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J ©HI IN TETZEIL,
THE
AMERICAN AND FOREIGN
CHRISTIAN UNION
VOL. II. JULY, 1851. No. 7.
News from Sweden.
The following letter from, the Rev. Mr. Scott will be read with interest.
It will be seen that the cause of Truth encounters much opposition in Swe-
den, and that from a Protestant Church and a Protestant Government — we
are sorry to say it. It is only another illustration of the evils which flow
from a union of Church and State. Even the well-disposed, amiable, but
not sufficiently firm and decided, Oscar — in many respects one of the best
monarchs in Europe — has been compelled to yield to the insolent demands
—the unchristian demands — of the Swedish hierarchy. He dreads the
power behind the throne. We have reason to believe that he abhors that
intolerance which he is not able to resist.
Well, the sooner we make up our minds that the pure Gospel must en-
counter opposition in all directions, until it shall have triumphed over all its
enemies, the better it will be for us. It has ever been so. The kingdom of
Christ is a "suffering kingdom;" but it will triumph, in all its sufferings,
over all opposition. This is our unfailing consolation.
London, 37 Vincent-square, Westminster,
May 17th, 1851.
My dear Brother, — Your letter enclosing second of exchange for £38 15s. 6d.
was put into my hands on the platform at Exeter Hall, while the annual meeting of
the Wesleyan Missionary Society, on the 5th inst. was going forward. Next morning
early I had to set out on a missionary deputation tour through Wilts and Somerset,
from which I have just returned, in time for our Annual District Meeting, which will
occupy every waking hour of next week. I make this explanation to account for my
delay in writing to you, and the impossibility of my paying that attention to Mr.
H****, who called while I was away, which it would have afforded me much pleasure
to have been enabled to do.
I shall be very happy in forwarding your generous donation to Sweden, to remind
my friend Rosenius of what I have previously urged — the necessity of frequent let-
ters to you. I shall now (any time being no time) suggest the propriety of his send-
ing a communication during the months of June, September, December, and March ;
which, when once fixed in his mind as a duty, he may easily accomplish.
My intelligence from Sweden is of a mingled character. There is much that is
Vol. II. No. 7. 14
210
AMERICAN CHAPEL AT ROME.
July,
cheering. Never was there so much accomplished in Bible circulation. A Deacon-
ess Society promises to be very useful; and the labors of Rosenius, Ahnfelt, and
others, faithfully continued, are favored with great success. Wisselgren made a no-
ble effort to establish a Home Mission; got a number of influential persons to act
as a committee ; but the King refused to sanction the existence and operations of the
society. Considerable separations take place in the North. Latterly, in Hudiksvall,
in the church in which you spoke, and I interpreted, the separatists are prosecuted
and fined, and many have to escape to America. A valued friend — Wlberg — has
been suspended from his clerical functions for administering the Lord's Supper to
the separatists, and drawing up their memorial to the King. Near Gottenburg a few
Baptists have risen up under the pastoral care of Olaf. Nilson, known to the Sea-
man's Society of New- York. Nilson's sentence of confiscation and banishment is
confirmed by the King, notwithstanding his appeal, sustained by an excellent memo-
rial from the Evangelical Alliance, and many petitions from Baptist churches ; and
the infants of his adherents are taken by force to the parish clergyman to be bap-
tized : in one case the poor father's only cow was sold to pay the fee. The Diet seems
afraid to touch the question of religious liberty ; but it is evident the days of
Church and State monopoly in Sweden cannot be many.
It is a mysterious Providence that Fast, the first missionary ever sent out by
Sweden into the Heathen field, should have been murdered in China. He was a good
young man ; and Sweden has taken possession in Heathendom by a grave !
But I must close. It will give me much pleasure to meet you again. I shall be
found at the above address till the end of August.
Believe me, very affectionately yours.
Rev. Dr. Baird. Geo. Scott.
American Chapel at Rome.
The following letter is from an American who spent last winter at
Rome, and contemplates passing some time still in that city :
Rome, May 20th, 1851.
Dear Sir, — As the season for our American Protestant service in Rome draws to
a close, I fulfil my promise to you in giving you herewith a summary of our trials,
successes, and hopes, in connection with this enterprise, as the matter now stands.
I am happy to be able to say that the sympathies of Protestant Christians, of all
denominations, have been more strongly enlisted in the maintenance of our simple
public service than we could have expected. Christian union has been greatly pro-
moted through this enterprise. I have felt the subject to be one of vital consequence ;
here particularly, in the face of Papal Rome, so imperious and cruel in her policy of
external union ; and, consequently, I have spoken often upon the subject of the spi-
ritual union of believers. Our communion seasons have been well attended, and
have proved exceedingly refreshing. The congregation has been, for the most part,
as large as we could well accommodate ; and the voluntary offerings and subscrip-
tions have amounted to nearly $800. Considering our precarious position at the be-
1851.
AMERICAN CHAPEL AT ROME.
211
ginning of the season, and the small scale upon which we were obliged to commence
operations, this is certainly great encouragement, and awakens many hopes for the
future.
We have been strongly disposed to make more ample arrangements for the next
season immediately, now that the chapel is to be closed for the hot months; but I
think, on the whole, it will be more prudent to wait until Fall, even though by wait-
ing we shall find it more expensive to make the change proposed. We have all the
security we could ask in the word of the Pope, and the sanction of Cardinal Anto-
nelli; but we have no rights, as yet, guaranteed by treaty; and the Propaganda, I fear,
will never cease its complaints at our existence. It is quite possible that the govern-
ment may yet be worried by an unappeasable portion of the clergy, to throw the
question of our continuance upon the generosity of the American Legation, and set
up a claim to our friendly concession in the matter, on the score of the trouble caused
to it. I say this is quite possible. I do not believe, however, that we are actually
to be dislodged from our position. You may be sure that we shall wait the most po-
sitive orders from the government, before surrendering the point; for to my mind no-
thing can be more absurd than any claim on the part of the Papal government to any
such kind of politeness on the side of Protestants. When has Rome shown delicacy
towards Protestant governments In pushing the pretensions of the Papal church? If
the Propaganda and the Priests are determined to keep up a complaint to the govern-
ment at our simple existence within the walls, without facts to prove any violation
of law on our part, it only shows their bad temper. They are really not incommoded
by us ; we do nothing which attracts public attention to us ; there is, in fact, not the
slightest ground for an appeal to our delicacy. I trust, indeed, our Legation will not
be drawn into any such- freak of false modesty, as to give up our present honorable
position.
The Tuscan government is, you are aware, pursuing the most bigotted and fool-
ish course towards the Protestants of Florence. We have just received the news
here that Count Guicciardini, and seven others, have been imprisoned for assembling
to read the Scriptures. The government, I believe, will rue the consequences of this
religious persecution in a very short time. Its worst advisers could not urge it to
measures more disastrous for itself than these. As you are in a way to learn the
particulars of the late proceedings by direct correspondence, I need not dwell upon
them.
The policy of the Roman government is to conceal the evidences of a strictly re-
ligious persecution, carried on here under the shadow of political offence. They as-
sert that there is no Inquisition ; — only families are harassed, and men driven into
exile, and led to prison, for having that republican text-book, the Bible ! All
political offenders these ! But, as matters now go, they may well tremble lest their
power be taken from them. The French General, Gemeau, has assumed the most
arrogant tone as master of the city ; sent off two Roman battalions against the re-
monstrances of the Roman Minister of War, and issued an edict to the people with-
out noticing the authority of the Pope ! There have been frequent bloody quarrels
of late between the Romans and the French ; and an immense number of arrests
consequent upon violence of this kind, and for such trivial offences as carrying sus-
picious-looking hats and canes !
212
AMERICAN CHAPEL AT ROME.
July,
It seems to many of us quiet lookers-on in Rome as if the French were determined
to exasperate the people to insurrections, to find excuse for new measures more to
their satisfaction. The Papal government is in a most humiliating position ; obliged
to take any insult whatever from the French, for fear of being left in the hands of its
own subjects.
I begin to fear, therefore, that bright as our prospects are on the side of the Pro-
testant community annually gathered here in Rome, we are to have difficulties, grow-
ing out of the political troubles of the country. The uncertainties of the coming
year deter us from going forward as we would like to, in establishing ourselves here.
We cannot fairly come to our moorings in such a sea as this. We must be ready to
ship anchor at a moment's notice. The situation involves serious trials for me, with
my little family ; but we find the Lord's grace always sufficient for us.
Affectionately your brother in Christ, — .
Rev. Robert Baird, D. D.
The reference in the preceding letter to Count Guicciardini, and the per-
secution of the Italian Protestants in Florence, renders it proper that we
should give the following paragraphs, taken from the Commercial Advertiser
of this city. They were written by the same gentleman who addressed us
the letter which we have just given. They will be read with mournful in-
terest. We had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Count Guicci-
ardini in the month of April, 1837. He is an excellent man, and was then
engaged in promoting Infant Schools in Tuscany ; institutions which Grego-
ry XVI (then Pope) would not allow to be formed m his little kingdom !
In like manner, at a latter day, he would have no Railroads in his
dominions !
Count Guicciardini — descended from one of the oldest and noblest families in
Florence, who boasts the historian of that name for one of his ancestors — has been
a Protestant for at least three or four years past. He has regularly attended the
Swiss church, and communicated there, and, until lately, was never interfered with.
He was no politician, and took no part whatever against the government in 1848-49.
He is a man of the mildest and gentlest spirit imaginable, and a true Christian. Af-
ter the Italian preaching was put down by the Tuscan government in the Swiss church
here, Count Guicciardini was called up before the delegate of police, and examined,
and afterwards had an interview with Landucci, the Minister of the Interior, in which
he recalled to his remembrance the change which must have taken place in the Mi-
nister's opinions within two years; as in 1849 the Count had a conversation with him
about liberty of conscience, in which Landucci fully agreed. This interview, how-
ever, ended in his being told that there were laws against apostacy still unrepealed,
and that these must be put in force. He was also served with an inhibition, preventing
him from attending the Swiss church. It was intimated to him, however, that if he
would keep quiet, and not interfere in the cases of other Florentines — his fellow Pro-
testants against whom they might proceed — all proceedings against him would be
stopped. This he refused to do, and declared his determination to leave his country
1851.
ANNIVERSARY AT BOSTON
213
and to publish to the world that his only reason for doing so was because in it there
was not liberty to worship God according to his conscience. It was his intention to
leave next week; and he had gone the night before last to the house of one of the
Protestant Italians, to meet a few who were of " like precious faith," when gens-
d'armes, fully armed, burst into the room, seized their Bibles, and marched them all off
to the bargello, or common prison.
Application was made next day at the prison by some English gentlemen, who
knew the Count, to be permitted to see him, which the delegate of the police refused.
These gentlemen proceeded at once to Mr. Sheil, the English Minister, who acted
most promptly and kindly on their behalf. He expressed his deep regret and decided
conviction of the impolicy of such conduct on the part of the government; and
through his kind interference they obtained admission to the noble prisoner. The
gentlemen found Guicciardini looking very ill ; he had not slept, from the stench and
the vermin of the cell into which he had been thrust
Anniversary at Utica, New-York.
On Monday evening, the 19th of May, the Society celebrated its Second Anni-
versary in the Bleecker-street Baptist Church, in the city of Utica. The Rev. Albert
Barnes, of the city of Philadelphia, presided on the occasion. The exercises were
commenced with prayer by Dr. Riddle, of Pittsburgh. An appropriate hymn was
then sung by the audience ; when the Rev. Dr. Fairchild, one of the Secretaries, in a
brief statement, presented a view of the operations of the Society, at home and
abroad, during the year ; the importance of the work in which the Society is engaged,
and the encouragements that are now offered for prosecuting it with increased
energy.
