The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1843-12-12 00:00:00

Dee. 12, 1843.

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD

ANNUAL MEETING

both our common law and our statute law, utterly r ject , not to accuse them of any dereliction of duty. On the
the arrogant claim of the Papal Clergy to be exempt from contrary, holding the principles which they hold, it would
the jurisdiction of the civil courts. (Hear, hear.) But, be a great dereliction of duty on their part not to attempt
my friends, the instruction you wished me to give you on this consummation, which, in prostrating England, would
this occasion would be very incomplete if it were confined prostrate the whole world at the feet of St. Peter's chair.
to a statement of your Christian duty as subjects under (Loud cheers.) All our colonies east and west would, as
tir°o!3_ Tuesday evening last the annual meeting of the i the law. Another question of deep interest arises with a matter of course, fall in the wake of the mother coun-
i4 estant Operative Association of this town, was held regard to Christian duty in making or altering the lawssmall Protestant communities on tne continent
~,,h4._T Commercial Hall, Gloucester-street, and the room, and also in the selection of such representatives as shall of Europe would scarcely supply a mouthful for the then
pr;_&C,n Is very large, and, though plain, exceedingly appro- be from time to time invested with the power of making rampant Leviathan ; and no steady or combined resistance
Pa'rdtce for such a purpose, was densely crowded in every or altering the laws. On this point the Christian duty of could be expected from the insulated and unorganised
hile some hundreds, probably, were excluded for onLans demands our attention, and in considering this congregations of Protestants in the United States of
want
fives °f rosin—such was the anxiety of the honest opera- we are not forsaking our proper practical discussion, or America. There would not remain on the face of the
the attached to the church and state to en resent on entering upon theories in which we have no personal globe a single citadel unstormed ; not a voice of even re-
sage°seca'irm• We should think that, includg the pas- practical concern; for many among you are indirectly in- monstrance against the imprisonment or martyrdom of
, , there, were present not fewer than two thousand deed, but still in a very important sense, rulers in this the last of the heretics. (Loud cheers.) They are bound
e hundred individuals, including a number of females;
aeci be - realm. I will make this Plain presently, when I have first to make the attempt : they are bound to persevere in the
%sis, ',,lee the workmen, who formed the majority, a reminded you that it is the scriptural duty of all rulers of attempt : and we have no right to calculate on any real
Classled sprinkling of respectable tradesmen, who every description to rule in the fear of God. For so. it cessation from. the attempt ; however circumstances may.
slasaieu hi harmony and good feeling with the humbler is written, "He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling from time to time lead them to restrain or modify. their
we Les of their townsmen. The utmost unaoimity, and, in the fear of God." Here it is plainly laid. down that successive demands.. ...(Hear, hear..) . Whether it be the
sevetu. ay add, enthusiasm prevailed throughout ; and the all rulers among men should not only be religious. men, elective franchise in 1/93, or. admission to parliament. in
tie 'al speakers were listened to with the greatest atten- living as individuals in the fear of God, but as religious 1829, or to the corporations in 1834 ; whether it be repeal
heartyallowed breathing time by frequent loud and rulers, exercising their official authority religiously, ruling of the Irish Union in 1843, or the payment of the Irish
plaudits. as well as living, in the fear of God. (Hear.) This as a priests in 1844 ;—all have been and would be but instal-
tooA,bnut half- past six o'clock the Rev. HUGH WNEILE general princpre, is of the first importance, condemning ments—instalments, at no one stage supplying a level on
taa:_s the chair amidst the strongest demonstrations of, we as it does, on the express authority of Scripture, those which contentment and peace might be expected, but in
11i4 say, affectionate regard; and amongst those around who maintain that although all men of every station every instance acting as the steps of a ladder for gradual
th,, ~,T the platform we observed the Rev. W. Falloon, should be religious, considered in their individual ca a- , ascent, increasing the possibility, and therefore "v. Dr. Tattershall, the Rev. F. Parry, the Rev. D. city as heirs of immortality ; yet that rulers, as rulers ling the prospect, and stimulating tbition to reach
anima-
James,j, the Bev. John Finlay, and other rev. gentlemen, over the affairs of this world, have no concern with reli- the top. (Loud and continuedinlbring.) . I have
