Be it so, for the sake of argument,-then, in spite of all such folly of human legislation, a greater blessing has still rested upon this country than any nation of Europe. The mislegislation, if such it be, has been overruled by a merciful Providence, and whilst our nation has been faithful to his truth, he has mercifully preserved us from the evils to be apprehended from an erroneous policy. We say, therefore, do not suppose that the existence of protective duties of necessity cripples a nation, or if it cripple it, involves it in ruin, whilst Great Britain may be pointed out, not less marked for her national prosperity than for her protective duties. The like line of argument we would adopt to those who would imagine a country to be ruined by free trade. When we sit down to guide ourselves by that probability, which Bishop Butler has assured us is the guide of life, we may feel constrained to admit that one or the other of these courses seems, in its own nature and consequences, far preferable to the other. We e might even say,-Well, were we the absolute monarch of the country, such a course should be adopted, and, at the same time, solace ourselves with the reflection, that if, by the voice of public opinion, things are carried against us, there is still one who may overrule for good. But then, it will by some be contended, that the same argument applies to the late opposition to the Maynooth Endowment Bill, concessions to Popery, &c. There To a certain extent it may, but to a very small extent. is a very material difference between the two cases; and we pray our readers to mark well wherein it lies. The Almighty has denounced idolatry, and proclaimed his severest curses upon those who, as nations or individuals, are guilty of it, unless they repent. Now Popery is idolatryidolatry to be abhorred of all faithful Christians. In the endowment of Popery, therefore, there is a national insult offered to the Majesty of Heaven-a bold opposition to the revealed will of God-a rising up in rebellion against him-a determination not to acknowledge his attributes-but in the spirit of pride that threw the angels out of heaven, to say, "we will not have him to reign over us," a state of mind utterly at variance with love and obedience to God, wherein alone consist the true dignity, glory, and happiness of man. The other state of mind, however, is quite different from this, and is well consistent with love to God, and a desire to honour him. And notwithstanding that, in the complexities of political arrangements, the wisest course may not always be pursued, yet his overruling providence may cause a more abundant blessing to descend in other ways that shall compensate, and more than compensate, to those nations who honour him, any evils which might be apprehended by some, as the results of such mislegisla tion. But whilst the questions of opening the ports and removing the protecting duties thus occupy the public mind; whilst, on the one hand, the landed gentry see nought but ruin to the agricultural interest in such a course; and whilst some capitalists hail it as the greatest boon to the mercantile world, and a blessing to the country, we would draw the attention of our readers to other topics. We call on them to unite in opposing that Church and her missions, who would monopolize religion, take away the Word of God from the people, and produce a famine in the bread of life. Of all the evils which at various times and in different ages have overrun and afflicted our fallen world, Popery appears to be the worst: more alluring in its approach-more tenacious in its hold-more deadly in its consequences. The giant evil of the day is Popery; politicians and theologians are bowing before it, siding with it, going over to it; whether influenced by motives of fear, or hope, interest, or apprehension, we presume not to say. We speak only of the fact. Popery is making new inroads upon us. Protestants must stand in the gap, protecting their country, their Church, their religion, and their Bibles, from the grasp of Popery. What has the cause of Protestantism to hope for from the newly constructed Cabinet? Alas! but a repetition of those severe blows, and heavy discouragements which made the Whig Administration regarded as a scourge, and may make the newly constructed Cabinet to be regarded as a scorpion. On what ground was the late Bill for Endowment of Maynooth College resisted by the more spiritually-minded portion of those who opposed it? because Popery is an idolatrous system, as well as the bane of social happiness and national prosperity. Is it less so now? Was the passing of the Act to endow Maynooth an error, a crime,-an offence,-a sin,-a national sin, a national participation in the guilt of supporting idolatry? So is its continuance ;—continued idolatry will not change its nature, but serve as an aggravated and continued provocative to visit with punishment those who evince no disposition to national repentance. One line of duty, therefore, seems plain,one course clear: it is to petition for the repeal of the Maynooth Endowment Bill, and to require of those in Parliament, or now canvassing for seats there, to represent honestly the feelings of their constituents upon questions vitally affecting the best and dearest interests of the country. 9 PATRICK HAMILTON. A SKETCH FROM THE TIME OF 1528. "A voice as of the cherub choir, Gales from blooming Eden bear; And distant warblings lessen on mine ear; Fond, impious man, think'st thou, yon sanguine cloud, And warms the nations with redoubled ray.”—Gray. "AND SO you feel resolute and sincere on these matters? said Friar Campbell to his companion, in an inquiring tone; "they are truly of momentous character, and a stumble in the dark hereabouts might bring awkward results." "A stumble in the dark would not overwhelm an honest man,” replied Patrick Hamilton-" the darkness, remember, is not in his own mind, but altogether external. I do feel resolute and settled on the questions of reformed doctrine, and trust that, by God's grace, no gloom of threatened darkness and penalty, such as Satan is permitted to raise against the servants of Christ, shall ever cause me to stumble from the stedfastness of a sound faith." "Amen! if the faith be sound," said Campbell, "it behoves us to be building on rock, not sand. