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old paganism to the ancient world; nor can a more terrible calamity befall our country, than a re-subjection to its yoke. As referring to the system generally, these allegations are neither uncharitable nor extravagant; they are the words of truth and soberness. Those who have paid little or no attention to the subject e—the greater the may think such statements libellous; having lived for years where the system has prevailed, we can regard them as libellous only in the legal sense

truth the greater the libel.

The efforts made by Romanists, particularly by foreign emissaries during the last thirty years to re-develop the system in this country, have been eminently sagacious, earnest, patient, hopeful; not so successful as papal vaunting would lead us to suppose, but sufficiently so to reward the labour and self-sacrifice incurred, specially as having provided a formidable apparatus of agency and instrumentality With a view to the future for future operations. This is a point deserving attentive consideration. Popery has done much in preparing to do immensely more. superstructure, almost unobserved she has laid broad and deep foundations. For the sake of ultimate conquests she is content to have gathered a well-disciplined She has erected hundreds of spacious and imposing massand earnest army. houses, which are gradually being filled; the occupants of which will assist her She has a constantly augmenting host of clergy to erect and fill hundreds more. of both orders, and helpers of various kinds in full operation. Events, to say nothing of other sources of evidence, are constantly proving that she has secret agents, incomparably the most dangerous, on every hand, in number and disguises known only to herself. Her avowed purpose is to gain supremacy in America, and to regain it in England. Her plans are formed, she works steadily onward, and bides her time.

These views are not the result of fears generated by the recent manifestations of papal insolence and aggression, to be modified or abandoned when panic has subsided. They have often been expressed by the writer publicly and privately in various parts of the country, and have often been met with incredulity and indifference. Now they are forcing themselves on the attention of the community, and the question is,-What is to be done?

Before the question is answered, it is to be observed that we have not yet ascertained the extent of the danger. Semi-popery exists in the midst of us; a system, to say the least, as dangerous in relation to our population, as downright Romanism, because being unsuspected, it has a readier access to their homes and hearts. Some thousands of the clergy of the church of England instead of proclaiming as they are supposed to do, and as they are paid to do, the doctrines of the Reformation, encourage notions and proceedings diametrically opposed to them; the authoritative teaching of the church rather than of the bible, priestly mediation, sacramental efficacy, an imposing ritual, and consequently a ceremonial rather than a spiritual religion. The influence possessed by these persons as ministers of the establishment, the influence and pecuniary resources of not a few of the aristocracy and gentry, the pulpit, the schoolroom, the press, domiciliary visitation, parochial and other charities, forms of persecution equally mean and tyrannical,-all are brought into requisition with a tact and an earnestThe missionaries of this and kindred institutions, ness worthy of a better cause. are perpetually reporting the dangerous movements of the Romanists in heartrectors, vicars, curates-whom they regard as the most pernicious propagators of error, and the most formidable opponents of the progress of true, vital Christianity. For one complaint against the open advocates of popery, they make hundreds against the tractarians, who meet them at every turn, and obstruct their operations in modes which often test severely their faith and patience.

While this more extended view of the case increases the importance of the inquiry-what is to be done? it helps to suggest the proper reply. It is clearly the duty of the churches attentively to consider the afflictive, appalling ignorance of vast multitudes of their countrymen; to address themselves, with earnestness of purpose, to the great work of home evangelization; to provide Christian agency not only in larger amount, but of better adapted quality; to spread, by every legitimate means, correct information concerning the doctrines, practices, and genius of popery in both its kinds, complete and modified; to pre-occupy, as far as possible, the minds of the people with the knowledge and love of genuine

Christianity; to do this not spasmodically, as the result of temporary excitement, but on principle, with calm earnestness, and perseveringly; not in the spirit of bigotry, but in a spirit of Christ-like tenderness; and in humble, strong, abiding reliance on the mediatorial administration of our Sovereign Lord.

