progress of the papal system which invariably despoils all its deluded followers of the glorious gospel of the ever blessed God." Mr. McGavin's volumes on this topic, cannot be too closely studied by every American citizen.

From this unchristian attempt by the Roman priests to extinguish the light which came down from heaven, the author of the Protestant proceeds to unfold that great work of darkness which abrogate the first and second commandments. This melancholy but prolific subject, comprises twelve numbers, in which the church of Rome is convicted of the grossest kind of idolatry.-To these persons who have not access to the immense number of volumes containing the Papist legends, this portion of the work will be not less astounding, than painful. An array of fabulous tales is introduced, which demonstrates, to use the language of the Apostle Paul, (2 Thess. 2: 9, 10, 11,) that Romanism is a compound of "lying wonders, all deceivableness of unrighteousness and strong delusions;" and which coerce the application of one decisive question; can a system which nullifies the fundamental law of God, and which, outstripping even Pagan abominations, substitutes saint, image, and relic worship, for that spiritual devotion which he requires, possibly be in communion with the church of Christ? "What agreement hath the temple of God with idols?" This exposition of the idolatrous system of Rome is rich in evangelical truth, and enlivened by very pertinent narratives which are extracted from the books sanctioned by the papal infallibility; and which are published to the world by the Roman authors, as undeniable facts. As these fabrications, worthless in every honest man's estimation, are all believed by the disciples of the pope and his priests, it exactly fulfils the appalling prophecy recorded in 2 Thess. 2: 11, 12. They believe THE LIE, that they all may be damned who believe not the truth, but have pleasure in unright

eousness.

Four miscellaneous essays follow, in which the important question; "who is the Saviour of sinners?" is answered; and Mr. McGavin proves, that popery is one entire revolting system of "lying and imposition." The force of argument, and the strength of evidence displayed in this short discussion, are not surpassed by any other section of the work; and especially in reference to the conviction which is produced upon the mind by the impressive delineation.

The author next proceeds to combat the absurdities of Romish transubstantiation and the idolatry of the mass, in a series of thirteen well written and luminous essays. Among the remarkable facts which are adduced respecting this topic, no one is more interesting than the extract of a speech by Earl Grey; which affords a curious but melancholy specimen and confirmation of the truth; that men may enjoy splendid talents, and attain to much worldly knowledge, and yet remain profoundly ignorant of the very first principles of Christianity.

The seven numbers that follow, are of a more miscellaneous character, which comprise numerous facts exhibiting popery in various aspects" the conformity of popish idolatry with heathenism; Patrick's purgatory; the danger which attaches to the intermarriages of Protestants with Papists; the ceremonies which are connected with the baptism of bells; and various absurd superstitions that still exist among the Papists in Scotland and Ireland."

These themes having been concisely noticed, Mr. McGavin then introduces the Roman purgatory; and in six numbers, presents a lucid view of the wickedness and knavery which are inseparable from this ungodly invention. Two statements respecting the priests" who dressed crabs in black velvet, and made them move about the altars and in the church yard," if they were not so well authenticated, would appear in our enlightened age almost impossible to be credited. But the scripture affirms, and this seems to be the only solution,—that the adherents of the mystery of iniquity "are given up to believe strong delusion." This is a very instructive and valuable portion of the work. It exhibits the antichristian character of popery in an eloquent and most convincing manner.

Five essays succeed, in which the author discusses the prohibition of the scriptures by the pope and his subordinate ecclesiastics. The falsehood and impudence of the Irish priests are luminously displayed in this exposure; and the whole subject is presented in a very forcible and affecting proof of the corruption which thus conceals the word of God, and forbids the disciples of the Romish apostasy to have access to the only true light, which shineth in darkness, but the darkness, alas! comprehendeth it not.

Auricular confession is next examined, with some of its collateral doctrines and practices. In the nine numbers which these topics include, there is a great variety of historical facts that manifest the shocking impiety and immoral tendency of that doctrine, with many anecdotes that declare the true attributes of popery in this connexion; and especially there is a narrative by a convert from popery to Christianity, which is fraught with intelligence and pathos.

The discussion respecting the prohibition of the Bible having excited very peculiar interest, Mr. McGavin was obliged to resume the subject; and in four essays, he exposes the corruption of the Irish papal priesthood, and the shameless effrontery of Daniel O'Connell respecting their philippics against the use of the Bible in the schools of Ireland; and he also exemplifies the ignorance and criminality of the Roman priests, by the absurd and wicked interpolations of the scripture, with which they "darken counsel by words without knowledge."

