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BOOK XII.

CHAP. X.

1814.

CHAPTER X.

Return of the Pope of Rome.-His Measures for restoring the Ecclesiastical Authority and Property of the Church.-Re-establishes the Order of Jesuits.—Festivals renewed.—Suppression of Freemasons and other secret Societies.—Re-establishment of the regular Orders.—King of Sardinia restored to his Dominions.-His Proclamation.-Observations.—Bonaparte's Arrival at Elba.-Papers issued on the Occasion.-Death of the Empress Josephine.—Her Funeral.

Of all the sovereigns, whom the subversion of the tyranny of Napoleon restored to their dominions, no one appears to have resumed his authority with the resolution of exercising it more fully to its former extent, than Pope Pius VII. Previously to his return to Rome, he issued a proclamation at Cezena, on the 5th of May, wherein he applied to himself the ancient title of "God's vicar on earth;" he spoke of his temporal sovereignty as essentially connected with his spiritual supremacy, and acquainted his people, that although he could not at this moment resume the exercise of it in all the ancient possessions of the church, he did not doubt shortly to recover them, being confident, not less in the inviolability of his sacred rights, than in the justice of the allied sovereigns. A proclamation, issued at Rome, on the 15th of May, declared in the name of his holiness the abolition of the code Napoleon, and the restoration of the former pontifical, civil, and criminal code; also the suppression of what was called the civil state; and that all the funds, rents, &c. of every corporation shall be placed under the administration of a commission formed of ecclesiastics, which commission is immediately, " even previously to the examination of the respective and legitimate rights," to restore the yet un-alienated property of all religious establishments, and to cause the regulars of each sect to be paid a two month's pension, and to provide for the public service in the churches.

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The pope, on resuming his functions in person, at his capital, at first contented himself with requiring the retraction of those who had taken part in the late usurped government, and forbade, by a proclamation, all inquiries by individuals into the late transactions, reserving to himself all proceedings against the culpable. Such ecclesiastics as had taken the oath to Bonaparte were ordered to disclaim it, on pain of being suspended from all divine offices. A commission was appointed in July for the purpose of making a report on the property termed national, or extraordinary domains, which had been ceded to companies that were creditors of the French government, or had been sold by agents of the financial administration.

On the 7th of August, that event so important to the church of Rome, and which peculiarly marks the spirit of the present pontificate, the restoration of the order of Jesuits was publicly declared. When it is considered that the suppression of this order, in 1773, was effected by the compulsion of the sovereigns of the house of Bourbon, and was the consequence of that jealousy of its power, and detestation of its principles, which then seemed almost universal in the catholic world, it must appear a measure of extraordinary boldness in a pontiff but just restored to his own authority, to become the renovator of a body lately so obnoxious. The Jesuits, indeed, were always regarded as the most devoted satellites of the see of Rome; whence it was not to be wondered at that their revival was a desirable object of the papal court; but the policy of effecting it in so precipitate a manner, and by a mere exertion of ecclesiastical authority, appears very questionable. The ceremonial observed on this great occasion is thus described. "His holinines, on Sunday, August 7, went to the church of Jesus, to celebrate high-mass at the altar of St. Ignatius. After hearing another mass, he proceeded to the neighbouring oratory of the congregational nobles, where he was seated on a throne prepared for him. He then handed to the master of the ceremonies, and caused him to read, with a loud voice, the following bull, for the re-establishment of the company of Jesuits.

PIUS, BISHOP, SERVANT OF THE SERVANTS OF GOD.

(Ad perpetuam rei memoriam.)

"The care of all the churches confided to our humility by the divine will, notwithstanding the lowness of our deserts and abilities, makes it our duty to employ all the aids in our power, and which are furnished to us by the mercy of Divine Providence, in order that we may be able, as far as the changes of times and places will allow, to relieve the spiritual wants of the Catholic world, without any distinction of people and nations.

