is monarchical, and therefore we are by maxim and by education
devoted to absolute monarchy, in which Catholicism,by the wisdom
and zeal of a pious King, can alone have secured defence and
prosperity.
  Majesty, that we both think, and believe, and sustain that
absolute monarchy is the best of governments, is demonstrated by
the damage that we suffered in the year 1818. We were the
victims of Liberalism, because all Liberals were, and are, well
persuaded also that the Jesuits are the supporters of absolute
monarchy.
  These things, oh Majesty, are well known, and Liberals would
more easily believe that the sun would not rise to-morrow, than
admit that the Jesuits would favor them, and therefore every time
they attempt a revolution, their first object is to despoil the Jekuits.
  For this reason the Liberals, by an inviolable canon of their
law, will not admit a Jesuit, or one who is affiliated to the order,
among them.
  In fact, the Jesuits in the kingdom of Naples have always
taught it to be unpardonable to make revolutions for the purpose
of changing the absolute monarchy, which the reigning dynasty
has always maintained.
  If this should not be sufficient not to be thought Liberals, we
humbly pray your Majesty to point out what further we ought to
do to be believed decided absolutists.
  Certainly the Jesuits have never been, at any time or in any
place, accused of Liberalism; and what motive should they have
for not loving and defending the absolute government of the august
monarch FKRD1NAND II, who has covered them with benefits
  Finally, Majesty, of this sovereign beneficence we have made
no other use than for the good of Christian morality and Catho-
licity and the reigning dynasty, to profess immutable fidelity to
the absolute monarchy, to which we declare ourselves always
devoted, and we hope that your Majesty will graciously permit
us to confirm this sentiment at your Majesty's feet by word of
mouth.
  The present page is signed by me, by my '- Father's councillors,"
(Padri Consultori,) and by all others present, in the short time
there has been for collecting their signatures: and if your Majesty
desires the signatures of all the Jesuits of this province of Naples
they can speedily be obtained. Insomuch, we who sign this are



P, sEF iAt, E.



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