The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1841-10-05 00:00:00

I arta going to assign for that feeling is very singular and
odd. Hera is a paper • belonging to your town which fell
into my bands some short time back, a paper—for I love to
give credit where credit is due—as remarkable for the accu-
racy of its worts as for the soundness of its principles ; and
I rejoice to think it is not the only paper of that character in
this place. I only wish we had such a paper in my portion
of the country, and in every other part too. I find in this
paper, the LIVERPOOL STANDARD—(Cheers),—an extract
from another paper of a very different character. The editor
is commenting upon it, and the extract is to this effect :
" In this town there is more intolerance, more absence of
true Christian feeling, and mote disgusting presumption, than
in any otherin the kingdom, or in any part of the world with
the history of which we are at all acquainted." This was
a very singular reason for a man to allege for accepting
the distinguished honour of an invitation from such a
town. The rev. gentleman with much humour explained
this seeming paradox, and in (he course of his observations he
described, in a very happy (tile., the difference between
" liberal Protestant" and " Protestant liberals." lie next
glanced over the principles of the Association, with the whole
of which he expressed his admiration, and he concluded a
speech of forty minutes' duration, amidst loud cheers. We
regret that absolute necessity has compelled us to withdraw
the main part of Mr. Ker's speech ; but in all probability it
will appear when the proceedings are published in a separate
form.

The Rev. THOMAS NOLAN, of St. Barnabas' next rose to
address the meeting, and he met with a reception which
must have convinced him that his advocacy of Scriptural
principles is as highly appreciated in Liverpool as it was in the
town (Stopkpcirt) he recently left. The rev. gentleman spoke
nearly as follows :—Mr. Chairman and Protestant Brethren,
In rising to introduce the third resolution to this numerous
and influential meeting, I would fain follow the example set
by my friend and brother opposite in introducing the first.
1 would acknowledge the presence at this moment, and the
influence of feelings seemingly at variance. I would with
Mr. Parry plead guilty to the unfeigned gratification that I
feel at being allowed to identify myself with the mighty
movement now in progress in defence of Protestant princi-
ples, and in support of those Protestant institutions which
are at once the pride and bulwark of our country ; and, at
the same time, I cannot divest myself of the humbling con-
sciousness of inability to deal with the subject in a manner
at all worthy either of its nobleness or its importance. But
appearing as I do, for the first time, a stranger as yet
amongst you, I am sure you will kindly allow me some claim
on your indulgence—that you will balance the one against
the other, my zeal in the cause of Protestant truth as a set
off against the weakness which only 1 can bring to the de-
fence of it; and that I may not trespass too long, (at this
advanced hour,) as well as too much on the indulgence which
1 bespeak, 1 will proceed at once to the subject of the resolu-
tion. First of all, I think the vigilance with which our pro-
ceedings- are watched, and the unscrupulous virulence with
which we are assailed, are not without considerable advantage
to us in an indirect way, by compelling us to be even more
patient in our investigations, as well as more minute and
laborious in our details, so as not to leave " a hinge or loop
to hang a doubt upon," with reference either to the state-
ments which we put forward, or to the facts which we
enumerate. (Hear, hear.) Knowing well the character of
the enemy we have to encounter, we .must leave no room,
either for quibble or subterfuge, inasmuch as the page of
past history, inscribed with the policy of Romanism, while
it shows us the wisdom of the serpent marking all its mo-
ments, makes out for it by no means an equally clear title to
the innocency of the dove,—(applause,)—so that, for such
of our arguments as are unanswered, and of our facts as
remain undisproved, we demand the utmost extent of public
confidence. Romanism must not be permitted to shelter itself
behind both sides of the hedge, at one time assuming a lofty
silence, and again darting from its den, and to this day ring-
ing the changes on the satisfactorily and honestly explained
mistake of our dear brother M'Ghee—springing again on
another beloved brother, Stowell; when,- in the honest bold-
ness of his Protestant heart, he placed himself within the
grasp of a contested point of law—and more recently in the
case of our own beloved champion M`Neile, endeavouring to
fasten upon him a false and calumnious charge, the rebound
from winch is not yet forgotten by my Lord Lovelace or the
Protestants of Market Drayton, although their reminiscences
respectively of that event are of a widely different character.
(Cheers.) 1 mention this, sir, in order to prove, that inas-
much as Romanism, upon so slight grounds, or upon no
grounds at all, ventures to assail our champions and our
proceedings, she would trot forbear if the opportunity offered
of fastening any valid accusation upon us. (Hear, hear.)
