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love? Then you know the deep emotions Bible. We read of hell, and we read of

of that solemn moment, when in the stillness
of the chamber of death, the heavy breathing
ceases, and the happy spirit wings its flight
to God. What conflicting feelings then
struggle for mastery in the heart! Faith,
joy, doubt and sorrow, seem in turn to take
possession of the soul, nay rather they all
reign there at once; we mourn in widow-
hood, but acquiesce in faith: we look on
our own life as desolate, through separa-
tion, but thinking on the present glory of
the departed, we cannot withhold a glad
Amen from Cowper's lines on his mother-
"But oh! the thought that thou art safe, and he,
That thought is joy, arise what may to me."
Yes, it is joy-a mournful joy, but still a joy
unutterable-a joy that draws from the same
eye tears of rejoicing and tears of grief-a
joy which, strange to say, melts us into sad-
ness, while it gives a calm and peaceful
satisfaction, from the full and complete as-
surance that those we love most are for ever
safe with Jesus. This joy is the birthright
of God's faithful children, and this the
balm with which in our funeral service we
strive to staunch the mourner's tears. Who
that has ever wept beside an open grave can
fail to remember those hallowed words—“I
heard a voice from heaven saying unto me,
Write from henceforth blessed are the dead
which die in the Lord, even so saith the
Spirit, for they rest from their labours"?
But the Church of Rome, at one fatal blow,
robs us of this, and in the Catechism of
Trent declares," Besides hell, there is a fire
of purgatory, in which the souls of the pious
being tormented for a definite time, expiate
their sin, that so an entrance may be opened
to them into the eternal country, into which
nothing defiled can enter." We may here
observe four things:-1. That the souls in
Purgatory are under torture. 2. That this
torture is by fire. 3. That the persons suf-
fering it are not the wicked, but the pious,
God's dear children, those to whom Christ
would say, 66
'Depart in peace, thy faith hath
saved thee." 4. That the purpose of it is
to expiate sin, or make an atonement for
transgressors before they can be admitted to
eternal glory. So that if we are to believe
Rome, we must abandon all our bright hopes
for our dear departed brethren; our mothers,
fathers, and fond friends, who full of faith,
fall asleep in Jesus, are at this present mo-
ment writhing and gnashing their teeth in
the fierce agony of scorching heat, yet glad
even of the flame to hide them from the
displeasure of that Saviour they once de-
lighted to trust and love. There is not a
shadow of foundation for this doctrine in the

can ever

heaven; we read plainly, "that where the
tree falleth, there shall it lie;" but of Pur-
gatory not a word is to be found. Not only
is there no support for this doctrine, but it
is in direct contradiction to the word of God.
Let us begin with the language of our
blessed Saviour to the dying thief, which
shows that the spirit is gathered immediately
to a joyful home-"To-day shalt thou be
with me in Paradise." There is no question
here as to his immediate happiness; there
was no need of prayer for the repose of his
soul. That very afternoon, when his poor
exhausted frame hung lifeless on the cross,
when he was carried off as an unclean thing
to be buried out of the sight of man,—that
very afternoon, before the evening closed in,
was the happy spirit in Paradise" with
Jesus. And there is something very beauti-
ful in the name here given to the home of
spirits-Paradise. In Paradise there was
no pain, no sickness, no sorrow, no death,
no sin and so is it with the home of be-
lievers; neither sin nor sorrow
gain admission: in that home, holiness is
the joy, praise the incense, and Christ the
light. In this home again there is an im
mediate rest: there is no delay, no interval,
no expiation, they are at once blessed, for
they have fallen asleep in Jesus, they have
died in the Lord. This immediate blessed-
ness is taught us also from the cave of La-
zarus. When the beggar died, he was car-
ried by the angels into Abraham's bosom,
not to Purgatory; and when there, he was
comforted in the enjoyment of a rest with
God. But above all, the dying spirit passes
immediately into the presence of Christ the
Saviour. When Stephen died, he saw the
glory of God, and Jesus standing on the
right hand of God; saw, as it were, the arm
of Christ reaching forth to draw him up to
heaven; so he fell down and prayed, "Lord
Jesus, receive my spirit." But there is
another passage, in which all these immedi-
ate blessings seem summed up in one ex-
pressive word-" To me to live is Christ,
and to die is gain." It places the truth be-
yond all attack. To die is gain; therefore,
to die is not to go to Purgatory.
To die is
gain; therefore, to die is not to be tortured
in fire for the expiation of our sin. Look
at the present happiness of belivers, the
present joy of the new-born child of God.
He does not see Christ it is true, with the
eye of sense, but he knows him, he loves
him, he delights in him, he speaks to him,
his soul is filled with joy at the assurance
of his grace. In every care and trial he can
find a sweet repose, for he knows that Christ

is near, and he has the precious promise"The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him, and the Lord shall cover him all the day long." So when his frame becomes enfeebled, and the time of his departure seems at hand, he can lie down peacefully on his bed of languishing, for he has the precious promise that the Lord shall strengthen him and make all his bed in his sickness. Ah! and when the dying man is passing alone through the valley of the shadow of death, he is still supported, still happy, still at peace, for the Lord is nigh. "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." Oh! happy death of the child of God! Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his.

