Although the Cardinals are determined to reject Dr.
Errington, nevertheless I am afraid that they should select one
of the others. You know very well that Congregations are guided
by the documents that are placed before them; it is for this
reason that I should prefer the Pope's acting himself.'
But the Holy Father himself was doubting. In his indecision, he
ordered a month of prayers and masses. The suspense grew and
grew. Everything seemed against Manning. The whole English
episcopate was opposed to him; he had quarrelled with the
Chapter; he was a convert of but few years' standing; even the
congregated Cardinals did not venture to suggest the appointment
of such a man. But suddenly, the Holy Father's doubts came to an
end. He heard a voice-- a mysterious inward voice-- whispering
something in his ear. 'Mettetelo li! Mettetelo li!' the voice
repeated, over and over again. Mettetelo li! It was an
inspiration; and Pius IX, brushing aside the recommendations of
the Chapter and the deliberations of the Cardinals, made Manning,
by a Pontifical act, Archbishop of Westminster.
Monsignor Talbot's felicity was complete; and he took occasion in
conveying his congratulations to his friend, to make some
illuminating reflections upon the great event. 'MY policy
throughout,' he wrote, 'was never to propose you DIRECTLY to the
Pope, but, to make others do so, so that both you and I can
always say that it was not I who induced the Holy Father to name
you-- which would lessen the weight of your appointment.
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