Whatever, so far as the civil power is concerned, the course of events, neither papists nor Puseyites will relax their efforts. Both are numerous; both know their ground; both are in earnest; both abound in sagacity, courage, daring, endurance; and both are ready to turn every thing to account. Should government in no wise interfere, the Romanists will encourage themselves in the idea of their strength, and make their pompous titles and admitted claims tell to their advantage; should it interpose, and, acting on the advice of certain eloquent orators, suppress the titles and ship the foreigners back to Rome, they will raise the cry of persecution, and do more mischief with that, by enlisting eventually the sympathies of multitudes, than they could have done with high-sounding words. Come what may, they will continue to work on the minds and hearts of the people; on their minds and hearts we must work. They will propagate error: we must propagate truth. From their course we may learn our own. "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God." We are summoned to a contest which, whatever the policy of princes, will assume a formidable aspect towards ourselves, and an aspect of aggravated formidableness towards our children. We have no sympathy with the panic-stricken; but we are quite as far from having any with those who regard the movements of popery in this country and in America with indifference and contempt. The times are serious: the more occasion, therefore, to guard against the suggestions of indignation and fear; to keep cool; to look around us, and before us, and above us; and to adhere firmly to our great principles as Christians and as nonconformists, leaving issues in the hands of God. It should be remembered that the Jesuits are known to fear intelligent, earnest, consistent dissenters; to regard them as the most dangerous foes to the papacy. Above all, it should be remembered, that the adorable Head of the church has promised to be with his devoted servants to the end of the age; that the gates of hell shall not prevail against them; and that the will of our heavenly Father shall yet be done on earth as it is done in heaven.

It will be in the recollection of many of our friends, that about three years ago, a few baptists located at New Swindon, Great Western Railway, applied to the committee to assist them to erect

station, you naturally feel anxious to know how we are progressing. I am happy to inform you that the Lord has vouchsafed to us many tokens of his approbation. You are aware that mine has been a work of great a place of worship there. In consequence but, in many respects, I have been indemnilabour and of considerable personal sacrifice; of financial difficulties, the committee fied for all my trials by the Christian symwere unable to comply with the request.pathy and kindness I have met in my appliWith their sanction, however, the secretary engaged, by special effort, to raise £10 per annum, for two years; and on this condition, Mr. Breeze, who just then became the minister, undertook the heavy responsibility of proceeding with the erection of the chapel. The following letter from Mr. Breeze, which speaks for itself, gives the result. It is earnestly hoped that his appeal will not be in vain. The secretary will be happy to convey to him any sums that Christian friends may forward for the purpose:

MY DEAR SIR,-As you have been in a measure the cause of the commencement of our important undertaking at this interesting

cations to the Christian public for pecuniary assistance. I have witnessed some pleasing illustrations of the efficiency of the voluntary principle during the last three years. Many, many blessings attend the kind hearted friends who have so liberally come forward to our help.

It would be ungrateful not to record the kindness which I have met with from my ministerial brethren. With scarcely an exception, have they manifested a friendly disdone what they could to promote it. Nor position towards my undertaking, and have

was this fraternal feeling confined to the ministers of my own denomination. Very many of my independent brethren were equally kind; and even clergymen of the

episcopal church have contributed towards my case, besides some scores of pounds from its lay members.

The chapel, land, writings, &c., have cost us £1100, towards which three-fourths of the moneys have been collected.

I can assure you that I feel surprised and grateful at what has been done, and while reviewing the past, I find cause to exclaim, "What hath God wrought."

Still much remains to be done before the burden be removed from the shoulders; but as the Christian liberality hitherto experienced is not yet exhausted, I feel persuaded, that we shall not be permitted to sink under our difficulties.

Since the opening of the chapel, the attendance has, upon the whole, been encouraging, and some pleasing instances of usefulness have occurred.

A female who attended the place from the day of opening, said, upon the bed of death, to her friend standing by, "Now, let me beg of you, not to neglect that new chapel; I have found a blessing there, and all the comfort I have now upon the bed of death I found in that place."

