venth of the Water-bearer, the small star on the western edge of the stream flowing from his urn, which she passes with great rapidity, being seen on the 6th, at the eastern edge under and near to, but to the west of, the twenty-first of the Water-bearer. She directs her course, after passing the stream, through the barren space under the four stars in square to Saturn, to the east of her, and she passes above him on the 18th, the two planets being nearly in a line with the two eastern of the four stars in square above them. After this conjunction, she proceeds through a barren space to the small stars in the band of the Fishes, finishing her course under and near to the fifth of this constellation. Saturn sets on the 1st, about a quarter before nine in the evening, and on the 29th, about a quarter past seven. He is seen to be approaching the line drawn through the two eastern of the four stars in square; and the chief feature in his course through a barren space, is the passage of Venus by him on the 18th. Mars is on the meridian on the 1st, about half past ten in the evening; and on the 29th, about half past eight. He is first seen under and near to the second of the Twins, and he moves slowly under the two first stars, receding westward from the second, passing under the twentieth on the 13th, and finishing his course near to the twentyfifth, to the west of and above him. ON THE EXCELLENCE OF THE BIBLE SOCIETY. Little Horwood Vicarage, Bucks, MR. EDITOR, Nov. 10, 1819. SIR, Though many charges have been brought against the Bible Society, yet I have never found them urged with that cogency of reason and command of temper, that would induce me to abate one particle of that admiration, with which I have always beheld its astonishing operation. The proposed and evident object of this Society is, to give to every man the unsophisticated word of God in his own tongue, "wherein he is born." Who can object to this? Can any Christian? All followers of Christ profess to derive their creed from the Bible: if, therefore, I give a Bible, without note or comment, I either give my own sentiments, or something better. Were I to add notes, or to 66 give tracts with the Bible, I might prejudice the mind, and lead it into error; but, in giving the Bible alone, I give, as Locke well observes, truth, without any mixture of error." "The Bible, and the Bible only," says Chillingworth, "is the religion of Protestants." On this simple principle is the Bible Society established; and all the energies of the Christian world, admirably setting aside the minor distinctions of sects and parties, are actively employed to re-echo those glad tidings, which were first proclaimed by the heavenly host, in the plains of Judea, “On earth peace, good will toward men!" I It is not my intention to enlarge on the subject just alluded to; but to answer some observations of Veritas, p. 486, and Equitas, p. 647, of your Magazine. "Audi alteram partem,” is an observation always necessary. feel assured, therefore, you will insert this in your Miscellany; that your readers may see, though there be some opposers to female collectors, that they have rendered the most important services to this Society, without sacrificing "that delicacy and modesty which ARE the characteristics of their sex." Both Equitas and Veritas may have the best intentions in giving their papers to the Public; and, it is hoped, their "delicate hints," will not fail to produce the effects which they desire. To prevent mistakes, which may arise from misapprehension, bias, or unfair conclusions, drawn from their remarks, I shall make a short extract from the fourth Annual Report of the Committee of the Henley-on-Thames Bible Society, page 24, which may be considered as a general answer to their objections. I make the extract, as containing the practical observations of those more immediately engaged in the concerns of the Society, and better than any that I could offer. I prefer this method, as giving a complete answer, without entering into personal observations; which must have been the case, had I answered their objections. "Nor can they" (the Committee) "refrain from a slight consideration of those doubts which have been suggested, as to the expediency of female exertions in this great and good work, satisfied that these doubts arise from ignorance or misrepresentation of the plan adopted and pursued. It has been asked, whether ladies could devote the requisite portion of their time to these labours, without neglecting | being brought into contact with the their domestic duties, relaxing in their mantle of poverty: the tear of the attention to other benevolent establish- widow has never soiled, the sigh of ments, or forfeiting some portion of the orphan has never blown aside, the that delicacy which is the peculiar veil of feminine delicacy: nor has the ornament of the female character? eye of heavenly charity ever lighted These are questions which should be on a scene more accordant with the openly and candidly met, and satisfac- purity of its nature, than woman entertorily answered; for nothing could ing the poor man's cottage, and bearinduce your Committee to sanction a ing to penury, and ignorance, and woe, measure susceptible of the evils which the glad tidings of mercy, peace, and such questions presuppose. They happiness." would appeal to facts. I am, Sir, "You know that those evils are purely imaginary; you are well aware that your family arrangements are not worse