3 ycling Hampton, W. Hughes, E. assemblage Irvin, gion. But my object now is not controversy with others, thought and read, and thought again upon this point,
ef
..iorgan, &c., and also a highly respectable but instruction to you, ; and I have to point how with great anyiety. I have earnestly desired to dia.
Tint2le laity, including Messrs. Glazebrook, Howard, and in what degree you, or any of you, are entrusted cern some hope of permanent security to our consti-
iees,7, Boutflower, Harbord, and many others whose with rule in this realm, and to give you some hints tution without penal statutes. I entertain as unfeigned
V.We did not note. in the way of help towards a Christian discharge a repugnance to penal statutes as any liberal politi-
rese the top of the room were two large flags, one of them of that trust. The simplest form of government cian in the kingdom. But I must confess that lam
tre,senting King William 111. on horseback, with the among men, that which most exactly represents compelled to the conclusion, that the British constitution
te"! device; the other the flag of the Loyal Orange Be- the government of God, is an absolute monarchy. When must be destroyed, unless some political disabilities be
piZelent Society. On one side of the platform was die- the monarch is perfect, this is perfect. There is no risk again imposed upon Roman Catholics. (Hear, hear.)
le lie!iia flag representing the landing of the same.monarch of abuse of power, and no occasion for any limitation of Ido not venture to say that it is abstractedly right to do
of our ond ; and there were also two full length likenesses power; there is no risk of any lack of wsdm, and no this.. Many pr!nciples may possibly be involved in the
Re
s, present gracious sovereign, with suitable mottoes. occasion to multiply counsellors. But under monarchs, ques.tion, to w.hich I have not been able, however willing,
bet "obi add that the speakers were well heard through- themselves fallen mortals, this perfection is not to he had. to give sufficient attention. Perhaps it may be better.
4.tev,en at the further extremity of the room. There is risk of abuse, and, therefore, needs for limitation. upon the whole, to sacrifice the British constitution than
open.tecte request of the CHAIRMAN, the Rev. F. Parry There is risk of mistake, and, therefore, need for assist- to impose any political disabilities even upon persons who
there`su the proceedings with a prayer invoking a blessing ante in counsel. The modes of arranging all this are hay -• a divided, or rather an alienated, allegiance. Nei-
theiruf.U.; and breathing the most Christian feeling toward various ; that is, there are various modes of distributing ther do I venture to say that it is now possible. The state
relisioesisote-beings.who were unhappily opposed to them in power among different. individuals. in a nation, and for of public feeling in England may now be such, that a
The Rev,
political views. different periods of time. But in whatever measure, or majority of her representatives, a majority of her elect°.
elea"._e Rev. CHAIRMAN then rose, and addressed the im- for whatever period power is distributed, the persons ex- rat constituences, would rather give, up her constitution if
labo:terisselnblage nearly as follows :—Friends and fellow- ercising it are in their degree and time rulers, and, as necessary, than enact penal statutes. But I do venture
.46._ v ears, in the midst of much agitation, and surrounded Christians, are bound to rule in `the fear of God. (Hear, to say, and I think it requires no gift of prophecy, but
1144..gear!ety of movements, having for their object such and cheers.) In this realm the chief ruler, and for life, simply, a knowledge of the facts of the case with an or.
esseu_es in our church as would divest it of its scriptural peerage, dinary measure of sagacity and candour, to enter into the
is the SOVEREIGN, supported by the hereditary
oss".a. ter, such changes in our state as would destroy the who also are rulers for life ; and that our most gracious saying, that (whether for eventual good or evil) the Bri.
t0,7,,,,US trembling balance of power in our limited mo- Sovereign, whom God preserve !—(prolonged applause)— tish Constitution cannot be maintained without defences;
!S,`„"J, and such changes in the connexion between our may rule in the fear of God, we pray for divine grace defences similar in character to those which still surround
IN 'm and state, as would make the ecclesiastical power upon her sacred head and heart • that, " knowing whose the throne and the woolsack, but greatly enlarged in
tsslendent of, and, as I think, ultimately subversive of minister she is, she may above all things seek God's glory their extent, and accompanied by a vigorous propagation of liZcivil ruler, it is your privilege to be associated on the and honour." And further, that the nation may have a the Gospel. (Mucha pplause.) This is the grand point.
latef our existing institutions, an humble, but honest, public guarantee for this, on which they may confide in an encouraged and protected Christian mission : without
