Henry Dundas, to interest himself in the cause and undertake to promote some measure of relief, either himself, or through some of his powerful friends?

Some hindrance was caused by the action of Lord Stanhope, who had charge of a bill in favour of certain classes of non-conformists, but who was not unfriendly to the Catholics. He recom­mended that the committee should adopt a form of protestation which he framed, disclaiming certain opinions which were falsely ascribed to the Catholics. The committee considered the protestation; and, from deference to the opinions of Bishops Thomas and James Talbot, made some alterations, when it was accepted: All the Bishops and nearly all the Catholic gentry and clergy in England affixed their signatures to it. A copy of it, together with a petition for the repeal of the obnoxious laws, was then laid before Parliament. In addition, the minister demanded an oath; and the committee was asked for a form which would meet the views of the Catholics. A form of oath, accordingly, was prepared, which, it was thought, would prove acceptable, as it was only an echo of the protestation, to which the whole Catholic body had formally assented. The ministry introduced an alteration to which the clerical members of the committee made no objection. Bishop Hay expressed strong dislike both to the oath and the protestation. This feeling was intensified by the exaggerated impression which the Bishop had received from the Aberdeen newspapers, through which only he was, as yet, acquainted with the matter. All the Bishops of England, meanwhile, had signed the protestation, and two of them, who were members of the committee, gave their sanction to the proposed form of oath. The opinion of the oath throughout England was, however, quite in accordance with that of the Scotch Bishop. There does not appear to have been anything positively unorthodox in the oath or the protestation. But the language was coarse and unpalatable to Catholics. Bishop Geddes, in writing to Bishop Gibson, said “the oath was very exceptionable.” In a letter to Mr. Thompson he wrote that much of the opposition to it was provoked by the designation of “Protesting Catholic Dissenters,” which was inserted in it and in the proposed bill. For his part he would always call himself a Catholic or, if there must be an addition, let it be only Roman or some such honourable word. Bishop Hay entertained a still less favourable opinion. He consid­ered the oath an equivalent to the Oath of Supremacy. It does not appear, however, that it was so interpreted by the English Bishops, however much they may have disliked it. This feeling was so decided that they issued a circular letter addressed to their people condemning the oath, and forbidding Catholics to take it. Government, at length, was moved to modify the offensive expressions in the oath. Bishop Thomas Talbot alone was inclined to accept the oath as amended. Dr. John Douglas, who had succeeded Bishop James Talbot as Bishop in London, together with his two colleagues, gave no countenance to the amended oath and published a circular letter, similar to the former one, forbidding it to the Catholics in their districts. The Catholic Committee, wearied and distracted by so much variety of opinion, made no further attempt to alter the oath. The House of Commons, more friendly at the time to Catholics, passed the bill and oath without a dissenting voice. In the House of Lords, the Bishops had sufficient influence to cause the oath to be amended so as to meet their views. The English Relief Bill now became law. This is the more extraordinary as some ten years later it was found to be impossible to remove the remaining disabilities, notwithstanding the good will and the powerful efforts of Mr. Pitt. The obstinacy of George III. was unconquerable.

There now arose some difficulty at Preshome, so well known for a long time as the chief seat of the Catholic religion in the North. The new church had cost double what Mr. Reid had calcu­lated on. The zealous priest was not, however, discouraged. Illi robur et oes triplex circa pectus erat. And his numerous congregation, which had at first contributed so liberally, was well able and not unwilling to assist him.

About the same time there was considerable anxiety on account of the mission at Glasgow, as yet in its beginnings. This arose from a threatening and anonymous letter which claimed to convey the determination of a body of men combined for repressing the growth of Catholicity. The magistrates of the city assured Bishop Geddes that the annoying letter was the work of a malicious person, and not of a combination. This, on mature enquiry, the Bishop found to be the case. Bishop Hay was not surprised at the anxiety of his colleague. Knowing, as he did so well, the character of the people, he dreaded lest the letter might be the prelude to something worse. When, however, the facts were discovered, he expressed his satisfaction that there had resulted no evil consequence; the circumstance having only shown that the dangerous spark, which might be so easily fanned into a flame, was still alive among “that poor fanatical people.” The age was advancing, and it would have required many sparks to stifle the spirit of toleration that was fast gaining ground.