Highly appropriate and able addresses were then delivered by the Rev. Ray
Palmer, of Albany, and Professor Hopkins, of the Theological Seminary at Auburn,
New- York ; when the congregation united again in singing a hymn. After which the
Rev. Dr. Parker, of Philadelphia, delivered an able and impressive address. The
Christian doxology was then sung, and the audience dismissed with the apostolic be-
nediction by Mr. Barnes. The audience was large ; composed of the citizens and of
the members of the General Assembly of tl?e Presbyterian Church, which was then
in session in that city. And although the exercises were protracted to a late hour,
they were listened to with interest to their close.
Anniversary at Boston.
The Second Annual Meeting of the Society at Boston was held in the Tremont
Temple, Tuesday, 27th of May. Julius A. Palmer, Esq. one of the Directors of the
Society, presided ; and the meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. Dr. Stowe,
of the Baptist Church. The Rev. Dr. Dickinson, the District Secretary for New
214
ANNIVERSARY AT BOSTON.
July,
England, read extracts from the Report relating to the Home Field ; and the Rev.
Dr. Baird laid before the Meeting a summary of the Society's operations in the
Foreign.
The meeting was then addressed by Rev. Mr. Westbrook, of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, Philadelphia, the District Secretary for the Middle States, who offered
a resolution, that the signs of the times call for more vigorous and united efforts for
the evangelization of the Papists of this and other countries. We might, he said,
regard the occurrences of the time as the indications of Providence — a piece of ta-
pestry with various colors, all giving evidence of the same general design.
The Papists were proper subjects of evangelical labors, and the circumstances
were such as to call for union on the part of all God's people. And what had been
done, till a very recent period, in this specific field of labor ? And yet we were more
immediately connected with them than with those to whom we were sending foreign
missionaries. He referred to the revolutions of 1848, as having opened the iron doors
and bars of spiritual despotism. And just at this time God had opened the Exodus
from Europe. Within the last seven years, the population of this country had received
as great an accession from the Old World as it had from all other sources for 200
years after its foundation. And, at the same time, the sun of temporal prosperity
shone upon us with unwonted lustre. We were one vast nation of fortune-seekers.
The great business of the people of this country was to get wealth. He was hearing
the voice of God calling upon them to appropriate a portion of this to the propaga-
tion of the truth among the Papists. If the American churches will but unite their
efforts and their means in this and other similar efforts, he trusted that the iron chains
of Popery would be broken; and millions of happy spirits should join the shout —
" Babylon is fallen ! Babylon is fallen !" But God uses human instrumentalities ; and
while we speak of the delinquencies of the Church, let us remember that we are a
part of the Church.
The resolution was seconded by Rev. Dr. Anderson, and passed.
Rev. Ray Palmer, of Albany, said this Society was fairly in the field, and had
taken its position along with other kindred associations. There were two opposite
opinions it had to meet. One was, that it had been thought that Popery was too
feeble to require any efforts to destroy it: but it was beginning to be understood in
a different light. It still contained many of the true elements of strength. In the
first place, it was strong, numerically. It was strong, also, in her position, in con-
nection with the civilization of the world. Its institutions were so interwoven with
the European governments, that it was the next thing to impossible to separate them.
Rome was also strong in its organization. There was political strength in Rome. It
was the interest of the governments of Europe to uphold Rome in her position.
There was also an sesthetical influence at Rome. It was not to be supposed that all
the arts which centre in Rome were without influence.
There was, then, after all, a moral influence at Rome. The moral power was su-
perior to all others. It was the moral power of the absence of the Gospel. Rome
was like a certain fish that had the power, when pursued, of ejecting a dark substance
that made the waters dark all around. Rome had a powerful influence in producing
darkness.
He had seen in St. Peter's, at Rome, a well dressed woman in mourning, with two
1851.
ANNIVERSARY AT BOSTON.
215
little children and a servant beside her. That woman felt that she needed something,
and she saw a little glimmer of light there. This illustrated the fact that Rome had
a moral power. But, notwithstanding these things, Rome had weak points as well
aa strong ones. She was assailable because of the falsehood of her principles. The
strength of her power was in her darkness. Rome might be assailed in her very
foundations.
Rome was also weak, when we looked at the manner in which her corruptions
were being brought to light. It had been often said that Rome was the mother of
abominations; and she had been a most prolific mother. She used to cover them up
with veils and ornaments. But the inquisitiveness of this age was lifting the cur-
tains, and exposing them to view.
Here again there was the relation of Rome to the progress of the world, which
was another point of weakness. M. Guizot had attributed to Rome much influence
upon the civilization of the world in the dark ages. It might have been so then; but
for many ages she had been like a dam across the current of human progress. Yet
it was making headway again.
But there was one more point in which, beyond all others, Rome was weak. —
She failed to meet the soul's necessities. There was consciousness in every soul —
a longing for just what the Gospel offered. And there was just enough of this con-
sciousness in Papal Europe to make them uneasy. Here was the weakness of Rome
— the conscience and the heart were against her. Let that be brought to the
hearts of men, and Popery would go down like lead. It would come to an end if
Christians would use the right means in the right way. It was found that the
real strength of Protestantism against Popery was in bringing the Gospel to bear
directly upon their hearts, as upon any other sinners. Just so far as this had been
done, there had been success. The Romanists, like other sinners, were convinced by
the Spirit of God, and then they found that there was no need of any one but Cheist
between them and God.
It was, therefore, of the utmost importance that the Gospel should be brought
constantly before the minds of the Papists in this country; and then we should see
that we were engaged in the direct work of recovering the world to Christ.
Rev. Leon Pilatte said he came as the delegate from the Evangelical Society of
France; and he conveyed the warmest congratulations and fraternal expression to this
Society ; and then proceeded to speak of some of the topics touched upon by the
previous speakers. He wished to say something about Italy, not forgetting France.
The Secretary had said that Sardinia was the only part of Italy that had been be-
nefitted by the revolutions of '48 ; yet he believed, he hoped, that our excellent Se-
cretary was mistaken. The revolutions in Italy, though they appeared to be failures,
were not really so.
When he looked upon the return of those old despotisms that had received a tem-
porary check, he was reminded of the saying of an old General — " One or two more
such victories will destroy us."
That most unpopular act of all the acts of his unpopular government — that ex-
pedition to Rome — was the most hated of all her acts, and it would ruin its projec-
tors. But while he denounced that expedition, he saw the hand of God in it. The
soldiers of France were averse to that war. They fought, not with their usual enthusi-
216
ANNIVERSARY AT BOSTON.
July,
asm ; but because they were ordered to take Rome. One of them, on his return,
was accosted by a colporteur. " You fought very well at Rome." " Yes ; but if it
had been against the Pope, we should have fought, O how much better ]" The Pope
gave them blessed medals, but they sold them for a few pennies. They told the Ita-
lians," You would have no Pope, if we had not got him for you; and if he does not
do about right, we will take him away."
The French went there not because they love Popery, but because they did not
want Austria to be the right hand of Popery. When it was for the interest of France
to put down the Pope, she would do so. France, by setting up Popery there, had
taken upon itself the engagement to put it down. Everything was unsettled in
France. He should not wonder in the least that a Republican government should be
established in France ; and a Republican government there for a month, they would
send not 25,000, but 50,000 troops to Rome. And the soldiers would not be com-
pelled to go. One hundred thousand Roman Catholics were ready to volunteer in
France, to go and destroy the abomination of the world.
In the very spirit of modern improvements, which was antagonist to Rome, there
was a danger that nothing but such a society as this could meet. If the world went
on without Rome, it must go on either under evangelical influences, or under that pan-
theistic rationalism or socialism that was now so rife in the world. If they had seen
the people of Europe during the tumultuous times of the Revolution, they would have
seen that the minds of the people were in just that state which is ready to receive
either truth or error ; and they drank in that socialist spirit which was the very es-
sence of anarchy. He besought men to pray for his poor Old World, so long un-
der the dominion of Popery.
He concluded by adding a word for France. A few Christians were there, strug-
gling, working, and yet cheerfully spending their lives in laboring for the evangeliza-
tion of France. But they met with obstacles in every direction. The government
was leagued with the priests. The evangelists and colporteurs were persecuted and
molested in every way. They helped themselves ; but they were weak, and they
wanted others to help them in the war against superstition and sin. If there were
not one Pope, but one hundred Popes in the world, they would not go back ; for they
had with them One who was stronger than Popes, or all the powers of hell. But
they wanted the sympathies and aid of those whom God had placed in different
circumstances.
Benediction by Rev. D. Humphrey.
We may add to the preceding notice of the meeting at Boston, that just as the
benediction was about to be pronounced, the Rev. Dr. Johns, of Baltimore, who had
come in unobserved whilst the business was in progress, rose to propose the follow-
ing important resolution :
" Resolved, That the time has arrived when, yielding to the spirit of our free in-
stitutions, and the objections of our citizens to secret associations, it behoves our
public legislative bodies to establish a well-ordered system of visitation and exami-
nation of all such institutions."
The subject involved in this resolution is one of the gravest importance, and de-
mands the most serious attention on the part of the law-givers of this nation. But
there was no time for its consideration at the meeting referred to.
Rev. Alexander Sing's Labors in Ireland.
Our readers will learn with interest that our friend and missionary, the
Rev. A. King, is laboring with much zeal and encouragement in Ireland.
His efforts to awaken the attention of Romanists to the consideration of the
great errors contained in their system, and a careful examination of the
points at issue between them and Protestants, appear to be eminently judi-
cious and well calculated to reach the end in view. The following adver-
tisement, which appeared in Dublin a few weeks ago, will give the reader
an idea of some of the measures to which Mr. King sometimes resorts. It
bears the following title :
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: FAIR PLAY FOR THE POPE, AND LIBERTY
FOR THE PEOPLE.
At the close of a course of lectures recently delivered in Plunket-street Chapel
by the Rev. A. King, on " The Pope, the Parliament, and the People," two documents
were presented, containing rough drafts of a proposed memorial to the Pope
from Irish Roman Catholics, and a petition to Parliament by Roman Catholics and
Protestants, to the following effect:
"NO. I. SUBSTANCE OF A SUGGESTED MEMORIAL TO THE POPE.
" That all intelligent Christian philanthropists will admit that the spirit of modern
civilization, and the events of the present age, demand an enlarged exercise of Chris-
tian charity, and the speedy abandonment of all assumptions of ecclesiastical in-
tolerance.
" That Christianity is dishonored, and political prosperity prevented, in several na-
tions in Europe, by the connection of the Church with the State, and more especially
by clergymen holding the offices of legislation and civil magistracy.
" That intelligent and liberal-minded Roman Catholics are grieved and scandalized
by the policy and practice of the Papal government, in its rigorous and oppressive
treatment of its own subjects, and in its sympathy and practical alliance with despo-
tic and anti-popular powers.
"That in the first century of our era, under the dominion of a heathen Emperor,
religious liberty was virtually enjoyed for a time by Christians in Rome ; as we read
of the first Christian apostle who visited that city — though he was sent there a pri-
soner, and though Ije was engaged in a mission against the established religion and
the gods of the empire — that he ' spent two whole years in his own hired lodging,
and received all that came in to him ; preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching
the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence — without pro-
hibition.' (Acts, last verses, Douay version.)
" That in the nineteenth century, under the dominion of a liberal and reforming
Pope, Protestant Christians are excluded from the rights of citizenship in Rome, and
prevented the exercise of public worship, though engaging not to offer any insult or
opposition to the ascendant church !
