love? Then you know the deep emotions Bible. We read of hell, and we read of of that solemn moment, when in the stillness can ever heaven; we read plainly, "that where the 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. Obedient winds at his command Such great deliverance God hath wrought, In thee we trust, Almighty Lord, Spanish Armada, 1588. 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. Seven Shillings per Hundred, for Distribution. [Gilbert-street. |