Our arguments, sir, we contend to be unanswered, only be-
cause they are unanswerable (hear); and Romanism assumes
the dignity of a convenient silence only when enormities are
laid to her charge which are too glaring to be defended, and
too palpable to be denied. The resolution which I have the
honour to submit for *the approval and adoption of this im-
mense and influential meeting, speaks thus :—" That the
principles which elicited the energies of our Reformers in
resistance to the novelties of the Church of Rome, remain
in full force, imposing upon us the obligation to exercise
similar energies, to give efficiency to the truths of Holy
Scripture among the population of the whole realm." (Hear,
and applause.) Upon reading this resolution, it appeared
to me as if a palpable truism had been given to me to state—
that it needed no argument—that it needed only to be stated
to win concurrence, and that it brought conviction along with
it. The past labours of our Protestant champions have
proved to demonstration, in the face of the whole British
public, and challenged the Romish hierarchy and demagogues
to'clisprove any of their statements, tnat the intolerant, utt-
scriptural, arid persecuting principles of bygone ages are
neither rescinded nor seriously disclaimed, but only in abey-
ance, arid waiting for a favourable opportunity to be enforced
as rigidly as 'ever. (Hear, hear.) So much for the first clause
of the resolution, and the second follows inseparably front it;
for the Reformation, if worth commencing at all, is equally
worth continuing and completing (hear, hear) ; and no means
are so likely to be attended with final success, as those which
at the first brought down such an abundant blessing from
above. We cannot now be remiss in the cause of Protestant
principle, nor cold in our efforts for the promotion of Scrip-
tural truth, without reflecting upon the zeal and undaunted
courage of the highest and noblest ancestry that England
can boast of—the fathers and martyrs of the Reformation.
(Cheers.) They gave Romanism, as they thought, its death-
blow in this kingdom, and for years it lay prostrate; but
they had only " scotched the snake, not killed it." By and
by.it sheaved symptoms of animation. Let the history of the
J arneses and Charleses attest the gratitude with which their
indulgent toleration of it was rewarded. (Hear.) In modern
times however, fondled on the lap of a spurious liberalism,
and fanned by the breath of favour and support in high
place, it has thrown off the mask, and openly establishes it-
self in every part of our great colonial empire, in Canada,
Australia,—and witness my Lord Clifford's recent com-
plaint, in effect, almost that an ascendancy is most feared for
it in India likewise. (Hear.) Have we not seen Romanism
raising its unblushing front night after night, in our senate
house, and until the recent auspicious change, absolutely
bedding in abeyance the energies, and dictating the destinies
olthe British empire both at home and abroad. It were
well, sir, if we would acquaint ourselves more fully with the
records of the past—the terms of the parliamentary remon-
strance to James the First, seem distorted in an almost pro-
phetic spirit—" Popery hath a restless spirit, and will strive
by those gradations, f it once but get a connivance, it will
pass for toleration, if that be obtained, Papists must have
equality, and from thence they will aspire to superiority,
and will never rest till they get a subversion of true reli-
gion."—(Hear, hear.) Could the historian of the last half
century with more faithfulness describe the progress of Ro-
manism in these kingdoms ? And yet we are censured on all
hands, riot only by the Romish and radical party—all this
we are prepared for—but by some few of our friends likewise.
Now at least that the Romish party is out of .power, and Sir
IL.bert Peel at the head of affairs, some think that there is
no further need for the ',efforts of Protestant Associations.
