Page:Twelve Years in a Monastery (1897).djvu/284

278 Happily for many of us, civil governments are becoming more and more disinclined to be guided by ecclesiastical principles and wishes in the discharge of their function to the community. Such logical and undiplomatic writers as Dr. Ward frankly admit the inference; it is said that he found Dr. Huxley once examining his premises, and was asked by him, 'where he kept his stake for heretics?'

A second great source of strength to the Roman Church is its impressive use of æsthetic influence. The subject has been treated already, and is too conspicuous to need development. Every sense is appealed to and finds gratification in a Roman ceremony; every art is pressed into its service. In Protestant countries, where the ancient reaction against Roman corruption has reduced ceremonies to a state of spiritual nudity, this influence is found to be most potent. Indeed, a comparison of the percentage of 'converts' in different parishes with the sensuous attractiveness of their services would yield interesting results.

Other forces which are peculiarly at work in the Church of Rome can only be briefly mentioned. Its vast and powerful diplomatic body of legates, &c., and its incessant political intrigue have no parallel in any other religion; neither has the vast wealth which is contributed annually by an organised collection throughout the entire world. Owing to its profound antiquity and its comprehensive range it can enumerate