ROMANISM AND THE WAR

"The great army of the Popish faith is marshalling its forces just now all over. the land. Strong efforts universally are being made to extend the Romish Church."

We are no alarmists. We welcome the enthusiasm which forgets nation and name in the work of suppressing bold and defiant treason. We are grateful for the patriotism which, like the great tidal wave, has swept over the land and stirred the pulse of a great and determined people. Yet in the struggle of the present hour, the Christian patriot must not be unmindful of other issues, and be prepared to contend against other and equally insidious foes. The question of the present hour is, whether our nation shall be able to withstand the shock of a great political strife; whether the glory and inheritance of the past are to be transmitted in all their integrity to the future. The question which is one day to shake this great nation is, whether or not the Puritan strength and the Puritan life is to yield to the undermining force of a religious system whose motto is conquest, and whose progress in all its history has been over the charred remains of martyrs and confessors. To-day the battle is for existence on the platform of political liberty. By and by the forces are to be marshalled on the ground of conscience, and free thought, and the Scriptures of divine truth. The conquest carried on with such determined spirit, and with such sublime results, in the Fatherland, is to be transferred with all the ardor and strength of a later

civilization, to this new and fertile soil of the Western World. When the his. tory of the success of free institutions shall have been written in the blood of the nation's valiant defenders, the triumphs of conscience over priestcraft, and Scripture over tradition, and free thought over blinding superstition, must leave nothing in the way of the nation's onward march to permanent and unfading glory.

That this strife is one day to come, may be read in the signs of the times.We charge the brave men--native or foreign born--with none other than the most honorable purposes when they bare their bosoms to the iron storm in the defence of a Government in whose welfare their own best good is utterly involved. But the history of Papal Rome is too plainly written not to teach that there is something beside Republican principles which influence her cunning, calculating, and far-reaching hierarchy, and which stirs the blood of her priestly strength in the work of helping on the cause of our disturbed and unhappy land. All honor to the brave sons of Ireland and other lands beyond the sea, who love the dear old flag with something more than an adopted love; but the ambition of Rome for temporal rule no less than for spiritual sway, makes us fear lest, as her hold slackens on the souls and bodies of her European slaves, the glory and perpetuity of the Republic are with her but the stepping-stone to a dominion on these pilgrim shores which will bind the human conscience with iron fetters and snatch from our hands the treasures which are more precious in their memories and their sacredness-the gifts of free thought and speech: the freedom to worship God in harmony with the dictates of our own conscience: the precious volume of divine inspiration--than even the nation the foundations of which the fathers so faithfully laid, and on whose rising superstructure they so loyally builded.

The history of Papacy has revealed the fact that it has never left a stone unturned to carry its ends and accomplish its purposes. That the end justifies the means, has been the principle on which it has labored; bending in yielding sycophancy where an object was to be gained; threatening and severe as the walls of its own frowning inquisition when its plans have been acquiesced in and successfully carried out.

We shall, no doubt, owe a great debt of gratitude as well as money to those who have been cradled in the arms of the "Holy Catholic Church." Thousands have gone forth to fight side by side with other thousands who clung to a purer and a nobler faith. Shall we make a distinction in our awards because their Christian creeds do not agree? Shall the harp of Ireland's emerald folds receive one less breath of grateful applause than the bright stars of our own honored flag, when torn and soaked with the blood of battle, they lead the thinned ranks up from the field of death and victory? Assuredly not. And yet as Christian freemen we must resist with defiant purpose and stern resolve, the attempts of Jesuit undermining and secret artifice which will emasculate all the glory of success and leave our nation shorn of its pure faith and its illustrious memories.

How shall this be done? Manifestly by no aggressive movements which shall stir the fever of strife; by pressing no measures which shall alarm prejudice, and kindle the flames of hatred and venom. The hope of the nation, as the hope of the world, is in lighting up the youthful mind with the radiance of

divine truth; in pouring into the heart the treasures of God's Word; in fortifying the young conscience with highly wrought and eternal principle, so building up in the minds and hearts of generations to come bulwarks of defence that shall stand as impreguable fortresses; citadels that shall resist every attack of the foe; mighty engines of influence and strength which shall do valiant and glorious service for God and his truth.-Boston Recorder.

cess.

BELGIUM.

THE FOREIGN FIELD.