le, ?usent to resist, and, at least, to retard such sweep- all the Christian enthusiasm of allegiance, the following this, with its appropriate results, there can be no real
itedeUanges ; and it is my privilege to behold your order questions are put and answers given on the day of each permanent peace between the countries. But this must
to isteadfastness, and peaceful perseverance, knowing you coronation. I quote from Blackstone : be comparatively slow in operation, and its results, even
eiseeure zealously affected in this good cause. (Hear, and
" The Archbishop or Bishop shall say,—Will you solemnly if successful, must, in the absence of miracles, be very
atonos• I have much pleasure, therefore, in occupying, promise and swear to govern the people of. this kingd.om i f gradual. In the. meantime, there ought, lam persuaded,
Ilartiee,r of your annual meetings, the post which your England, and the dominions thereto belonging, according to to be some political checks in the way of defence. Ido
aeoeILY has conferred upon me ; and I will gladly en- the statutes in parliament agreed on, and the laws and customs not pretend to say to what extent they should be carried :
,Mahout to comply, as briefly as possible, with a request of the. same? certainly I think to the least possible compatible with
1s! has Seen made of me by some of yourselves—that " The Fang or Queen shall say,—l solemnly promise so to do.
our safety and our liberties. This has been often said
"Archbishop or Bishop.—Will you to your power cause law
cold on this occasion give you, in a condensed form, and justice, in mercy, to be executed in all your judgments? and reasons of too painful cogency have been assigned for
Word." that instruction in Scriptural politics, or, in other ~ King or Queen .—I will. saying it. In these last days, facts have supplied such a corn-
stSie:,,ln practical Christianity including political duties, "Archbishop or Bishop.—Will you to theutmost of your powe meant on these reasons, as it requires either wilful scepticism
sou fu it has been one of my objects to inculcate among maintain the laws of God, the. true profession of the Gospel, and or judicial infatuation to disregard. Yet still, what is to be
of
ler the last nine years. (Hear.) The scriptural basis th:3, Protestant reformeAdurtt.guimreosmtaisbelisthoeg
do.
law .
done ? What ought to be done ? What can be done ? These
Pilit Such instruction addressed to you as subjects, is ‘. AK; tnegr this, i sil Queen.—All
then King or lanepen laying his or her hand upon questions present difficulties such as enthusiasts may make
' stese_?rnprehensive and familiar saying of our Lord,light of, but such as practical statesmen, however zealous
the Holy Gospels,'
shall say,—The things which I have here
110resuer unto Caesar the things that are Caesars. " The before promised, I will perform and keep—so help me God; and honest in the cause, cannot overcome. Do not, my
tneani„are. so familiar that they seem to be plain ; yet their and then shall kiss th., book." Christian friends, think lightly of the difficulties by
ryio ".g Is profound, and their application, under the va- On this the editor of Blackstone has a note thus : which your leading statesmen are now beset. It is easy
Ilea circumstances of the Christian church, is full of de- " And it is required both by the bill of rights IW. and hi st. 2. for persons without responsibility to find fault. It is
ij es' and difficulty. When goifie,
!heir ~ simply and literally, the Roman emperor. In King and Queen shall repeat and subscribe the declaration cessary for a comprehensive view of a subject, to fancy
it}, abiding and transferable application, Caesar signifies against Popery according to the 30th Car. 2.
themselves masters of it, and to feel impatient, and even
hap"peel2o,wers that be," of whatever kind those powers may This is the first and highest step in the Christian rule indignant, because their views are not carried out ; but it
unto a"eto be, the civil ruler, whether absolute or limited, of this realm. But, secondly, our Sovereign rules by the is not easy, it is awful, to act with ;sewer in a doubtful
tiato things which a Christian is commanded to render instrumentality of responsible advisers; and that they case, when the welfare of millions, in this world and in
kissi sar may be thus generally defined,—willing sub- may advise, that is, execute their part of the rule, in the the next, may depend upon that act. Let the difficulties
tlefia:3.tl and cordial co-operation in all things lawful. This fear of God, we pray for " the lords of the council arid of the vernment then be made subjects of prayer in-
tio4 ,'"on will apply to every case, requiring only a varia- all the nobility, that they may have grace, wisdom, and deed, notg merel •in a stated form, but with conscientious
e,_ll.u.svhat is referred to by the word lawful. When understanding." (Hear.) But, thirdly, these lords of earnestness and }frequency imploring Almighty God for
o;,;a is an individual invested, in the providence of God, the council rule—that is, hold their places of authority as