" That the arbitrary character of the Pontifical government is injurious to the
218
LABORS IN IRELAND.
July,
Roman Catholic religion in Protestant countries, and excites against it the hostility
of those who prize the rights of conscience, and desire to promote the influence of
Christian civilization.
" That, therefore, (it is respectfully submitted,) the Roman Catholics of Ireland
should memorialize the Pope, through the hands of Archbishop Murray and Cardinal
Wiseman, recommending the consideration of the foregoing remarks, and urging the
immediate adoption of such reforms in the Roman government as shall secure the
rights of the people, liberty of conscience, and liberty of the press; preparing for the
speedy separation of clerical functions from the secular government, and the final ab-
rogation of the Pope's temporal power, and guaranteeing to Protestants in Rome the
same rights and liberties as are provided for Roman Catholics by Protestant legisla-
tion in Great Britain and the United States.
"That by these means alone Irish and English Roman Catholics can reasonably
expect to allay the jealousy, and enjoy the confidence of their Protestant fellow-sub-
jects, and to secure their aid in seeking the removal of every vestige of the penal
enactments under which Roman Catholics formerly suffered in these lands.
"That this remonstrance to the court of Rome was virtually promised several
years ago by that eminent and successful champion of the political claims of Roman
Catholics, the late Daniel O'Connell ; and that it is the more necessary now, as the
Papal government is pursuing a course that is calculated to provoke and justify the
illiberal measures of other governments, and to establish the accusations of those
who allege that the spirit of the Roman Catholic religion is hostile to liberty and so-
cial progress.
"NO. II. SENTIMENTS OF A PROPOSED PETITION TO PARLIAMENT.
" That all loyal and sober-minded Roman Catholics are willing to sustain the le-
gislature and the government in upholding the authority of the Sovereign, and re-
sisting any aggression by foreign powers.
" That all intelligent and consistent Protestants are decidedly opposed to religious
persecution, and to all coercive interference with the rights of conscience.
" That Roman Catholics in these countries should be secured in the enjoyment of
their civil rights, and protected in the exercise of their religion as fully as Protestants,
and that the Pope should be as free to propagate his religious sentiments in Britain
as any Protestant missionary should be to preach Protestantism in Rome.
"That it is unjust and inexpedient for the civil power to suppress or support any
church, or any system of religious teaching; and that the religious diversities existing
in the United Kingdom and its legislature, demand the adoption of measures by
which all churches and all creeds shall be made free from the patronage and coercion
of the State.
" That the influence of the British government should be exerted with the govern-
ments of Roman Chatholic countries to promote religious liberty, and to secure for
Protestants in those countries the same political and religious rights as are enjoyed
by Roman Catholics under the British crown.
" That all the enactments of the British legislature should be based upon the im-
mutable principles of justice, preserving the rights of all classes of the community
and upholding the glorious privilege of our country, to afford to the oppressed of all
nations a safe asylum of liberty and peace."
1851.
LABORS IN IRELAND.
219
As the Papal government is the model and excuse for all the oppressive and in-
tolerent systems of State-Churchism in Christendom, all Roman Catholics who would
not persecute, ought to demand the cessation of the Pope's temporal rule, and the es-
tablishment Of CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT AND LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE IN ROME.
Not long afterwards Mr. King made the following " Appeal " to Father
Ignatius, (formerly the Hon. and Rev. G. Spencer,) which appeared in the
Dublin papers, and was entitled :
PROTESTANTISM AND THE PAPACY.
Hon. and Rev. Sir, — As a public teacher of Roman Catholicism, you, doubtless,
feel bound to undertake its exposition and defence.
Several of the most able and prominent of the Irish priests have recently been,
earnestly, and in various ways, invited to discussion; but, after eloquent gasco-
nading, and threatening to " demonstrate," they have always shrunk from argument.
The reasons assigned for this have appeared to many to be only flimsy pretences
indicating a fear of public investigation ; and you will readily understand that such
AN IMPRESSION MUST BE FATAL TO THE ROMAN CATHOLIC FAITH.
Now, sir, as you have abandoned the ministry of a Protestant Church, and as you
possess the zeal of a new convert to the Papacy, it is reasonable to expect from
you some show of evidence in behalf of the system you have embraced.
Can you give any ?
Will you favor the public with an opportunity of testing the arguments that have
induced you to forsake the Reformation, and go back to Rome ?
Do you think you have discovered that the Papacy is more accordant than Pro-
testantism with the teaching of Holy Scripture, with the dictates of reason, with the
rights and responsibilities of man, with the cause of liberty and social order, and with
the progressive civilization of our race 1
Does it appear to you that the Papacy is more calculated than Protestantism to
bring glory to God, as the Author of Christianity, and to promote happiness among
men by making them Christians? And does the present condition of the most Pro-
testant countries in the world, and of the most Roman Catholic countries, respec-
tively, present to your mind satisfactory evidence of this ? If so, sir, I earnestly
beseech you to give the intelligent people of Dublin the benefit of your convictions
and discoveries.
I beg, with all due respect, to state that I maintain the negative on the foregoing
queries upon Protestantism and the Papacy.
I hold that the Papacy is an imposture and a usurpation, hostile to the cause of
civil and religious liberty, and injurious to the moral and political interests of the na-
tions that have submitted to its sway.
I maintain that the system of the modern Church of Rome is an apostacy from
Christianity, embodying a mixture of heathen superstitions, Jewish ceremonies, Scho-
lastic absurdities,, and inventions of priestcraft, repugnant to human reason, and con-
demned by the word of God. I maintain, further, that Protestantism revives ancient,
inspired Christianity, and adopts the only principles consonant with the genius of the
Gospel, and with the laws of the human mind, for the conversion of men, and for the
evangelization of the world.
220
LABORS IN IRELAND.
July,
These, sir, are searching and trying times to religious systems. Men will think,
and use their reason, whether Churches like it or not. Many Roman Catholics here
are very anxious to get their clergy to accept our invitations to discussion ; but they
ARE DUMB BEFORE THE ADVOCATES OF ScRDPTURAL PROTESTANTISM. They will talk
for their Church only where they know they will not be contradicted. "They have
blown the trumpet to make all ready, but none goeth to the battle !"
Now, sir, I hope you will reprove their cowardice, and manifest more moral cou-
rage and confidence in Truth. Will you not, as an honest and straightforward Eng-
lishman, justify the change you have made, and endeavor to promote the influence
of Romanism, by showing why Protestants should embrace it ?
I RESPECTFULLY INVITE YOU TO A PUBLIC DISCUSSION AND DEMONSTRATION OF THE
CLAIMS OF THE PAPACY.
At your earliest convenience I shall be happy to aid you ; and I hope you will not
consider it discourteous, or contrary to Christian charity, for a stranger thus publicly
to offer you an opportunity of explaining and defending what you believe to be the
true Catholic faith.
In another letter I shall offer you a few remarks on the innovations of the Papa-
cy upon ancient Christianity in Ireland and in Rome ; and I shall endeavor to show
that you have moved in the wrong direction on leaving the English Church.
I shall also submit a plan for presenting our arguments to the public, in investi-
gation of the respective claims of Protestantism and the Papacy.
I have the honor to be, Hon. and Rev. Sir, in the cause of Truth,
Your obedient humble servant,
A. King.
This " Appeal " not having been answered, another and more successful
one followed, and reads thus :
Dear Sir, — Not having received any reply to my former proposals and inquiries,
and perceiving that you are still inviting the Protestants of Dublin to your anti-Pro-
testant lectures, I must beg you to consider the following remarks :
1st. It is evident, from several of your public statements, that you do not under*
stand the constitution and character of the Church of Rome, and the true doctrines
and genius of Evangelical Protestantism sufficiently, to warrant the course you have
adopted.
2ndly. The imitations of the Papacy in the Established Episcopal Church of Eng-
land, in its hierarchical "orders," secular organization, and other unscriptural elements,
fully account for the perversion of your mind, and clearly indicate the course by which
you and others have traveled backwards to Rome ; and the recent effects of these
corruptions show how dangerous it is to mix up the superstitious traditions of men
with the pure and simple doctrines of the word of God.
3rdly. I undertake to prove that Protestants in the Church of England are justi-
fied by Scripture and reason, and by their own principles, in rejecting the Popish no-
tions that mar the Protestantism of their Church; while Roman Catholics are bound
by their system to all the absurdities of mediaeval priestcraft and Papal intolerance.
4thly. I undertake to prove that no Roman Catholic ean prove the assumptions
of his Church, or be certain of his own rule of faith.
1851.
LABORS IN IRELAND.
221
5thly. I undertake to prove that the several bodies of Evangelical Protestants
have more identity with the primitive Church in Rome, and more " unity in the truth,"
than now exist in the modern Church of Rome.
6thly. I undertake to prove that you cannot prove the truth of Christianity by the
principles of Romanism.
7thly. I undertake to prove that you cannot prove anything, except by Pro-
testant principles.
And now, dear sir, I earnestly invite you to bring the claims of Protestantism and
the Papacy to the test of serious and intelligent inquiry.
I offer to discuss these claims with you orally, in the presence of a mixed assem-
bly of Protestants and Roman Catholics.
Or, if you prefer it, let an arrangement be made with some of the newspapers to
give us column for column, that our arguments may go silently before the public,
without editorial notes or comments, and influence the minds of men, according to
the truth that may be in them.
1 venture to assure you that many intelligent Roman Catholics are scandalized by
the present position and past history of the Papacy ; and they will consider it inde-
fensible if such men as you do not offer intelligible arguments in its behalf.
With sincere prayers that God may destroy error, and grant us " unity in truth,"
I am, dear sir, yours sincerely, Alex. King.
Rotundo, April 9, 1851.
This appeal or challenge was accepted by " Father Ignatius," and a dis-
cussion was agreed upon — to be carried on through the columns of the
Freeman's Journal^ and the Warder. The following are the terms of the
discussion :
We, the undersigned, have agreed to carry on a controversial correspondence on
the differences between Protestantism and the Church of Rome, in two Dublin pa-
pers— namely, the Freeman's Journal, and the Warder, the editors of which have
kindly agreed to insert our respective letters.
We enter upon this correspondence in the earnest hope that it may promote the
cause of truth and unity ; and with the determination, by the grace of God, to avoid
with the utmost care all such expressions as may wound or diminish the spirit of cha-
rity in ourselves or others.
The letters will appear in both papers on the same day, and will, if possible, fol-
low each other at a week's interval.
(Signed ) Ignatius, of St. Paul Passionisl.
Alex. King, Independent Minister.
The discussion was opened with a letter from Mr. King, which we have
not room for in this number of our Magazine. Father Ignatius was to fol-
low. We shall not be surprised, however, if the " Powers that be," of the
Romish hierarchy, interfere with an interdict, which, of course, Father Igna-
tius must and will obey !
" Fasting and Murdering*."
