destroyed. At the same time, it is far from being impossible, we had almost said unlikely,-that, in particular countries, the zeal, and the policy, and the power of Rome, combining with the apathy and deep slumber of Protestants, may obtain a triumph over the cause of freedom, and turn the current of improvement in those regions backwards. It may be, nor does it seem exceedingly improbable-that, by some signal and unanticipated successes of Catholicism, which shall endanger--if not, for a time, overthrow-their freedom, and deprive them of their dearest privileges, He, whose benignant interposition is so strikingly beheld in the introduction and establishment of the Reformation, may warn the people of the Protestant world, more than ever they have been warned, of the dangerous spirit and character of Popery, and teach them, more effectually than ever they have been taught, the unspeakable importance to mankind of that great cause, whose prosperity they have regarded with too much indifference. Most imperative is the duty that devolves on all who profess to be the friends of the Reformation, to wake from their slumber, and to set themselves, by every legitimate and scriptural mean, to counteract the bold, and strenuous, and persevering efforts, which, with a zeal that would do honour to a worthier cause, the enemies of their religion and liberties are putting forth for their overthrow. And most incumbent it is on the Protestant Princes, and the Protestant governments of Europe, to remember their immense obligations to the Reformation, and their duty in conse quence of these obligations, and, banishing away from them the absurd opinion, that religious considerations should never be allowed to mingle in political affairs,to cultivate with each other the closest connection, and to deem themselves bound, in respect both of interest and of duty, to seek the prosperity of that great and glorious cause, in which are most deeply involved their own welfare and the happiness of mankind. |