ained, though I used to
think, as I do now, that the theory of the subject is surrounded with
considerable difficulty; and it is not strange that I should say so,
considering that great English writers simply declare that in certain
extreme cases, as to save life, honour, or even property, a lie is
allowable. And thus I am brought to the direct question of truth, and
the truthfulness of Catholic priests generally in their dealings with
the world, as bearing on the general question of their honesty, and
their internal belief in their religious professions.

It would answer no purpose, and it would be departing from the line
of writing which I have been observing all along, if I entered into
any formal discussion on the subject; what I shall do here, as I have
done in the foregoing pages, is to give my own testimony on the
matter in question, and there to leave it. Now first I will say,
that, when I became a Catholic, nothing struck me more at once than
the English out-spoken manner of the priests. It was the same at
Oscott, at Old Hall Green, at Ushaw; there was nothing of that
smoothness, or mannerism, which is commonly imputed to them, and they
were more natural and unaffected than many an Anglican clergyman. The
many years, which have passed since, have only confirmed my first
impression. I have ever found it in the priests of this Diocese; did
I wish to point out a straightforward Englishman, I should instance
the Bishop, who has, to our great benefit, for so many years presided
over it.

And next, I was struck, when I had more opportunity of judging of the
Priests, by the simple faith in the Catholic Creed and system of
which they always gave evidence, and which they never seemed to feel,
in any sense at all, to be a burden. And now that I have been in the
Church nineteen years, I cannot recollect hearing of a single
instance in England of an infidel priest. Of course there are men
from time to time, who leave the Catholic Church for another
religion, but I am speaking of cases, when a man keeps a fair outside
to the world and is a hollow hypocrite in his heart.

I wonder that the self-devotion of our priests does not strike
Protestants in this point of view. What do they gain by professing a
Creed, in which, if my assailant is to be believed, they really do
not believe? What is their reward for committing themselves to a
life of self-restraint and toil, and after all to a premature and
miserable death? The Ir