Sir T. Fowell Buxton has been looking at the practical results of the
Romish religion at home, where there is the most of it and where it is in
its best estate. He gives the following chapter of facts :
" The jail at Civita Vecchia is an old, strong fortress, close to the sea, and contains
1,364 desperate-looking criminals; all for the most aggravated offences. I am sure
you never saw such a gang of malefactors, or such a horrid dungeon. We went first
into a vaulted room, with a low ceiling — as I measured it — thirty-one yards long, and
twenty-one broad. The noise on our entrance was such as may be imagined at the
entrance of hell itself. All were chained most heavily, and fastened down. The
murderers and desperate bandits are fixed to that spot for the rest of their lives; they
are chained to a ring, fastened to the end of the platform, on which they lie side by
side; but they can move the length of their chain on a narrow gangway. Of this
class there were upwards of seven hundred in the prison — some of them famed for
a multitude of murders ; many, we are told, had committed six or seven : and, indeed,
they were a ghastly crew — haggard, ferocious, reckless assassins. A sergeant in uni-
form was ordered to keep close by me; and I observed that he kept his hand on his
sword as he walked up the alley between the adjacent platforms. The Mayor after-
wards told us that he, in his official capacity, knew that there was a murder every month
among the prisoners. I spoke to a good many of them, and, with one exception,
each said that he was condemned for murder or stabbing." Of Gasparoni, a chief
of bandits, Sir Fowell says : ' He greatly underrates his own exploits.' To my ques-
tion, 'How many people have you murdered?' he replied: 'I cannot exactly recol-
lect— somewhere about sixty.' Whereas it is notorious that he has slaughtered at
least double that number. Indeed, the Mayor of Civita Vecchia assured me that
he had received authentic information of two hundred; but he believed that even
that number was still below the mark. It is odd enough that Gasparoni is very re-
ligious now — he fasts not only on Fridays, but adds a supererogatory Saturday. But
curious as his theology now is, it is still more strange that, according to his own ac-
count, he was always a very religious man. I asked him whether he had fasted when
he was a bandit. He said, * Yes.' ' Why did you fast V said I. ' Perche sono
delta religione della Madonna — (Because I am one of our Lady's religion.) ' Which
did you think was worst — eating meat on a Friday, or killing a man V He answered
without hesitation: 'In my case it was a crime not to fast ; it was no crime to kill
those who came to betray me.' With all his present religion, however, he told the
mayor of the town, the other day, that if he got loose, the first thing he would do
would be to cut the throats of all the priests. One fact, however, shows some degree
of scrupulosity. The people of the country bear testimony that he never committed
murder on Friday ! You will wish to know how Gasparoni was taken. He became
such a nuisance, that partly from the strength of the military parties which were con-
stantly sent in pursuit of him, and partly from the diminution of traffic on the road,
his funds became short, and he could not pay his spies. Without money, and half
starved, unable to obtain intelligence, and surrounded on all sides by troops, he was
•on the point of being captured, when he listened to the proposals of a priest, who, as
1851.
HOME FIELD.
223
it is said, went beyond the authority given him, and offered him a full pardon and
pension ; upon which he and his comrades surrendered. He complains loudly of the
violation of the promise made to him."
<Duv ©ton #perattons: Jfyomz jFi'ettK
From all quarters the reports of our Missionaries in the Home Field,
during the last month, have been both interesting and encouraging ; and it
was our intention to give our readers copious extracts from them. But cir-
cumstances have occurred which lead us to deviate from our usual course in
the present number of our Magazine.
The Board have long felt a strong desire to increase, as fast , as they can,
the number of capable and faithful Irish missionaries in our country. The
demand for such laborers comes up to us from all parts of the land. If we
had fifty good men, of this class, we could at once find places for them —
important places, where they would have a great work to do. Several are
needed in each of at least half a dozen of our largest cities. To meet this
demand, the Board have resolved to take some extraordinary steps, as our
readers will learn from another page of this number.
Circumstances being such, our friends and patrons can judge with what
joy we hailed the arrival of two excellent men from Ireland — the Rev.
Messrs. Murray and Jordan — who have long labored among the Roman Ca-
tholics in the western parts of that country, in the service of the Irish
Evangelical Society. These brethren have come to us with letters of intro-
duction from many distinguished and influential men : such as the Rev. Dr.
Urwick, and Rev. Alexander King, of Dublin ; Rev. Dr. Raffles, of Liver-
pool ; Rev. Arthur Tidman, (Secretary of the London Missionary Society,)
and others. They also have the most satisfactory testimonials, in regard to
their ecclesiastical standing, from the churches of which they have been
members.
At the last meeting of the Board these brethren were appointed to la-
bor as missionaries in the cities of New- York and Brooklyn ; one taking the
former as his field, and the other the latter. They expect to preach regular-
ly, at different points, in churches, lecture rooms, or other suitable places.
Both being converted Roman Catholics, speaking well both English and
Irish — having had large experience in the work — and possessing fervent
piety and great devotion to the cause, they enter upon their mission with
good prospects of more than common success — if it please God, without
whose aid and blessing nothing can be done, to smile upon their efforts. For
224
HOME FIELD.
July.
this we beg our readers to unite their prayers with ours, that the God of all
grace would, through the abundant influence of the Holy Spirit, bless their
labors to the conversion and salvation of many of their countrymen
among us.
Wc subjoin an interesting sketch of the life of one of these brethren,
produced by his own pen, from which our readers will learn a new lesson
on the operations of Divine grace in the hearts of those who have both
known and abandoned the delusions of Romanism. The narrative is given
in form of a letter to one of the Secretaries of the Society, and is as fol-
lows. 1^ will be found to be an interesting and touching one.
New-York, 425, Hudson-steeet,
10th June, 1851.
Dear Brother, — In recording a few of the incidents which transpired in connec-
tion with my conversion from the Church of Rome to Bible Christianity, my object
is to exhibit the exceeding riches of God's grace, in His kindness to me, through
Jesus Christ. Therefore, I beg leave to state that the month of March last closed
my thirtieth year of preaching the Gospel, in the English and Irish languages, in my
native land, in connection with my worthy colleague, Rev. Mr. Murray, who was con-
verted about the same time with myself from the errors of Popery. Our missionary
labors in Ireland being conducted in connection with, and under the auspices of, the
Irish Evangelical Society in London, during that period, a kindly and grateful refer-
ence may be found in the published annual reports of that Society. The first two
years subsequent to our leaving the communion of Rome, were chiefly occupied by
my colleague and myself in defending the course we were led to adopt, in obedience
to the word of the Lord. With a view to reconcile us to the Church of our fathers,
we were daily assailed on every side. The parish priest, Roman Catholic laity, and
our own relations, seemed only to vie in their zeal, which should be entitled to the
merit of restoring back to the fold of Rome these wandering sheep, which the read-
ing of the Scriptures had drawn away from her pastures.
Thus incessantly assailed from every quarter, and by every means that the policy
of the priests, the zeal of the simple-hearted, but not less bigoted laics, the sincere
love of relatives, could devise, my companion in this warfare and I found it expe-
dient to study the word of God more extensively and prayerfully, that the good Spirit
which opened our eyes, and sinned upon our hearts, would increase our knowledge
of God more and more, and give us grace to resist every temptation and snare which
the enemy of souls might place in our path. The Lord stood by us in all our diffi-
culties, confirming His word and building us up, in aiding us to appeal to the written
word, and show therefrom the character, the work, and the offices of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and the blessed influence of the Bible, in forming a holy disposition and
character for all those who, through faith in Christ, received the doctrines of the
Bible ; and this, in contrast with the system and tendency of Romanism, proving the
one to be true, and the other false. When the priest and the people failed to gain-
say these things, some of the common people believed we were right; others believed
not : so the multitude was divided. Those who believed not, attributed the power
they witnessed in the unveiling of Romanism as the result of wisdom and know-
1851.
HOME FIELD.
225
ledge imparted by the devil, and exclaimed : " From whence eise could these men
get such power?"
The priest, seeing that every attempt to induce us back to Rome was a failure,
commenced denouncing the young heretics, as he called us, for several Sabbaths, from
the altar of his mass-house, and exhorting his congregation, saying, let these unfor-
tunate young men alone: have no parley with them whatsoever; their speeches are
dangerous to the faithful, as was that of the serpent to Adam and Eve. Notwith-
standing this counsel, the work went on. The village disputants buckled on their ar-
mor ; furnished themselves with controversial pamphlets and books in favor of Po-
pery, they sought to reason with us, but found the doctrine of the Bible commend-
ing itself to their private judgment, which they thus unwittingly exercised, they
frequently returned to their friends and neighbors. They were amazed at the doc-
trines brought before them, and wondered, most of all, how, in so short a time, such
information could be obtained. This eventful period, embracing about two years af-
ter our conversion, we resided in our native village, situated in a remote and rural
district of Ireland, where the sight of a Bible, at that time, could not be had out of
a clergyman's library, nor a religious tract ever distributed. It might be truly said
that the powers of Babylon slept upon their oars. The priests of Rome did with
impunity whatever pleased themselves, as no light shined to make manifest; they
danced, sang profane songs, attended the chase and gaming-table, and drank potteen
whisky, and did other things that wordlings do; and no one pronounced their deeds
to be wrong : so true is the motto — " Like people, like priest."
Thus situated, remote from cities or towns, unacquainted with any sect or people,
or any religious society, young and full of ardor, and inheriting perhaps more than
ordinary measures of that fire so peculiar to Irish character; strangers to those mi-
nor distinctions that, unhappily, separate the people of God into different sections;
affected by the discovery of one great cardinal truth, (recorded in Acts, 4: 12,) we
determined, at all sacrifices, to make known the Gospel, the all and in all, and above
all, and before all, as to importance, in a sinner's salvation, during the two following
years. Our adversaries, seeing that the intimidations of our persecutors, the lamen-
tations and entreaties of our relatives, who regarded our conversion as a shame and
a loss, produced in them the alternations of hope and despair. This gave us a sea-
son of respite from the fiercer forms of persecutions which before, and after, we had
to endure; it granted us an opportunity to circumscribe a wider circle for spreading
among the people the knowledge of Jesus as a Saviour. This circle embraced a
chain of villages and hamlets surrounding our residence, in which, with the ability of
new-born babes in Christ, we testified what we then had learned concerning the
kingdom of God, both in the English and vernacular language for the people : that
the system of Rome was maoism — a cunningly-devised fable, whose rise and fall was
depicted in prophecy in distinct and unmistakeable delineation.
In this way \v*e continued for four years after our conversion, having no know-
ledge of, or connection with, any Christian church or missionary society whatever,
and receiving no pecuniary aid. Our progress in the knowledge of God's word at
this period awakened in us a solemn and serious consideration concerning the cha-
racter and polity of the churches of the New Testament, and a desire for the com-
munion of such. While thus exercised, we were led to adopt the congregational
Vol. II. No. 7. 15
226
HOME FIELD.
July,
form and usages, and felt impressed by its adaptation to promote and establish the
kingdom of Christ in this world, and advance its predicted diffusion. Hearing that
a Christian church existed at Sligo, under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Urvvick, (now
Dr. Urwick, of Dublin,) we sought fellowship with it, and were joyfully received
into that Christian church by its pastor and people.
During a succeeding period of thirty years of missionary life we had to encoun-
ter and pass through privations, the nature of which can be only understood in their
heart-rending reality by the persecuted converts in Romish Ireland. I may truly say,
that without the sustaining grace of Christ's Spirit, the cruel treatment, the scorn,
the direct and undisguised persecutions, which those had to endure who showed the
martyr-spirit to abandon Popery at any sacrifice, would be too formidable for the
most heroic humanity.
To show something of what some, in passing from Popery to Christianity, have
been doomed to endure, I may refer to my own personal experience. Father N. R.
denounced me as a young heretic from his altar. My parents being, hitherto, in good
repute with the priest, and in his circle of friends, he pointed to my course as dis-
graceful to the family. Having returned from hearing Father N.'s harangue about
my apostacy, their countenances became altered towards me; their manner and words
went only to say : You have brought reproach upon us; you have provoked the priest
to anger, and as Father N. expressed from the altar, — " Some awful judgment will
come on him." This was followed by a heart-touching address from my dear father.
