5270. MINISTERS (Religious), French.—
The Curés throughout the [French] Kingdom
form the mass of the clergy. They are
the only part favorably known to the people,
because solely charged with the duties of baptism,
burial, confession, visitation of the sick,
instruction of the children, and aiding the poor.
They are themselves of the people, and united
with them. The carriages and equipage only
of the higher clergy, not their persons, are
known to the people, and are in detestation
with them.—
To James Madison. Washington ed. iii, 58.
(P.
1789)