another. Though the Society, in one point of view, was formed independently of a political bearing, inasmuch as its object was to lead men to draw a distinction between truth and error-to lead men to a sense of the great privileges and advantages that are afforded them by Protestantism being established in this country; leading them to a sense of this, they must, of course, be led to entertain a high sense of the great responsibility attaching to them in the exercise of their elective franchise; and though in this point of view the Society had certainly a political bearing, still it was strictly a religious society, grounded on strictly religious principles, and established for strictly a religious object, namely, the object of defending Protestantism-that was to say, of defending those great and glorious truths revealed to us in the Bible, which alone can lead to real peace here, and to a blessed immortality hereafter. To promote this great, and, he would repeat, religious object, it was proposed to give, occasionally, lectures on the value of Protestantism, and on the importance of upholding it in this country; it was proposed to circulate suitable publications; and it was also proposed, in the event of any objectionable measure, a measure, for instance, which should have the effect of encouraging and sanctioning by endowment, or otherwise, anything which Protestants looked upon as being founded in error,—in the event of such a measure being brought forward, it was proposed to give every facility to the expression of public opinion, and to oppose such a measure, so far as this PROTESTANT SOCIETY. district was concerned, by preparing and sending petitions to Parliament. Having THE first public meeting of this recently- thus stated what he conceived to be the real formed Society was held at the Rev. J. T. character and object of this Society, he Nottidge's school-rooms, St. Clement's, would now endeavour to give a few reasons Ipswich, on Tuesday evening last. Upon why he conceived it his duty to afford the the platform we observed, J. Tollemache, Society his support. On no account would Esq., M.P., Helmingham-hall; W. Long, he say a word which could in the slightest Esq., Hurts-hall, Saxmundham; Charles degree hurt the feelings of any human being; Lillingston, Esq., the Rev. J. T. Nottidge, so far from entertaining a bitter or unkind the Rev. C. Bridges, the Rev. J. W. Reeve, feeling towards the Roman Catholics, he the Rev. F. Storr. The apartment was filled did not hesitate to declare that he highly by a respectable auditory, nearly half of honoured and admired the consistent con

But now suppose the valley crossed. The arm has upheld him through the struggle; the beloved of the Lord has been borne safely through. Is the first sight which meets his affrighted eye, the lurid flames of purgatorial fire?-The first sound that startles his ear, the groaning of God's beloved children writhing under the torments of expiating torture? Is that calm repose on Jesus suddenly changed by one terrific plunge into the scorching agony of a purgatorial fire? Would it be gain thus to die? Would such a death be far better than a life of faith? It would be better surely to dwell safely as the beloved of the Lord, than to burn miserably as the expiation of unforgiven sin.-REV. E. HOARE.

IPSWICH AND EAST SUFFOLK

whom were women.

duct of Lord Shrewsbury, and other Roman Mr. TOLLEMACHE, in taking the chair, Catholics, who with such zeal and munifisaid the Society was not formed for elec- cence, encouraged and supported what they tioneering purposes. (Hear, hear.) They considered to be the true Church in this would exercise their individual rights as country. He could only say that if the conthey thought proper, but as members of that duct of the professing body of Protestants in Society, it was not their intention to form this kingdom, were equally consistent and themselves into a sort of electioneering or equally worthy of our honour and admiracanvassing committee, with the object of tion, there would, with God's blessing, be bringing into Parliament any particular in- no fear for Protestantism in this country; or of endeavouring to turn out but when he saw the consistency and zeal

dividual,

of the Roman Catholics on the one hand, and when he saw the inconsistency and lukewarmness of the great body of professing Protestants, on the other; when he saw the union which prevailed amongst the Roman Catholic body for promoting the great object they naturally had in view, namely, the overthrow of Protestantism and the re-establishment of Romanism on the ruins of Protestantism in this country; when he saw that even among the laity, particularly the upper classes, our own Church itself was valued chiefly on account of its being the established Church of England, instead of that Church being valued only on account of the Protestant and Scriptural truths contained in her thirty-nine articles; when he considered the anti-Protestant views adopted by many of the clergy, which views they thought would exalt their order and give it influence, and which would be continued unless firmly and perseveringly opposed by the laity; when he considered, too, the feelings and opinions of parliament as exhibited upon the passing of the Maynooth bill-a bill which, most assuredly, would be the precursor of strong, and, if possible, more objectionable measures, unless the Protestants of this country made a most determined stand; he said, when he considered all these things, he could not but be under the apprehension that Protestantism must be seriously injured in the end, unless all true Protestants were placed upon their guard, and aroused to a sense of their danger. These were some of the truths which had induced him to feel it to be his duty, as he trusted they would also feel it to be theirs these were some of the truths which had induced him to join this Society; for he could not conceive a more effectual mode of placing parties on their guard, and of arousing them to a sense of their danger, than by forming as he trusted would be formed in different parts of the country—societies similar to the Ipswich and East Suffolk Protestant Society—a society keeping clear, as it did, from all direct interference with elections, and keeping clear, as it did also, from all party politics—a society religious in its character and religious in its objects, might, therefore be joined and supported by all classes, and by all denominations of Protestant Christians.

