But the Jesuit does not depend on any open agency alone: and he is the most dangerous when the long cloak is laid aside, and there is nothing apparent to distinguish him from ordinary men. Then it is that he can secretly worm his way into the confidence of a wholly unsuspecting public. It was stated by Mr. Sheil, in the House of Commons, that there were swarms of Jesuits in England. But who has seen them? and who has been conscious of their presence? It is asserted by different historians, that they even fought in Cromwell’s army; and, in order to gain their object, assumed the garb of rigid Puritans. {19a} Their principles render any such deception probable, as will be seen when we proceed to investigate their morality. It will then appear, that there is nothing in their conscientious scruples to prevent their assuming any character, or personating any principles. Their object is to insinuate themselves amongst their opponents, like the fluid soaking into the flax, and then, when the time is come, to blow up the whole, and split into a thousand shreds the strong and well-compacted fibres. In the pursuit of such ends they appear to be bound by no oaths, and to be regardless of all legislation but their own. They can fight on both sides in the same engagement; some in the army of the Cavaliers, and some under Cromwell amongst the Roundheads. They may sign the Articles, though they do not believe them; and even bear the sacred office of the ministry, although their only object is to betray the Church. One man may empty the parish church by disgusting the people with Romish ceremonial; while his brother breaks up the Dissenting congregation by the artful revival of some forgotten grudge. They can mix with the Anti-State-Church League in a crusade against establishments, and then give their right hand to the exclusive Churchman, and join with him in railing against Dissent. They can stir up the Voluntaries, by exciting their horror against the iniquity of State patronage, and the evil of endowments, while at the same moment they are sneaking down to Downing-street, and there whispering into the ear of the Minister, that it is essential to Ireland’s prosperity that an endowment be voted for Maynooth. In short, wherever there is truth to be assailed or friends to be separated—wherever there is the slightest hope of strengthening the Company, by weakening existing forces or breaking up existing ties—wherever there is a prospect of turning aside an honest man by the insinuating suggestions of a subtle friend,—there is the sphere for the unhallowed agency of Loyola’s disciples. {20}