The great care which Bishop Geddes bestowed on Glasgow and the other missions, did not prevent him from finding leisure for much correspondence on matters of antiquarian interest, on taste and literature.

Among his papers of this time are found letters from Principal Robertson, George Chalmers, author of “Caledonia,” General Hutton, Dr. John Gregory, Sir William Forbes, Sir Alexander Livingston, the Duke of Montague and the Earl of Buchan. These letters from Protestant noblemen and gentlemen, most of whom were eminent literary characters, abound in courtesy, and are full of expressions of personal regard.

Writing to Mr. Thompson, April 18, the good Bishop expresses his regret that the Highland missions were likely to suffer from the depopulation of large tracts of country, to make way for sheep farms, whilst on the other hand, it was cheering to observe that Edinburgh was increasing. It was gradually advancing westwards. Hanover street, Frederick street, and even Castle street were formed. That fine building, the Register House, was completed, St. James’ Square built, and the enlargement of Leith harbour begun. Mgr. Borgia, who, as Secretary of Propaganda, had shown much friendship to the Scotch mission, was now elevated to the Cardinalate; the Bishops hoped, however, that his successor in the secretaryship would prove as friendly as His Eminence had always been. On occasion of sending a letter of congratulation to the new Cardinal, the Bishop imparted to the agent his views regarding Scalan. He had found the seminary in a state of confusion both within doors and without, and need of reform in its management. His expense in putting everything in order had been considerable. He regretted it not, however, as by the end of summer he hoped to complete his labours, and thus cause the seminary to be of more benefit to the mission than it had hitherto been. The winter had been unusually severe, but, nevertheless he enjoyed excellent health. Some additional expense was incurred by sending for letters to Keith or Huntley. But this was made up for by the diminishing of his cost for board, which was much less than when resident in a town. His only regret at the time was that nothing could be done towards improving the condition of the Scotch College at Rome. Bishop Geddes now wrote to compliment him on the recurrence of the anniversary of his consecration. Bishop Hay, in acknowledging the compliment, took occasion to write that whatever Bishop Gibson might say about Berwick, it had never formerly been considered as part of the Scotch Lowland district; and it appeared to him ridiculous that when there were two English churchmen within ten or twelve miles of it, you should be troubled with journeying thither. He never could and never would agree to such an arrangement. It was unreasonable, he insisted, that Bishop Geddes should take new and unnecessary burdens upon himself when they could not manage to fulfil their essential duties in what certainly belonged to them. The more pleasing news came from Bishop Geddes that bank dividends were continuing at eight per cent. It was still more gratifying to learn that conversions were occurring in the cold north. Two ladies of Orkney, a Mrs. Trail and her sister, Miss Chapman, had just been received into the Church, Mr. Trail fully consenting. Mrs. Trail was not destined to be the last convert of the name. Our age has been edified by the conversion of another lady of the name of Trail, who was long known as Sister Agnes Xavier. As further proof of the good understanding which now prevailed between Cath­olics and well-informed Protestants, it may be mentioned that when the Bishop had occasion to visit Lady Livingstone at Westquarter, who was a Catholic, her husband, Sir Alexander, although he was a Protestant, showed himself very friendly, and always sent his carriage to convey the Bishop a stage on his way to Glasgow.