We rejoice, sir, cordially, at the advancement to power of
that distinguished statesman, and of that noble and indepen-
dent party in the state, who honour him with their confidence
and support, and we look from his government for a firm and
impartial administration of the law according to the true
spirit of England's glorious constitution. (Hear, hear.) But
we are persuaded that it is by means other than parliamen-
tary enactments, that the encroachments of Romanism are to
be repressed. Romanism by subjugating the minds, enslaves
the bodies of her own votaries—and by their help, intimidates
and persecutes those who differ from her, and where she suc-
ceeds erects the banner of an iron despotism—and this she
calls peace. The secret by which she accomplishes this, will
ultimately be found to be the suppression of God's truth and
light. (Applause.) She hates the light because her deeds
and intentions are evil. (Cheers.) And therefore her dire
hostility to the free circulation of the Bible. It is by the
Bible she is to be opposed—and by the Bible sire must be
overthrown. (Renewed cheers.) By the circulation of the
Bible in Germany the triumph of the Reformation was
achieved. (Loud-and continued cheers.) By the same means
it was accomplished in England also, and so must it be
maintained, and the blessings of it also extended to Ireland
as well. (Hear.) When ever Luther had given to the
world his translation of the New Testament, the historian
remarks, the reformation was thenceforward taken out of
his hand, " God showed himself, and man was seen as
nothing." (Hear.) These are the weapons of our warfare
with Romanian, and these must not be suffered to rust
within their scabbards, no matter who may chance to hold
the reins of temporal power. When the Bible is placed in
the hands of the Romish population, then a blow is aimed at
the citadel of Popery, and when by God's grace the power of
scriptural truth is received and felt by them in their hearts,
then, and not till then, is the good work commenced, which
will assuredly be accomplished unto the day of the Lord
Jesus. For this glorious consummation we are ardently
anxious,—towards the accomplishment of it our prayers and
our efforts through good report and evil must steadily be di-
rected,—and sooner or later success must crown our endea-
vours, for God is with us, and if God be for us who can be
against us. (Applause.) It was my intention to have en-
tered at some length into the statistics and working of Ro-
manism in Ireland, but the lateness of the hour prevents me
doing so, except cursorily, at the present. (Cries of "Go
on.") Here the reverend speaker quoted from the Catholic
Almanack of 1837, as to the numbers of the Romish hierar-
chy arid priesthood in Ireland, and their close allegiance and
connexion with the propaganda, and the court and see of
Rome, after which he proceeded—We are often asked wiry
run away to Ireland for illustrations as to the working of
Popery ? Sir, there are too many sufficient motives ready
in reply. First, when the state of Romanism in Ireland
is of so much importance at all times at head quarters, as ap-
pears, for example, by the prophecy of St. Lazinanus, quoted
by Bishop Mont in his history of the Irish church, (vol. 1,
p. 140,) "mother church of Rome Allah when in Ireland
the Catholic faith is overcome," and by a simple conversion
of the terms of this pretended prophecy, it is immediately
brought to bear upon England, making Ireland the fulcrum
in which the loverofßotnish power is to rest for the uproot-
ing of truth in Britain, for the right reverend historian pro-
ceeds to relate—" Therefore the council of cardinals have
thought fit to encourage your country Ireland as a sacred
island, (the extract is from a letter of the Pope, to his son,
O'Neal,) being certified whilst the mother church bath a
son of worth like yourself, and those that shall suecour you
and join therein, that she will never fail, but have more or
less a holding in Britain in spite of fate. (Cheers.) If the
anxiety at Rome, as to the state of Ireland, be as great in
the present day, (and why are we to suppose it less,) from
the particulars 1 have mentioned already as to the Romish
priesthood, you see plainly the facilities of obtaining accurate
information are abundant enough. (Cheers.) I will trouble
you with one other instance of more recent date. History
has on record the reasom arrived at by Pius VI. for not en-
gaging in hostility with England, lest, forsooth, his doing so
might react prejudicially on the interests of tire Irish Roman.
Catholics. (Hear, hear.) So highly did he value tire im-
portance to Iris cause of the success of Irish Rotnanism, that
rather than run the chance of embarrassin it by exasperating
England, he preferred awakening the wrath of Napoleon
himself, and daring to encounter the• conquering army of
France. (Great Applause.) Contrast with this the con-
duct of British statesmen at home. It was about this very
period that Mr. Pitt and the Duke of Portland established
the College of Maynooth for the domestication of Romanism
in Ireland. (Hear.) Oh, sir, it was a grievous fault, and
grievously hath
England answered for it. (Great applause.)
It is, sir, for expressing these principles, fraught with ruin
to Rotnanists themselves, and danger to the institutions of
our country, and for producing documentary and historic
testimony, in support of the charges we advance, that we are
denounced as disturbers of the peace of this country, and
such of us as (like myself) are Irishmen, are set down as
slanderers and calumniators of our own. But, sir, we are no
more disturbers of the peace here than those men of old.
whose enemies charged them with troubling Israel, and
turning the world upside down—and we are no more
it,
ca.
lumniators of our own country by telling the truth of t, than
we are enemies of it by reason of our desire to tell the truth
to it. (Cheers.). The truth of the everlasting gospel, before
whose genial influence and mild sway the wilderness and the
solitary place become glad, and the country would be relieved