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on the throne. It was, indeed,, a day of rebuke and blasphemy. Then, cloud and storm swept, with unusual fury, over the political and ecclesiastical heavens, threatening a speedy and general ruin to the cause both of civil and religious liberty. To the agitations and strifes of that eventful era, when the spirit of faction, fierce and destructive as the Father of mischief, was dissolving the bonds and shivering the frame of Society, a deep and painful interest attaches. We of the present generation, while grateful for our measure of freedom, our exemption from the vexatious restrictions and annoyances of intolerance, would do well to revert to those troublous times,' and refresh our memories with the narrative of the heavy sufferings, the grievous disabilities, and the manly struggles, of our right-hearted but persecuted forefathers. They had no alternative, but either submit, in things pertaining to God,' to the requirements of arbitrary power, or 'jeopard their lives in the high places of the field.' The latter was their noble choice, their sublime resolve: and our privileges as professors of a reformed faith, our emancipation from the impositions and tyranny of Romanism, are the fruits of their resistance unto blood, striving against sin.'

It cannot surprise us if, in such circumstances, instances of unstedfastness occurred. That, 'when tribulation and persecution arose because of the Word,' many should have taken offence, was not wonderfal. Protestants not from principle but convenience, not in reality but in name, they were unprepared for the hazards and perils, to which the profession of the obnoxious views exposed them. What, then, could have been expected, but the falling away, 'in the hour of temptation,' of persons thus destitute of 'the root of the matter?' Nor, however it may grieve, need it greatly astonish us, if, among the abjurists of Popery, some, from whom more steadiness and consistency might have been looked for, displayed a criminal irresoluteness of purpose, a pusillanimity that loosened against them the tongue of reproach. Foremost among these was the distinguished Prelate, whose unseemly be haviour was the subject of reprehension in previous Articles, but whom, notwithstanding his delinquencies, candour obliges us, upon the whole, to laud and respect. The history of his doings and those of his coadjutors, and a general retrospect of the controversies then agitated, in connection with the spirit displayed, and the procedure adopted, by the leading disputants and their supporters,-suggest a variety of valuable practical reflections. Of these, time permits us to advert only to the few following.

First, The case of Cranmer furnishes no valid argument against the cause which he had espoused. In inditing a recantation of his creed, he was indeed guilty of a grievous dereliction of duty. That no conceivable circumstances could excuse, or almost palliate, the guilt of such conduct, has been conceded. He stands forth a convicted offender,- -a culprit, over whom hangs a charge of the gravest description. His delinquency, though, on certain principles, it may be accounted for, draws not from us a single word, designed to qualify its heinousness, or veil its aggravations. We accept, however, his professions of sorrowful regret. We believe him to have been, on reconsideration, deeply penitent; nor have we a doubt, that he was as sincere in the subsequent withdrawal, as he had been hasty and blamable in the delivery, of his untruthful disclaimer.

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But, deny to the Archbishop the credit of uprightness; brand his name, if you will, with indelible infamy; suppose him to have been as wanting in moral worth, such an embodiment of plausible vileness, as the portraiture of the Historian represents him a painted hypocrite, a saintly intriguer, a sanctimonious time-server, devoid alike of courage and integrity,-using Religion merely as a cloak to hide baseness of motive and worldliness of view, an engine suited to the advancement of selfish or political purposes: admit all this, and what follows as to the cause of which he had been long the stanch, uncompromising defender? That Protestantism is unsound or anti-Scriptural: pernicious errordeadly heresy-blasphemous apostasy? So we are told by the votaries of Popery, who can see nothing good without the pale of Mother Church, and who, reverencing her authority, blindly acquiesce in her arrogant pretensions.

Not so, however, can the devotees of Popery persuade us to believe. The conclusion were unwarranted; the reasoning fallacious. Differing entirely in our estimate of the character and claims of their Church; denying her incorruptness and infallibility, the orthodoxy of her doctrine, and the Apostolicalness of her ritual, we repudiate her dogmatism, and spurn her domination. To separate from her communion we deem, not only justifiable but imperative; as much a duty as a privilege. To whomsoever, within her bosom, the appellation of Christian applies, to them we would address, in friendliness and love, the voice of expostulation and warning. With all the solemnity of affectionate earnestness, and in the fullest persuasion that our advice was dictated by enlightened, as well as benevolent, regard for their good, would we sound in their ears the thrilling words of Inspiration:

Come out of her, my people, and be not partakers of her sins, that ye receive not of her plagues.'

