THE GREAT ECLIPSE; OR, ROMANISM AND TRACTARIANISM VERSUS THE BIBLE. LONDON: K. J. FORD, ISLINGTON; 1853. PREFACE. It is the design of this little book to prove (what is strangely indeed, but so constantly denied) the striking assimilation of Tractarianism to Romanism; and also, that both these systems of divinity eclipse Jesus Christ-the Alpha and Omega, the Sun and Centre of the religion of the Bible. If some expressions in the following pages should be deemed severe, the author begs to state that nothing has been written with any unkindly feeling toward either Romanists or Tractites; but simply with the anxious desire to make palpably evident the wide distinction which really exists between error and truth. That the God of Truth, who can use as well the feeblest as the mightiest instruments to accomplish His gracious purposes, may bless this poor effort for the promotion of His glory, and for the bringing back some wandering sheep into the good Shepherd's fold, is the very earnest prayer of the writer. THE GREAT ECLIPSE, ETC. “LET THERE BE LIGHT!"—so spake the Omnipotent Word, when the Spirit of God moving upon the face of the waters, Jehovah viewed darkness brooding over the mighty deep, and the earth resting without form and void :- -" And there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness." And on the fourth day, by command of the same almighty Word, "the heavens " declared "the glory of God, and the firmament showed his handywork;" for the sun came forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber," rejoicing "as a strong man to run a race;" "going forth from the end of the heaven," making "his circuit unto the ends of it;" and the moon in paler, softer brilliancy arose, with a |