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Wishing to fulfil this duty of our apostolic ministry, as soon as Francis Kareu (then living) and other secular priests resident for many years in the vast empire of Russia, and who had been members of the company of Jesus suppressed by

Clement XIV. of happy memory, had supplicated our permission to unite in a body, for the purpose of being able to apply themselves more easily, in conformity with their institution, to the instruction of youth in religion and good morals, to devote themselves to preaching, to confession, and the adininistration of the other sacraments, we felt it our duty the more willingly to comply with their prayer, inasmuch as the then reigning Emperor Paul I. had recommended the said priests in his gracious dispatch, dated the 11th of August, 1800, in which, after setting forth his special regard for them, he declared to us that it would be agreeable to him to see the company of Jesus established in his empire, under our authority: and we, on our side, considering attentively the great advantages which these vast regions might thence derive; considering how useful those ecclesiastics, whose morals and doctrine were equally tried, would be to the Catholic religion, thought fit to second the wish of so great and beneficent a prince.

"In consequence, by our brief, dated the 7th of March, 1801, we granted to the said Francis Kareu, and his colleagues residing in Russia, or who should repair thither from other countries, power to form themselves into a body or congregation of the company of Jesus; they are at liberty to unite in one or more houses to be pointed out by their superior, provided these houses are situated within the Russian empire. We named the said Francis Kareu general of the said congregation; we authorised them to resume and follow the rule of St. Ignacius of Loyola, approved and confirmed by the constitutions of Paul III. our predecessor, of happy memory, in order that the companions, in a religious union, might freely engage in the instruction of youth in religion and good letters, direct seminaries and colleges, and with the consent of the ordinary, confess, preach the word of God, and administer the sacraments. By the same brief we received the congregation of the company of Jesus under our immediate protection and dependence, reserving to ourselves and our successors the prescription of every thing that might appear to ús proper to consolidate, to defend it, and to purge it from the abuses and corruption that might be therein introduced; and for this purpose we expressly abrogated such apostolical constitutions, statutes, privileges, and indulgences granted in contradiction to these concessions, especially the apostolic letters of Clement XIV. our predecessor, which begin with the words, Dominus ac Redemptor Noster, only in so far as they are contrary to our brief, beginning Catholica, and which was given only for the Russian empire.

"A short time after we had ordained the restoration of the order of Jesuits in Russia, we thought it our duty to grant the same favor to

1814.

the kingdom of Sicily, on the warm request of BOOK XII. our dear son in Jesus Christ, King Ferdinand, who begged that the company of Jesus might be CHAP. X. re-established in his dominions and states as it was in Russia, from a conviction that, in these deplorable times, the Jesuits were instructors most capable of forming youth to Christian piety and the fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom, and to instruct them in science and letters. The duty of our pastoral charge leading us to second the pious wishes of these illustrious monarchs, and having only in view the glory of God and the salvation of souls, we by our brief, beginning Per alias, and dated the 30th of July, 1804, extended to the kingdom of the Two Sicilies the same concessions which we had made for the Russian empire.

"The Catholic world demands, with unanimous voice, the re-establishment of the company of Jesus. We daily receive to this effect the most pressing petitions from our venerable brethren, the archbishops and bishops, and the most distinguished persons, especially since the abundant fruits which this company has produced in the above countries have been generally known. The dispersion even of the stones of the sanctuary in those recent calamities (which it is better now to deplore than to repeat); the annihilation of the discipline of the regular orders (the glory and support of religion and the Catholic church, to the restoration of which all our thoughts and cares are at present directed), require that we should accede to a wish so just and general.

"We should deem ourselves guilty of a great crime towards God, if, amidst these dangers of the christian republic, we neglected the aids which the special providence of God has put at our disposal; and if, placed in the bark of Peter, tossed and assailed by continual storms, we refused to employ the vigorous and experienced rowers who volunteer their services, in order to break the waves of a sea which threatens every moment shipwreck and death. Decided by motives so numerous and powerful, we have resolved to do now what we could have wished to have done at the commencement of our pontificate. After having by fervent prayers implored the Divine assistance, after having taken the advice and counsel of a great number of our venerable brothers the cardinals of the holy Roman church, we have decreed, with full knowledge, in virtue of the plenitude of apostolic power, and with perpetual validity, that all the concessions and powers granted by us solely to the Russian empire and the kingdom of the Two Sicilies, shall henceforth extend to all our ecclesiastical states,

and also to all other states. We therefore concede and grant to our well-beloved son, Taddeo Barzozowski, at this time general of the company of Jesus, and to the other members of that com

CHAP. X.

