there will be few who venture to dispute, that this religion must be Christianity; that is to say, Christian truth,—if the previous statements are sound and valid. Christian truth, therefore, is to be maintained even on the ground of mere political expediency. It is moreover to be maintained in conformity with the declared will of God, "who hath called Christian princes to the defence of his faith, and hath made it their duty to promote the spiritual welfare, together with the temporal interest, of their people." And I allege, that this conclusion is to be inferred from the whole tenor of St. Paul's directions to Timothy, in the passage under our consideration.

But what I have advanced with regard to Christian doctrine,will hold, to a certain extent at least, with regard also to church discipline and church government. For, so far as these are derived from, and depend on, Christ's authority, they are in reality, a part of Christian truth-whether they relate to the due commission of the clergy, or the efficacy of the sacraments administered by their hands. Forms and ceremonies strictly such, may indeed be, and always have been, diverse in different ages and countries. But it is not of these I am here speaking; though with regard even to these it may be alleged, that "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all

churches of the saints.") But as to public preaching, or ministering the sacraments in the congregation, the case is widely different. Therein "a man can receive nothing except it be given him from above.") If we would either instruct, or dispense covenanted blessings, with authority, we must be able to shew our commission to do so, derived from Him, who, at the termination of his own work on earth, sent forth his apostles that they and those duly appointed by them, with their successors to the end of time, might be the shepherds of his flock and "he that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." He usurps

that which belongs not to him of right. It is for those to clear their consciences from this imputation, to whom it may appear to apply. We judge not others. But we vindicate ourselves and the true branch of of Christ's Holy Catholic Church established-though I fear, not adequately appreciated-in this kingdom.

Let me, then, be permitted to add, that we unworthily surrender the blessings and privileges which belong to us, and recede unwisely from our proper vantage ground, when we are satisfied merely to take up our position undistinguished save by the accidental and invidious circumstance of our alliance with the State, among all the various sects and denominations which may be included within the term,

(a) I Cor. xiv, 33. (b) John iii, 27.

(c) John x, 1.

Protestant. Common cause we may be well content to make with them, so far as a disclaimer of the errors and corruptions of Popery, and a resistance to the tyrannous domination of the See of Rome are concerned. And good service have some among them herein rendered to the cause of truth,-for which we owe them our respect and regard. Thus far they have manfully stood up for the truth. But "the truth" is not necessarily "the whole truth and nothing but the truth." It is not so in this instance. Protestantism is a negative rather than an affirmative designation. And however this may be overlooked by us, it is never overlooked by that arrogant and ambitious Church which cannot defend the Apostolical succession, or the legitimate authority, of her own Priesthood, without at the same time establishing that of ours;--and who with Jesuitical skill, seeks, therefore, to have our claims merged in the pretensions of the mass of protestants; not a few of whom are now seen to be most unnaturally leagued with her, in rancorous hostility against us, the possessors, by just inheritance, of those seats which once were hers. "As I live, saith the Lord God, surely because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee."(a) The judgment hath passed upon her. The like may befal us if we hold not fast our integrity. But never

(a) Ez. v. 11,

be it forgotten, that when we utter a humble hope that our church may long continue to stand as "the pillar and ground of the truth,"") we mean to advert to the necessity of faithfulness, not in the ministers of the church exclusively; but (as the very term Church implies) in the united congregation of Christian people, clergy and laity, which constitute it. Needless as this remark may be thought, it is yet called forth by the looseness of notions which exist, and by language which we sometimes hear. Brethren, in this view our most solemn obligations and our dearest interests differ not from your own. "Are we therefore become your enemies because we tell you the truth?") we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad when we are weak and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection."(e) preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." We would consent to "suffer reproach," and even "take joyfully the spoiling of our goods," so that we might thereby become more profitable to you, and you might

"For

"We

have in heaven a better and an enduring substance." The temporalities of the Church we value chiefly as the means for propagating and establishing Christian truth. Thus, "being defamed, we intreat ;”[^] and we tell you, as St. Peter warned the disciples in

(a) I Tim. iii, 15.

(b) Gal. iv, 16. (e) Heb. x, 34.

(c) 2 Cor. xiii. 8, 9. (d) 2 Cor. iv, 5. (f) I Cor. iv. 13.

his day, "There shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies,—even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction :—and many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of: and through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you.' "(a) Another characteristic of such men is, that they "despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities."! But we, in exercise of the office, lawfully committed to us, to guide your devotions, will not cease to "exhort you to make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty ;" admonishing you, that "this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the Truth."

To Him, the King of Kings, be ascribed all honour and glory, all worship and dominion, in heaven and on earth, now, henceforth, and for evermore.— AMEN.

R. H. SPENCE, PRINTER, EASTGATE-STREET, CHESTER.