blegl absolute power, for the use of which he is responsi- advisers of the Sovereign—according to the decisions of his dear Son's. sake to pour forth abundantl upon ou
beloved Sovere.i_gn and her responsible advisers.y th spirit
thrN, to God, then the limit of rightful authority and parliament. These decisions are come to by majorities of practical. wisdom and political sagacity, duly combi-
The ' 8 l fan obedience has reference only to the law of God. after free debate; and that these majorities may decide fling patience and firmn.ess,. moderation and decision,. for tooire sno other check. It is only when such a Caesar religiously, we pray to God to " direct and prosper all the performance of their
.high and solemn duties. (Ap-
lias ulands what God has forbidden, or forbids what God their consultations to the advancement of his glory."
One step more, fourthly,—parliamentary 'neje-
-I:er,,Commanded, that Christian subjects can, without sin, (Hear.) plause.) And now, a word on what in most o,f, my ad-
is tsse, to yield obedience. In every thing short' of this, it rides depend upon the selections of representatives made dresses to you occupies nearly all my words,— Render
unto God the things. that are God's. '!'his again is
osearr duty to obey, remembering that Caesar's power is by the voters among the people. (Hear.) This is the
veisthned of God. This is the simplest case of all. This appeal in the last resort for the rule of the kingdom, and comprehensive, requiring all that we are, and. all that we
ssee,""e Position of the eo le of God under Nebuchad- you and others like you should be careful to answer it ' have, ourselves, our souls and bodies, our time, our tte-
tvl,;ar and Darius • they') were obedient up to the point the fear of
.God. Every voter, at every election, is, dum- lents, our properties, to be a holy and lively sacrifice
t. re the law of dod interposed, and that point is illus- ring his appointed time, and according to his appointed
'atee bunto Him : that we should in all. things, whether in acts
of whichis are avowedly woerdilny rreelliagtilovues,ino=tn,he.,,vnr businesses
te.,„ . Y the history of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed- measure, a ruler; and every Christian voter, who has
Va In the furnace, and of Daniel in the den of lions. learned from the Scriptures that whatsoever he fines ie
laerowas the position of the primitive Christians under
itios,when. Paul wrote, by the spirit, his well known in-
aprons to be obedient to the civil power. Christians
licher such a Ca sar were often required to do what, con-
doned in itself, it would have been much better not to
:.tut, being in Divine Providence so politically si.
SiZa, they had no choice. They naturally, however, de-
die 4 change in their political position ; they desired a
eo,efent kind of Caesar, under whom such things could
b,' be lawfully required. They longed for some check
Ann the will of their absolute ruler in matters not speci-
pOllly provided for in the revealed law of God. Such de
ies were not wrong, neither was it
o!ceably way at their sti-' _ ..,.,...use the Bible no-
lie`ate
prescribes that every Christian government should
llik,,lnluta. (Hear.) As. a matter of fact, such desires
Ns; It! some. nations, in our own favoured nation, been
Ileettained. I will not attempt at present to show, in
e, ose
}la tee, . most rapid outline, how this was done, but
sisl bseul point out your position and duties now that it
~ 91, 1)11 done. When Caesar is not an absolute indivi-
,o„ 4., .
f„'lebt ' a complicated arrangement made by mutual
lig aim; and consolidated into law, then the limit of right
144 hagosity and Christian obedience has reference to
eh eiplllan code, as well as to the divine law. Under
01It j•• "Instances occasions may arise when it might be
elllog fir a Christian to refuse obedience, although the
i;alie,;_ernanded of him may have no direct or obvious
,1 the required act of obedience be opposed in any thing
eeorose man compact. This is our case. Our Caesar is
wiverricated
antiarrangemen consolidated into law. The
elVf., i;',lgen, considered as ndividu.al, in himself or her-
s'sletnt our Caesar. The hereditary branch of the le-
elf, Considered in itself is not our Caesar. The re-
el!, •"'ative branch of our Ilislature, considered in it-
Der* 15• not
4,,10eie, our Caesar. The electoral constituencies, who
Othes""Y select those representatives, are not our Caesar.
eiatie e taken together, and considered in their mutual
ll "%Els e. stablished by the laws., constitute our Ceesar,
iseYe's Involved in certain duties to all the rest. The
~ le surf,. to whom is entrusted the execution of the laws,
'45b,..Y bound to execute those ws and no other
I'lls ''" ial d •in a bound 1 •
b ib„„,_ ,n a epartments, is utyto wi ling
No
th'un and cordial co-ol
No °old the Sovereign attemp,
lio or s
ltled , 0 execute any different laws,
ave L° submit;
no ~ although the matter in question ma,
th_otrect bearing upon the law of God. Our posi-
sfilaie `refore. is essentially different from that of the
iiTit- 've Christians unde- '"-- --- nerors, and • •