Several other persons have professed to receive benefit from the ministry of the word, and have been baptized; while others are soon about to follow their example. The Sunday school is pretty well attended, and is increasing; but we need vestries very much to accommodate the children better, and thereby we should preserve the chapel from receiving damage.

Our village stations are of considerable importance. I preach at Stratton once on the sabbath and once in the week evening, where the congregations are tolerably good, especially in the afternoon of the sabbath. In these labours I trust I witness occasionally tokens of God's approval.

I have a week evening engagement at Upper Stratton, where we have a convenient little chapel, generally well filled, even on a week day evening. We have here many warm-hearted Christians, principally among the humbler portion of the community. No less than eight or ten of our brethren engage at the prayer meetings with great fervour and propriety. It does my heart good to hear them, especially as most of them acknowledge me as their spiritual father in Christ.

I have preached a few times at a village near the Shrivenham station, named Bourton. The house in which we met was generally well filled with very attentive hearers.

I am pleased to inform you that a handsome baptist chapel and a house for the minister adjoining it, are in course of erection, which will cost altogether, it is supposed, not less than £2000, the whole of which will be defrayed by a worthy and wealthy gentleman, whose heart the Lord has graciously inclined to provide for the spiritual wants of this long-neglected village.

Thus, my dear sir, from what has been stated, you will not be surprised that I feel anxious to continue my labours among a people, where God has given such proofs of his approbation. But I have serious doubts whether I shall be able to do so without some foreign aid. Indeed, it will be impossible, as I cannot make the sacrifices which would be required. As you have taken a great interest in this station, for which we all thank you most heartily, may we hope you will continue to favour us in whatever way you can, for a time, at least; as we do hope that we shall be able, ere long, to gather strength, so as to face our difficulties and ultimately to go alone.

Moneys recently received will be reported in the next Register.

Donations and Subscriptions will be gratefully received on behalf of the Society, by the Treasurer, J. R. BOUSFIELD, Esq., 126, Houndsditch; or by the Secretary, THE REV. STEPHEN J. DAVIS, 33, MOORGATE STREET, LONDON. Much trouble will be saved, both to the Secretary and his correspondents, if, in making payments by Post Office orders, they will give his name as above; or, at any rate, advise him of the name they have communicated to the Post office authorities.

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REMEDIES AGAINST SATAN'S DEVICES.
By the late Rev. Thomas Brookes.

Ir is Satan's method, first to weary and vex the soul with temptations, and then he tempts the soul to think that it is not beloved, because it is so tempted: and, by this stratagem, he keeps many precious souls in a sad, doubting, and mourning temper many years, as many of the precious sons of Sion have found by woeful experience, &c. Now, the remedies against this device are these:Remedy I. Against this device of Satan, solemnly consider, that those that have been best and most beloved have generally been most tempted.* Though Satan can never rob a Christian of his crown, yet, such is his malice, that he will therefore tempt that he may spoil him of his comforts: such is his enmity to the Father, that the nearer and dearer any child is to Him, the more will Satan trouble him, and vex him with temptations. Christ himself was most near and most dear, most innocent and most excellent, and yet none so much tempted as Christ. David was dearly beloved, and yet by Satan tempted to number the people. Job was highly prized by God himself, and yet much tempted; witness those mournful expressions that fell from his mouth when he was wet to the skin. Peter was much prized by Christ; witness that

choice testimony that Christ gave of his faith and happiness, and his showing him his glory in the mount, and the eye of pity that he cast upon him after his fearful fall, and yet tempted by Satan. "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail thee not," &c.: Luke xxii. 31, 32.

Paul had the honour of being exalted as high as heaven, and of seeing that glory that could not be expressed; and yet he no sooner stepped out of heaven than he was buffeted by Satan, lest he should be exalted above measare: 2 Cor. xii. 2, 7. If these who were so really and so eminently beloved of God, if these who have lived in heaven, and set their feet upon the stars, have been tempted, let no saints judge themselves not beloved, because they are tempted. It is as natural for saints to be tempted that are dearly beloved, as it is for the sun to shine, or a bird to sing. The eagle complains not of her wings, nor the peacock of his train, nor the nightingale of her voice, because these are natural to them; no more should saints of their temptations, because they are natural to them. Eph. vi. 12. we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

For

Pirates do not use to set upon poor empty vessels; and beggars need not fear the thief. Those that have most of God, and are most rich in grace, shall be most set upon by Satan, who is the greatest and wisest pirate in the world.

