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of God; and this, in equivalent terms—for it must be translated—is, her own interest; not, as she would bear the world in hand, a spiritual interest, but a secular, sublunary interest throughout, and from first to last. This is the circumstance which releases her policy from all the usual restraints, and leaves her at liberty to pursue her onward march, not only independently of all impediments, but in perfect defiance of them. I speak of voluntary impediments; for there are others, which, happily for the most valuable interests, in all instances, but eminently in that of Rome, restrain, counterwork, and defeat, the most determined and well-contrived devices of man. But distinctly from these, the Church of Rome laughs to scorn every chain, which either divine or human law has forged to limit human iniquity: and, in the way to her aggrandisement in wealth or any other kind of power, tramples upon every claim of truth, fidelity, honour, reverence towards God, or humanity towards man, with the same freedom and indifference as a secular and unprincipled individual would hasten to the acquisition of a large estate, without suffering himself to be diverted from his course, or putting his good
