Popery Part 2

The preaching of the Cross disturbs more minds than it saves, and so drives the unconverted to have recourse to some subst.i.tute for the Gospel.

A second remark is, that we must never be astonished at the alliance often witnessed between Popery and Infidelity, for they spring from the same elements in the human heart. Unbelief and superst.i.tion appear, at first sight, to be directly opposed; but in their secret springs they are closely allied. They are two human remedies for the uneasiness of the human heart,-the one rejecting, the other accommodating the Gospel. And whenever the time shall arise, that the witnesses for Christ shall be called on once more to bear their cross for the name of Jesus, they must be prepared to encounter both in a confederate effort against the faith.

In two particulars they agree, in one only they diverge. In their uneasiness under the influence of the Gospel, and in their rejection of its simple plan of life, they are one: the difference is only at the third stage, when the one rejects revelation, the other accommodates it to its will.

Lastly, we are surely taught that the one and only remedy for Popery and Popish tendencies is the free, sovereign, and unfettered grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We may discuss the many questions arising out of the system, and overthrow the Romish advocate even on the ecclesiastical argument; but in so doing we only protect the outposts.

If we would strike at the root of the evil, we must do it by setting forth at once the fulness and freedom of the salvation that is in Jesus.

Let the doctrine of justification by faith be written on the heart by the Holy Ghost, and there will then be little fear from Popery. Let that one great fundamental truth be neglected and obscured, and the more earnest that we are in an awakening ministry, the more effectually do we prepare the way for Rome. In every point, then, let us meet Antichrist by exalting Christ. If men are hara.s.sed by perplexity, let us a.s.sure their faith by proclaiming Christ as revealed in Scripture. If men are craving after communion with G.o.d, let us set Christ before them as the sinner's advocate. If they long for holiness, let us tell them of Christ as our wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. If they seek justification, let Christ be honoured as the Lord their righteousness; and if they look for some further expiation of their in purgatory, let us still tell them of Christ, who "by one offering hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." This is the weapon which Peter wielded on the day of Pentecost, and which burst the hold of the Popery of Judaism.

This was the message with which St. Paul set at nought the rising Popery of Galatia. This was the mighty power which, in the days of the Reformation, shook Rome to her foundations; and this is the only name whereby the witnesses for Christ can ever look for victory, for they overcome, according to the scriptural record, "by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony."

PRAYER TO BE USED AT THE MEETINGS OF THE ISLINGTON PROTESTANT INSt.i.tUTE.

ALMIGHTY G.o.d, who hast built Thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone, and hast promised that the gates of h.e.l.l shall not prevail against it; we approach Thee in the name of Him who is the one Mediator, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

We praise and magnify Thy holy name for Thy distinguishing goodness towards us as inhabitants of this Christian land, and members of a Reformed and scriptural Church. [We adore Thy grace in that wonderful interposition of Thy Providence, by which our fathers were rescued from the yoke of superst.i.tious bondage, and taught to serve Thee in spirit and in truth.]

But we confess that we have not rendered again according to the benefit we have received. We have neither prized nor improved our privileges as we ought. [We have sinned, and our fathers have sinned, and we have reason to fear lest there should be wrath upon us and upon our people, and lest Thou shouldest pour out the spirit of slumber and delusion upon us.] Yet Thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy.

Remember not our offences, nor the offences of our forefathers. Turn us again, O Lord G.o.d of hosts; cause Thy face to shine, and we shall be saved.

Direct our hearts and minds by Thy Holy Spirit. Give us understanding of the times to know what we ought to do. Let Thy merciful help especially prevent and follow us as members of this Society. May we begin, continue, and end everything in Thee. [Let us not contend for names and words, but for Thy glory, and the truth of Thy Gospel.] Grant us a simple love of the truth, and an experimental acquaintance with it. [Let us not be "carried about with divers and strange doctrines," but let our hearts be "established with grace."]

And let us not only believe with the heart, but with the mouth make confession. With meekness of wisdom may we ever be ready to defend our principles and to protest against error. Let us unite holy zeal, boldness, and stedfastness, with a spirit of genuine charity. Grant us a right judgment in all things, Christian unanimity in our counsels, and perseverance in well-doing. [Keep us humble, depending entirely upon the promised grace and help of Thy Holy Spirit, and watchful, as those who are not ignorant of the devices of Satan.]

Raise up, we earnestly entreat Thee, champions for the truth; revive in our days the spirit of the martyrs and reformers of old. Spare to Thy Church those who are zealous for Thee. May the faithful never fail from among us, but let the rising youth be trained to walk in the good old paths.

And as Thou hast commanded prayers and intercessions to be made for all men, we beseech Thee for our sovereign lady, Queen Victoria, [that she may ever be mindful of the responsibilities of her office and the obligation of her oath. Bless abundantly] the Ministers of State.

[Guide] and [govern] the senate of our land. [Strengthen and encourage those Protestant Representatives who are faithful to Thy cause; increase their influence, and add to their numbers. Pour out Thy Spirit upon all estates of the realm, the clergy and the laity, the rich and the poor.

May they strive together, as members of one body, for the common faith.

Let it please Thee to comfort and succour all oppressed Protestants, and confessors of the truth, enabling them to forgive their enemies, and to maintain their own stedfastness.] And very earnestly do we beseech Thee to bring into the way of truth all such as have erred and are deceived.

Strengthen such as do stand, and raise up them that fall.

[Finally, we commend ourselves and the work of our hands unto Thee, entreating Thee to accept our persons and our services, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences; and so to overrule all events,-nay, even the errors and infirmities of Thy servants,-to the advancement of Thy glory, and the good of Thy Church, that truth and liberty, piety and peace, may be established among us to all generations.]

These and all other mercies we humbly beg in the name and mediation of JESUS CHRIST, our most blessed Lord and Saviour.

AMEN.

N.B. The pa.s.sages within brackets may be omitted at discretion.