Fixing his eyes pensively on me for some time, he addressed me to the following ef-
fect : " Well, my dear boy, little did I suppose I was rearing you for such a work as
this; but painful as I must feel it, painful as must your mother, your sisters and your
brothers feel it, duty must rule our feelings. You shall have one month to consider,
and make up your mind, to do one of two things — that is, when that month is end-
ed you must quit my house and the family for ever, and be disowned by us; or
otherwise kneel before the priest, ask his pardon, promise future obedience to him,
and submit to such terms of reconciliation as he chooses to prescribe."
This memorable month of awful suspense passed away. I was allowed to sit at
table; but father, mother, sisters and brothers, declined any conversation with me,
according to the counsel of Father N. This period of probation being ended, a beau-
tiful spring morning dawned upon the land; the vegetable creation seemed travail-
ing towards a new birth ; everything around seemed vocal in the praise of their
Maker ; but there was one spot where the death-blast of Popery had rolled, and
banished all joyful emotions — every prospect was pleasing, and only man was vile.
When the breakfast table was removed, my dear father spoke to me with a touching
earnestness and tenderness, and said : " Now, my dear son, I hope you have serious-
ly considered, and made up your mind, as the given time has expired ?" I replied :
« Dear father, pray do not insist on my doing so, as I cannot do it." So the alterna-
tive was again uttered by a father, loving and beloved — that of submission to Father
N. or leave the house ! The Spirit of God gave strength in this trying moment.
Memory recalled many great and precious promises, and I resolved, through the grace
of God, to leave my father, mother, sisters and brothers, and all my earthly pros-
pects, to take up the cross and follow Jesus, and to cast myself on the providence
of God. Penniless as a pilgrim, having collected a few articles of clothing for my
1851.
HOME FIELD.
227
journey, and with a heart depressed by trouble, I stood a short time to muster
strength to bid farewell, as I then supposed, to the family. With eyes streaming
with tears, I tremulously uttered a farewell, when my dear mother exclaimed: "Ah,
Tommy, my darling son !" She swooned and fell, as if dead, on the floor.
All hastened to her aid, giving a look at me, as if to say, This evil you have
brought on the family. I awaited the recovery of my mother; then my father ad-
dressed me, and referred much to my mother's fondness for me. At last he said :
" Can you assign to the priest any feasible reason to justify your course latterly T
I replied that I could, but that the priest was overbearing and lordly in his manner ;
he would not listen to my reasons, although I am sure that I am right in all my dif-
ferences from him. He then replied : " If I get the priest to talk with you, and to prove
your new opinions to be erroneous, will you then consent to submit to him ]" I said:
" Get the priest, and I'll try the case before you." He said : " If the priest will
not do so, or fails to convince you of your errors, I shall not force you from my
house, nor blame you in future." I consented to meet Father N. on these terms.
Father gave notice of the arrangement made to the priest-, but the priest objected
to my appearing except in the attitude of a penitent — to answer his questions, and
ask none !
Displeased and disappointed with Father N. my father returned, saying: "Tommy,
you shall not gratify him by abandoning your father's house ; but you must put up
bills for a meeting at the Chapel-gate next Sabbath, and then and there tell all your
reasons for becoming a Protestant ; and while doing so, I shall protect you from any
outrage. And after that you shall be at the freedom of your own will as to the re-
ligion of your own choice." I accepted my fathers proposal. Rumor said the
priest would work a miracle to convince me. Crowds were collected by this rumor.
I asked the priest to answer my reasons for leaving his church : he walked by, how-
ever, and declined to reply before the multitude.
I addressed the people for nearly two hours, from a platform erected near the
Chapel-gate by my father. The immediate effect of this occurrence was the conver-
sion of two Roman Catholics, who had come expecting to see the heretic defeated
by reason and miracles. One of those converts said, in the hearing of the multitude,
" Not a miracle did they, after all ; and from this moment I also renounce the Catho-
lic Church." A second voice followed, saying: " So will I." Both left the Church of
Rome that day. One of these died in the faith of the Gospel ; the other is still liv-
ing in the profession of the Bible. From that day, more than ever, I found it my duty
to preach the Gospel publicly, and from house to house, and that Popery is a de-
lusion, a mockery, and a snare. And, through the grace of God, I continue up to
this present, saying none other things than that which the Scriptures declare for the
salvation of sinners, and, I feel thankful to God, to have witnessed the conversion of ma-
ny Roman Catholics in Ireland, since these occurrences, among whom I reckon my
father and mother, and brother, with his family, consisting of eight persons, snatched
from Popery. Some of these have died in the faith ; others still living, and some
in America.
It is now thirty-four years since my conversion : about thirty years connected
with the Independent churches and preaching the Gospel, and seventeen since
I received my ordination, by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery, assem-
228
FOREIGN FIELD.
July,
bled at Belfast, The calamity that has fallen on all classes of interests, through the
famine of 1846-7, so changed the circumstances of Ireland, that I feel it my duty to
emigrate to this free and happy country, where I expect to spend my days in laboring
for the cause of my Redeemer, trusting to the favor of ministerial brethren, and to
that of the Society in particular, to enable me to accomplish this object.
I beg leave to subscribe myself, yours fraternally,
Rev. Dr. Baird. Thomas Jordan.
JForn'tjn jFteiir,
Evangelical Religion in Lyons, France.
In this number we give up the whole space which we usually allot to
intelligence from the Foreign Field of the Society's Operations, to the fol-
lowing very interesting letter from the Rev. Dr. Bacon.
This letter is addressed to a lady of his church in New Haven — Mrs.
Henrietta F.Whitney — who was a prominent member of the Female Associ-
ation in that city — if we may use the term, for it has no organization in the
ordinary sense of the word — some ten or twelve years ago, to aid the Fo-
reign Evangelical Society. That Association, for many years, supported the
Mr. Moureton spoken of in Dr. B.'s letter, and, in fact, may be said to sup-
port him still; for their annual contributions are devoted to that object,
through the American and Foreign Christian Union, and its Committee
at Geneva. In this Association the late Mrs. Fitch, to whom Dr. B. al-
ludes, was also a very active member, till her dying day.
We think that no one can read Dr. Bacon's letter without being greatly
encouraged by the progress of the Truth in Lyons and its vicinity, within
the last twenty years. In that city, and its immediate environs, there are
at least 300,000 inhabitants. It is, next to Paris, the most populous
and influential city in France. It is the "See of the Primate of Gaul," as
its Cardinal- Archbishop is styled. As Dr. B. states, it is, perhaps, the most
thoroughly Roman Catholic city on the continent — at all events, in France.
It is the seat of the " Society for Propagating the Faith " — by far the most
powerful Roman Catholic Missionary Society in the world* — and also of a
Roman Catholic Missionary Institute, where priests are trained for the work
of foreign missions.
In that great centre of Papal influence the Truth has made greater pro-
* This Society is not to be confounded with the Institution, or Seminary, of the Propa-
ganda, which is at Rome, and has a branch at Naples. Dr. Bacon himself seems not clear-
ly to distinguish between them.
1851.
FOREIGN FIELD.
229
gress within the last twenty years than in any other city in France. The work
began in 1825, or even earlier, in the efforts of a pious Swiss Protestant shoe-
maker. In the humble apartment of this poor man little meetings were
held for reading the Scriptures and prayer. It was at these meetings, we
believe, that Mr. Moureton, the brave grenadier of Napoleon, (who was in
the battle of Leipsic, and several others in the later years of the reign of
that wonderful man,) was converted.
In the year 1829, if not 1828, Mr. Adolphe Monod was called to the " Na-
tional Protestant Church " of Lyons, in which many wealthy but unconverted
Protestant families worship. Soon after his coming to Lyons Mr. Monod
was brought to the saving knowledge of Christ, and began to preach the
true Gospel with great zeal and power. For doing this he was, in a few
months, driven out of the church by its worldly members, who could not
bear the truth. At the head of a little band of poor people, who loved the
Gospel — among whom was our Mr. Moureton — he began to preach in a hired
room. The Lord blessed the effort. In a short time the place was too
small. A larger one was taken ; and in the course of three or four years it
became too small — although it had been thrice enlarged. This was the
state of things when we first went to France, (in 1835,) and visited Lyons.
The congregation consisted of 350 members, and would have been much
larger if the room could have accommodated the people.
In 1836 Mr. Monod was appointed a Professor in the Theological Semi-
nary at Montauban, whence he was called to Paris some ten or eleven years
later. The Rev. Mr. Cordes was Mr. Monod's excellent successor, and held
that post several years. During his ministry the church in question bought
a lot of ground in the Rue VArbre Sec, in the centre of the city, on which
were three lofty stone houses. Two of them have been so remodelled as to
make a spacious chapel — semi-circular in shape, having two galleries, and
capable of seating six hundred people. There are also several rooms for the
Li/ant School, Bible Classes, &c. The other building, facing the street just
named, is rented at such a rate as to enable the church to meet the interest
on the debt — some ten thousand dollars — which remains, or did remain a
few years ago, on the entire property.
We have often seen this chapel crowded, and even the adjoining rooms,
by a most attentive audience, nearly all of whom were once Roman Catho-
lics. There has been an almost continued, though gentle and silent, revival
of religion in that interesting community. The present number of commu-
nicants, as Dr. Bacon states, much exceeds four hundred. The greater part
of these people are silk-weavers, and other mechanics ; many of whom re-
move, from time to time, to other places, in quest of work, or for other
reasons.
It would, probably, not exceed the bounds of truth to say that at least
230
FOREIGN FIELD.
July,
one thousand souls have been brought to the saving knowledge of the Sa-
viour in Lyons and its vicinity, during the last twenty or twenty-five years,
nine-tenths of whom have been Romanists ! And this in, by far, the most
Roman Catholic city in France, and under the very eye, and in defiance of
the earnest and oft-repeated " bulls," or " Mandemens]' of his Grace, the
Cardinal-Primate of Gaul! We may well exclaim, " What hath God
wrought?"
It will be seen that Mr. Fisch, (the excellent successor of Mr. Cordes,)
Mr. Bertholet,and two or three other evangelists, preach the Gospel in the two
permanent places of worship, (in the Rue VArbre See, and in the Faubourg
Croix Bousse, and three other temporary ones,) in Lyons and its suburbs.
These brethren are aided by a band of colporteurs, who visit from house to
house, in and far around that important city.
In view of all these facts, the friends of the American and Foreign
Christian Union, and of the work of spreading the truth in Papal lands,
may well " thank God, and take courage." But let us read now the letter
of Dr. Bacon.
TO MRS. H. F. W., NEW HAVEN.
Dear Madam: — A few years ago when a number of ladies in New Haven were
united in supporting an evangelical laborer in Lyons, the letters of that laborer,
which I sometimes translated for our monthly concert of prayer, were addressed to
you, together with Mrs. S. A. F. now deceased. To you, therefore, as the surviving
manager of the association, I may be allowed to communicate, for the benefit of all
the ladies who were partakers in that charity, my report of a Sabbath spent in Lyons.
Instead of sending, as I at first intended, a manuscript letter, to be read in some
meeting of ladies, or to be sent for perusal from house to house, I take the liberty
of sending the letter printed in the Independent ; for in this form it will not only be
more easily read by those for whom it is immediately designed, but may also contri-
bute to edify and encourage many whom otherwise it would not reach.