OP TES
LIVERPOOL PROTESTANT OPERATIVE

ASSOCIATION

to aim in a

aeration with the execut

he people are not

.per the Koolau _ th,
t*li`aselft P
ahighly instructive. Nero was absolute. In
pleasir will without human restriction, he was the
„His was law ; his word was life or death. It
God to allow it to be so, and therefore Christians
laterr not Properly refuse to obey Nero, unless he directly
Ito 14ered with the law of God. However vexatious or
his commands might have been in secular mat-
to 4_,hristians were bound to obey ; because it is better
:(1111h, Ure vexation and oppression than to die; but if he
re—r4"cled them to disobey God, then they were bound
‘Apbpse, because it is better to die than to disobey God.
r,a "Ir,"F.) ASovereign of England is not absolute.
C::,."°,3' one of the constituent parts of our English
; and if he attempt to act as if he were absolute,
reference to the other parts., it is no Christian
r:141) obey him. On the contrary, it becomes a Chris-
nttr''ll' to disobey him, and to maintain the balanced
Jetti-eter
L our Caesar, even at the extreme cost of re•
ticking 'dm altogether. (Hear.) This is the hinge of our
is %a re
„.: volution. (Hear, hear.) James H. attempted
Pe'l-olstn• He was the. branch of our Caesar to whom
ntl. 'rusted the execution of the laws : but instead of
II! his trust, he acted in violation of it against the
i4y was no Christian duty to submit. On the con-
-1.q...• was Christian duty to refuse to submit, as the
qh 14L_ a
t"Ps did. And not only so, but it was a Christian
maintain the balanced character of our Caesar
1;4 th'! the cost of rejecting and deposing the sovereign,
phi 1)
,se "'a was the good service to their country performed
m.en, who invited, and aided, and accom-
Cilt the accession of the Prince of Orange. (Vehe-
itk4a. d prolonged applause.) The. will of our compound
41.'3 expressed in law, and with us law is absolute.
,refore tnY friends, you would obey our Saviour,
r '
,ender to Caesar the things that are Caesar's ;
.`aist'iltst be obedient, willingly so, to the laws, you
rieo'ne, co-operative, cordially so, in maintaining the
lc' and supremacy of the laws. (Hear, hear.)
chtkralat not only refrain from any breach of the law
th'jt -1.41,8, but you must never connive at any such breach
matte4l°-”e• It is not enough to be passively harmless in
erLsaisayou must be active to prevent harm. When
VC, 44°' or an offence, you must never shrink from Riv-
'ais
-s needful information to the proper authorities.
e fa branch of your Christian duty, for the perform-
,ou require true courage ; because through
211nr-aLPDY perversion of liberty, the character of an in-
ty%a"" become as generally odious as the character of
nder. and amongst certain classes of the commu-
dZen who more odious. But you must remember that
ated will nor co-operate to support the laws when
rte l: against others, do not deserve the protection of
ttitilyrl" when violated against themselves. (Cheers.)
I,..`taf „*" remember, also, that, in the Scripture, not the
Ca.e;tcY is condernned, but the man also who " saw him
044118ented with him." And, therefore, you will not
t,Tis,Qc to inform against the violaters of the laws, when
e acquainted, in a providential way, with their
4, fro I need scarcely say that this is essentially diffe.r-
-41., 41 the Co licated treachery of becoming pies
replicated .

toiar ess sake, but for th
et,t, 4:1;1 cheers) Consider'
Yle sovereign foi

word or deed,. whether •he eats or drinks, he should do

in the name of the Lord Jesus, will not allow his conduct
at the polling booth to be an exception to his Christian
life, but will endeavour, to the best of his wisdom and
knowledge, to give his vote in the fear of God. (Cheers.)
To do so with intelligence, he must have regard both to
the revealed will of God, which is unchangeable, and to
the balanced order of things in the realm, which has been
found to work well upon the whole, and which ought not
to be fundamentally changed without very urgent neces-
sity. (Hear.) Referring to the former, in the details of
religious doctrine and ecclesiastical discipline, there may
exist differences which it is difficult for the most COlicel.

entious to adjust, which, I may perhaps say with truth,
it is utterly impracticable to reduce to uniformity : and if
the candidates for our parliamentary suffrages were all
men of avowed godliness, agreeing in every fundamental
truth substantially scriptural and Christian, and differ:
'-' where c, C

