sequence whether they be French, or Spanish, or English colonies,
so they be gathered into the bosom of Mother Church. Of how little
moment are the transitory things of time, our poor distinctions of
nationalities, our weak prejudices, our loves and hates, in comparison
with eternity and its determinations. Then, in that other world, there
will be neither French, nor English, nor Spanish, but 'the blessed of
the Father,' to enter the kingdom prepared for them; or howling
heretics, whose doom is fire unquenchable."

"Holy Father," said the Knight, "I pray you to forgive me; but, in my
ignorance, I by no means approve of your design, nor have I confidence
in its success. Consider the consequence, should even a suspicion of
it be entertained by the Government of England. These colonies are now
regarded as only nests of wild sectaries, who have fled from restraint
at home to indulge fanatical imaginations in a wilderness. At present,
they are neglected and despised by the general, none, save those of
their own infatuated faith, thinking of, or countenancing them; but,
let it be once surmised that France or Spain is attempting, either by
fraud or violence, to set foot among them, and you will see the whole
force of the kingdom in arms to counteract your plot, and thousands of
heretic emigrants will arrive, where now only a few make their
appearance."

"My son, it is easier to crush error in the egg than in the full-grown
serpent. But forget you not that you are only a secular coadjutor, and
therefore bound simply to obey?"

"_Peccavi_," said the Knight, bending his head.

"_Absolvo_. I espied this weakness in the confession of sins, and now
solemnly warn thee against it. Attend, my son, and be my words
remembered. I perceive in thee a jealousy of the political power of
other nations, when they conflict with thine own. This, to the
untutored mind of the vulgar, seems commendable, yet do I reprehend
it, and say unto it, '_Apage, Sathanas!_' as the fruitfull seed of
discord betwixt nations, and an impediment in the march of the Church.
As high as the concerns of Heaven transcend those of earth, do the
interests of the true and universal Church those of the petty kingdoms
which, for their own good, she subjects to her control. They are not
to be thought of when her magnificent voice is heard. Who is it speaks
from the chair of St. Peter, but the Vicegerent of God? Who is
Vitalleschi, our chief, but another accredited instrum