penetrable hedge of thorns. Hadrian VI. was fully
resolved to set about the reformation in earnest; and yet he achieved
virtually nothing, and felt himself, though in possession of supreme
power, altogether powerless against the passive resistance of all
those who should have been his instruments in the work. Only when
public opinion, even in Italy, and in Rome itself, was awakened,
purified, and strengthened; when the cry for reform resounded
imperatively on every side,--then only was it possible for the Popes
to overcome the resistance in the inferior spheres, and gradually,
and step by step, to open the way for a more healthy state. May,
therefore, a powerful, healthy, unanimous public opinion in Catholic
Europe come to the aid of Pius IX.!...

Concerning another part of this book I have a few words to say. I
have given a survey of all the Churches and ecclesiastical
communities now existing. The obligation of attempting this presented
itself to me, because I had to explain both the universal importance
of the Papacy as a power for all the world, and the things which it
actually performs. This could not be done fully without exhibiting
the internal condition of the Churches which have rejected it, and
withdrawn from its influence. It is true that the plan increased
under my hands, and I endeavoured to give as clear a picture as
possible of the development which has accomplished itself in the
separated Churches since the Reformation, and through it, in
consequence of the views and principles which had been once for all
adopted. I have, therefore, admitted into my description no feature
which is not, in my opinion, an effect, a result, however remote, of
those principles and doctrines. There is doubtless room for
discussion in detail upon this point, and there will unavoidably be a
decided opposition to this book, if it should be noticed beyond the
limits of the Church to which I belong. I hope that there also the
justice will be done me of believing that I was far from having any
intention of offending; that I have only said what must be said, if
we would go to the bottom of these questions; that I had to do with
institutions which, because of the dogmas and principles from which
they spring, must, like a tree that is nailed to a wall, remain in
one position, however unnatural it may be. I am quite ready to admit