...anscientious ,hristians may differ; if they
were all men who, in the language of St. Paul, " hold
the head," repudiating every species of idolatry, and
blasphemy, and infidelity, and maintaining openly and
-Qtly that 'lers --Iv 1'

honest. ruin. 4nould not on., five as individuals,
but rule as rulers, in the fear of God ; then the duty of
voters would be simplified,—then private, personal pre-
ferences might be lawfully indulged, because, whoever
was elected, the main points are secure. But if the
candidates for our suffrages differ on the most vital mat-
ters ; and some of them do not " hold the Head," do
not acknowledge Jesus Christ to be God over all, neither
bow down nor worship him ; and if some of them bow
down to an image of him, and to divers other images in
direct defiance of God's most holy law ;—(loud applause)
—if some others of them, rejecting these extremes of
anti-christianity and professing themselves members of a
Christian Church. avowing also that as private individ-

theless as rulers, in their official capacity, sink their
Christianity and make common cause and common com-
panionship with Socinians and Rotnanists ; how then can
we delegate power to such ? how can we exercise our part
of the rule of the country in the fear of Gad, if we do an
act tending to constitute such men our representatives?
(Cheers.) With reference to the balanced order of things
in the realm also, although the standard is not so precise,

which should be held sacred a substantial prerogative for

example on the part of the Crown, to guard against all
encroachments of democracy : and well defined privileges

on the part of the people of all ranks, to guard against

111 ha

all encroachments of tyranny or oppression. ()n many
matters of detail affecting the anticipated improvement,
or apprehended injury to the working of this balance,
there may be differences of opinion among honest and
conscientious supporters of the British Constitution as it
is ; and if the candidates for our suffrages differed only on
such details all being, real friends of the fundamental
principles of our glorious constitution, then there would
be comparatively little ground of preference for one above
another : for whoever was elected the British Constitution
in its foundations would be safe. But if some candidates
present themselves of whom we know that they desire
and aim at a new Charter,—(hear, hear.)—which would
give a general election every year, and a vote to every
man, and a dark ballot mask to every voter—(hear, hear,
and much cheering)—thus destroying our balance and our
peace ; and if other candidates present themselves, of
whom we know that they cannot be true to their own
Church and its head, without being untrue to the pledged
protestantism of our Sovereign ; and that consequently
such persons if sincere in their religion, as it pledges
them against heretics, especially heretical sovereigns,
must be insincere in their allegiance to the Crown of
England as now limited. And on the contrary, if they be
indeed sincere in their allegiance ; notwithstanding the
contracted, pledged, and indefeasible Protestantism of our
Sovereign ;—(cheers)—then they must be insincere in
their Romanism or Papalism ;—(renewed cheers)—when
such candidates present themselves, bow can we delegate
power to them ? How can we as Christian people, thank-
ful to God for his mercies of peace and good government
to our land, vote for such persons in the fear of God ?
(Loud applause.) Thus, then, without requiring specific
promises in detail from candidates, and indeed objecting
on principle to the system of pledged delegates instead of
free representatives, we are nevertheless called in our
measure to the defence and support of our Constitution,
on the general reputation of men and measures. The
more minute particulars must be matters of local and per-
sonal inquiry as occasions arise. (Hear.) The Christian
duty thus described has been greviously neglected. Nay
more, the principles on which it rests have been grossly
and extensively violated ; so extensively, that every estate
in the realm, except the crown, has lost its Christian
character. Hence our troubles. Hence our divisions.
Hence our dangers. (Hear, hear.) From the systematic,
patient, and skilfully conducted advances of Roman-
ism our danger is imminent, and the more so, be-
cause many of those who alone can efficiently guard
against it, seem determined not to see it. Our Roma-
nist opponents are not merely that portion of our own
population who are members of the Church of Rome,—
if this were so, the danger would be comparatively small,
—but the whole organised system of that church, through-
out the whole world, is against us. Universal supremacy
is the claim of that system,—a claim not admitting of
abandonment, or even of modification. It is declared to
be divine in its origin and absolute in itself. To say that
the subjects of the Papal court aim at the establishment
of such a supremacy, is only to say that they are sincere
and consistent. To say that they make use of all
practicable w— •-- ,+F Aiect

ns for the attainment or tr
active and diligent

•Rtate"',lle's lank..
1144, to
be ready to
as'll thiS point, that th
thurchtruly bindirm
aa