Protestantism we consider defensible on its own ground, the high ground of right, of principle, of duty. That some, who ranked among its disciples and advocates, and who might have been presumed to have examined its claims, and been acquainted with its merits, renounced it for Romanism, is no disparagement of it. In our own day, such perverts have been numerous; but the fact neither warrants the inference, nor justifies the glorying, of the Papist. Nor would the defection of the Primate of a former age, although his case were viewed in the most unfavourable light, detract aught from the goodness of the cause, which, during a course of years, he had defended with no common ability and zeal. The conclusion were a fallacy, which only unreflecting credulity could receive. Not more unfair were the conduct, more unsound the reasoning, or dishonest the intention, of the infidel, who argues against the truth or divinity of Christianity, from the inconsistencies of nominal friends, or the treachery of open apostates. Roman Catholicism we hold to be a system of superstition, a vile imposture, little else than baptized Paganism: against its corruptions, its usurpations, its blasphemies, we deem it the duty of every lover of a pure Gospel to raise the standard of protest: and, so far as regards the merits of the question, what matters it whom, either as to numbers or eminence, its proselytizing agents may seduce from among the professors of a reformed faith, into the espousal of it?

Secondly, We see, in this mournful example, how vain is the hope of security by dissimulation-a practical proof of the unprofitableness of sin. Did the Primate expect, by a wilful departure from duty, a gross violation of truth, to escape a violent death? How sad his disappointment! Soon bitter experience convinced him of his error. The evil apprehended, and the desire of avoiding which drew from his pen a solemn and deliberate LIE, quickly overtook him. The course which a 'deceitful heart,' and the suasion of Jesuitism, induced him to follow, neither averted nor delayed his doom. But it subjected him to not a little both of mental anguish, and of public disgrace, which worthier conduct would have prevented. He thus brought guilt on his soul, and an eclipse over his reputation: gave 'occasion to the adversaries to speak reproachfully,' and grieved the hearts of the faithful. Then, what fruit had he in those things, whereof he was ashamed?' Good had it been for him to have acted on the maxim, 'Honesty is the best policy.' His honour

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and his peace he would have alike consulted, by complying with the exhortation, 'Be not afraid of them who kill the body.'

From this melancholy instance of instability, and its concomitant troubles, let us learn this important lesson, to stand firm to our profession, be the consequences, threatened or actual, what they may. Let us despise every mean subterfuge-scorn the vile shifts of falsehood or prevarication. Whatever difficulties or dangers may occur, let us consider them as appointed, by the wisdom of Providence, for the trial of our faith and patience; and let us courageously encounter, and stedfastly resist them. In the path of duty, let us proceed as undauntedly as if the Master's voice ever sounded in our ears, 'Who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and the son of man who shall be made as the grass?' Be it our study to have 'the testimony of our consciences, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with carnal wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation'-citizenship—'in the world.' Let the command and the promise engage us to fidelity: Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.'

Thirdly, We learn, from the experience of this good man, the necessity of prayer for Divine succour. Never should we have read of his melancholy fall, had he, under a due sense of his own weakness, invoked the aid of Him, who was able to keep him from falling,' and to 'strengthen him with all might, according to His glorious power.' Without the supplies of the Spirit, our fortitude may fail us, and our resolutions be forgotten. Unless sustained and invigorated by supernatural influence, we shall be almost sure to fall before the first assaults of the Adversary. As, therefore, we would consult our safety, let us be earnest and importunate in our applications for 'grace to help us in our times of need.' Let us pray, as well as watch, against temptation. When assailed by it, let us trust, not in ourselves, but in the living God.' Deeply impressed with our own weakness, and humbly relying on His all-sufficiency, let us address to Him the fervent petition, 'O Thou the Hope of Israel, mercifully assist us. Uphold us according to Thy word. Let not the enemy triumph over us. Hold Thou us up, and we shall be safe.' This union of prayer and dependence will, in every emergency, prevent succumbing, and ensure success. When we are weak, we shall be strong:' though 'faint, yet persuing.'