Before I left home I resolved that, if it were possible, I would visit Lyons in my
travels, and see for myself what God has wrought there for the revival and advance-
ment of true religion. That city, as you know, is the centre of a great and powerful
organization for the propagation of the Roman Catholic faith — an organization se-
cond only to the Propaganda at Rome in the extent of its missions and the amount of
its resources. In that city, too, the Roman Catholic religion is more flourishing, with
the indications of living zeal, and more deeply seated in the affections of the peo-
ple, than in any other city on the continent of Europe. The fact, then, so often re-
ported to us, that there a Protestant Evangelical Church has been gathered, and that
in the midst of such a population evangelical labors have been crowned with signal
success, is a fact which the Christian traveler may well turn aside to see.
Our excellent friend, Mr. Bridel, had promised letters of introduction to brethren
at Lyons ; but by some accident I did not receive them. I left Paris Thursday, (5th
December,) expecting to be in Lyons, according to the promise of the advertisements,
Friday evening; but in my calculations I had not made sufficient allowance for the
1851.
FOREIGN FIELD.
231
uncertainties of French lines of conveyance. The diligence was too late to connect
with the railway train from Dijon, and of course we were too late to go down the
Soane by the Friday's steamboat from Chalons. In brief, I arrived at Lyons Satur-
day evening — full twenty hours later than I had expected; and we had only time to
establish ourselves at the Hotel de Rome before the darkness of a moonless and
misty night settled upon that crooked and complicated city. Our hotel, besides hav-
ing a most Catholic name, was in close contiguity to the cathedral and the archbi-
shop's palace ; and, most naturally, the people there, though very civil and good-na-
tured, knew nothing about the Evangelical Chapel. Among the 200,000 inhabitants
of Lyons, there was not an individual whom I had ever seen, or who had ever heard
of me : and I knew only the names of Mr. Moureton, your former correspondent, and
Mr. Fisch, the pastor of the Evangelical Congregation. A somewhat obsolete di-
rectory was found, containing those two names ; and with the aid of a few hints, im-
perfectly understood, I, with my fellow-traveler, ventured forth to see if we could
find Mr. Fisch at No. 11 Cote Si. Sebastien. After much effort, and not a little wan-
dering out of our way, we succeeded in rinding the street and the number ; but Mr.
Fisch did not reside there. The damsel at the gate informed us, however, to our
great relief, that somebody in the third story could tell us about Mr. Fisch. To the
third story, or what in our country would be called, at least, the fourth, we accord-
ingly mounted. There we found Mr. Saussure, who, as we afterwards learned, was
one of the deacons in the Evangelical Church of Lyons. Having succeeded in
making myself known to him, I was immediately welcomed with kind expressions
of Christian fellowship. I was too weary, however, to call on the pastor that even-
ing ; and having ascertained the hour and the place of their Sunday morning wor-
ship, I returned to my lodgings.
Ever since my childhood the name of Lyons has been associated in my thoughts,
with the faith and patience of the saints who suffered there as witnesses for Christ
in the second century. The story of the sufferings and constancy of Pothinus, Blan-
dinn, Perpetua, and others, is upon record in the epistle from the Christians of Lyons
and Vienne, to their brethren in Asia Minor, with whom they appear to have been
closely connected — a document which is familiar to the readers of Milner's Church
History, and which is among the earliest and most authentic remains of Christian an-
tiquity. It was an interesting thought that I was now for the first time upon ground
that had been consecrated by the struggle of primitive Christianity, and watered with
the blood of martyrs, some of whom had looked upon the faces of Christ's imme-
diate followers. And now, among the 200,000 inhabitants of Lyons, are there any
living remains of the Gospel for which the primitive martyrs suffered, and which gave
them the victory ? The archbishop of Lyons and Vienne is honored by the Roman Ca-
tholic Church as the successor of Pothinus and St. Irenseus; but how slight the resem-
blance between the pompous and showy worship now performed under the roof of
that old cathedral, and the simple prayers and songs of the few disciples who were
wont to meet here in some obscure chamber " with their bishops and deacons," se-
venteen hundred years ago. Where are the successors of those primitive Christians'?
It was with such thoughts that I went forth on the morning of the Lord's day
to find the Evangelical Chapel in the Rue de VArbre Sec. I looked in at the cathe-
dral and at other churches, splendid with pictures and images, as I past by, and be-
held their devotions ; and it seemed to me that the city could hardly have been more
232
FOREIGN FIELD.
July,
given to idolatry in the palmy days of Pagan Rome, than it is at this day. In these
magnificent structures the Christian traveler looks in vain for anything like what he
has learned from the New Testament. The worship, instead of being offered exclu-
sively and directly in Christ's name to the one living and true God, is offered to dei-
fied mortals, and chiefly to Mary, " the mother of God." Instead of being addressed
only to an invisible God, who is a spirit, and who must be worshipped in spirit and
in truth, it is offered to images and pictures, (and those, for the most part, of no su-
perior description,) and to dead men's bones. Not in such places, nor where such
worship is offered, are we to look for the true succession from the apostles and pri-
mitive martyrs, the true Catholic Church, which is the body of Cheist.
Turning from a narrow street, I passed through a long and narrow passage, and
entered the Evangelical Chapel. The congregation was already assembled, to the
number of several hundreds, in an apartment of very humble pretensions as to archi-
tecture, but fitted up with simple propriety, and with a rigid economy of space. The
loftiness of the pulpit in which the preacher for the day was placed, though it seemed
awkard at first view, was justified by the double galleries sweeping around three
sides of the apartment. A deacon, from his place below the pulpit, read the Scrip-
tures, gave out the hymns to be sung, and conducted the singing, in which the con-
gregation joined promiscuously. In other respects the forms of the service were
almost identical with those to which we are most accustomed. Difficult as it was
for me to catch the meaning of the words of the prayers and the sermon, uttered in
a foreign language, and strikingly as every word and accent reminded me that I was
far from home, I felt that I was among brethren of the great household of those who,
" by one Spirit, are all baptized with one body," and who have all received " the spirit
of adoption, whereby they cry " — in various languages, but with one mind and heart
— « Abba, Father."
The aspect of the congregation gave evidence enough that most of the persons
there were of the class of operatives in that great manufacturing city. At the same
time their intelligent countenances, their earnest attention, and the indications of
comfortable poverty in their clean though coarse apparel, showed how much they
were indebted to the renewing and elevating efficacy of the Gospel. Yet there were
some in the assembly whom the eye, even of a stranger, could not fail to distinguish
as of a very different condition — persons of cultivation and refinement, and accus-
tomed to move in the higher walks of society. One of the worshippers that morn-
ing, as I afterwards learned, was an English countess, who has a place of honor near
the person of her sovereign. The lady happening to spend the Sabbath in Lyons
on her way to Italy with her husband for the benefit of his health, had turned aside
from the altars of a proud and gorgeous superstition, and from the " temple" of a
degenerate Protestantism, to offer her worship with the lowly.
At the close of the service I was introduced to Mr. Fisch, the pastor, and to the
preacher of the day, Mr. Bertholet, who is the brother-in-law of our friend Mr. Bri-
del, of Paris, and we were invited to unite with the church in the celebration of the
Lord's Supper. In the Evangelical Church of Lyons, as in many of the British .
Congregational churches, the Lord's Supper is celebrated every Lord's Day. Happy
was I in the opportunity of such communion with Christian brethren who have passed
through struggles and persecutions for the Gospel of Christ.
From the chapel I went with Mr. Fisch to his house, not only for the sake of
1851 FOREIGN FIELD. 233
that Christian intercourse which I might enjoy by sitting down with him in his par-
lor and at his table, but also because he proposed to conduct me to a meeting of the
church for discussion, which was to take place at an early hour of the afternoon. A
morning service, followed by the Lord's Supper, and an evening service after sunset,
are their two public services regularly sustained at the chapel. The intermediate
hours of the afternoon are occupied with Bible classes, meetings for conference, and
other less formal and less public exercises. The meeting which I attended was a
meeting of the brotherhood for mutual conference and inquiry. It was held in a
school-room, and very much resembled a Congregational church meeting in New
England. There was, however, one obvious difference. Those brethren were not
merely concerned with the working of a system defined and understood in all its de-
tails, and familiar to them from their childhood. With the New Testament in their
hands, they were inquiring after principles and rules of church order; and the question
which then chiefly occupied their attention, and seemed somewhat to divide their
opinions, was whether the government of their church should be in part committed to
a body of elders, or remain entire in the hands of the assembled brethren. As I
listened to the discussions, I could not but admire the free and manly, yet fraternal
spirit in which it was conducted. And as I saw what a school for the development
of various intellectual gifts, as well as for the culture of Christian affection, that
church had been under its simple democratic organization, I felt quite sure that those
brethren, with all their confidence in their teachers, would not be easily persuaded
to subvert a system to which they were already so greatly indebted, or to divest
themselves of the right of freely debating and voting on all their interests and du-
ties as a church.
In the evening the chapel was again well filled with an attentive audience. Mr.
Fisch, the pastor, is evidently a man, not only of much earnestness in preaching, but
of superior powers and accomplishments for the work of the ministry.
Your former correspondent, Mr. Moureton, was not present at any of these meet-
ings. On inquiring for him, I found that he was detained at home by domestic af-
fliction. His wife, after a long sickness, was then apparently near to death, and it
was necessary for him to be continually near her. On Monday I called at his dwell-
ing, and had the privilege of seeing him. I found him in his little office, or study,
at work for the Evangelical Society, and occupying in that way such moments as he
could snatch from more painful duties. At present he is charged with the superin-
tendence of the colporteur work in all Southern France; and in that capacity he is
continually corresponding with the colporteurs — directing their movements, giving
them advice, encouraging them under opposition or persecution, and taking notice of
their fidelity and their success. I was much impressed with his fine countenance and
his manly figure, which does not yet begin to bend under the weight of years. In
his youth he was la soldier, and was one of Napoleon's Life Guards. After the
downfall of his imperial master he followed a more peaceful employment, and was
respected and useful in Lyons as a teacher. Descended from Huguenot ancestors, he
had a hereditary affection for Evangelical truth and freedom. Having learned the
value of the Gospel by a personal experience of its power, he was one of the few
enlightened and pious Protestants who united, not long after the revolution of 1830,
in forming the Evangelical Church of Lyons.
To be continued.)
234
NOTICES OF BOOKS.
July,
Mission among the Mexicans in the Valley of the Rio Grande.
In our June number we published a long and most interesting letter from Mrs.
Chapman, the wife of Major Chapman, the commandant of the military post at
Brownsville, opposite Matamoras, the centre and seat of this Mission. That letter
contains an earnest appeal in behalf of the Mission, and sets forth in a clear and
very strong manner the importance of erecting, as soon as possible, a suitable house
at that town, to serve as a place of worship and the holding of schools: — with a
wing in which the Missionary, Mr. Monsalvatge, and his family may reside. The
sum needed will be about one thousand dollars. That sum must be raised by special
effort, inasmuch as the Board can make no appropriation to the building of places
of worship out of the ordinary receipts of the Society. We are happy to say that
one gentleman, James Brown, Esq. of New-York, has given the tenth part ($100)
of the amount required. Who will follow this good example? This object is an
exceedingly important one. In a letter from Major Chapman, who as well as his
lady, we are happy to say, is a devoted Christian, and takes a deep interest in the
Mission, the absolute necessity of the proposed building is very strongly stated.
Indeed, the Mission without it will fail of accomplishing what it should do. We
beg our readers to consider this. We are sure that a very little effort would secure
the amount needed. We hope that this good object will not be allowed to fail for
want of the sum demanded.
'Notice ttf
Journals and Letters of Henry Martyn : Edited by the Rev. S. Wilberforce,
M. A. New-York, M. W. Dodd.
A better insight into the character and experience of this eminent man is to be obtained
from the documents here published for the first time, than could be given by any biography.