1814.

BOOK XII. pany lawfully delegated by him, all suitable and necessary powers, in order that the said states may freely and lawfully receive all those who shall wish to be admitted into the regular order of the company of Jesus, who, under the authority of the general ad interim, shall be admitted and distributed, according to opportunity, in one or more houses, one or more colleges, and one or more provinces, where they shall conform their mode of life to the rules prescribed by St. Ignacius of Loyola, approved and confirmed by the constitutions of Paul III. We declare besides, and grant power that they may freely and lawfully apply to the education of youth in the principles of the Catholic faith, to form them to good morals, and to direct colleges and seminaries; we authorise them to hear confessions, to preach the word of God, and to administer the sacraments in the places of their residence, with the consent and approbation of the ordinary. We take under our tutelage, under our immediate obedience, and that of the holy see, all the colleges, houses, provinces, and members of this order, and all those who shall join it; always reserving to ourselves and the Roman pontiffs our successors, to prescribe and direct all that we may deem it our duty to prescribe and direct to consolidate the said company more and more, to render it stronger, and to purge it of abuses, should they ever creep in, which God avert. It now remains for us to exhort, with all our heart, and in the name of the Lord, all superiors, provincials, rectors, companions, and pupils of this re-established society, to shew themselves at all times and in all places faithful imitators of their father; that they exactly observe the rule prescribed by their great founder; that they obey, with an always increasing zeal, the useful advices and salutary counsels which he has left to his children.

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"In fine, we recommend strongly, in the Lord, the company and all its members to our dear sons in Jesus Christ, the illustrious and noble princes and lords temporal, as well as to our venerable brothers the archbishops and bishops, and to all those who are placed. 'in authority; we exhort, we conjure them, not only not to suffer that these religious be in any way molested, but to watch that they be treated with all due kindness and charity.

"We ordain that the present letters be invio lably observed, according to their form and tenour, in all time coming; that they enjoy their full and entire effect; that they shall never be submitted to the judgment or revision of any judge, with whatever power he may be clothed; declaring null and of no effect any encroachment on the present regulations, either knowingly or from ignorance; and this, notwithstanding any apostolical constitutions and ordinances, espe

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cially the brief of Clement XIV. of happy me-mory, beginning with the words, Dominus ac Redemptor Noster, issued under the seal of the Fisherman, on the 22d of July, 1773, which we expressly abrogate, as far as contrary to the sent order.

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"It is also our will, that the same credit bepaid to copies, whether in manuscript or printed, of our present brief, as to the original itself, provided they have the signature of some notary public, and the seal of some ecclesiastical dignitary; that no one be permitted to infringe, or by an audacious temerity to oppose any part of this ordinance; and that should any one take upon him to attempt it, let him know that he will thereby incur the indignation of Almighty God, and of the holy apostles Peter and Paul.

"Given at Roine, at Sancta Maria Major, on the 7th of August, in the year of our Lord, 1814, and the 15th of our pontificate.

(Signed) "Cardinal PRODATAIRE..

"Cardinal BRASCHI."

After the reading of the bull, the Jesuits present were admitted to kiss the pope's feet, and an act was afterwards read concerning the restitution of the patrimony of the Jesuits in funds still existing, and provisional compensations for alienated property. "Thus," says the Diario Romanio, "ended a ceremony eternally glorious and memorable!" That, however, this restoration was not universally approved even at Rome, appeared from a number of satirical pieces circulated on the occasion..

In the progress of re-establishing every thing ancient, which was the predominant principle of the revived papal government, the magistracy of Rome published an ordinance by which the faithful were apprised that all the festivals observed before the incorporation of the city with the French empire were restored. Another more puerile example of the same policy was given by a rescript, which announced that the lamps introduced by the late government were suppressed. The streets of Rome were formerly lighted by the flambeaux and lanterns placed by devotees under the numerous images erected at the corners and crossings, as well as those at the doors of private houses; and it was thought proper to renew this mode, however irregular, as gratifying to pious feelings, and costing nothing to the government, It was in a It was in a more enlightened spirit that the governor made known that the places called sanctuaries were no longer to afford security to criminals. In every arbitrary government, secret meetings and associations of persons connected by rites or engagements, known, only to themselves, are objects of particular jealousy, it being justly concluded, that where men are restrained from expressing their opinions openly, they will.