only to sa
they vary the r

I will o

:hat they a

ro say that

ans made u

enjoyments and responsibilities,-or in political duties,
cultivate the intention, and aim, and desire to do all in
the way which we really believe to be agreeable to the
will of God our Father. God our Redeemer, God our
sanctifier. (Hear.) There are two or three special to-
pics on which I had hoped to be able to say something to
you to-night ; but I have already occupied a large portion
of your time, and must for the present forbear. (Cries
of " No, no and "Go on! ") Your Secretary will
now read your last year's report.
The reverend Chairman resumed his seat amidst tu-
multuous applause, mingled with the Kentish fire.
Mr. TAYLOR, of Camden-street, then read the report
' the treasurer's accountF F

.s _ rom the latter it appeared
that the receipts for the past year had been £47 6s. 10d.,
and the expenditure £33 12s. 9d. ; leaving a balance of
£l3 14s. ld. : setting which against the debt of £25 17s.
21d., there remained still to be liquidated £l2 3s. lid.
The Rev. F. PARRY moved that the report be received,
printed, and circulated, under the directions of the com-
mittee. He hoped that God, in his infinite mercy, would
so direct their minds that they should never be ashamed
of the name of Protestants, or of the principles of which
Protestantism was the badge. Long might that name
speak with energy to their bearts, and rekindle in those
who were drooping the fire of truth, as it was in Jesus.
A few years ago it would have been deemed the wildest
flight of imagination, even to hint that any one would be
ashamed of that name. But unhappily such a thing could
no longer be considered wild or absurd, for there were
those who openly avowed that they were ashamed of the
Protestant name. Even amongst themselves—amongst
their own Protestant clergy—there had recently not been
wanting those who were not ashamed to avow that they
were ashamed of that name. One holding orders in their
church had presumed to call one of the greatest lights and
ornaments of our reformed religion, Bishop Jewel, " an
irreverent dissenter I" The man who said so was he who
dissented from the Articles and Homilies—from the stan-
dard of that religion to which he had pledged his vow,
and affixed his signature. (Hear.) The assailant of Bi-
shop Jewel, dissented from the Bible, to which that dis-
tinguished divine firmly adhered. (Cheers.) He hoped,
therefore, they would all glory in the name of Protestant,
and not only so, but remember what it imported. It im-
plied a protest, and that of a comprehensive character.
In the first place, it implied that we, as our forefathers
had done before us, protested against the Bishop of Rome,
who claimed to be supreme over all bishops and ministers,
both ecclesiastically and civilly ; and if they were consis-
tent, they must let this protest be known ; not only known,
but heard; not only heard, but felt. (Cheers.) They
protested, therefore, against the dishonour done by the
Church of Rome to the Word of God, as if it were insuf-
ficient for the purpose for which He had vouchsafed to
give it ; and they protested against its being supplanted by
the vain traditions of men. (Hear.) And they further
against the Romish doctrine of human merit, and took
their firm ground upon that doctrine—on which alone the
true church must stand or fall—the doctrine of justifica-
tion by faith alone in the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Hear.) Aiod surely they would be jealous of Le Saviour
being so deprived of his attributes, and not endure that
the crown should be taken from His head, and the sceptre
from His hand, and conferred upon another—a mere err-
ing creature ! (Hear.) They further protested against
the idolatries of the Church of Rome. She worshipped the
creature in prayer and in praise; and praying was surely
an act of worship, if anything were so. In praying to the
Virgin Mary, they exalted her to the merits and powers
beyond what was sanctioned by Scripture—investing her
with divinity. He held in his hand a book of Romish
Devotions, which he had procured from a relative on the
Continent. It was in the French language, but he would
faithfully translate the few passages to which he should
refer. There was a Litany to the Holy Virgin, from
which he should select one or two invocations. In these
she was addressed as " Holy Mother, pray for us !" She
was designated as " Source of our joy," which he consi-
dered idolatrous and blasphemous ; for were they no, told
that they should "Rejoice (alone) in the Lord Jesus."
She was also called " The Gate of Heaven ;" though Jesus
said, " I am the way, and no man cometh to the Father
but by me." Again she was invoked as "The Refuge for
Sinners ;" and in various other ways, all proving that the
Church of Rome gave the glory to another, which belonged
solely to our blessed Lord, Jesus Christ. (Hear.). In
these days, therefore, of spurious sentimentalism and li-
berality, and pretended charity, it behoved them to know
what their principles were, and to act upon them. They
might he told that popery had lost much of its rancour ;
that it was not, in fact, what it had been. But he could
assure them that it was still active and rampant. And
what had Protestants done to arrest its malignant pro-
gress ? They had thrown down one bulwark after an-
other ; opened one gate after another ; and yielded con-
cession after concession, and conciliation after concilia-
tion, to (he might say) a ruinous extent ; while every such
concession had but given renewed vigour and energy to
Popery. (" Hear," and cheers.) They had supported
the College of Maynooth ; they had granted Catholic
emancipation (falsely so called ;) and all without effect,
saving in aiding the evil to extend itself in every quarter.
Even Daniel O'COnnell himself had some years ago ad-
mitted the fact in his expositions of the progress of
Popery, delivered in a speech of which he (the speaker)
then held in his hand a passage as taken from a report in
an Irish newspaper. He stated that, when he was
a student in the Temple, there were but 38 Romish
places of worship in this country, and then there were
500; that Ireland contained 6,500,000 Roman Catholics ;
that in Liverpool, where there had formerly been but

