A Footnote In A Sectarian Rant

The subject of The Pope's Cabinet Unlocked by the author of "Gerald, A Tale of Conscience," "Catholicism" etc.(Gorges Lowther, London: Hall and Co., Bath: S. Hayvvard, 1849) is described by the author as,

"The Cabinet of a Pope, who lived in the days of Martin Luther, discovered, in which among other interesting documents were found several articles relating to the doctrine of indulgences, all of which will be faithfully and dispassionately transcribed, and impartially explained for the instruction of his readers, whether Protestants or Romanists, by the writer of the following Book."

The extent to which Lowther's words are dispassionate is revealed succinctly when he refers to,

"all those speculating, selfish, and politically religious members of the legislature, who tendered their votes to the Queen's present ministers and advisers, in aid of their efforts to unchristianize the Protestant Parliament, by admitting Jews to become members of it—those scoffers, scorners, and despisers of Him who is God as well as man..."

So the slight presence of Mr. d'Egville on these pages is confusing and it seems he is an entirely innocent bystander. The footnote appears to be supplementary to the author's comment on those parliamentarians who seek to convince the protestant British that the Roman Catholic Church are, "completely harmless, and governed by an humble, tolerant, and enlightened priesthood, among whom, were no longer to be found either Dominicks, Loyolas, or Xaviers..."

The footnote is a quote from the Hereford Journal and contributes to our knowledge of the d'Egvilles involvement in ceremonial music. As the notice does not provide a forename the identity of Mr. d'Egville can only be guessed but you can choose from Louis d'Egville (1786-1857) and his sons James and Louis. It should be noted, because of the context of this footnote, that these men were all Freemasons and as such would have been excommunicated had they been Roman Catholics. As far as can be determined from church records they were Anglicans in the observance of the rituals that define our passage through life.

From the Hereford Journal, Wednesday, July 31, 1839.—The Catholic Church of St. Francis Xavier, Hereford, will be solemnly opened for Divine Service, on Wednesday and Thursday, August 7 and 8, 1839. On Wednesday morning, High Mass will be celebrated, and a Sermon preached by the Rev. Dr. Brown, Prior of Downside College, Somersetshire. On Wednesday evening, Vespers will be sung, and a Sermon preached by the Rev. T. M. M'Donnell, of Birmingham; which will be followed by a Solemn Benediction of the blessed Sacrament; the Right Rev. Dr. Baines, Vicar-Apostolic of the Western District, will officiate as High Priest. On Thursday Morning, High Mass will be celebrated, after which the Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered, and a Sermon preached by the Right Rev. Dr. Baines, V.A. Principal Vocal Performers:—Mrs. Alban Croft, Miss Davis, Maidemoiselle Parigiani, Mr. Alban Croft, and Sig. Brizzi. Leader of the Band, Mr. D. Egville; Conductor, Mr. Sefton. Mr. Beresford (of Worcester) will preside at the Organ. The Two Grand High Masses will be Mozart's No. 12, and Haydn's Imperial Mass, No. 2. Service will commence at 11 o'Clock each Morning, and at 7 o'Clock in the Evening. Tickets of Admission for Morning or Evening—Stalls, 5s.; Open Seats, 3s: to be had at Mr. T. N. Webb's and the other Booksellers in Hereford.