Fourthly, We behold, in the shameful treatment of the Archbishop, a specimen of the spirit of Popery. Say not, these were its doings in an age of darkness,

when the principles of civil and religious liberty were very imperfectly understood, and among a semi-barbarous people, whom the intemperance of misguided zeal stimulated to atrocities, which were believed to be meritorious acts. Unmistakable proofs abound, that it lacks not the will to rekindle the fires of persecution. That in making this statement we indite no calumny, is attested by many recent proceedings, writings, speeches, and overt acts, on the part of its teachers and champions. Indeed, there is no doubt, that, were it armed with power, it would, at this comparatively enlightened era, perpetrate fresh enormities, and turn our Land, under the sway of Victoria, into a theatre for the exhibition of scenes as appalling as those witnessed under the reign of Mary.

Through all periods of its history, and in all Countries where it has gained a footing, duplicity and cruelty have been among the chief characteristics of Popery. Its nature still remains unaltered and unalterable. Plausible, indeed, may be its appearances, liberal its professions, soft and gentle its voice; for with marvellous dexterity it can suit itself to the meridian of any place. But, do not therefore talk of its being changed. Never did it commit such a felo de se: never will it be guilty of aught so suicidal. Popery changed! It is a dream-a fancy-a delusion. Ah! its votaries smile at your simplicity; and, were it either prudent or practicable, soon would they convince you, by arguments stronger than any process of ratiocination, of your gross mistake. The same intolerant and sanguinary Power that it showed itself to be during the long night of the middle ages, it still is amidst the boasted illumination and freedom of the present day. The Infallible Church changes not. The Persecutor of the saints thirsts as eagerly as ever for blood, and could she but gratify her desires, would be seen slaking it with copious draughts of the crimson fluid.

Would that the eyes of the nations were opened to a view of the real character, the inherent vileness, the consummate deceitfulness and unmitigated ferocity, of Roman Catholicism! Wears it not, in letters as distinct as ever, the name which the pen of Inspiration inscribed on its forehead: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH? What it was, as to all its essential attributes, in days of yore, that it now is, and that it will be to the latest hour of its existence. No improvement has the lapse of time wrought on it: no renovating or ameliorating influence, save what the force of circumstances may necessitate, will it experience. Behold it, in the

middle of the nineteenth century, though so shorn of its strength, the same in its pretensions, its love of domination, its efforts to overawe and control,-as arrogant, as overbearing, as sanguinary, if not in act yet in volition, that it was when, in the pride and ruthlessness of Absolutism, it usurped the sovereignty, temporal and spiritual, of Christendom.

Where, or in what, pray, has Popery changed? Rulers and fellow-subjects, who hold the affirmative, you willingly deceive yourselves. You have eyes, but see not; and understandings, but perceive not.' We pity your blindness, and scout your charity. Beware lest the former be judicial, as the latter is spurious. Popery changed! No. What it ever was, that it still is: its names full of blasphemy:' its Pontiff'exalting himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped:' its priesthood teaching for doctrines the commandments of men, and making the Word of God of none effect by their traditions:' its authority exerted to enforce subjection, to bind conscience, and 'make merchandise of the soul.'

What shall be the duration, when shall come the end, of this 'cunningly-devised' scheme of priestcraft, this matchless system of impiety and terrorism, this master policy of Satan, THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY? The Papacy is for an appointed time:' who can tell when its cycle shall be complete? Mother Church, for aught we know, may yet hold a long reign. The future may see, what the past has so often witnessed, her raiment stained with gore. Posterity may stand aghast at the spectacle of this bold tragedian, uttering her voice in fearful anathemas, and brandishing the sword with deadly effect, against those who 'keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.' While, of generations unborn, her murderous hand may, in thousands of instances, take the life of the body, there may, in thousands of thousands, be found in her skirts the blood of souls. How long,. O Lord, holy and true?' For the peace and purity of the Church,-for Religion's sake, for Thy Name's sake, 'for the elect's sake,' let the days of that Wicked' be shortened. The Lord, in His own time and manner, 'consume her with the spirit of His mouth, and destroy her by the brightness of His coming!'

HUMILITY.

Y.

PERHAPS there is no Christian grace respecting which we are more apt to deceive ourselves, than humility. It is an easy thing for a man to bemoan his corruption.

