I think it proper also to observe in this place, that setting aside the Interest of that which they call their Religion and their Church, which relates wholly and finally to the Profit or Ambition of the Ecclesiasticks; the Clergy of the Church of Rome consider'd, as to their Civil Life, are not much wickeder than their Laymen, as I have already said, which proves that the Devil Reigns principally in that Church, in regard of the Legislative Autho∣rity of Popery, as it relates to the Affairs and Interest of their Religion and Church, that is to say of the Pope and his Guard of Pensioners or Catchpoles. This excepted, I have known many honest enough Men of their Clergy, nay, even of the Jesuites, whose conduct as to Civil Life, was near the matter as good ex∣ternally as those of their honest Laicks. And there are diverse Persons who assure me, that how abominable soever the Court of Rome may be in general, as their Principles and Maxims have been for several Ages, yet there are Prelates, nay, even Cardinals among them, who have very good Moral Qualities, and are persons of Merit.Article XVI. relates to that Spirit of De∣spotical Government, with which the Church of Rome inspires Princes in regard of their Subjects. This is it that hath produc'd the Severity of the Government of France, which hath so much contributed to the Desolation of that fine Kingdom. The Jesuites especially do infuse it in Princes, who are ruled by them
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