naturally seek such occasions of propagating them in private. On this account, the societies of freemasons, which, among us, no one suspects of serious or dangerous intentions, have been regarded in many parts of the continent as instituted for the purpose of fostering innovations in church or state; and it appears, that under this idea they were peculiarly obnoxious to the Roman government. Cardinal Pacca, pro-secretary of state, published in August an edict, prohibiting, under very severe penalties, all assemblies of secret societies, especially of that of free-masons. At the same time, the greatest encouragements were offered to all who should become informers; and they were told by his holiness, that there was nothing wrong or dishonorable in such denunciations, since they were equally important to the faith and the state. In consequence, many persons were committed to prison, or otherwise. punished.

It was by no means to the Jesuits that this zealous pope limited his purpose of re-establishing the religious orders fallen to decay in the late revolutionary times. Sensible that all the monastic communities were attached to the see of Rome as their head, and regarding them as the firmest pillars of the church, he had, from the time of his restoration, declared his intention of reinstating them, as far as was in his power, in their ancient consequence; and Cardinal Pacca, on the 15th of August, issued an edict, declaratory of his holiness's views on this subject. After representing, as one of the greatest calamities of the time, the almost total annihilation of these religious societies, and stating the holy father's earnest wishes to repair the mischief, the edict proceeded to mention the many obstacles which at present opposed his designs, and the means. he had in view to overcome them. A commission had been appointed for investigating every thing connected with the re-establishment of the regular orders, which had presented their plan to his holiness; but as circumstances would not permit their renewal in all the pontifical states, it was proposed to make a commencement at Rome, where all the disposable convents were to be given them, in which the superiors might be lodged, and "the greatest possible number of monks assembled." A hope was also expressed, that from the religion of the governments, and the zeal of the bishops of the Catholic world, they would patronize the establishment of these asylums of christian piety and evangelical perfection.

Among the restitutions definitively agreed upon previously to the meeting of the grand congress, was that of the Italian territories, formerly possessed by the sovereign house of Sardinia. The Austrian lieutenant-general,.Count Bubna, pub

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allied powers, dated Paris, April 25, and address- BOOK XII. ed to the subjects of the continental states of the King of Sardinia, in which they are informed, CHAP. X. that they are about to return under the dominion of that august family; and that, in virtue of a convention concluded with France, the Austrian troops are to take possession of the country in the name of Victor Emanuel; and till the arrival of his Sardinian majesty, his states will be administered by a military governor charged with their defence, and by a civil governor, assisted by a council of regency. In the same declaration, Count Bubna was nominated to the former post, and the Count de St. Marsan to the latter. The King of Sardinia arrived at Genoa on the 12th of May, where he issued the following proclamation to his Italian subjects, announcing the recovery of his rights:-

"Called by the renunciation of our dearly-beloved brother, Charles Emanuel, and by the right of succession to the throne of our august ancestors, my heart longs, after sixteen years of the severest afflictions and the most cruel vicissitudes, to be again in the midst of you, my beloved subjects, like a tender father in the midst of his children. The odious barriers which separated us are at length overthrown. Divine Providence has animated the allied powers with one spirit, and directed their hearts and wills to one and the same object; it has blessed their noble and generous undertaking; it has led their valiant armies from victory to victory; it has crowned their efforts with the most unexpected success. Europe is free, and the people have recovered their legitimate sovereigns, and the rank which they formerly held among nations. Their happiness is established on solid and imperishable foundations.. Yours shall ever be the sole objects of our exer: tions.

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"Our first care shall be to relieve from the load of exorbitant taxes, by which you are bowed down; to make agriculture and commerce flourish; and, what is still more interesting to our heart, to restore to our holy religion its ancient lustre. Forget the oppression under which you have groaned, and forgive your oppressors. This we have a right to require of you, and we shall ourselves set you the example. Let us form, O! faithful subjects, one single family; let us all con-cur in the general felicity. Brave soldiers! we remember, with the highest satisfaction, your perseverance under fatigues, your intrepidity, your manly valour in combat; we call to mind: with what energy you repulsed, for several years, an arrogant and devastating enemy. The field › of honor bathed with your blood, and the witness of your glory, is again open to you and your so-vereign, who was your companion in arms, in-.. vites you to return thither.