It is not a very difficult matter even to feel and lament its burden. God is so pure, and we so sinful, that nothing but common honesty seems necessary, through Divine grace, to make us perceive and confess our meanness. But, it is very possible for a man to be humble towards God, and proud towards his fellow-creatures. The best, because the most trying, tests of true lowliness of mind, are to be found in our daily conversation with men. Do we really obey the Apostle's direction, to 'esteem others better than ourselves?' Are we willing to take the lowest place in society, yielding to others the pre-eminence in reputation for parts, learning, and accomplishments; cheerfully accepting reproof, forgiving insults, forgetting mortifications, and resigning the means or opportunities of distinction, if unfavourable to a Christian spirit? Humility is best known among equals. With God we can have no rivalry. It should appear too, in our behaviour and actions, rather than in our language; for such was the humility of Christ. He left the glory of His Father; He 'took on Him the form of a servant:' He instructed the mean: He lived with men of low estate: He washed His disciples' feet: He refused worldly honours: He died the death of a malefactor. These are evidences of humility which are quite unequivocal.— Bowdler.

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'FORBIDDING wedlock' forms one sign
Of Antichrist, the Man of Sin.
Paul wrote this memorable line
With a sure prescience divine,
That close attention it should win
From all, in every age and place,
Who prize the light of gospel grace.
Some other signs along with this
Direct so well, that we can't miss
To find him where he really is,
And strike such terror into Rome
As makes her every Bible doom.
So plain a mark of the dread Beast
Can't be erazed by art of priest:
The more they try to rub it out,
The more they put it past all doubt.
Prince Albert sees this signal truth,
And sounds it forth with fearless mouth.
He goads the Whore on her sore point,
And throws her temper out of joint.

* At a late meeting of the Society for the Sons of the Clergy in London, Prince Albert was present, and made an eloquent speech on the occasion. His Royal Highness very properly alluded to the Church of Rome, and attacked in vigorous language the celibacy of the priesthood. As soon as his philippic reached Ireland, it threw the agents of Antichrist into a violent rage, and gave rise to much foolish and scurrilous declamation.

'Any where else but here,' she cries,
And into bursts of fury flies!
Though small the provocation given,
Her rage mounts flaming up to heaven,
As if St Peter's dome were riven,
Or its High Pontiff from it driven.
A deep and devilish revenge,
Incapable of death or change,
Lies not beyond her bigot range,
However sad it seem or strange.

The Prince may hope to be forgiven,
When four and three cease to be seven,
And reach the higher sum eleven.
Hark! how her Irish priests do scold,
And almost treason's language hold!*
Rome cannot burn him as of old;
The power she lacks to be so bold,
But not the will;-this is the same
As in her darkest age of shame,
When millions she could hack and maim,
Or cast into the scorching flame.
Fire's the element of her fold,
And from it never can be roll'd.
'Burn all heretics' is the rule
And practice of her cursed school.
Her priests love faggot logic well:
It wears, indeed, the hues of hell,
And from it mischiefs blaze most fell;
But then it guards the golden creed
By which they stand and rule and feed,
And satisfy their craving greed,
Which, having much, still asks for more,
And even begs from door to door.
Rome is the greatest of all bores,
The most importunate of whores.
Strike her red logic on the head,
The Man of Sin will drop down dead,
And quickly roll (see Holy Writ)
Into perdition's horrid pit,
That gapes to catch its Papal prize,
And all its cunning, cant, and lies,
With hunger keen and eager eyes.
O may this blessed hour come soon!
Earth could not gain a richer boon.

THE GREAT WEST.

N.

Nor till one has personally measured the length of these rivers, and the breadth of these prairies; not till he has seen the fields of grain, the herds, the flocks, the

* A priest of the name of Marshall was particularly excited, and poured forth the most violent invectives. It is curious to observe how completely this mark of the Man of Sin has been fulfilled! The priests cannot bear even the slightest touch upon this tender point. A mere allusion to the Convent Question,' a simple threat to inspect Nunneries, inflames them in a moment, and makes them storm and rage like men beside themselves. How sure is the Word of Prophecy! There is not a tittle of it which history will not verify. Look how deeply Rome is agitated at this moment by the attempt of the Sardinian Government to reform the Monasteries, which are in that improving country far too numerous, and at the same time most deeply corrupted. She is opposing their reform with frantic zeal, and almost bursting with ire and vexation. Let her fill up the measure of her iniquity. Time is speeding on, and her doom is approaching.

