of these bloody deeds, so thoroughly at variance with the precepts and character of the divine Author of man's redemption, to examine into the faith which produced such fiend-like works; and to try that faith, not by the fallible traditions of men, but by the unerring standard of eternal truth! THE WITNESS. PART III. FAR be it from us to suppose, that the abominable persecutions detailed in these extracts are not calculated to excite the deepest abhorrence in the breasts of multitudes of the Romish church. But let it ever be remembered, that this hot zeal for the intended "service of God," is in exact proportion to the degree of religious principle at that moment dominating. Previously to the kindling of this internal fire, this flame of bigotry and superstition in the soul, were the humane but bigoted individual asked if he would commit such horrors, he might answer with unaffected surprise and genuine aversion, as the Syrian noble replied to the prophet," Am I a dog that I should do this thing?" So doubtless would the king of France have answered, of whose deeds of cruelty we have just been reading. And yet it is indelibly graven, as "with an iron pen, in the "rock for ever," that both the humane king, and the Syrian noble could, under the influence of prejudice and passion, do the very thing from which before they would have turned with real horror. We have a similar example presented in the history of the great apostle of the Gentiles. It is written for our learning. "As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women, committed them to prison." (Acrs viii. 3.) Again, "And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, &c." (Acтs ix. 1, 2.) He frequently acknowledges with deep sorrow the effects of his cruel zeal, "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious; but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief." With this example before us of the dire effects of bigotry and ignorance, "Let him that thinketh he standeth," and is consequently secure in the assurance of his own humanity and integrity, "take heed lest he fall!" This dreadful principle of persecution is inherent in the church of Rome. The most reluctant member of her body cannot but yield to the influence of this vital spirit: when its circulation is excited by the devoted agents, she can at all times rouse into the most energetic action. Were the origin of this evil spirit deeply investigated, it would be deprived of that holy covering with which it seeks to hide itself from mortal gaze, and even from its own view; pomp, and pride, and lust of dominion would be found lurking be hind this cloak, which policy embroiders with the cross of Christ! What Roman Catholic would hesitate in pronouncing judgment upon the blood-stained ambition of an Alexander, a Cæsar, an Alaric, an Attila? What stronger evidence against the principle and faith of Mahomet would such an one desire, than the means whereby that faith was propagated? Were these means in harmony with the precepts of the gospel, and the lovely nature of its divine Author, or are they diametrically opposed to them? The faith thus spread, we know, and are assured is thoroughly antichristian, and is most diabolically false. But the popes of Rome have, for centuries, employed the very same means, and with, perhaps, tenfold more cruelty! The conclusion is irresistible. Well indeed does the monstrous character of Rome accord with the impious triumphs of the arch impostor! We have, in the course of a few pages, reviewed a period of papal history, comprising more than eight hundred years. |