shall have to do in the narratives that will follow as with the Romish system and religion. Many Romanists are kind neighbors, good citizens, devout Christians. They are worthy of our confidence and most affectionate regard. But we are profoundly convinced, after long investigation, that the papacy is anti-Christian and the Romish religion sadly corrupt. The assumption that the pope of Rome is the vicar of Christ, the visible head of the Church on earth, invested with authority to govern Christendom and rule the world, infallible in his teachings and entitled to universal reverence, is an insult to God and a malediction to all who accept it. Romanism is not a thing of the past with which we have no immediate concern. It is a living issue, and a most serious one. Its history interprets its present life and reveals its future; it both instructs and warns. We shall be occupied for a little with the salient facts of the great Reformation, especially as associated with its representative men. As we advance, the errors of the Romish Church will pass in review before us; her degradation of all that is true and good will appear, and her temper and purpose, as opposed to the prerogatives of God and to both the temporal and spiritual interests of men, will declare themselves as changeless as her postulates are profane. There exists a necessity for constant watchfulness against the inroads of Romanism, and unremitted efforts in behalf of true religion. The lines of Protestantism must be pushed continually outward, all great centres of population and influence evangelized and the gospel preached to every creature. Only thus, working in dependence upon God, prompted by love to Christ and souls, shall we secure the supremacy of Bible truth and bring the nations to our Lord, the true Head of the Church, the only Mediator between God and men. Then shall the mystery of iniquity be destroyed, and the glad acclaim of heaven shall answer the hosannas of earth. May God be pleased to use, in some measure, this effort of one of his servants in hastening a consummation which piety devoutly desires,—and to him shall all the praise be ascribed! CRANMER: PERSECUTION AND MARTYRDOM . JOHN KNOX, THE REFORMER OF SCOTLAND |