Page images
PDF
EPUB

Stern is the voice that calls her to

atone

God's wrath shall hurl her from her blood-steeped throne!

I humbly trust that the foregoing observations, devoid of all merit save what simple truth imparts, will serve to expose a system really Pagan in principle, but worse than Pagan in practice. Assuming "the form of godliness," yet "denying the power thereof." I am firmly persuaded in my own mind that the doctrines, precepts, and practices of the Romish Church are equally eversive of the spiritual and temporal happiness of mankind, and that she is the blight and blast of every nation where the smoke of her unhallowed incense ascends-not to heaven to supplicate clemency, but to evoke judgment! Not to entreat the dew of God's blessing, but to demand the bitter vials of his wrath! Her first faith she has grievously departed from, and composed a novel creed of her own in lieu of it. The Word of God she has discarded-the traditions of men she has embraced. All claims to apostolicity and sanctity she has thereby renounced! And we decidedly disclaim her impious assumption of titles which alone are applicable to a Church that maintains and upholds the doctrines of Christ, the apostles, and the primitive Christians! In a spiritual, as well as in a literal signification, may be applied to her the song of the Roman peasant, "Roma non e mai che Roma era,"___66 Rome is no longer what Rome was!" But, "A universe of death, which God, by curse,

Created evil, for evil only good; ? Where all life dies, death lives, and nature breeds;

Perverse, all monstrous, all prodigious things,

Abominable, unutterable, and worse Than fables yet have feign'd, or fear conceived;

Gorgons, and hydras, and chimeras dire!

POPERY UNCHANGED. (SEMPER EADEM.) POPERY may well be termed the "Master-piece of Satan," and although

it wears so many different aspects to suit the varied circumstances of the times, yet it is ever unchangeable in principle.

The evils of the system are so numerous and subtle, that we lose much strength in opposing the whole, by having to expose its errors in detail. There is, however, one point which, in these days of false liberality, or rather indifference, it is highly important to make clear. It is now pretended that Rome has lately become very amiable and liberal, whereas, upon the least consideration, it is evidently impossible. The peculiar doctrines of Romanism have no foundation in the Bible, and the only authority for them is the pretended infallible teaching of the Church. The particular period when each of those developments was first invented and foisted upon the Christian Church, can be certainly defined. Having thus claimed the attribute of infallibility, whatever has been set forth by the Church of Rome to be true and right at one time, she must adhere to at another, so that she is placed in the awful dilemma of either justifying and glorying in all the idolatries, murders, burnings, and persecutions which she has upheld and encouraged in past ages, or of giving up her infallibility, and confessing that the entire system has been supported only "by speaking lies in all hypocrisy," according to prophecy; this result is inevitable, for the whole must either stand or fall together; all the authorities of the Romish Church are therefore necessarily obliged to conform to the former alternative, and to this day have never repudiated nor abated one iota of her wicked abominations; it is still a part of the code, which all sincere Romanists must adopt, as opportunity serves, that "heretics are by all ways and means to be extirpated, when it can be done with safety to themselves ;" and also that "when heretics are strong, they should be left to God; if weak, then to be delivered to the executioner," and unhappily the instances are not rare that these precepts are still faithfully obeyed. The minds of Englishmen will naturally revolt at the idea of

such principles, but Protestantism alone can sustain those feelings of abhorrence to show how the most tender consciences may become "seared as with a hot iron." We have only to mention that the Wards of the city of London now annually receive, under the name of "Faggot money," the proceeds of a fund which a pious Popish lady, in order to save her soul from the imaginary fires of purgatory, and sincerely "believing that she would be doing God a service by slaying his saints," bequeathed by her will to buy fuel to burn the heretics (in Smithfield).

Shall Protestants, then, be so insane as to help forward what must, if successful, be alike ruinous to their temporal as to their eternal interests!

ADDRESS FROM THE COMMITTEE OF THE PROTESTANT INSTITUTE FOR READING AND ITS VICINITY.

