The-papacy-its-history-dogmas-genius-and-prospects-wylie

.*}74 THE WORSHIP OF THE VIRGIN.redemption is ascribed to Mary we find briefly stated by FatherVentura, in a conversation with M. Roussel of Paris,then travelling in Italy." The Bible tells us but a few words about her"" [the VirginMary], said M. Roussel to the Padre, " and those fewwords are not of a character to exalt her."" Yes," replied Father Ventura, " but those few wordsexpress every thing ! Admire this allusion : Christ on thecross addressed his mother as woman ; God in Eden declaredthat the woman should crush the serpent\s head ;the woman designated in Genesis must therefore be the womanpointed out by Jesus Christ ; and it is she who is theChurch, in which the family of man is to be saved."" But that is a mere agreement of words, and not ofthings," responded the Protestant minister." That is sufficient," said Father Ventura.*Not lessdecisive is the testimony of Mr Seymour, as regardsthe sentiments of the leading priests at Rome, and thepredominating character of the worship of Italy.The followinginstructive conversation passed one day between himand one of the Jesuits, on the subject of the worship of theVirgin." My clerical friend," says Mr Seymour, " resumed theconversation, and said, that the worship of the Virgin Marywas a growing worship in Rome,—that it was increasing indepth and intenseness of devotion,—and that there were nowmany of their divines—and he spoke of himself as agreeingwith them in sentiment—who were teaching, that as a womanbrought in death, so a woman was to bring in life,—that asa woman brought in sin, so a woman was to bring in holiness,—that as Eve brought indamnation, so Mary was to bringin salvation,—and that the effect of this opinion was largelyto increase the reverence and worship given to the VirginMary."" To prevent any mistake as to his views," says Mr Sey-• New York Evangelist, Jan. 3, 1850.