The interval which has elapsed since his death, makes it unnecessary to withhold much
that was of a private nature. Would that the perusal of this rich record of Christian ardor
and activity might incite many to similar attainments !
Providence Unfolded is the title of a volume by Alexander Carson, L. L. D. re-pub-
lished by E. H. Fletcher, New-York.
It comprises three essays. The first of which is a commentary upon the book of Esther, as
illustrating the divine Providence : the second, an argument for the truth of the Gospel from
the peculiarities of its progress ; and the third, a letter to an infidel. Dr. Carson is possessed
of a lively and spirited style, not free from apparent egotism, but well calculated to fix atten-
tion upon the truths he seeks to convey.
Lays of the Kirk and Covenant : by Mr. A. Stuart Menteath. New-York, R.
Carter & Brothers.
There is true poetic thought and beauty of expression in these Christian ballads. A few
of the stirring scenes of the Scottish martyrology are rendered with spirit and faithfulness,
in a flowing versification, deficient sometimes in force, but varied and harmonious. The il-
lustrations are truly beautiful .
1851.
MOVEMENTS OF ROME.
235
Geology of the Bass Rock, by Hugh Miller. Same publishers. Mr Miller's con-
tribution to this volume occupies one half of it ; the remaining portion being from the pen of
Dr. McCrie and another writer. The former portion has all the interest of matter and
manner for which its popular author is well known. Several engravings decorate this taste-
fully printed book.
Expository Discourses on the First ErisTLE of Peter, by John Brown, D. D. —
Same publishers.
Though generally prejudiced against scientific works in the shape of popular discourses,
we are not disposed to withhold from this volume the high distinction it deserves, as one of
the most able exegetical publications of the day. With the invaluable commentary of
Leighton before him, Dr. Brown has included among his authorities most of the leading cri-
tics of modern times ; and while, in some instances, presenting views entirely novel and not
a little plausible, he shows familiarity with the labors of his predecessors in this field. In
some of the difficulties of the third and fourth chapters, we have been particularly pleased
with Dr. Brown's renderings. We can recommend this work as eminently worthy of a
place in the classics of Biblical literature.
Stray Arrows, by Rev. T. L. Cuyler. A collection of fugitive essays of a miscella-
neous nature ; among which we find some very interesting sketches of distinguished charac-
ters. Mr. Cuyler is pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church of Trenton, New Jersey. R.
Carter & Brother.
The May number of the North British Review, re-printed by L. Scott & Co. 79
Fulton-street, commences a new year, and contains, as usual, a number of articles on cur-
rent topics of interest. We regard this as the most reliable and instructive of the English
reviews, and heartily commend it to our readers.
The Guiding Star, by Mrs. L. H. Hopkins, is an exhibition of the argument for a
divine revelation, in the form of familiar conversation, and designed for juvenile readers. It is
an interesting and valuable work, and though, in style, rather above the range of young
minds, is fitted to convince the more advanced of this fundamental truth. Published by
Gould and Lincoln, Boston : E. H. Fletcher, New- York.
Messrs. Carter have issued a new edition of the Anecdotes on the Shorter Cate-
chism, by John Whitecross : a most instructive little book, with whose merits, doubtless,
many of our readers are familiar.
J&otonwuts of Momz.
Whilst the first pages of this number of our Magazine were passing through the
press, we received the following decision, which has just been made by a Court
in Florence against Count Guicciardini and his friends, about whom we have spoken
in those pages, as having been arrested and thrown into prison. Here it is :
" Whereas it is fully proved by the evidence, that on the evening of the 7th of May,
current, the aforesaid Count Piero Guicciardini, Carlo Solaini, Sabastiano Borsieri,
Angelo Guarducci, and Giuseppe Guarra, were surprised in the house of Fedele
Betti, sitting round a small table :
236
MOVEMENTS OF ROME.
July,
" Whereas it is equally proven by the declarations of the accused themselves, that on
this occasion Count Piero Guicciardini read and commented on a chapter of the
Gospel of St. John, according to the Italian translation attributed to Giovanni
Diodati :
" Whereas the results of the process offer valid and sufficient proofs to conclude that
this reading and comment had no other purpose than mutually to insinuate into
the parties religious sentiments and principles contrary to those prescribed by
the Roman Catholic Apostolic religion, and this idea is manifestly and incontro-
vertibly confirmed by propositions and perverse maxims proclaimed in the books
and manuscripts found on the persons and in the houses of the aforesaid accused.
" Whereas, on the ground of the evidence, it ought to be concluded that previous to
the said evening of the 7th of May, by means of the same individuals, there had
taken place at different epochs and localities, where other parties were present,
similar meetings, always directed to insinuate and propagate anti-Catholic senti-
ments and principles.
" Whereas from these facts there follows necessarily the proofs of the existence of a
plot directed to overthrow the religion of the state, and that of this plot the
above mentioned Count Piero Guicciardini, Cesare Magrini, Angelo Guarducci,
Fedele Betti, Carlo Solaini, Sebastiano Borsieri, and Guiseppe Guerra, have been
the accomplices :
For these reasons,
" Having seen the 2d article of the sovereign decree of the 25th April, 1851 —
u The Council decree that the aforesaid parties must be subjected to a forced residence
for six months respectively ; Count Piero Guicciardini at Volterra, Cesare Ma-
grini at Montieri, Angelo Guarducci at Giuncario, Fedele Betti at Orbetello, Carlo
Solaini at Cinigiano, Sebastiano Borsieri at Rocca Strada, and Guiseppe Guerra
at Piombino."
Reader, what do you think of that ? It is a crime at Florence, in the middle of
this nineteenth century, for Italians to meet to read the Scriptures ! Such doings
may endanger the Religion of the State ! O, the influence of the accursed union of
Church and State! When will the world be freed from it? Let us have patience ;
for it as well as everything else which opposes and hinders the kingdom of Christ,
is doomed.
A letter from Rome of the 19th, in the Vero Amico of Bologna, states that his
Holiness has named an extraordinary congregation, composed of six cardinals, for
the purpose of inquiring into the moral state of convents, and proposing remedies
for the abuses that have crept into those establishments.
The Giornale di Roma of the 17th publishes a sentence of the Supreme Tribunal
of the Sacred Consulta, condemning Pietro Ercoli, aged 34, to the galleys for twenty
years, for having, on the night of the 10th May, attempted to prevent one Luigi
Gianini from lighting a segar he wanted to smoke !
Well, his Holiness and the cardinals have various business on their hands in
these times ; reforming convents — which greatly need reformation, unless they are
sadly misrepresented — and sending men to the galleys for trying to abolish the
THE PLATE.
237
nuisance of smoking segars Wonderful work this, for the Successor of Peter the
Fisherman and his great ministers and coadjutors!
Our old friend, the Rev. Napoleon Roussel, who is now preaching to the French
in London, has challenged the celebrated Father Ravignan, the Jesuit — who is also
looking after the French who are attending the Great Fair, — to a novel kind of con-
troversy. He proposes to meet him in any public hall or lecture room in the metro-
polis, and allow him to advocate his Jesuit doctrines for half an hour, if the "father"
will allow him (M. Roussel) simply to read the Scriptures for the same length of
time. Father Ravignan declined the challenge, we are told. To be sure he
would ! How could he dare to do otherwise ? In all our acquaintance we have
never seen a harder subject for Rome to deal with than this same Mr. Roussel. He
is well known in France for his controversial writings.
Archbishop Hughes. — Well, after all his Grace has come home without a Car-
dinaFs hat !
The Plate.
We give, as the illustration of this number of our Magazine, the portrait of
Tetzel, the Dominican Monk, whose name is indissolubly associated with the first
scenes of the Reformation. The following notice of him is given by Dr. Merle
d'Aubigne, in his great History of that grand movement.
" One personage, in particular, drew all eyes upon him at these sales [of indul-
gences] ; the man who carried the red cross, and who was charged with the principal
part of the business. He put himself forward in the dress of the Dominicans, and,
albeit, he had reached the age of seventy-three, his voice was remarkably powerful,
and he seemed strong and vigorous. This person was the son of a Leipsie gold-
smith, called Diez, and was himself called John Diezel, or Tetzel. He had studied in
his native town, was created a bachelor in 1487, and two years after entered the or-
der of Dominicans. Numerous honors had accumulated upon him. — Bachelor in
Theology, Prior of the Dominicans, Apostolic Commissioner, Inquisitor, hareticcc
pravitalis inquisitor; and since 1502, uninterruptedly employed in the functions of
merchant of indulgences, he had acquired so much expertness in subordinate de-
partments, as at last to have been appointed chief commissioner.
" He had a monthly allowance of eighty florins, all his expenses were paid, and he
was provided with a carriage and three horses ; but we may well believe that his by-
gains far exceeded his regular emoluments. At Freiberg, in 1507, he made two thou-
sand florins in two days. And if his occupation was that of a knave, no less was he
one in his manners. Convicted of adultery and other infamous conduct, he was about
to expiate his crimes by death. The Emperor Maximilian had given orders for his
being put into a sack, and thrown into the river ; and from this fate he was saved
only through the intervention of the elector, Frederick of Saxony.
" But the lesson he thus received was far from teaching him modesty. He took
two of his children along with him — a fact mentioned by Miltiz, the Papal legate, in
238
VIEW OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS.
July,
one of his letters. It would have been difficult to find in all the monasteries of Ger-
many a man better fitted for the trade with which he was entrusted. To the theolo-
gy of a monk, and the zeal and sharp wit of an inquisitor, he added consummate ef-
frontery ; and what particularly facilitated the task he had in hand, he possessed the
art of inventing those odd stories which captivate the fancies of people. AH me-
thods were held to be good, provided they went to fill his money-chest. Raising his
voice to the loudest pitch, and indulging in the eloquence of a mountebank's stage,
he offered his indulgences to all, and could beat any huckster at a fair in crying up his
merchandise."
Such was the character of this indulgence-monger, who did so much to hasten on
the Reformation.
TJtcto of Jlutiltc &ffatm
The news from France seems to indicate that a great political crisis is drawing
near. A singularly unguarded speech at Dijon has raised a tremendous excitement
against President Louis Napoleon in the National Assembly. It is quite likely that
it will be the means of leading that body to decide against the proposed revision of
the Constitution, for which he and many others are desirous, and so render it impossible
for him to be reelected at the expiration, in May, 1852, of the present term of his
office. Such is the popularity of the man — partly owing to the tact which he has
shown in carrying on the government, and partly and chiefly to the prestige which
attaches to the name which he inherits, that a resort to the ballot-box would inevita-
bly secure his election — especially if universal suffrage should be restored. If the
Assembly refuse to make the revision so urgently demanded by the " Buonapartists,"
and by some of the Orleans-party, the President must submit to retire to the ranks
of the private citizens. This we presume lie will not consent to do. He must
then throw himself upon the nation, or upon the army. In either case a civil war will
be likely to happen. What dependence he can repose in the army we do not know —
not much, if Changarnier's fiery speech is to be believed. We think that unless he
can carry the whole army with him, it is quite certain that he would find it difficult
to make a coup d'etat ; for the people of Paris, with the aid of a portion of the army,
would soon drive him from that city.
The news from Italy, too, is highly menacing. The French general at Rome is
making himself and his army odious. It will be hard to repress the desperate spirit
of many of the inhabitants, which threatens to make a dreadful convulsion. And yet
the time is not come for a successful uprising of the people of that city.
There is no news of importance from Germany. A great calm has succeeded
the struggle which has for three years agitated that country. It is, however, a very
treacherous one.
