The Times publishes a curious account of a quasi-religious movement
in France, which but for one circumstance might turn out important. A good many moderate sceptics are im- patient of their position as Catholics, and are willing to turn Protestants, to render their legal position more definite. They
hope their example may be largely followed, and have even started a newspaper,—the Beformateur. The sceptical sec. tion of the Protestant community is willing to accept them, and several " conversions " have been reported. This method of breaking loose from Catholicism is so convenient, that it might attract large numbers, but for one final difficulty. The wives of these men, if anything, are Catholic, and intend their children should be so too. They will not consent to an arrangement which involves a much more final break with the Church than any form of scepticism, because it deprives the Church of its hope of regaining the young ; and against their opposition, only convinced minds will struggle. But conviction is just what these Protestant Opportunists do not possess.
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