A new subject of discussion arose from a very general desire among the congregations to have singing at the public services. Bishop Geddes and many of the clergy favoured this desire. It was, however, vigorously opposed by Bishop Hay, whose vivid recollection of former riots inspired him with the fear of fresh disturbances which the practice might occasion. Mr. Math­ieson, who was missionary apostolic in the parish of Bellie, and who was an amateur musical instrument maker of distinguished ability, addressed to Bishop Geddes a long, eloquent and most ingenious pleading for the introduction of music into the Catholic churches. In his paper on the subject he fully discussed the merits of the case, as it was to be considered at the approaching meeting of the Bishops. Edinburgh had already made trial of music, as had also Mr. Mathieson’s small chapel at Tynet, into which he had introduced it with the consent of Bishop Geddes. It could not, of course, be generally adopted without the sanction of the Bishop. The experiment at Tynet had cost much labour and expense. But not in vain. The result was larger congregations at Christian doctrine on Sunday afternoons. The chapel was also better attended on holidays than ever before; he might say it was crowded. The people generally were edified, although, as was to be supposed, some objected to the innovation. As to exciting the jealousy of Protestants and occasioning unpleasant proceedings on their part, it only caused them to express surprise that Catholics had so long neglected congregational singing. Mr. Mathieson had made sure of their distinct approbation by wisely consulting several of various denomina­tions. It was objected that the music was not well performed. The better attendance showed, if not that the music was excellent, that the congregation was well pleased with it. As to its excel­lence or inferiority, opinion would be formed according to taste and judgment. It would not be difficult, Mr. Mathieson conceived, to have as good music as their Presbyterian neighbours of the Church of Scotland. He was sustained by leading members of the clergy. Mr. James Robertson, now settled at Edinburgh, assured Bishop Geddes that his opinion was more and more confirmed that the introduction of music into the larger congregations was both practi­cable and desirable. Mr. John Gordon, missionary apostolic at Aberdeen, addressed his uncle, Bishop Geddes, to the same effect. It is difficult to understand how there could be High Mass., or even a Missa cantata, without singing. The use of any other music than that which belongs to such Masses, is certainly questionable. It does not seem reasonable that there should be chanting by the choir or the congregation during those parts of the Mass which the priest is directed to read or chant aloud, the Gloria, Preface, Credo, etc. At afternoon services, when vespers cannot be chanted, any devotional singing or music may be edifyingly introduced. None knew all this better than Bishop Hay. And, indeed, he expressed in the strongest terms the pleasure it would give him to see music introduced into their churches, if circumstances were such as to render it advisable. He promised even to encourage it, if it could be conducted with propriety and decency.

Bishop MacDonald was unable this year from an accident by which his leg was injured, to attend the meeting at Scalan. He was engaged at the time in enlarging his seminary at Samalaman, in the West Highlands. Bishop Hay and his coadjutor were the only Bishops present when the usual report was despatched to Rome. Bishop Geddes, on his way to Scalan visited Stobhall, and confirmed there, among others, a substantial farmer from Stormont, named Carmichael, a convert, together with his wife, his four sons and his two daughters. One of the sons was the late Donald Carmichael, many years procurator at St. Mary’s College, Blairs, and who died a few years ago at an advanced age, when in charge of the mission at Peterhead. It was resolved at the meeting to continue to decline sending students to the Scotch College at Rome until some security should be given for reform in that institution. Scalan promised well; and it could be none the worse for the Bishop’s resolution to spend the next five years there, provided there occurred nothing to prevent him. No young priest could be expected from Scalan for three years; and about the same time, before any of its subjects would be called for by a foreign college. The Bishop hoped in the meantime to advance the studies of some of them beyond what was usually attained by boys destined only for a short residence in the seminary. For this purpose he commissioned Mr. Thompson to purchase and send to him some necessary books; such as De chronia de arte Rhetorica, Cicero’s Epistles, Minelli’s, if possible Sterghenan’s Instituta logicae et Metaphysicae, and any other suitable work in Latin, history or philosophy. Cardinal Antonelli, also, would perhaps send him some from Propaganda. The summer in the country around Scalan had been very rainy. Unless improvement came soon very little grain would ripen, and there would be no peats, on which kind of fuel the people in those parts were very dependent. The rising of the barometer, however, afforded good hopes. The Crombie, in consequence of the heavy rains, rose higher in a few hours than was remembered by any one in the locality. At Banff, Keith and Elgin there had been terrific storms of thunder and rain, together with loss of life in some cases. At Scalan thunder was heard beyond the hills, but none in the vicinity.