The Great Fair at London almost absorbs the attention of the people of Eng-
land. The enterprise promises to succeed well. We cannot but hope that much
good will flow from this bringing together of so many of the great products of the
industry of the entire world, and so many thousands of people from all civilized
countries.
1851.
RECEIPTS.
239
The unexampled prosperity of our country has received another shock in the
dreadful conflagration at San Francisco. May God, of His infinite mercy, sanctify
this calamitous event to the people of that city, where so much worldliness, gam-
bling, intemperate use of intoxicating liquors, and other forms of wickedness so
much prevailed. Surely many of them must feel that they need something more,
to secure happiness here below, than riches, which have so often made to themselves,
as it were, wings, and fled away.
A very interesting public meeting was held Sabbath evening, June 22d, in Hope
Chapel, in view of the speedy departure of the Rev. Mr. Waring, as a Missionary to
Hayti. A full notice of it, together with the Instructions of the Board to the Mis-
sionary will appear in the August number of our Magazine.
In that number, too, will be given a notice of the objects of the visit of the Cor-
responding Secretary for the Foreign Department to Europe, for a short season — on
which he sets out, God willing, on the 5th of July.
ON BEHALF OF THE AMERICAN AND FOREIGN CHRISTIAN UNION, FOR THE MONTH
ENDING 10th JUNE, 1851.
MAINE.
Portland, A Female Friend, $5 00
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
East Jaffrey, J. M. Melville, 4 00
Keene, A Little Boy 8 years old, Gold piece, 1 00
Ditto, Rev. Z. S. Barstow, S3 ; A few Mem-
bers of his Congregation, $8.87 11 87
Ditto, Bap. Ch. Individuals 1 33
Fisherville, R. Gage, $4 ; G. McQuisten, $1, 5 00
VERMONT.
Grafton, J. M. D 2 00
Berlin, Rev. James Hobart, 2 00
Chelsea, Cong. Ch. by L.Bacon, Treasurer, 21 00
Pittsford, Con?. Ch 23 00
St. Albans, Charles Wyman, 1 00
MASSACHUSETTS.
Salem, Howard-street Church, .... 13 50
South Danvers, Cong. Ch. to make Rev. J.
D. Butler L. M 32 00
Boston, Phillips Church, 54 08
Springfield, Charles Merriam for L. D. . . 150 00
Medway Village, E. F. Richardson, ... 3 00
Lowell. John-st. Ch. Bible Class, to make
Joseph White L. M 30 00
Worcester, 1st Ch. A Friend, 10 00
Hopkinton, 1st Ch 25 90
Maiden, 1st Ch. to make Rev. Wm. S. Stud-
ly L. M 30 00
Saxonville, Edwards Church, 11 00
Scituate, William Young, 1 00
Long Meadow, 1st Ch. and Society, David
Booth, to make himself a L. M. $30 ; Col-
lection to make Rev. J. W. Harding L. M.
$39.10, 69 10
North Middleboro', Ladies' Sewing Circle, 15 00
New Braintree, Miss Miriam Thompson, 2 00
West Chesterfield, Chapin Thayer, . . 1 50
South Weymouth, Female Charitable Soc.
together with $10 before sent, make Na-
thaniel Shaw a Life Member, 23 00
Lunenburgh, Rev. Edward R. Hodgman, 1 00
RHODE ISLAND.
Providence, High-st. Ch. Sabbath S. $20;
A. C. Barstow, $00; others $36.79, to
make Rev. W. J. Breed L. M. . . $76 79
Ditto, Additional, 50
Ditto, Richmond-st. Ch. Joseph Carpenter,
$100; P. Hill, $20; W. J. Cross, $20;
Rev. J. Leavett, $10 ; Others, $96, . 246 00
Ditto. Do. balance, 37 63
Ditto, Benificent Ch. B. Dyer, $100 ; W. J.
King, $80; Joseph" Mauton, $20 in
full,~to make Joseph Manton Bradley
L. M. ; Wm. M. Hoppin, $30, to make
Frederick Street Hoppin, L. M. ; Mrs.
Julia C. Cleaveland, $3, to aid the
Waldenses in building a Church at
Turin; Rev. Dr. Cleaveland, $5;
Others, $154, 392 00
Ditto, Fourth Cong. Ch 19 00
Ditto, Baptist Ch. Moses B. Ives, ... 10 00
CONNECTICUT.
East Windsor, Lucretia Watson 1 00
Montville, Rev. J. W. Salters' Ch. and
People 5 00
Lyme, Wm. Coulp, 2 00
Lebanon, Ladies' for Rev. C. Zipp, Wis. . 50 00
Greeneville. Cong. Ch 7 34
Essex, Rev. J. H. Pcttingills Ch. and Soc. of
which to make Mrs. N. P. Champlin
L. M. $30; Epaphras Nott. $5; Bela
Comstock, S5; J. A. Comstock, $3;
Mrs. Lama Havden, $3; Sab. School,
$22.81 ; Cong. Collection, $37.94, . 106 75
New-Haven, College-st. Ch. and Soc. Rev.
Mr. Strongs."(in part) of which, $80
from G. H. a L. Director, .... 125 00
Ditto, Sabbath School of said Ch. to make
Huson Moody a L. M 30 00
Hartford, Centre Ch. (additional) Thomas
Smith, to constitute him a L. Direc'r. 100 00
Stafford, Rev. Allen Clark, Ann. Mem. . . 3 00
240
RECEIPTS, <tc.
1851.
Middletown, North Ch. and Soc. in part, to
make Dea Henry S. Wiird L.M. $15;
Mrs. Eliza A. Ward. So; Rob't P.
Rand, $5; Dan'l. R. Benham, $5;
Dea. Evan Davis, So: Adnah John-
son, $5 ; E. J. Hubbard, $5 ; Ray-
mond Mather, S4 ; Mrs. Comfort,
Starr, S4 ; Rev. J. R. Crane, S3 : Mrs.
Barnes, S3; B. D. Sage, S3 : Thomas
Addison, S3: Mrs. JosiahM. Hubbard,
S3 : E. B. Hubbard. S3 ; Ja's. North.
S3; Mr. Gleason, S3; Other Contri-
butions, $-27.82, $104 82
Middletown, So. Ch. and Soc'y, in pt. Benj.
Domrlass, S3; Nathanial Bacon. S3:
Rev." Mr. Dudley, S3; Others. $10;
Collection for 185tt $14, .... 33 00
Vernon, Rev. Albert Smith's Cons, (in part)
N. O. Kellogg L. M. S30 ; Dea. Allyn,
So; H. W. Talcott, S3 ; Hubbard Kel-
loeg, S3; Misses Sage, each, S3;
Others, 11.67, 55 67
Ridgefield, Rev. Clinton Clark, Ann. Mem. 5 00
Lyme, Caroline E. Steel, S5; N. Matson, Si, 6 00
Darien, Rev. E.D. Keimey'e Cong, by G. G.
Waterbury, 10 00
Danbury, Collection (additional,) Cong. Ch.
by Mrs. S. A. Bonney, 19 00
NEW-YORK.
Weedsport, Presb Ch. to make Rev. G. W.
Warren L. M 30 00
Ditto, Bap. Ch. $10.80 10 80
Medina, Presb. Ch 26 40
Knowlesville, Presb. Ch 9 00
Barre Centre, Presb. Ch 12 41
Albion, 1st Presb. Ch 27 00
Auburn. 1st Presb. Ch. $44.41 ; S. Willard,
(in part) L. M. $10; E. Case, ditto,
S10 ; T. P. Case, ditto, $10 ; A. Burr,
ditto, S10 84 41
Ditto, 2nd Presb. Ch. Mrs. J. N. Starin, (in
part) L. M. $10 ; Others, $13.95, . . 23 95
Cortland Ville, Individuals, 12 00
Port Richmond, Ref. D. Ch 10 00
New-York, Female Friend, 37
From several friends of the cause, ... 86 00
Ditto, A Free Gift 10 00
Ditto, Ref. Presb. Ch. Rev. M. McLeod, 36 30
Trov. 1st Presb. Ch 55 55
Brushland. YVm. Forrest, Sen 5 00
Utica, J. M 1 00
Truxton, Bap. Ch. $5.16; Rev. S. N. Robin-
son, $3 8 16
Ditto, Presb. Ch 5 19
Vireil, Bap. Ch 3 14
Preble, Meth. Ch 3 00
Amber, Meth. Ch 2 00
East Homer, Mrs. S. L. Topping 1 00
Rochester, Mrs. Ward 2 00
NEW JERSEY.
New-Brunswick and Piscataway, Bap. Chs.
to make Rev. H. V. Jones L. M. . . 30 37
Flemington, Presb. Ch $11 76
Lawrence Ville, Pupils of Female Semi-
nary, and Boys High School, (for
Waldenses,) and to make Rev. A.
Gosman L. M 30 00
Jersey City, 11 < f. D. Ch 29 00
Newark, Rev. Wm. Bradley, 10 00
Morristown, Mrs. W. S. Robinson, ... 3 00
New-Brunswick. Dr. Janeway 10 00
Ditto, Dr. Janeway, for Rev. J.C. Fletcher's
Expenses 5 00
PENNSYLVANIA.
Nazareth, Meth. Epis. Ch. A Few Friends, 12 70
Germantown, Meth. Epis. Ch. Additional, 20 75
Philadelphia, Ref. Presb. Ch. (Rev. Mr.
Wilson,) A Few Friends for Italy, . 10 00
Waynesburg, Isaac Buchannau, $2 ; Hugh
Buchannan, $10 ; Female Tract Soc.
Martha Buchannan, Treas. $2.16; A
Member of the Tract Soc. $2, ... 16 '16
Philadelphia, 1st Bap. Ch. for Haytian Mis-
sion, $28.75 ; Tho's. Watson. Esq. $5, 33 75
Williamsport, A. D. Hepburn 4 00
Pleasant Mount, Wm. R. Stone, in full of
L. M. by Presb. Ch 2 00
MARYLAND.
North East, Meth. Epis. Ch. Rev. Dr. Boone
L. M 31 38
OHIO.
Richfield, Interest on H. Oviatt's Note, . . 12 00
Strong Ville, Timothy Williston, .... 2 00
Cincinnati, 2nd Presb. Ch. Rev. Mr. Fisher,
(in part.) S100 of which makes Rev.
Samuel W. Fisher a Life Director, . 126 57
Columbus, 1st Presb. Ch. to make Rev.
James Hose, D. D., L. M 30 00
Ditto, Protestant/Epis. Ch 6 50
Ditto. Town-st Charge, Balance, .... 3 75
Cincinnati, 1st Ch. Cons- (in part,) to make
Rev. D. M. Barnett L. M 18 81
Concord, Presb. Ch. . . ~ 1 00
MICHIGAN.
Rev. John Beach 1 00
INDIANA.
Presb. Ch. Balance, 2 50
KENTUCKY.
Shelbyville, J. D. Paxton, 2 50
MISSISSIPPI.
College Hill, Presb. Ch 3 00
Stationery Donation from James C.
Baldwin, Bloomfield, N. J. $10.
ANSON G. PHELPS, Jun.
Treasr. of Amer. if For. Christian Union.
10th June, 1851.
CONTENTS
News from Sweden, ....
American Chapel at Rome,
Anniversary at Utica, New- York, .
Anniversary at Boston,
Rev. Alexander King's Labors in Ireland,
" Fasting and Murdering," .
Our Own Operations — Home Field,
Page.
. 209
210
. 213
213
. 217
222
. 223
Page.
Foreign Field: Evangelical Religion in
Lyons, France, 228
New Publications, 234
Movements of Rome 235
The Plate, 237
View of Public Affairs,
Receipts, &c 239
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11