Chapter XVIII

1773-1814.

THE JESUITS DURING THE SUPPRESSION.

Conduct of the Jesuits after the Suppression—Few obey the
Bull—They seek an Asylum with Protestant Princes—Strange
conduct of Frederick of Prussia—He Protects the Jesuits—Is
Ridiculed by his friend D’Alembert—The Jesuits in
Silesia—Braschi (Pius VI.) succeeds Ganganelli in the Papal
Chair—The Sovereigns of the House of Bourbon press him to see
the Bull of his Predecessor executed—Character of Braschi—He
fears rather than loves the Jesuits—He writes to Frederick—The
Answer of the King—St Priest explains the Conduct of
Frederick—The Author differs with him in Opinion, 422

Catherine of Russia protects the Jesuits—Her Motives—The
Jesuits Establish themselves in Russia in Opposition to the
Pope’s Command—Death of Ricci—The Jesuits in Russia name a
Vicar-General—Siestrencewiecz, Bishop of Mohilow—He permits
the Jesuits to receive Novices—Remonstrances of the Court
of Rome—The Jesuits name a General and act as if the Bull
of Suppression had not been Issued—How Crétineau Exculpates
them—Chiaramonti (Pius VII.) succeeds Braschi—He Re-establishes
the Society in White Russia—Its Progress there—Grouber elected
General—His Talents and Prudence—The Jesuits Re-established
in Sicily—Grouber Dies in a Conflagration—Imprudent Conduct
of the Jesuits after his Death—Alexander Expels them from St
Petersburg—The Jesuits persisting in their Criminal Practices,
are Expelled from Russia, 1820, 430