You will have no more work.' There are

'There are very few of the great, the rich, the powerful, among them.' These, you will

The Evangelical Society of Belgium very few that belong to that religion.'pursues its important work with great fidelity, and with a good degree of sucThose who have followed atten-perceive, are but variations of the old PhaHave any of the rulers or of the Pharisees risaic objections: 'Are ye also deceived? believed on Him?' These struggles, these difficulties, unquestionably detain many for a longer or a shorter time at the entrance of the narrow way that leadeth unto life.

tively the occasional notices of the progress of the Truth in that country that have appeared in this Magazine, must have received the impression that God is accomplishing, by the agency of His Word, and the power of His Spirit, a great work for Belgium. And in this work, the Society of which we speak has had a large part, and has been richly blessed. We may refer our readers, in particular, for some account of the state and prospects of religion in that country, to an article which appeared in the April number of THE CHRISTIAN WORLD, from the pen of our lamented Secretary, Dr. Baird-one of the last articles, indeed, written by his pen. Since his removal, we have received some intelligence of interest respecting the operations of the Belgian Society, which we subjoin.

A minister, whose labors have been attended with great success in the conversion of souls, writes from one of the stations:

"All those who have passed from death' unto life, find it necessary to maintain a severe struggle with old habits and prejudices, with acquaintances, relatives, and friends. The chief arguments addressed to them are generally such as these: What will the world say?' 'We must not change our religion.' 'You will lose your custom.'

"We received into the membership of our Church, on the day before Christmas, six candidates, all of whom were converts from Romanism: two women, a young girl, two married men, and a young man, the individual of whom we have already spoken, as having been called to endure so many trials, and as having borne them with so much resignation. He made a public confession of his faith, which was very touching. He re lated the way by which the Lord had caused him to pass in order to bring him unto Himself; how he had been placed at first in a Roman Catholic Seminary,' (or school for training young priests,) having been intended for the priesthood: how at different periods his conscience had been exercised, and finally how the Saviour manifested Himself to his heart. He alluded with much feeling to the trials through which he had been called to pass, and quoted with great pertinence the language of the Apostle Paul :— Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.' (Phil. 1: 29.) He encouraged those who might be brought through similar hardships, telling them of the Saviour's faithfulness toward those who seek Him and who persevere in the Truth. Many tears flowed, and I hope that they were min

gled with joy, thankfulness, and adoration | been a resident here for several years. I towa 'd Him to whom all the glory belongs." | Have had it furnished; covering the bricks with a board floor, and the floor with a carpet, so that it has the appearance of a com

FRANCE.;

The Rev. Dr. Grand Pierre, one of fortable and attractive Chapel. The audi

the pastors of the Reformed Church of Paris, whose visit to this country a few years ago is fresh in the remembrance of our readers, writes to Dr. Baird in relation to the operations of the Central Society of Evangelization:-"It appears from the recent Circular of our Society that its work is advancing with increased success, and with the most inviting opportunities of extending the field of its labors; whilst on the other hand it requires, in order to cover its expenses, the sum of seventy thousand francs, which must be raised by April

next.

"We know, honored and dear brother, how painful is the situation of the

ence has been larger than I expected; and later in the season, I am confident the seats will all be occupied.

The Americans, I believe, are much pleased with the present arrangements; and were it not for our financial troubles at home,

would doubtless contribute liberally to sustain it. Some hearts, I know, are full of gratitude for an American Chapel here, and cease not to pray that it may be a place of blessing to many souls.

It is only necessary to enter the places of worship attended by the evangelical Italians, to be convinced that the time has not yet come when it is respectable to leave the

Roman Church for a simple and spiritual worship. Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called; the progress of the Gospel, as in the Nor could we think of days of the Apostles, is among the weak and the despised. It is against all this worldiy influence and this prejudice, that both foreign and native Christians must contend. Yet there is progress in all parts of the wide field of Italian evangelization. The march

United States. undertaking to speak to you of our own wants, were it not that last year, notwithstanding your national troubles, you came to our help. If it be possible for you to do likewise this year, you may depend upon our fervent gratitude. We feel the liveliest interest in all that is taking place in your country, and we cease not to pray that God would be pleased to grant victory to the cause of truth, of righteousness, of humanity, and of freedom. Be assured of our sympathy to the end."

of

events, both in political and religious affairs, is indeed slow, and when regarded in detail, may appear insignificant. But when the civil power comes in conflict with the rights heretofore used by Pope and Bishop without opposition, and the government triumphs, a most damaging blow is given to the papacy, and the feeling of religious liberty is strengthened in the minds of the people.