ordered and conducted; you have the most convincing proofs that the temporal wants of the poor are not less sedulously investigated, nor less liberally relieved; and you will find pleasure in avowing, that the ladies have not forfeited a particle of that delicacy of character, and modesty of demeanour, for the loss of which no consideration could compensate. Recurring to the subject of Bible Associations, they would first observe, that the time devoted by each lady engaged, to the service of the Society, does not, on an average, exceed two hours a week; and they have the best evidence, (that of the ladies themselves,) that they gain time by this apparent sacrifice, in those habits of system, diligence, and attention, which they have acquired: they have become economists of time, in perceiving its incalculable worth. "The second inquiry finds its reply in the present state of your district. Never were the wants, the feelings, and the dispositions, of the poor, so accurately known, nor their distresses so promptly and effectually relieved; and it should be remembered, that this investigation is made, and this relief extended, by the active members of your Bible Associations. With respect to the last question, it might, indeed, have some ground of support, if the public proceedings of the Society devolved on females; but this is not the case: they are conducted, exclusively, by the members of your Committee. At the general meetings of Bible Associations, those on whom the previous labour had fallen, are unknown and undistinguished, and, verily, they have their reward!" Away, then, with such objections. The robe of modesty was never tarnished by No. 12.-VOL. II. 66 Your's, respectfully, Reply to a Question on the Catholic Claims. TO THE EDITOR OF THE IMPERIAL MAGAZINE. 66 SIR, YOUR correspondent Alpha, has proposed a question of great national importance in your Magazine for October last, relative to the admission of the professors of the Romish religion into the British Parliament, which, I think, presents a very fair and interesting subject of discussion. The question is, Would the union of the Protestant and Roman Catholic religion in the Imperial Parliament, tend to make the national compacts more secure, and more conducive to the welfare of civil and religious liberty?" To enter into all the details of which this argument would be productive, if pressed to its utmost limits, would be to fill many volumes, and open a controversy, which a discussion of many months would not close. But viewing the great outlines of the question, and taking, for the basis of our argument, those well authenticated and decisive facts, which the history of the Church of Rome lays before us; contrasted with the principles of the Protestant religion, as it stands connected with, and interwoven in, the British Constitution, and with many of our most excellent laws, I think it is not difficult to decide the question. By the most authentic records of the Romish Church, we learn, that the religion of that church is, and ever has been, decidedly hostile to all civil and religious liberty; and that none of its votaries are indulged with even liberty of conscience. That the Governments and States which profess and cherish that religion, are thereby rendered the D most tyrannical, the most bigoted, | Laws, and British Constitution, from despotic, and cruel, the most treacher- all share in the legislation and governous and iniquitous, of all other Chris- ment of this country; a country, whose tian States and Governments upon established religion is the object of earth. That the Church of Rome, far eternal hostility to every Roman Cathofrom repenting of her crimes, glories lic in the world; and whose excellent in the immutability of her laws and laws, the results of dear-bought expeprinciples, erected upon the proud rience, have guarded every avenue of basis of actual infallibility! and her the Constitution from the inroads of practice always supports her princi- its sworn and mortal enemy! The ples. That both her principles and question now is, Shall this enemy, still her practice are decidedly and eternally brandishing the dagger of assassinahostile to all Protestant establishments, tion ;* and still waving the banner of to which they are totally irreconcilable: defiance, rebellion, and exterminaand as it is with her, and with many tion; † still flourishing the firebrand of individuals of her community, a fun- persecution-shall this enemy be addamental and unalterable principle, mitted, with his blood-stained, fangs that she is the only legitimate church still reeking with the gore of the vicupon earth; that she subsists exclu- tims of the holy Inquistion, into the sively by Divine authority; and that it bosom of our happy Constitution? is the unalterable will of God that she Shall he be permitted to take his seat should possess universal spiritual do- in the British Parliament, at the Counminion upon earth, and which will cil board,-there to legislate for the shall infallibly meet its full and speedy Protestant State of Great Britain ? accomplishment; and that out of her Shall he be permitted to seat himself pale there is no possibility of salvation; upon the Judge's bench in our highest so every individual of that church con- Courts of Judicature, and there direct siders it his most sacred and para- the administration of our Protestant mount duty to promote her interests, Laws? Shall he be placed at the extend her influence, and, as