The ninety-ninth essay introduces that corner stone of the whole papal edifice, "the pretended supremacy of the pope," which, with the pontifical usurpations, and a long catalogue of illustrative topics and facts, comprises ten numbers; and which fully proves that the whole Roman hierarchy, as founded upon this strange and absurd conceit, is nothing more than the baseless fabric of a vision, which, as far as truth and argument can effect its overthrow, is thereby dissolved, and “leaves not a wreck behind." One single fact extirpates the system of Romanism root and branch. There is not "the shadow of a shade" of testimony, or argument, or reason, to believe, that the apostle Peter ever saw Rome; and from his own epistles it is certain that he had no acquaintances in that city; hence, his bishopric and supremacy, and all the other antichristian impieties and corruptions, are at once demonstrated to be a fiction, the invention of Italian priestcraft, to enslave the bodies and souls of men. Mr. McGavin has enforced the truth upon this subject with equal vigour and success.

Six essays are next introduced respecting the introduction of Chris

tianity into Britain; the pretended Roman unity; the establishment of iniquity by the papa! laws; the austerities of pilgrims at the holy places, so called; and a critical notice of several popish publications; with which points are incorporated some statistical notices of the number of Papists in England.

These, and all the other desultory essays, were the consequence of the rejoinders, which, in some tangible form, arrested the author's attention, and were deemed worthy of a reply. Although not in the course of a regular theological warfare, yet they develope great ingenuity and aptitude to overwhelm a popish adversary with Christian erudition.

Clerical celibacy is next unfolded, in four numbers. Here the author proves that the whole system is not only unscriptural, but that it also occasions immoralities loathsome beyond all conceptions on the subject. He introduces some extraordinary anecdotes, which lamentably verify the indescribable and unnatural profligacy of the Roman ecclesiastics. This short examination of one of the most obvious abominations which result from the government of what the holy Bible impressively calls "the beast," is a convincing proof that the Roman hierarchy is the genuine fulfilment of the prophecies respecting Babylon the great.

Several doctrines of scripture are explained in the five succeeding numbers, which expound "justification by faith," as stated by the reformers, and maintain its evangelical certainty; while the popish heresy of satisfying divine justice is completely reprobated. Mr. McGavin proves, that popery originated in "the self-righteous bias of the human heart;" and the memory of that immortal champion of the gospel, Martin Luther, is defended against the varied assaults of his base slanderers.

Those prolific subjects, which made the apostle John "wonder with great admiration;" Revelation 17:6; namely, Roman persecution and the Inquisition, then pass under review, in seven heart-stirring essays; and as they contain a picture drawn to the life, by an evangelical master artist, cannot be too much studied, and too deeply engraven on the minds and hearts of every citizen of the United States, who is solicitous that our civil and religious liberties should be securely prolonged.

A concise view of "the sufficiency of the Bible," as opposed to human traditions, is next introduced; with some incidental notices respecting the pope's pretended edition of the sacred volume, and "the state of popery in Ireland.

Two essays follow upon the soul-destroying ceremony, extreme unction, which, as Mr. McGavin shows, has "no foundation in scripture."

Thence the Protestant passes to an elucidation of Jesuitism; in which he clearly exposes the intriguing profligacy, the Secreta Monita, or secret rules of their detestable order, and their oath of secresy which is their test, of the Jesuits. This is a section of the work which must necessarily attract the deepest attention of all those who feel interested in our national welfare. These six numbers contain a masterly exposure of the atrocities which mark that notorious race of offenders against the laws of God and man.

Fifteen irregular essays next follow. These combine additional notices and expositions of some of the topics which had already been discussed. The author's opinions had been contested by popish objectors; and to all their sophistry, denials, evasions, and reproaches, he returns

a full and triumphant reply. These numbers develope the genuine characteristics of Mr. McGavin's style, wit, soundness of knowledge, perspicuity, and inflexible adhesion to the cause of truth, in a very edifying and attractive manner.

The impiety which attaches to the deification of the Virgin Mary; the folly and crime which are inseparable from image and saint worship; the forgery of fictitious ancient liturgies; the veneration of the dead; the pre-eminence of the Virgin Mary to all their other demi-gods and demi-goddesses; and other subjects allied to them, are explained with great force and perspicuity, in several succeeding numbers; in which, the author corroborates his former dreadful charge against the Papists, that idolatry is an essential and one of the prominent ingredients in the Roman system of "blasphemy and abominations."

Having been assailed for his exposition of the mass, and his arguments against transubstantiation, Mr. McGavin resumes that subject, and most conclusively refutes the cavils of his Roman opponents.

