Posted on 07/07/2012 3:01:18 AM PDT by iowamark
Nice, thank you!
Oddly the countries that were most ardent in their pursuit and condemnation of so called “heretics” are now most often indifferent to when not out-rightly hostile to the practice of religious faith.
But perhaps not so odd as the fruit of a poison tree is poisonous also.
“Our founders were critical of Catholicism but were perfectly willing to let them live teach convert etc. But not free from criticism.”
A “live and let live” attitude?
And where was the JW contingent?
{{{{{{CRICKETS}}}}}}
I assume you must have Catholic ancestors who fought in the Revolution.
Being something of a rarity, I’m sure you must be quite proud if so.
I have seven 4th or 5th grandfathers who can be proved to have done so that I am aware thus far.
They were Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist or Moravian.
None Catholic. Well, there is one who was a Carroll whose ancestors came to NC from Maryland, but there is no indication that he or his known forebears were ever Catholic. Records are sketchy, though, burned counties and all that.
If that could ever be proved it would be exciting to add another Signer to the three already known in the family.
And where was the JW contingent?
{{{{{{{{{{{{CRICKETS}}}}}}}}}}}}
Thanks for the Declaration of Independence signers’ backgrounds list - I really appreciate it and find it fascinating.
George Washington attended Catholic Mass at least once while in Philadelphia. GW was very pro-Catholic, in the last sentence you can see JA wasn’t as kind.
John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail after he attended a Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Philadelphia with George Washington on October 9, 1774:
This afternoon, led by Curiosity and good Company I strolled away to Mother Church, or rather Grandmother Church, I mean the Romish Chapel. Heard a good, short, moral Essay upon the Duty of Parents to their Children, founded in justice and Charity, to take care of their Interests temporal and spiritual. This afternoon’s entertainment was to me most awful and affecting.
The poor wretches fingering their beads, chanting Latin, not a word of which they understood, their Pater Nosters and Ave Marias. Their holy water—their crossing themselves perpetually—their bowing to the name of Jesus wherever they hear it—their bowings, and kneelings, and genuflections before the altar.
The dress of the priest was rich with lace—his pulpit was velvet and gold. The altar piece was very rich—little images and crucifixes about—wax candles lighted up. But how shall I describe the picture of our Saviour in a frame of marble over the altar, at full length, upon the cross in the agonies, and the blood dropping and streaming from his wounds.
The music consisting of an organ, and a Choir of singers, went all the afternoon, excepting sermon Time, and the Assembly chanted—most sweetly and exquisitely. Here is everything which can lay hold of the eye, ear, and imagination. Everything which can charm and bewitch the simple and the ignorant. I wonder how Luther ever broke the spell.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.