Four Years in France: or, Narrative of an English Family's Residence there during that Period; Preceded by some Account of the Conversion of the Author to the Catholic FaithBeste, Henry Digby
Religion
Four Years in France: or, Narrative of an English Family's Residence there during that Period; Preceded by some Account of the Conversion of the Author to the Catholic Faith
Beste, Henry Digby
France -- Description and travel
among the apostles, though the privileges of the apostles were equal, as
those of bishops ought to be. He saved the indefectibility of the
church, by declaring that the Church of Rome was a true church, though
not a pure church; that papists might be saved, since what they believed
amiss did not destroy the effect of what they believed aright. He
affirmed, that the separation of the Church of England from the Church
of Rome was the pope's fault; that England had not separated from Rome,
but had exercised its right of reforming errors in faith, and abuses in
discipline, and approached nearer to the primitive model; that the pope,
in excommunicating England for having done thus, had in fact,
excommunicated himself. On several points he showed the practice of Rome
to be right; on others, to regard things indifferent.
Many other matters relating to this subject were discussed in our
conversations, occasionally resumed during the continuance of my
friend's residence in college. He was ordained deacon, and some two
years after died.
In the year 1791 I took my Master of Arts' degree in Act term, that is,
in the beginning of summer, and went to Lincoln to pass some time with
my mother, before I should put into execution a project which I had long
meditated of a journey to France and Italy. Between my Bachelor's and
Master's degrees, as I had no excuse for non-residence in college, I
had been obliged to reside: indeed I was sufficiently fond of the
literary leisure which this mode of life secured to me. I had always
considered myself as destined to Anglican orders; it was the profession
which my father had chosen for me, and I had, in some sort, prepared for
it: I had confirmed myself in high church principles, and read a little
Hebrew; but I had also studied the French and Italian languages for the
use and service of my foreign travels, as also because it was rather my
wish and ambition to enter on the diplomatic career, if I should find
occasion and protection. But how could any one propose to himself to
pass any length of time on the continent, agitated, as it now was, by
the beginnings of the French revolution? Many ventured to go abroad; but
I was alarmed: the unsuccessful attempt of the king and queen of France
to escape to Montmedi had thrown France into confusion: it was evident
that a crisis was at hand.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account