The Rev. C. BRIDGES proposed the first resolution, to the effect that such a society was necessary for maintaining the Protestant faith, and for adopting measures suitable to the exigences of the times. He expressed his cordial approval of the views and objects of the Society, for it could not be denied

that they had fallen from principle to expediency, from the Bible to the world. The Roman Catholic College of Maynooth was now literally endowed by the state, and it was supporting upwards of 500 priests, whose sworn duty it would be to go forth into the world and to do all in their power to destroy that faith which Protestants had been taught to hold dear, and which this nation used to acknowledge as the great mark of her religious character. It was, therefore, the duty of Protestants to take the word of God, and with this to arm themselves for the conflict in defence of those Protestant principles recognised by the constitution, against the aggressive policy, and poisonous and deadly errors of the Church of Rome. Was it or was it not desirable, he would ask, to maintain the glorious truths of Protestantism? Could we part with them? What did their forefathers do? even unto blood-striving, and they overcame the great enemy. If we did not firmly and energetically defend Protestant principles, we should indeed be degenerate successors of Protestant forefathers; we should feel that we would rather die than give up the truths of Protestantism to the Church of Rome. In conclusion, he commended the work to God; for whilst shrinking from allying themselves to any political party, they would never shrink from allying themselves with their great Lord and Master.

They resisted

The Rev. J. T. NOTTIDGE seconded the resolution. The work, he said, must be governed by watchful observation of events, and by reflecting confidence in the word of God; they must persevere, so long as the cause deserved support, and that would be to the end of their lives. By these means they would leave an invaluable legacy to their successors. As regarded more especialy the Society's contemplated operations, he should advocate fair and free discussion, apart from all personal or party motives, in the true spirit of religious candour, not seeking any undue or unworthy advantage over any opponent, but entertaining, at all times, a due sense of the sacred and solemn obligations owing to both God and man.

Mr. LONG proposed the next resolution, inviting all persons to join this Society, and recommending the formation of similar societies in other districts.

The Rev. J. W. REEVE seconded the resolution, expatiating upon the necessity of promoting and strengthening Protestant principles, of protecting and defending Protestant interests, and of our conduct being duly and properly influenced as Christian citizens.

Mr. LILLINGSTON moved, and the Rev. F. STORR Seconded, the next resolution.

The several resolutions were carried unanimously, and the business of the meeting having concluded,

Mr. TOLLEMACHE thanked the company for their attendance, exhorting them all to join the society, feeling assured, as he did, that this was the true mode by which they would be able effectually to maintain their Protestant faith and Protestant privileges. After singing the Doxology, the meeting separated.

CABINET.

CHRIST has given us a standard of morals, a standard of feelings, a standard of actions, superior to every other standard; and we are not entitled to call ourselves Christians, unless we try to arrive at this standard.

INTELLIGENCE.

"PRAY WITHOUT CEASING."-1 Thess. v. 17.

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Obedient winds at his command
Convey his Hero to our land:
The sons of Rome with terror view,
And speed their flight, where none pursue.

Such great deliverance God hath wrought,
And down to us salvation brought;
And still the care of guardian heaven
Secures the bliss itself hath given.

In thee we trust, Almighty Lord,
Continued rescue to afford,
Still be thy powerful arm made bare,
For all thy servants' hopes are there.

Spanish Armada, 1588.
Popish Gunpowder Plot, 1605.
King William the Third, Nov. 4. 1688.

ENGLAND.-Popish Statistics.-During the last six years, fifty-four new Roman Catholic churches have been erected in England. Many of them, especially those in London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, Derby, Nottingham, Newcastle, Macclesfield, and Coventry, are on the largest scale of parochial buildings in this country. Seven religious houses have been erected; nineteen new communities of nuns, and nine houses of religious men; and nearly two millions of Catholic publications have been printed in the same period. According to Mr. Pugin, the architect, St. George's Roman Catholic Church, in London, when completed, will, next to Westminster Abbey, be the largest gothic structure in the metropolis.-Morning Chronicle.Rawtenstall. A new Popish church was opened with great pomp in this place on Wednesday, Sept. 24.- -Greenwich.-An extensive piece of ground has been purchased on Croom's-hill, Greenwich, on which a Popish chapel will shortly be erected.- -The Jesuits.-The Papists have published in a pamphlet the article which appeared recently in the "Oxford and Cambridge Review," in defence of the Jesuits.

