h they were exposed.

Pope Innocent III. in the Thirteenth Century promulgated the following
Decree in behalf of the Hebrews: "Let no Jew be _constrained_ to receive
baptism, and he that will not consent to be baptized, let him not be
molested. Let no one unjustly seize their property, disturb their feasts,
or lay waste their cemeteries."

Other succeeding Pontiffs, notably Gregory IX. and Innocent IV., issued
similar instructions.

Not to cite too many examples, let me quote for you only the beautiful
letter addressed by Fenelon, Archbishop of Cambray, to the son of King
James II. of England. This letter not only reflects the sentiments of his
own heart, but formularizes in this particular the decrees of the Church,
of which he was a distinguished ornament. "Above all," he writes, "never
force your subjects to change their religion. No human power can reach the
impenetrable recess of the free will of the heart. Violence can never
persuade men; it serves only to make hypocrites. Grant civil liberty to
all, not in approving everything as indifferent, but in tolerating with
patience whatever Almighty God tolerates, and endeavoring to convert men
by mild persuasion."(300)

It is true, indeed, that the Catholic Church spares no pains and stops at
no sacrifice in order to induce mankind to embrace her faith. Otherwise
she would be recreant to her sacred mission. But she scorns to exercise
any undue influence in her efforts to convert souls.

The only argument she would use, is the argument of reason and persuasion;
the only tribunal to which she would summon you, is the tribunal of
conscience; the only weapon she would wield, is "the Sword of the Spirit,
which is the Word of God." It is well known that the superior advantages
of our female academies throughout the country lead many of our dissenting
brethren to send their daughters to these institutions. It is also well
known that so warm is the affection which these young ladies entertain for
their religious teachers, so hallowed is the atmosphere they breathe
within these seats of learning, that they often beg to embrace a religion
which fosters so much piety and which produces lilies so fragrant and so
pure. Do the sisters take advantage of this influence in the cause of
proselytism? By no means. So delicate is their regard for the religious
conscience of their pupils, that they rarely consent to have these young
ladies baptized till, after being thoroughly instructed