VOL. VIII.-NO. LXXXVI.

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but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Rem. II. Consider that all the temptations that befall the saints shall be sanctified to them by a hand of love. Ah! the choice experiences that the saints attain to of the wisdom of God directing, (so to handle their spiritual weapons, their graces, as not only to resist, but to overcome) of the mercy and goodness of the Lord pardoning and succouring them. And therefore, saith Paul, "I received the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure" 2 Cor. xii. 7. Twice in that verse is this expression repeated,--he begins with it and ends with it. If he had not been buffeted, who knows how his heart would have swelled? He might have been carried higher in conceit than before he was in his ecstacy. Temptation is God's school, wherein he gives his people the sweetest and clearest discoveries of his love; a school wherein God teaches his people to be more frequent and fervent in duty. When Paul was buffeted, then he prayed thrice, i. e., frequently and fervently. Temptation is a school wherein God teaches his people to be more tender, meek, and compassionate to other poor tempted souls than ever; to see a greater evil in sin, a greater emptiness in the creature, and a greater need of Christ and free grace than ever; and to know that all temptations are but his goldsmiths, by which he will try, and refine, and make them more bright. The issue of all temptations shall be to the good of the saints, as you may see by the temptations that Adam and Eve, Christ and David, Job, Peter, and Paul met with. Those hands of power and love that bring light out of darkness, good out of evil, sweet out of bitter, life out of death, comfort out of sorrow, will bring great good to his people out of all the temptations that come upon them.

Rem. III. Wisely consider, that no temptations injure the saints, so long as they are resisted by them, and prove the greatest afflictions that can befall them. It is not Satan's tempting, but your assenting, not his enticing, but your yielding, that makes temptations hurtful to your souls. If the soul, when it is tempted, resists the temptation, and saith

with Christ," "Get thee behind me, Satan ;" and with that young convert, "I am not the man that I was;" or as Luther counsels all men to answer all temptations with these words, "I am a Christian :" "if a man's temptations be his greatest affliction, then is the temptation no sin upon his soul, though it be a trouble upon his mind. When a soul can look the Lord in the face, and say, Ah, Lord! I have many outward troubles upon me, I have lost many great and desirable mercies, and yet thou that knowest the heart, knowest that all my crosses and losses do not make such wounds in my soul, nor fetch so many sighs from my heart, and tears from my eyes, as those temptations do, which Satan follows my soul with. When it is thus with the soul, then temptations are only the soul's trouble, they are not its sin."

"Satan is a malicious enemy; as his names are, so is he; his names are all names of enmity;" the accuser, the tempter, the destroyer, the devourer, the envious man; and he shows this malice and envy of his, sometimes by tempting men to such sins as are quite contrary to the temperature of their bodies, as he did Vespasian and Julian, men of sweet and excellent natures, to be most bloody murderers: and sometimes by tempting men to such sins as shall bring them neither honour nor profit, such as fall down and worship me, "to blasphemy and Atheism, uncleanness, &c., the thoughts and first motions whereof cause the heart and flesh to tremble. Now, if the soul resist, complain of, and groan and moan under these, and look up to the Lord Jesus to be delivered, then shall they not be put down to the soul's account, but to Satan's, who shall be so much the more tormented, by how much the more the saints have been by him maliciously tempted," &c.

"Make present and peremptory resistance against Satan's temptations; bid defiance to the temptation at first sight. It is safe to resist, it is dangerous to dispute. Eve lost herself, and her posterity, by falling into lists of dispute, when she should have resisted and stood upon terms of defiance with Satan. He that would stand in the hour of tempta tion must plead as Christ did, 'It is written.' Satan is bold and impudent, and if you are not peremptory in your

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