of, as the circurr

iich they are called ,to act, is only to say
agacious and skilful. And to say that they
they thought the end justified the means,
hat they treat some of their own princi-
r. To allege, therefore, that they aim at

upon ti

mu, were were tnen iou,ouv ; that in iU aLI L eaev.,..
there were before but 100, there were then 90,000; and so
of other places. Then they had in this town an order of
Jesuits amongst them—the Sisters of Charity. Another
fact was, that in the last session of Parliament, two Roman
Catholic peers had stood up and endeavoured shamelessly
to vindicate the violation of the oath they had taken, that
they should pursue no course adverse to the interests or
doctrines of the Church of England. This avowal had
brouctht nnon his leas Lord Broueharn. who. in one of his

he destruction of the British constitution in chinch and
tate, and the recovery of England to the papal' crown, is

a upon the

withering flights of eloquence, said, that if such was the
general sentiments of the Roman Catholic body, he had
been wrong in all his anticipations. and that Lord Win-
chilsea had been right in all his gloomy forebodings.
Mr. RADCLIFFE said that, though an operative, he had
been requested to second the resolution, and he heartily
did so, considering it his duty to lift up his voice in de-
fence of our glorious constitution in church and state.
They were charged with being uncharitable ; but this he
denied. They entertained no unkind feeling to anv man,
be he Jew, Turk, heretic, or infidel. But suppose a ves-
sel were on the point of sailing from the port of Liverpool,
with her valuable cargo and her crew on board, and they
happened to discover that she was not seaworthy, would
it not be their duty to do all in their power to dissuade
the confiding but mistaken men from proceeding with
her? (Hear.) Now, they had examined the old Romish
ship (loud cheers)—they bad found that her bottom was
rotten (continued cheers and laughter)—and were they
uncharitable to the crew if they told them, as they valued
their souls, to abandon such a vessel, and coma into the
only life-boat for the salvation of perishing sinners, so
that they might finally arrive at the haven of eternal
happiness? (Loud cheers.) They were accused of being
agitators. but was not our Saviour himself an agitator,
showing, however, charity and kindness in all his works ?
Was not Martin Luther an agitator, and did he not shake

the foundation of the Pope'slingdOm to its foundations?
(Cheers.) If bad men agitated, and not for good but for
evil, should not they agitate too? Would they allow the
Pope and the Devil to have it all their own way? (Hear.)
No ; they must " agitate, agitate, agitate," until every
Popish mass-house was converted into a church of Christ,
and every Papist into a Protestant. (Cheers.) But this
was being too sanguine, for such a consummation could
alone be effected by the Great Reformer of mankind,
when he again visited the world. They owed the utmost
loyalty arid affection to their beloved Queen ; and so long
as she would adhere to and defend those principles for
which her ancestors were called to the throne, so, long
would they stand by her, and, if called upon, be ready to
spill the last drop of their blood in her behalf. (Cheers.)
And they owed a higher fealty to the Church, whose
sublime ordinances, whose redeeming doctrines, whose
touching Liturgy, it was impossible to contemplate with-
out awe and reverence. It was pleasing to behold, in the
smiling landscape, the humble cottages of the poor and
the palacial mansions of the rich ; but there was no edi-
fice that called forth more exalting associations than the
little venerable village-church—no sound more delightful
than that of its bell; and well might they exclaim, on
seeing these sacred monuments of the piety of their fa-