THIS Institute has been formed, not for the advancement of any political party, but for the defence of vital principles.

The time has arrived

when it has become necessary for Christians to unite, not so much for the spread as for the preservation of Protestant truth. The principles which formed the bulwark of our constitution have been more than once broken in upon-they are still further threatened and the alternative forced upon us at the present moment is this,-shall we slumber and abandon those principles, or shall we arouse, and with energy suited to the occasion, by God's help, determine to maintain them?

We earnestly call upon our fellowcountrymen to reflect upon the extent to which our Protestant constitution has been already infringed, and to consider how much recent encroachments of Popery have been encouraged. In Ireland a Popish College is largely endowed, whilst in our colonies Popish priests are regularly paid and at this time it is even contemplated to endow the Romish priesthood of our sister country, and in our own land to afford pecuniary support to schools in which Popish errors will be inculcated.

We believe it is because the dogmas of Popery have been so imperfectly understood, and its practices so little considered, that the Legislature has already passed measures so pregnant with mischief, and that others are at this time projected, which, if adopted, must entirely subvert and destroy our Protestant constitution. With this persuasion we have felt constrained to associate for the purpose of awakening the attention of Christians around us to the true nature of Popery, and to the danger of its aggressions; and further to entreat them to unite with us, that our energies may be concentrated in the defence and promotion of truth, as opposed to the false principles and Antichristian practices of the Church of Rome.

The

In this short address we do not enter at length upon the discussion of particular questions, but we feel called upon to lift a warning voice against a notion craftily insinuated, and which miscalled charity would foster, that the Romanism of the present day essentially differs from the Popery of past times. On the contrary, its character is the same. assumption of infallibility forbids all change. The professions and conduct of the Church of Rome may vary with circumstances, but her principles have been defined, and they are permanent and unchangeable. That Church, when possessed of power, has ever been a persecuting Church. She is so still, wherever her influence predominates. She cannot tolerate, she must extirpate all who repudiate her tenets and abjure her authority. We have read the pages of history to little purpose if we have not learnt that Popery is insatiable and rapacious; it must be rampant-it will not rest whilst its dogmas are disputed, whilst its supremacy is questioned. Let none, therefore, be deceived by any plausible and temporary pretext that Rome seeks but a share of legislative power, or will be satisfied with partial endowments. Lessons from experience may prevent the delusion, and teach us that it is for the very existence of Protestantism we are called to contend.

Feelings of LOYALTY must further

prompt our exertions in this holy cause. It was the sanction given to Popery, and the attempt to re-establish its power, which deprived the House of Stuart of the British sceptre. It was Protestantism which called the House of Brunswick to the sovereignty of these realms. Protestant principles form the very basis upon which the throne of the present dynasty was established. Should those principles be undermined, the stability of that throne would be endangered, and the right of succession would be destroyed.

It is not to meet the circumstances of the present period alone that this Protestant Institute has been formed: whilst the Church of Rome continues to propagate her errors and strives to extend her usurped authority, so long must strenuous and uncompromising resistance be maintained. But the importance of immediate activity cannot be over estimated. Popery is now arrogant in its pretensions, boastful in its anticipations, and clamorous in its demands; those pretensions are admitted-those anticipations are fostered-those demands are yielded to by statesmen who are intrusted with legislative authority in our Protestant constitution. Soon must it prevail unless at once vigorously opposed. When, if not now, should Christians awake to a sense of their danger and of their duty, and in dependence on the help of God, and with earnest prayer for his blessing upon their endeavours, unite and labour for the maintenance of those principles in which are involved their temporal and eternal interests, and the honour and glory of Almighty God.

July 8, 1847.

FACTS FOR PROTESTANTS-INCREASE OF POPERY IN GREAT BRITAIN.

THE following facts are put forth for the consideration of Protestants, they prove the increase of Popery in Great Britain :

Fifty years since there were only thirty Popish chapels in Great Britain. There are now 602 public chapels, ten

colleges, thirty-four convents, six monasteries, 776 missionary priests, besides many private chapels.—Catholic Directory for 1846.

