Thrilling and Instructive Developments

THRILLING AND • INSTRUCTIVE DEVELOPMENTS : AN EXPERIENCE OF FIFTEEN YEARS AS ROMAN CATHOLIC CLERGYMAN AND PRIEST. BY M. B. CZECHOWSKI, MINISTER OP TEE GOSPEL. "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter." Isaiah v. 20. BOSTON: PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR. 1 8 6 2 . Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, BY M. B. CZECHOWSKI, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Distriet of Massachusetts. Stereotyped and printed by G. C. BAND Sc AVERY, CORNRILL, BOSTON. INTRODUCTION. MY design in publishing this humble production is to present to the reader a brief recital of the more promi= nent features of my past experience, observations, and conclusions in my connection with the Roman Catholic sect, for the purpose, in the first place, of self-justification in leaving it ; and, secondly, to induce others to a con- sideration and examination on this important matter, as well as to show the best way to escape from Popery, and to encourage honest inquirers after truth. The reader will find a simple, unvarnished narration of many facts in my history, showing how I was treated by this " Infallible Church," and also what is its real spirit of inspiration. MICHAEL B. CZECHOWSKI. EDITOR'S PREFACE. DEAR READERS : — The narrative contained in the following pages will be found, on perusal, all that is claimed for it, —" Thrilling and instructive." Although there have been books published purporting to be an exposure of the crimes of the Roman Catholic clergy, yet, admitting their truth, which we are not in all cases inclined to do, there has been a coarseness in their style almost as offensive as the evils they professed to expose and condemn. In fact, we have looked upon them as "got up " for a sensation, and people have bought them to satisfy a keen appetite for the marvellous and the sensual The present work, we are happy to say, is of a very different kind. The narrator does not indulge either in vituperation, or in that rancor which the proselyte to a new faith frequently shows toward those of his abandoned creed. In becoming a priest, he sought to become a true disciple of Christ ; and, actuated by the purest motives hiffiself, he saw with grief and pain the abuses which grew rank, and were fostered by the highest dignitaries of the " true church ; " and, like Luther, he sought not a separation from, but a remedy for the evils which corrupted, her. Besides, being a true patriot and foe to despotism in every shape, his soul revolted against the unthinking, unquestioning servility and obe- dience which the priests demanded of their people. Filled with zeal for the accomplishment of reform, Mr. Cze- chowski, through almost unparalleled difficulty, peril, and priva- tion, reached the "Eternal City," where reigned the "Infallible." Here, he thought, by presenting his memorial of abuses, with the suggested remedy, to "Christ's Vicegerent," he would meet with sympathy and comfort. But, alas, for his hopes ! Where he looked for consolation he met neglect and scorn. Where he ex- pected perfection he found the greatest defect, — for purity, cor- ruption ; for the service of God in its sublimity and excellence, he witnessed the greatest charlatanry, tradition, and blasphemy ! He arrived in Rome with delightful anticipations, and departed iv EDITOR'S PREFACE. V disgusted, and despairing of finding a perfection which did not exist. Passing through nearly all of the perils enumerated by St. Paul, the Abbe Czechowski reached Paris, and, as chaplain, joined " the five hundred" who threw themselves into the breach between unhappy Poland and her oppressors, to be slain or scattered like thousands before, who have bared their breasts to the swords of tyrants. Pursued by even more relentless foes, the Jesuits; Prussia, France, and Belgium closed their hospitality against this advocate of civil and religious freedom, until the broad folds of England's flag, and the Stars and Stripes, waved their shelter and protection over the homeless head of tie noble fugitive. Not only as a narrative of church evils and persecutions is this work interesting, but also in its historical, statistical, and political character. Of the respectability and truth of the writer there are many vouchers, which appear in the appendix ; and as to the merit of this autobiography, we subjoin extracts of commenda- tion from a gentleman of known piety and talent, Rev. W. H. Lord, son of the learned president of Dartmouth College : — MONTPELIER, February bth, 1862. MR. M. B. CzEcnowsxt :— DEAR SIR: Absence from home and engagements at home have prevented me from an earlier notice of the manuscript you left with me. I have read It in part hastily, and in part carefully. It has much literary merit, being exceed- ingly well written for one who has had so