Page:William John Sparrow-Simpson - Roman Catholic Opposition to Papal Infallibility (1909).djvu/273

 ] language. I could, indeed, have given my vote in Latin, but I desired to preface it with some statements by way of explanation. I therefore begged the presiding Cardinal to allow me to speak in French, which was a language familiar to all the Congregation, and which would greatly facilitate my explanations. The Cardinal willingly consented, and, I may add that many of my colleagues, being in the same predicament, afterwards followed my example. They seemed to attach some importance to what I was about to say. I was far from desiring to oppose the definition for which people yearned. I was by no means in with the opposition, but I had never manifested enthusiasm for it as many others did.

"I began with the profession of faith in the Pope's Infallibility. I affirmed that this belief had been mine throughout my life. I had been taught it in childhood, and as a student I was admitted into a society where this belief was held without reserve. I had taught it myself as Superior of the Seminary of Ajaccio. In short, I never had the least doubt about the doctrine, and I was inclined to defend it in every way. But the question before them now was whether it was opportune for the Council to discuss its dogmatic definition. If this question had been raised some years before I should have asked that no discussion should be held. … I hold that it would not have been opportune to discuss the subject some years ago. It would have been even dangerous, for it would have needlessly disturbed the minds of men, and have exposed to challenge an authority which more than any other should remain above discussion. But things are different to-day. The subject has taken possession of the public Press, and violent passions have been roused by its discussion. Deplorable divisions have been encouraged. The faithful are everywhere disturbed. Even Governments are uneasy; and, with various motives, concern themselves with this important matter. Things have come to such a pass that it is essential to bring the discussion to an end. We are no longer free to keep silence. Peace