I stated in a late letter that the Pope had directed the Bishops to suspend from their

The Rev. E. E. Hall writes with re-functions all priests whose names were found ference to the new Chapel, and the general aspects of the cause in Italy.

FLORENCE, Feb. 16, 1863.

on the Passaglia petition. The following circular, from the Attorney-General of the King, will show the opinion of the governDEAR DR. BAIRD :--After much tribula- ment on this subject: "It is reported that tion and patient waiting, a very pleasant a pontifical letter has been addressed to all Chapel has been opened for Americans, and the Bishops of Italy, in which they are disuch others as desire to attend religious ser-rected to withdraw the right of hearing convices in it. The room, which is about 32 fession, from all priests who have signed the by 32 feet, is kindly given, free of rent, by well-known address of Professor Passaglia Mr. ***, formerly of Philadelphia, who has to the Holy Father.' The undersigned

"Our colporteurs (three in number) give good reports of their work. May the Lord render fruitful the holy seed in all minds which receive it in humility and sincerity.

(Attorney-General) directs the attorneys of Christians from the pulpit, the altar, and the King to give the necessary instruction the confessional, has now commenced preachto judges, that in case the said encyclical ing all manner of falsehoods against Protesletter should be introduced into the King- tants, because some of his parishioners come dom by any hand whatsoever, or shall be to our school and chapel ;-their eyes being executed in any form, to proceed, according opened so that they no more believe in the to article 270 of the penal code, against priests and the Pope, but in Jesus Christ. those who shall be implicated in such acts," etc., etc. It is impossible that such conflicts between the civil and religious powers should not loosen the bonds of fear and superstition in which the papacy has held the people of We have meetings every evening, and they Italy. are well attended. The evening and dayA letter from Naples, where the Society schools are going on with regularity and has a faithful laborer, states that "the work is making evident progress. There are abundant opportunities for sowing the good seed with a prospect of greater facilities for preaching the word. The mass of the people are Our Missionary at Carthagena, the indeed very ignorant, and the priests have Rev. Ramon Monsalvatge, writes thus them in bondage; but not a few of the more encouragingly in relation to his work: intelligent are awakened and gladly listen to "There is no Roman Catholic country the truth." The day and evening and Sun- where the public mind is better dispoday-schools in Naples are in a flourishing sed, and where fewer obstacles are precondition. An ex-jesuit, one of the popular sented to the progress of the Gospel.— confessors among the aristocracy under the It is to be regretted that we should

Bourbons, has been converted to the Protestant faith, and recently gave his first evangelical sermon before the public in one of the evangelical chapels.

prosperity."

E. E. HALL.

UNITED STATES OF COLUMBIA.

want the means of obtaining a suitable place of public worship. When the Rev. Mr. M'Laren was here, he propoIn a letter recently received from Stefano sed to call together the friends of the Cerighino, he says: "Thanks to a merciful truth, and hold a religious service on God, during the last few months several per- the Lord's day. He acquainted me on sons in Favale have come to me desiring Saturday with his desire, but for want earnestly to learn the way of salvation ac-of time we were unable to make the cording to the word of God. From the

neighboring towns also, some persons have necessary preparations. I visited the presented themselves to be instructed in the Governor of this State, who told me doctrines of evangelical religion, and in read- that he could procure for me a building ing and writing. They have connected them- which he indicated, at a rent of two selves with our congregation, and bear with hundred and fifty dollars yearly. This resignation the reproaches and persecutions is the building in which I formerly of the priests, and their own relations. Six preached. During the whole period of young men of the village come to my even- the war, it has been used for barracks. ing-school for instruction; three of them At present it is unoccupied. My own often attend the evening meetings, and are impression is, that it would be more serious inquirers after religious truth. One economical to purchase a building, has procured a New Testament, which he which I pointed out to Mr. M'Laren, can now read, and appears to be disposed to than to pay an annual rent. At a cost accept the Gospel of Christ. "The parish priest of Favale, who has for of three thousand dollars, the American some time ceased to denounce evangelical and Foreign Christian Union might ob