Irish "Catholic emancipation," as it was denominated, is next discussed in seven numbers; and a more satisfactory disquisition, in a concise form, probably cannot be found among the innumerable volumes and pamphlets which have been promulgated during that labyrinthian and protracted controversy. The Protestant has exhibited, in this discussion, some very extraordinary "developements of the cruel and dangerous inquisitorial system of the church of Rome in Ireland," by Mr. Morissy, a Roman priest. To this is appended a reference to popery in the United States of America-and the statements in this part of the discussion are among the most marvellous exhibitions of modern popery. They establish the fact, that a grand inquisitor has been formally appointed by the pope to take cognizance of all matters appertaining to that infamous and accursed tribunal in this country. Recent occurrences indisputably prove that the papal commission has been executed with great exactitude and ardent zeal.

The trial of Mr. McGavin for a pretended libel upon the Jesuit priest of Glasgow, in connexion with other topics that were related to it, occupies five numbers, which unfold the misrepresentations and dishonesty of the Roman priest and his advocates in a very exemplary manner. To this narration is subjoined a defence of the Protestant against the charge of having published a number of incredible statements respecting popery. The author evinces, that there are other facts connected with Romanism, which are inexpressibly more marvellous than any prior statements which he had published, expressly to establish his character of popery.

Twenty-four numbers are subsequently devoted to a confutation of that very ensnaring, pernicious, and deceitful volume, Milner's "End of Religious Controversy." Of this production it will be declared by every careful and learned man, who has studied it, that a more diabolical work, even Cobbett's History, or rather Cobbett's Fables of the Reformation, has not been poured forth, amid the "smoke which issued from the bottomless pit," during the last century. Milner's rules of faith are proved to be a glaring "imposition, and also absurd." His marks of the true church, unity, sanctity, catholicity, and apostolicity, are shown not to belong to the church of Rome; and also that they are "a mere figment." The doctrine which is promulged by Milner, that

the pope is empowered to command his disciples to rebel against their awful governors, is luminously unfolded, and indignantly condemned, in the genuine spirit of uncompromising gospel truth and authority.

No part of Mr. McGavin's volumes is of more intense interest and importance to American citizens, than this discussion; because these marks of the true church, as claimed by the papal Janizaries, are brought forward upon all occasions, and intertwined with every subject. The Protestant has completely demolished all Milner's pasteboard castle; and lucidly demonstrated that the "End of Religious Controversy" is a volume not less devoid of argument, truth, and integrity, than it is replete with "shuffling, impiety, and misrepresentation." In perusing these edifying essays, we are forcibly reminded of the value and potency of that "sword of the Spirit," which "turns to flight the armies of the aliens." The boasted marks of the true church are successfully wrested from the popish champion's grasp, and by Mr. McGavin's energetic thrusts, the Roman vicar general of London is entirely foiled. Like David, having slung the gospel stone at the papal Goliath, that Philistine fell prostrate, "with his face to the earth," and the Protestant "took his sword and slew him, and cut off his head therewith."

The volumes are very appropriately closed, with a concise biblical exposition. By the "antichrist, which is a subject of ancient prophecy," Mr. McGavin proves that the church of Rome is designated. To this comment, are added a few remarks respecting "the means by which popery will be destroyed; and the probable period when the church will resound the rapturous shout of victory;" Revelation 19: 1, 2. Alleluia; salvation and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God; true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, who did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. Alleluia. Amen."

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From this topical sketch of Mr. McGavin's volumes, it is evident, that the Protestant presents very superior claims to public attention. Although in all works of this character, and especially when written almost extemporaneously, as these weekly essays were composed and published, and when the noble and benevolent object is considered, the merely literary qualifications are of secondary importance; yet the author's style is easy, fluent, and perspicuous; and exactly adapted to the great multitudes of persons who have not leisure to explore, or access to the more learned productions which this controversy has produced. Nevertheless, in the exterior even of these essays, the Protestant combines all the attractive qualities of a work eminently adapted for permanent popularity. It contains nothing to disgust the most fastidious critic, and erudite scholar; and with the exception of some verbal alterations only, the propriety of which the author himself admits, there is nothing of moment, either in the matter or form, which no genuine Christian and an enlightened Protestant would be willing to change, mutilate, or erase.

Two striking characteristics enhance the recommendation of these volumes. They are enlightened and devoted advocates of civil and religious liberty; and as such, they must charm every patriot and friend of the rights of man; and they promulge evangelical truth in all its loveliness and sanctity. Therefore, they must be acceptable to every