| Content Description | Argues that the cooperation of the Catholic clergy is essential for the 'civilizing' of Ireland because of their great influence over the ordinary people, but that equally regulations for Irish clergy are necessary for the safety of the British state and for the security of the clergy themselves; discusses the act of Parliament 13 Eliz, ca.2, s.3, which is unrepealed by 31 Geo. III, ca.32 (1791-1792), and which is so severe as to defeat its own purpose; recommends regulations pertaining to the problems of the importation of catholic items and papal bulls and to the licensing of catholic priests and schoolteachers, after reciting French and Dutch solutions.
Proposes subjecting the process of appointing catholic clergy to the scrutiny of the civil authorities; suggests the possible abolition of apostolic bishops, who are agents of the Pope, in favour of the system in Ireland of bishops-ordinary who are more independent and less susceptible to foreign influence; discusses talks on the subject between himself and Cardinal Antonelli; describes the ecclesiastical situation in Ireland with particular regard to the distinction between secular and regular clergy and the danger of the regular clergy's over-riding allegiance to the head of their order.
Describes the education of British and Irish secular priests in Rome; mentions the adoption of the idea of civil and social duty into the catholic catechism in order to teach obedience to catholics of the lower classes; discusses the provision of aid to the clergy in view of its success in Scotland in preventing emigration by the priest and his people, and in view of Adam Smith's (quoted) opinion that financial insecurity leads to vigorous attempts to encourage the devotion of the people to the catholic church.
Recommends the compilation of accurate records of the state of the clergy and the number of communicants in each area; also the repeal or modification of 13 Eliz, ca.2 which prohibits any contact with Rome; quotes from letters from the late Mr Burke and from Lord Minto on the question of official relations with the Court of Rome; extracts a letter from Pope Pius VII to himself, dated 10 May 1800, promising friendship with England; quotes from letters in praise of his work, sent to him 1793-1795, from the Rt. Hon. Sir William Hamilton, the Rt. Hon. John Trevor, the Rt. Hon. Lord Hood, Sir James St Clair Erskine, Bart., His Excellency the Viceroy of Corsica, and Monsignor Gio. Barberi [in French]; mentions the singular honour bestowed on Sir John by Pope Pius VI.
Signed 'J.C.H.', 8 September 1800.
Appendix A discusses the application of 13 Eliz, ca.2 in Ireland, and quotes from Judge Blackstone on the desirability of softening the legislation.
Appendix B extracts a description of the catholic church in Ireland written by Monsignor Cerri, secretary of the Congregation of Propaganda Fide at Rome, in 1677. |