shame, when they see how grossly they have been deluded by this deceiver? Let them but fairly read the Gospel of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, they will there find he delegated his power to no man, in the way the Pope claims it; and that he alone is the intercessor between GOD and man, and no man can approach GOD, but through Him.” And who is there, it may be asked, that is at all acquainted with the history of the Church, and the actings of Antichrist, the "man of sin," who is not thoroughly convinced that Popery is cruel and superstitious, idolatrous and vain; and should be held in utter abhorrence and detestation, by all Protestant men. Q. XLI. Is not all necessary information, and encouragement given, in God's holy word, to those who are truly desirous of being led in "the way everlasting?" A. Yes. It is written" then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD." "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of GOD, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him." Papists, as well as Protestants, are invited to approach the Fountain-head 1 See thoughts on the Revelations, by C. Goring, Esq. of Divine knowledge, and there replenish themselves with heavenly wisdom, and a right understanding in all things: for "the Testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple, the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes." In the holy Scriptures, they may breathe a pure and heavenly atmosphere and behold the sun of righteousness shining in all his glory : human infirmity, and Party - prejudices never spread their mists over this land of spiritual vision: the voice of truth alone is heard in it: its oracles are infallible, and from its decisions there is no appeal here flows the fountain of salvation, of which whosoever drinketh "shall never thirst, but shall have within him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."" Again, it is written, "trust in the LORD, with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding: in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths;" and, "thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying this is the way walk ye in it." "Behold I come as a thief: blessed is he that watche1h, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." "Come out of her (Babylon) my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive 1 Psalm xix. 7. 8. 2 John vii. 38. 3 Proverbs iii. 5. 6. not of her plagues: for her sins have reached unto heaven, and GOD hath remembered her iniquities.”1 "Let no man deceive you with vain words." "The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit and they are life. " 3 1 Rev. xviii. 4. 5. 2 Ephesians v. 6. $ John vi. 63. Psalm xxxii. 8. Psalm xxv. 12. Hag. i. 5. As in the Jewish and Gentile Churches, so in the Roman, "the gifts and sacrifices offered could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, until the time of REFORMATION." Heb. ix. 9. 10. "Whilst the genuine principles of the REFORMATION are sincerely felt, and manfully avowed by the informed and influential Classes of our Community, we shall have little to fear from the violence of its open enemies, or the machinations or weakness of its temporizing friends. 'The cause of true religion cannot fail, even under the desertion of its nominal followers. Superstition cannot put down Scripture.' Archb. Magee It cannot be denied that the REFORMATIONS effected, both in the Jewish, Gentile, and Romish Churches, were evidently, alike, the work of GOD: designed to promote the cause of divine truth INSTRUCTOR. 263 throughout the world, the glory of GOD, and the good of man. The REFORMATION in this Country, or change from the Catholic to Protestant opinions, is not, at all, affected by the views or characters of those who, under GOD, were instrumental in promoting it; it stands by its own intrinsic dignity.' It may be compared to a Tree the virtue of which is decided by the fruits which it bears, though the hands by which it was planted may be soiled by the earth and rubbish it was found necessary to remove it is like a Tree "planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season, and "whose leaves are appointed for the healing of the Nations." So many and blessed have been the fruits---so great and manifold the advantages which have arisen from the REFORMATION, in this Country; that time would fail me, were I to enter upon a particular detail of the same. It will be my aim and object, then, in the following pages, to enumerate some of the most obvious, and important, of those inestimable benefits which we, as Protestants enjoy. 1. The first advantage resulting from our glorious REFORMATION, and the most highly to be 1 Psalm i. 3. 2 Rev. xxii. 2. |