The Bishop is the historical man of his day. He assumes his position among the Statesmen of America, not as an active politician, but as the Representative, Priest, Controller and Guardian of a powerful body now incorporated in the Democracy of the Republic; I allude to the Roman Catholics, both native and foreign. It is a high and responsible capacity. His power over his people is without limit; and they revere alike his person and his office; they behold him Supreme in wisdom and in virtue; his wisdom devoted incessantly to their earthly and their heavenly weal; while in the exercises of his Virtue are displayed, for their instruction, the exalted Faith, and holy Hope, and Christian Charity becoming him who is at once the example of their lives, and the Pastor of their souls.

The Bishop is the greatest temporal Prince in America, and he is the greatest spiritual Prince in the world. And his reign is more immutable than that of Kings and Presidents, because it is not merely an earthly, but a heavenly bond that unites him to his flock;—Kings rule by inheritance, and Presidents by election; but this man rules alone through the mighty influences of Religion.