-Popish Bishops in England.-It is announced in "Dolman's Magazine," the literary organ of the English Romanists, that the Vicars Apostolic, at their recent meeting in London, determined on taking steps for the restoration of the Popish hierarchy in England. At present Romanism in England is under the organisation of the missionary system. The "restoration of the hierarchy" will assimilate England to Ireland, where the bishops have their dioceses, the priests their parishes, rectories, and curacies.--Derby.-The Papists are building a magnificent convent and school at Derby, and the Jesuits and the Sisters of Charity are constantly perambulating the town.Pembrokeshire. A correspondent of the "Tablet," Oct. 18, writes, "This county,

(Pembroke,) which has hitherto been almost impregnable as regards Catholicism, has at length been opened to the introduction of the tenets of the holy Church; a Catholic minister by unflinching exertions has so far succeeded in his mission as to form three distinct congregations, viz., Pembroke-dock, "Haverfordwest, and Milford. At the two former, ground has been obtained for the erection of chapels, both of which, it is expected, will be commenced early in the ensuing spring.--Secessions." We are now enabled to mention the names of all those members of the University of Oxford who have been received into the Roman Catholic Church in the course of the last few days. They are the Rev. J. H. Newman, B.D. Fellow of Oriel College; the Rev. - Stanton, M.A., of Brazennose College; the Rev. Bowles, M.A., of Exeter College; the Rev. Ambrose St. John, Student of Christ Church; J. D. Dalgairns, Esq., M.A., of Exeter College; and Albany Christie, Esq., M.A., Fellow of Oriel College. It is stated confidently that other clergymen, also Members of the University of Oxford, are preparing to take a similar step."-Morning Post." We have authority for adding to the list of recent converts to Romanism the name of Mr. Leicester S. F. Buckingham, the author of 'Memoirs of Mary Queen of Scots,' who was received into the Romish Church at Oscott about the end of last month."-Ibid. -It is expected that a new Popish illustrated periodical will appear shortly. SCOTLAND. — Lanarkshire. A new Popish mission has just been commenced in this country.- -Edinburgh.—A new masshouse and school were opened in this city, on Sunday, Sept. 28, by Dr. Gillis, the Vicar Apostolic.

COLONIAL.—Trinidad.-According to the last accounts, the Vicar Apostolic of Trinidad had recently ordained several priests.

FOREIGN. - Jerusalem. Intelligence from Constantinople of the 10th inst., announces that the Ottoman Porte had at length granted the firman, so long solicited by Sir S. Canning, relative to the construction of a Protestant church at Jerusalem.

Published under

THE PROTESTANT

At F. BAISLER'S

124, Oxford-street;

SIMPKIN, MARSHALL & Co.

W. DAVY & SON,]

-Austria. -Thirteen families in the villages of Lickling, Palatinate of Temesch, Hungary, have lately quitted the Roman Catholic Church and embraced the Lutheran faith. — L'Esperance.Switzerland. — A correspondent from the Canton de Vaud gives a sad account of the state of things there as regards both rulers and people. The same Infidel Government has been ap pointed as before, and it appears the pious clergy must soon abandon their country. Should this happen, the Geneva and Paris Evangelical Societies intend to persuade them to go into France, where the people are intreating to have Protestant ministers sent to them, so wonderfully does the Lord overrule all to the furtherance of his truth. If ministers of the Gospel be not sent immediately into those places in France where there is an awakening, the priests, who are using every artful means to get the people to return to them, may ultimately succeed. The Bishop of la Rochelle is particularly active and violent.-Record.--The Swiss Courier of the 16th of September, gives a description of an extensive Association which has been discovered at Neufchatel, and which has extensive ramifications throughout the other cantons of Switzerland. The object of this Society is described by the Swiss paper to be the overthrow of all religious, social, and political organisation in Germany, by means of the spread of Atheism, by the destruction of all moral principles, and even by regicide.- -Italy. -In a manifesto, lately put forth by the Italians, who are struggling to obtain political liberty, entitled, "Manifesto of the Population of the Roman States to the Princes and to the People of Europe," it is declared that the Pope has violated the most solemn engagements; that his Government is tyranical and barbarous; that he fears his subjects, and places confidence in his priests only; that the cardinals occupy all the posts of authority, and the laity none; that there is not in Europe a people more enslaved and unhappy than the people under the rule of the chief of the Romish religion; and lastly, that the Government of Rome is one of the worst in Christendom.

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