The Catholic Institute was established A.D., 1838, its avowed object is the conversion of Great Britain to Popery: in order to render it more effectual, it was re-organized in April, 1845.-Catholic Directory for 1846. p. 151.

While the Catholic states of Europe have been compelled in selfdefence to enforce the laws against the Jesuits, the statutes hitherto in force against them in England are to be repealed. We may therefore expect that their increase will be tenfold.

It has been deliberately announced, that the Romish priests are to be endowed by the State so soon as the public mind has been prepared for such an event.

Within the last few years, the Tractarian heresy has drawn into the Church of Rome upwards of one hundred members of the Church of England, many of whom are clergymen, and nearly all persons of considerable worldly intelligence; this fact disproves the assertion, that in this enlightened day we have nothing to fear from Popery.

When, several years ago, the voice of warning was raised against the tendency of Tractarianism, it was decided as a needless alarm, and the parties who gave the warning were denounced as mountebanks. Lamentable facts have since proved who were right and who were wrong,

Many of the clergy of the Church of England speak of the Romish Church and her priests in terms of strong commendation. The result is the deadening of all perception as to the essential difference between Protestant truth and Romish error.

Notwithstanding the above facts, the most perfect apathy prevails on the subject amongst Protestants.

POPERY AND THE PRESS. IT has been long a matter of surprise amongst many that Popery has gained so great an influence with the public press. Some hesitate as to its being

[merged small][ocr errors]

"FATHER MATHEW.

"The Roman correspondent of the 'Daily News' ('Father Prout"), who affects exclusive' sources of intelligence, pretends to give the following as the reason why the venerated Father Mathew has not been appointed Bishop of Cork by the Pope, though returned dignissimus,

[ocr errors]

or

most worthy,' by the assembled clergy:

"The mitre of Cork has not been placed by the Propaganda on the brow of Theobald Mathew, not because of any hostility felt here to his views on the use of alcohol-views and exertions which Rome has long appreciated and been proud of; not from any doubt as to his eminent qualifications of mind and heart; such as would confer on, not receive honour from, mere Episcopal rank, but simply because he had not the vote of Cashel's metropolitan, Dr. Slattery, who happened to hold the proxies of two absent bishops (Foran, of Waterford, and French, of Kilfenora), whose presence at, and cognisance of, the Cork scrutiny, might have altered the result. The Bishop of Kerry did not vote at all; and the oldest bishop and most judicious in the province, Dr. Ryan, of Limerick, voted for Father Mathew. Since the rescript of 1829 (a sort of Irish concordat), Rome has never reversed the verdict of an Episcopal majority, however clear was the parochial preference in the first ballot urn. As it happened, it is, perhaps, well that the illustrious friar does not

"""Give up to Cork what was meant for mankind,"

since that diocese has had the luck to obtain in its new dignitary, Dr. Delany, a profound theologian, a mild and kindly man, full of common sense as well as brimful of zeal, and, in a quiet way of his own, as shrewdly humorous as the Dr. Delany, of Swift.'

"We doubt this information, not because it is in itself improbable, but because it is not likely that the writer

could be very well informed on the subject. But it matters not what governed the Court of Rome in conferring the mitre of Cork on Dr. Delany, the decision is one to be received with satisfaction, especially by the Irish Catholics. A purer priest or a more amiable or charitable man, does not live than Father Mathew. The secular clergy proved at once his fitness for the dignity, and their own disinterestedness and purity of motive, in the election, by going out of their own order for a prelate to preside over them. Had the final appointment depended on their selection, Fathew Mathew would now be Bishop of Cork. But happily, the decision in such cases always belongs to the Court of Rome. We say happily, for even the circumstances in the present case prove the public importance of this rule. Just at the moment that the clergy of Cork were calling him to the Episcopal chair, the English Whig Government contemplated bestowing a pension of 300l. a-year on him, so that, had the vote of the clergy been ratified by the Pope, Ireland would have been afflicted with a sight from the idea of which she shrinks with aversion,-an Irish Catholic prelate on the pension list! Of Father Mathew, or her beloved Bishop Mathew, she would not for a moment harbour the smallest suspicion or distrust. She knows that that pension, like every farthing he has ever received, will be given to the poor, hundreds of whom live upon his charity; but she feels without hurt to her affection and veneration for him, that God has well appointed, for the sake of the weak, that he shall not be Bishop of Cork."