far as in head of our fleets and armies, and him lies, to establish her dominion and direct their operations against the authority over the whole habitable Popish powers of France, Spain, Porglobe. To this, he is bound by ties tugal, or Italy, when, in the defence of and obligations incomparably more our liberties, we are obliged to wage powerful, than any interest he can pos- war with any of those powers? Counsibly feel in the support and prosperity tries these, whose rulers, restrained of any Protestant State upon earth. only by coercion or policy, would (these considerations apart) think it a meritorious act in the sight of heaven, to extirpate the British name and nation from the face of the globe! Shall the agents and emissaries of those countries, bound to their interests by the most powerful of all motives, be thus admitted to legislate for, and govern, the Protestant realm of Great Britain? nay, to sway the British sceptre, and sit upon the British throne?! This, Sir, is the question proposed for our discussion. And I would answer it by another; viz.-Can any true friend to his Country, his God, and his King, for a moment hesitate to scout the idea with horror and detestation? Add to all this, that in case policy or coercion may induce a Papist to lay himself under any oath or other obligation to defend and support the State under which he lives, being Protestant; his church possesses ample power to release him from all such obligations, absolve him from the guilt of perjury, and sanction rebellion itself, if these crimes are perpetrated for the good of this most holy Church! the maxim being still in force, unrepealed, and acted upon on all suitable occasions, that "where the interests of the church are at stake, no faith is to be kept with heretics!" Nay, their very Bishops, at their consecration, are sworn to do their utmost to PERSECUTE and DESTROY all heretics, schismatics, and rebels against our Lord the Pope;" meaning thereby, all Protestants upon the face of the earth! These then are the men, and such are their principles, who are positively and absolutely excluded by the British * Vide the R. C. Bishop's Oath, above alluded to. + Vide extract from Dr. Dromgoole's speech before the Catholic Board, in the sequel. That this an essential branch of their grand object, is plainly and unequivocally avowed by their spokesman, Dr. Drumgoole. See preceding note. in mockery of Omnipotence, declare it is permanent and inviolate; in vain shall the lazy churchman cry from the sanctuary to the watchman of the tower, that danger is at hand. It shall fall, for it is human; and nothing but the memory of the mischiefs it has created shall survive! Already the marks of approaching ruin are upon it; it has had its time upon earth, a date nearly as long as any other novelty: and when the time arrives, shall Catholics be called, by the sacred bond of an oath, to uphold a system which they believe will be one day rejected by the whole earth? Can they be induced to swear that they would oppose even the present Protestants of England, if, ceasing to be truants, they thought fit to return to their ancient worship, and have a Catholic King, and Catholic Parliament?” What, "render our national com- | together; in vain shall parliaments, pacts more secure," by violating the most essential principles of the Constitution; and tearing up the very foundation of our security! What, "conduce to the welfare of civil and religious liberty," by giving influence, stability, and effect to principles, and power and authority to men, both of which are at everlasting and irreconcilable enmity with our religion and our prosperity; and which are also the sworn enemies of all liberty: who only wish to forge chains for our consciences, and to entangle us in the same disgraceful "yoke of bondage," to which, on the continent, the dupes of Popery submit their necks! Is this the plan recommended to the British Government, as the most suitable, the best adapted, to consolidate the energies of the empire, and give stability and security" to our national compacts?" as the best guarantee of our civil and religious liberties? Is it thus we are to manifest our wisdom, and preserve the sacred pledges of our political freedom and religious purity, handed down from our ancestors; who purchased those invaluable blessings with their blood? Forbid it, all that is wise and good in the British Empire! Forbid it, any member of the British Parliaments! Forbid it, the King upon the throne, who at his coro-chy, and a Popish hierarchy, in their nation, swore to forbid it! Forbid it, the Privy Council of the realm; and forbid it, the King of heaven! Such are the avowed sentiments of a celebrated orator among the Irish Romanists; and such, without all doubt, are those of every member of that religion. Can we then remain in doubt, as to the real motives which influence them in their present clamour for power? Beyond all controversy, their grand object is the ultimate overthrow of our Church and State, and the establishment of a Popish monar stead. Every step they take, and every concession we make, places them so much nearer to the attainment of their grand object. Here then, I think, we have a full answer to the question of Alpha. The admission of Papists into the British Parliaments, I consider as the signal of our destruction as a Protestant nation; and that act, if ever I live to witness it, I shall contemplate with horror and dismay, as putting