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hoisted on the castle, amidst the salute of artillery. Soon after, Bonaparte landed with all his suite, and was saluted with 101 rounds of cannon. The English frigate replied with a salute of twentyfour guns. Napoleon was conducted to the house of the mayor, where he received the visits of all the superior civil officers; he affected an air of confidence, and even of gaiety, putting a number of questions relative to the isle. After reposing some moments, he got on horseback, and, with his suite, visited the forts of Marciani, Campo, Capo, Liviri, and Rio. Generals Drouet and Bertrand, and several other officers, accompanied Napoleon to the island. Several of his brothers retired to Switzerland. After peace was concluded with France, Lucien Bonaparte, who had resided in England several years, repaired to Rome, where he was received with the greatest distinction by the pope. The Empress Maria Louisa and her son were sent to Vienna; but soon after her arrival at that city, the empress set out towards Italy, with the intention of visiting her husband at Elba. On her arrival in Tuscany, however, she was prohibited from proceeding any farther by her father.

The king entered Turin on the 20th. Having no force under his command, his territories continued in the military possession of the Austrians, whilst the organization of the native troops was carrying into effect. In August, however, the Emperor of Austria directed the entire evacuation of the provinces of Savoy by his troops, and the king determined upon the re-establishment of the senate of that duchy. The citadel of Turin had previously been occupied by the Sardinian troops, and the strong fortress of Fenestrella was delivered up to the commissioners of his majesty. Difficulties, however, appear to have occurred in completing the Piedmontese army; and, although the king conferred upon the provinces their ancient privileges of forming regiments under their names, and even gave them to their old titular proprietors, it was found no easy task to keep them to their colours. The vallies were said at this time to be invested by banditti, which required a regular force for their suppression, and Aus-tudes of human life have conducted the Emperor trian garrisons still held the towns of Ivree and Napoleon into the midst of you, and his choice Alexandria. The long occupation of Piedmont gives him to you as sovereign. by France had, apparently, fostered a French interest in that country, which obstructed its ready return to its ancient allegiance. The king, however, on resuming the sovereignty, acted with prudence and moderation.-No one was disturbed for the part taken under the former government; and several persons were appointed to important judicial and administrative posts, who had been employed by the French authorities.

Of the other states of Italy, we shall have occasion to notice more particularly in our account of the deliberations of the Congress of Vienna; but while we are in this quarter, it may be as well to mention the arrival of Bonaparte at Elba. This island is situated on the coast of Tuscany, and is about thirteen miles long and eight ! broad. It contains about 13,000 inhabitants. Napoleon, on his arrival on the French coast, embarked on-board an English frigate, and arrived at Porto Ferrajo (the capital of the island) on the 3d of May. The commissioners of the allies, who accompanied him, immediately landed; and having officially communicated to the commandant of the port the events which had taken place in France, the abdication of the emperor, and his arrival at Elba, preparations were made during the night for his reception. Next morning, a flag sent by the dethroned emperor was brought into the town, and immediately

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The following papers were issued soon after Bonaparte's arrival on the island :"Inhabitants of the Isle of Elba.-The vicissi

"Before entering your interior, your august and new monarch addressed to me the following words; and I hasten to communicate them to you, because they are the pledge of your future prosperity: General, I have sacrificed my rights to the interests of my country, and have reserved to myself the sovereignty and property of the isle of Elba; which has been assented to by all the powers. Be so good as to inform the inhabitants of this new state of things, and of the selection which I have made of their isle for my residence, in consideration of the mildness of their manners, and of their climate. Tell them, they shall be the constant objects of my most lively interest.'

"Elbese! these words require no commentary; they fix your destiny. The emperor has formed a proper judgment of you: it is my duty to render you this justice, and I willingly do so.

"Inhabitants of the isle of Elba, I am about to leave you; this separation will be painful to me, because I love you sincerely; but the idea of your happiness mitigates the bitterness of my departure, and whenever I may, I shall always cherish a recollection of the virtues of the inhabitants of this isle, and the wishes which I feel for them.

"DALESME, general of brigade. "Porto Ferrajo, May 4, 1814.”

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