mines of lead and copper, the mountains of iron and coal, the bottomless fountains of salt, and the forests of timber, can he have more than the shadow of a conception, either of the greatness, or the capabilities of the West. Familiar as I have been with the Valley for the last twenty years, I am more than ever filled with amazement and hope. On one of our anniversary occasions, an eloquent preacher said: 'I have stood at the junction of the Missouri and the Mississippi, and with my eye followed the full-freighted steamers-westward, eighteen hundred miles to the mouth of the Yellow Stone; northward, almost a thousand miles to the Falls of St Anthony; southward, fourteen hundred miles to the Gulf of Mexico; and eastward, twelve hundred miles to the Birmingham of the West. I gazed on a soil richer and broader than the banks of a hundred Niles -a soil internally and externally inexhaustible, and teeming with an enterprise which never tires. Then I looked at the means employed for its social and moral improvement, and thought of its destiny! How could I keep from lifting my hands to heaven, exclaiming, O God, this great and beautiful land shall be Thine.'

With these feelings I have deeply sympathized ever since I preached my first sermon on the sunset side of the Alleghanies. Despair of the West! When I see what twenty years have done in planting and rearing religious and educational institutions in this Valley; when I see the giant and growing strength of Protestantism, and the comparative weakness of Romanism; when I witness the manifest and wonderful improvement in things pure, lovely, and of good report, how can I feel otherwise than the most joyous hope, or cherish any but the most encouraging assurances? The growth of the cities has amazed me. Cincinnati, St Louis, Peoria, Chicago, Milwaukie, and Buffalo think of their retiring at night, and getting up in the morning so grown as nearly to lose their personal identity. In 1841, I met in Cincinnati the man who built there the first log-cabin. He had come back on a visit, after an absence of fifty-one years, and very gravely remarked, They have done considerable since I left.' The producing capabilities of the Country have amazed me. Fields of corn and wheat, too great for any common rainbow to span, and too abundant for armies sensibly to diminish; and yet but a small portion of the soil under cultivation. Why, Illinois alone, properly cultivated, can feed the United States, and send annual donations to the starving in the Old World.

The multiplication of manufactories, the facilities for transportation and travel, and

the rapid accumulations of wealth, astonish me. Not many years since, a young man came to the Queen of the West, seeking his fortune. His whole capital did not exceed five hundred dollars. Now, his spacious store and stock cannot be purchased for less than seventy-five thousand dollars. Numbers, whom I knew to be poor a few years ago, are now established in lucrative business, with a competence already, and an abundance in prospect. The facilities of intercommunication are so great as to prompt the wheels of industry to roll out their products with a constantly accelerated speed; and enterprise may toil and grow rich to its heart's content. This may tend to worldliness, but not necessarily. It is our hope and prayer, that the spirit and gains of industry may be sanctified, and consecrated to the work of the world's conversion to God.

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One sight in St Louis greatly delighted me: it was the German Sabbath Schools. Many hundreds of children and youth attend these schools; some of whom are sent there simply to be taught the English language; while all of them are treasuring up truths, which are able to make them wise unto salvation.' Let the Germans come, and bring with them as many other nations as they please, so that they are thus brought under the teaching and influence of the Word of God. This is the true way to Americanize them, and make them good republicans, and citizens of the kingdom of heaven. Such can never be mesmerized by Rome.-N. Y. Evan.

PATIENCE OF THE CRIMEAN

SUFFERERS.

THE following paragraphs are from the pen of an esteemed Correspondent, who has favoured us with several excellent Articles. They lately appeared in one of the Public Prints. They are now, with some slight abbreviations, inserted in our Columns; partly, because we deem their strictures both just and seasonable, and partly, because they might not otherwise meet the eye of most of our readers.

We wish, however, to guard against mistake or misrepresentation. To encourage a spirit of insubordination in the army, or excite and foment feelings of disaffection in the Country, is as far from our design in giving currency to the remarks, as, we are sure, it was remote from the intention of the Author in penning them. The importance, the necessity, of strict discipline among the soldiery is granted: their own honour and safety, as well as the general interests of the community, imperiously require it. Submission, in things lawful, to constituted authorities, we hold

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