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." "You can bear, then, a plain report of my case to those who inquire about it," rejoined Hamilton; "and if I may judge from your own demeanour, my dear friend, you will not be without sympathy towards those views against which the bitter outcry is aroused." "Your case is such as to demand serious thought," replied the other," and God forbid that I should clap a bushel on the light, even though its glare be a little too lurid. Its extra intensity is attributable to the hot company you have been connected with while abroad. Strange would his nature be, who should escape from a lazar-house without a scar, and so, either very exalted or very debased must his character be who should breakfast with Melancthon, and sup with Carolstadt, and sing versicles with Luther himself, (and this not for a few days merely,) and yet come back to his early haunts untainted with the last friendly compliment and shake of the hand." "Very uncomplimentary are your parables," answered the Reformer; "I scarcely relish, as you may suppose, your classification of those lustrous names with the foul uncleanliness of a company of lepers. The lepers are your Gehazis, secular, earthly, sordid; the men who profess to the prophet's person, whereas, it is, in truth, the prophet's pay, and who will not stint their consciences from pursuing the chariot of any Naaman that will fling his silver and raiment into their greedy grasp. Dear Campbell, you have again and again raised my hopes that you will see and will soon acknowledge the true faith of Christ crucified, undimmed by the cowl of mystic legendry. But when you recur to such expressions as those about my honoured teachers in the only Gospel, you dash these hopes aside, and bid my spirit mourn and be vexed, because of your opposition to the light. I came at once to this good town of St. Andrew's, when invited by the clergy, to hold conferences on the points of my profession; I was thankful to them for appointing to meet me a man so kindly hearted and dispassionate as yourself, and as day after day we rejoined our friendly encounter I grew yet more thankful to the God of heaven for prospering me (as I believed) in shaking your own confidence, and inspiring you with that creed which you met me to confute. You have not laid it low. You have not demolished the stable truths which I have simply propounded from God's revealed Word. On the contrary, you have owned the force of not a few; and have, yet further, submitted assent to the accusations which I have been bold to advance against that corrupt system, the Church of Rome. Do not be dismayed by difficulties from standing fast in that liberty, if haply you have tasted its sweets; nor, on the other hand, be seduced by the offers of temporal ease and reputation to stifle the voice that calls you to better things. You have endeared yourself to me by gentle, patient bearing with my infirmities, and I will not cease to hope, much less to pray, that the truth may shine more and more in your soul, even to the perfect day." The friar was rising to depart as Hamilton commenced his reply, but he paused with a mien of pensive solicitude, and heard with courteous attention the whole of his address. He kept his eyes on the ground till its close, when he gently raised them, and taking his companion by the hand, answered with earnest but quiet pathos,— "It were vain to affect an entire disapproval of your tenets: their power of captivating a mind like yours, of itself entitles them to respect, and more, invites unprejudiced investigation. I shall not trouble you with any more visits, as the matter seems as definite, as a subject so indefinite can at present be. Farewell, Patrick Hamilton; intercourse marked as ours has been is not likely to end altogether with this last official conference." "God be praised for the spirit with which you leave me," answered Hamilton, warmly pressing the hand that clasped his own, "he that asketh, receiveth; he that seeketh, findeth; he that quits the broken cistern for the eternal fountain, shall so drink as never again to thirst. But add yet a tie to my obligations to you; give me an assurance of your affection towards THE truth; let me be sure that we part, not only as brethren, but as brethren in Christ Jesus. Ratify the encouraging words you have heretofore spoken." "What I have spoken, I have spoken," replied Campbell, "Time will convince you, and ratify my purpose. Ο μέγας χρονος, παντα φωτίζει. Fare you well.” So ended their interview. The Scottish reformer retired to rest, tranquil in the belief of a relationship to him who keepeth in perfect peace all that abide in his love; a relationship planned and perfected by free grace bought with the costly sacrifice of the anointed Messias, and sealed to the soul of this harassed saint by the influences of the Spirit from on high. The Dominican friar departed to make known the result of the now completed conference, the trusty agent of men "wise as serpents, and" there the quotation stops. Hamilton was nephew to the Earl of Arran; he was, while yet a boy, provided with the Abbey of Fern, as a stepping-stone to higher promotion in the substantial endowments of the Scottish Papal Church. To complete his education, and further his interests, he was sent to travel; but, alas! for the schemings of ambitious friends, while passing through Germany, he became the acquaintance and admirer of Dr. Martin Luther. Of him and his distinguished fellow-labourers, Hamilton learnt the glorious truths that are now the inheritance of his father-land; the truths that have made Scotland what she is, and for whose maintenance many a life has been cheerfully laid down. Returning home, he joyously preached the hated doctrines of the cross; he braved the lion in his den; among the faithless many, he abode faithful and fearless; he appealed to the stouthearted that were far from righteousness, bidding them look through the crowd of saints and angels to the excellent glory that surrounded the throne itself, exhorting them to look unto the Lamb to be saved, for that in him was salvation found, and in him plenteous redemption. The effect of his energetic address and his private as well as public labours, was enhanced by his acknowledged erudition, and the refined gentleness of his disposition. There was a shaking among the dry bones, and modern Baal's priests looked on with trembling jealousy, till they saw that a speedy thrust, well-timed and decisive, must be employed to stop this babbler's tongue. Accordingly they invited him to St. Andrew's; here he had frequent conferences with Friar Campbell, who was Prior of the Dominicans, and who seemed to be convinced of the need of reformation. It was night-time, and Hamilton was alone, musing in devout contemplation on the "strange work of the nations." His privacy was rudely broken by the entrance of Papal officers, who made |