tive code of New Hampshire, which comes under that genus; but if
it be not legalized, we are not to thank Protestantism for that.
Wherever it has sway in the family, in the town council, or the
assembly, there the cloven foot of intolerance and persecution is seen
from under the sanctimonious gown it puts on. Indeed, although the
compulsion of the conscience is not enforced by State laws, it is
attempted, as far as practicable, where its effects are more galling,
and its existence more intolerable,--namely, in the family at home, or
in the camp or barrack abroad. Catholic servants are not only denied the
right to attend their duties in many families, but actually forced to
hear the disgusting ranting or ludicrous prayer of any impostor who may
take on himself the office of preacher. And Catholic soldiers are
punished by fine and severe corporal chastisements for refusing to
attend the service of an heretical chaplain. And no senator, zealous
for liberty, raises his voice on behalf of the Catholic soldier, and of
the Catholic servant girl, while they are exposed to a persecution such
as no Catholic government, king, or despot ever attempted to force on
the consciences of their dissenting subjects, not even Queen Mary, of
England, excepted; for the so-called persecution by Catholic princes has
never been to compel men to adopt a new religion. Protestants in Europe
and here attempt to compel the adoption of their false tenets by those
who are neither desirous nor willing to adopt them, and who already
profess a true religion. This is what makes a vast difference between
the persecution your "Madiai" suffer, and this ten times worse
persecution which many an otherwise honest and kind-hearted American
farmer allows to take place in his family. The Day of Judgment alone
will reveal to light what trials, crosses, and real persecution Catholic
servant men and women have to endure in remote and country places from
the bigotry, hypocrisy, and cruelty of ignorant, unfeeling farmers and
their wives, goaded on, no doubt, and urged, by low, base, and brutal
parsons, who have scarcely enough to eat, and who envy the priest the
comparative independence which the liberality and true Catholic charity
of his flock enable him to maintain.

By these remarks I am not to be understood as saying that good-nature,
justice, and even generosity, do not govern the conduct of the American
people. I am aware of their kindness, hospitality, and philan