STARVATION AND PRIESTS'
DUES.

ON Saturday a woman named Oranston died in the neighbourhood of Tempo, it is believed of starvation. She had received relief, but not sufficient to support nature; as it was proved she had money at her disposal, which she had intrusted to the keeping of another woman, which, however, both strongly denied to the

[blocks in formation]

which they were so long deluded; and by the secret teaching of thy good Spirit, make them stedfast and unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

Quicken, we beseech thee, every effort of "THE PRIESTS' PROTECTION SOCIETY" to promote the glory of God. Breathe into the councils of its managers the spirit of wisdom and of a sound mind; give them judgment and discretion, that they may,

A PRAYER FOR THE PRIESTS' by their humble endeavours, be made

PROTECTION SOCIETY FOR

IRELAND.

SUGGESTED TO BE USED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITH THE USUAL PRAYERS AT FAMILY WORSHIP.

O THOU Eternal Spirit! whose office it is to cleanse, fertilize, and refresh thy Church, we humbly beseech thee to pour down upon us those gracious influences which thou hast promised to thy believing people, and more especially, to thy servants whom thou hast called to the ministry of thy word. Give to them, we most humbly beseech thee, a mouth and wisdom whereby they may be enabled to deliver faithfully the message of salvation to those who are ignorant and out of the way, and that they may become the instruments of turning many sinners from darkness to light.

We especially entreat thee, O Heavenly Father, to look down in mercy and compassion on this guilty and benighted land. Multiply the number of the disciples of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; and grant, that many of the priests, who are now blind leaders of the blind, may be obedient to the faith; that thy Holy Spirit may take possession of their hearts, and so enlighten their minds that they may not only be induced to come out of the Spiritual Babylon, in which they are at present in such danger of perishing, but become faithful ministers of the everlasting Gospel. And grant, O Lord, that following their example, many of the people may be led to give up their errors and superstitions, and become humble and sincere followers of the meek and lowly Jesus.

Bless and preserve those who have already renounced the fatal errors by

instrumental in advancing that great and good work in which they are engaged.

And, we beseech thee, O Lord, to grant, that the loving spirit of thy grace may be so infused into the hearts of all in this great nation, who love the Lord Jesus, that they may love each other with pure hearts fervently; and, uniting together in one common bond of Christian fellowship, may so strive together for the promulgation of their common faith, that Ireland may not only become an "island of saints," but the heritage of the Lord Almighty, and its inhabitants the praise and the glory of the whole earth.

These varied blessings we humbly entreat in the name, and for the sake of our only Mediator and Redeemer, to whom with the Eternal Father, and the ever-blessed Spirit, be all power and glory, world without end. Amen.

HERTFORDSHIRE REFORMATION

AND PROTESTANT ASSOCIATION.

THE Biennial Meeting of this Association was held at the Shire Hall, Hertford, on Thursday, July 15; the Right Hon. the Earl of VERULAM, President, took the chair. Present, Revs. F. Faithful, J. Cumming, D.D., E. Bickersteth, C. Bury, J. A. Coghlan, T. R. Birks, R. W. Morice, Samuel Garratt, Alfred M. Preston, C. Thornton, Esq., U. Heathcote, Esq., George Bosanquet, Esq., James Lord, Esq., &c.

The Meeting having been commenced by prayer,

The Noble CHAIRMAN stated, he had left London that morning to preside at the Meeting, as he deemed

« PreviousContinue »