the black seal to the deathwarrant of the British Constitution! May heaven, in its tender mercy, avert the impending danger! But, Sir, allow me for a moment to inquire into the probable motive which urges the Papists thus to strain every | nerve to obtain uncontrolled power and influence in the British dominions. Ask themselves their motive, and they will tell you," It is a laudable ambition to share in all the honours and emoluments of the State." But, Sir, must we rest the case upon their own evidence? Is it customary to admit a suspicious man's testimony, in the decision of his own case? Surely not. Yet if we indulge them in this, let us examine the testimony of the only man among them that has had the Belfast, 25th Nov. 1819. courage and candour to speak the truth on this point; let us listen to Dr. Drumgoole, one of the Popish oracles in Ireland. Addressing the Roman Catholic Board in Dublin, some time ago, and speaking of our civil and religious establishments, he says,-" In vain shall statesmen put their heads I am Sir, OMEGA. HISTORICAL FACTS RESPECTING FEW questions have been agitated of rested, than those which are connected with what has been denominated the Catholic Claims. At present, indeed, the public mind seems to enjoy repose; but we cannot reasonably conceive, that those who have been so indefatigable and persevering in urging their suit, will abandon a favourite object, on which so much depends, while any hopes of ultimate success remain. It is not unusual for volcanoes to exhibit a placid appearance, even while subterranean fires are collecting for an explosion. Although the following communication furnishes no evidence that any local proposition called it into existence, yet it has so strong a bearing on the question to which the preceding article may be considered as a direct reply, that we can scarcely avoid observing the connection between them, The picture, indeed, is more instructive than pleasing; as it teaches us, from what is past, to calculate upon the awful consequences that may be expected to result from Papal influence, and Papal dominion. Proh Dolor! hos tolerare potest Ecclesia Porcos Have you ne'er seen a Drone possess at ease It is amazing that the Christian Religion, whose characteristic is love and humility, should be so far debased, as to carry no other marks than those of cruelty and pride; that vows of poverty should entitle men to the riches of the whole world; that professions of chastity should fill countries with uncleanness; that solitary Anchorites should engross the pomps of the city; and that the servant of servants should become the king of kings! But what contradictions are not designing priests capable of, when the enlargement of their power is in view? It was with this view that auricular confessions were introduced; that a new hell of purgatory was invented; and the power of creating even their own God, was blasphemously assumed. By these arts came the secrets of families into the hands of priests; by these arts, they seized on the purses of whole nations; and by these arts they arrived to be the idols of the people, who were glad to part with their estates, with their liberties, and with their senses too, to these spiritual usurpers. Not to mention the follies of other nations, our own chronicles can inform us to what a degree bigotry had once prevailed, of which let this instance suffice: John Bab, an author of unquestioned fidelity, who was himself a Carmelite friar, informs us, in his Acts of English Votaries, that in the year 1017, king Canute, by the superstitious counsel of Achelnotus, then archbishop of Canterbury, was prevailed upon to believe that monks' bastards were his own children, and that Fulbertus, the old bishop of Carnote, in France, was even then suckled by the Virgin Mary: nor did he stop here, but after having burdened this land with the payment of that Romish tribute called Peter's pence, he went to Winchester, where, by the aforementioned bishop's advice, he formally resigned his regal crown to an image, constituting it then King of England! Thus was a mighty king converted to be the tool of his priests, and thereby became the darling of the Church, whose practice then was, not only to feed upon the spoils of the people, but even to make their monarch a prey to their ambition. And in those times, a prince acquired the title of good, or bad, not from his conduct in the secular government of his subjects, but according as he was, either more or less, a promoter of the grandeur of his clergy. Thus Canute, though an usurper and a tyrant, could merit a canonization; whilst king John, (from whom we received that great security of our liberties, the Statute of Magna Charta,) merely for not encouraging the corruptions and spiritual tyranny of the Romish Church, was branded with the name of apostate, and forced at length, by an usurping priesthood, to hold his crown as tributary to the see of Rome. When our kings were thus managed, it was no wonder if our laity followed their example, submitting their necks to the same priestly yoke. As far as we can collect, the total number of religious houses in England and Wales, was 1041; of these only 653 are of known value, whilst there remains 388, of which we have no estimate. The only fair method of computing the value of the latter, will be by considering the proportion they bear to the former in number. Common arithmetic will inform us, that if 653 houses were estimated at £171,314. |