little experience in our language. Its statements of facts, and especially those relating to the monasteries and the French and Italian priesthood, seem almost incredible, and yet they harmonize with other authorities. They are actually appalling, or would be, if they truly represented the morals of the Romish clergy and monks, and were not excep- tional instances of laxity and depravity. Your narrative is certainly remarkable, and, as you truly style it, " thrilling." If published, it must attract great attention, both from its political and religious character. I should predict for it a rapid and large sale. Of the accuracy of your statements it is, of course, impossible for me to judge. They are new to me, and are of such a character as will test your personal credit to the utmost. You will be prepared for that trial. I should be happy to subscribe for a copy of the work when it is published. I am sincerely yours, W. II. LORD. After the above, we deem it but necessary to add, that we are convinced it only needs a perusal to render this work interesting and popular with the Protestant community, and "instructive" to candid readers of opposing creeds. J. F. C. BOSTON, 14TH APRIL, 18112. 1* CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. My birth, parentage and education —Discipline — First religious impres- sions — Desire to become a true disciple —Paul Jendrzejewski— His proposition —I consult my parents and receive their disapproval—My distress— Compromise —I sacrifice all for the poor and am ridiculed by the Ulterior —Journey without scrip or money— Arrival at Stopnica Motry'— Ceremony by which I became a Franciscan—My new name and routine of the institution. 13 CHAP TER II. Appointed church treasurer— Jealousy — Effort to ruin my reputation— The lost treasure — My distress — Father and mother arrive—Their offer— Treasure found — Indignation of the Superior — Am restored to trust— Peculiar sensations at secret prayer — I desire to give up all for Christ— Mental depression— Apply to my confessor, who prescribes amusements, and I go back to my old indifference 19 CHAPTER III. I am sent to the monastery of Pinezow, where I am allowed greater liberty— Laxity of order—Pollution and abomination among the priests— Sui- cides —Profligacy of the monks—I and my fellow-students resolve to leave —Write to Aulick, missionary at Smyrna—My companions leave clandestinely— I give the Superior my candid opinion— Am entreated, flattered and persecuted — My dream — Arrival of the Provincial, who investigates my wrongs— He denounces my persecutors and orders my better treatment—His departure —Renewal of my persecutions. 23 CHAPTER IV. Father Marianna' visit —Invites me to join his monastery— Arrival of Eno- zowski, our Superior —I persist in my determination to leave —I am ordered to doff my, ecclesiastical garb — Am destined for the army —I ask permission to visit my parents, and determine to escape—My dan- gerousjourney— Arrive at Przyrow and resume the priestly. habiliments —My new name—Begin my duties — Receive the "four minor orders" • — Am ordained sub-deacon and deacon —Revolt of the monks — I am forced to join them—Their violence—The Superior excommunicates them—More outrages —I am beaten and wounded — Arrival of the Provincial—Determined resistance of the students, who accuse the Su- perior— Compromise — Peace restored. 28 CHAPTER V. I am ordained priest — Return to Przyrow— Appointed Vice Magister — Our new Superior —I visit my parents — Kindness of Lord Mazarki —Bru- tal character of Matuszewski — Chapel of Sancta Anna Thaumaturgia — Group of figures— Tradition concerning them— I make a discovery— Vice and hypocrisy of the priests — Startling convictions — Vietorianus — His cruel persecution by the Superior —I protest, and resign the keys of my office. 34 CHAPTER VI. Narrative of the judicial murder of Sierocinski and his compatriots. 40 CHAPTER VII. Excitement of the priests against Russia —Szczegienny —I join the patriots — We are betrayed, and our leader captured— I take to the woods— Dreadful journey —I find a friend —Resume my flight, and arrive at Am surprised by an agent of Matuszewski — My escape and his rage — I pass the Russian guard, and reach Czerna. 51 vi CONTENTS. vii CHAPTER VIII. Kainko —Released from his vows, he becomes secretary to the bishop— His liason with the bishop's sister— Their flight and marriage — Poverty — Ele submits to a separation from his wife and children — Subsequent history. IS CHAPTER IX. I pass on to Cracow —Meet my father's market wagons—I am persuaded to visit home, and recross the Vistula — Ingenious ruse to escape the soldiers' vigilance — Arrive at home — Am selected to officiate at my sister's marriage — Presentiment — Timely escape — Father's arrest—Again reach Cracow Resolve to visit Rome.

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