Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB

mon zeal which Papifts have always fhown for making profelytes.

Now for redreffing this grievance, what is to be done? I know only two methods, compulfion and perfuafion. If we recur to the firft, (and after it, though by no means a Chriftian method, the general hankering feems to be), what will our penal laws fignify in thofe islands and tracts of land where the Papifts in number compared with the Proteftants, are already by the accounts that have been given, as thirty to one in fome places, in others as twenty, in others as ten? Or what end would it answer, though we should get laws ten times more fevere than those in force at prefent? Can we imagine, that any perfon, however well inclined to the work, would be fo mad as to attempt, in those districts, to execute the laws? Sanguinary ftatutes in fuch cafes, do but fhow the impotence of the legislative power, and embolden people the more openly to fet it at de fiance. They will have this additional motive in a caufe like this, that the more daring their tranfgreffion of our laws is, the greater will be their merit with their party, because done for the interest of the church. Can any perfon who reflects, be fo infatuated as to think that in this way any fervice will be done to Proteftantifm? That fuch fruitless at tempts will do it great differvice, one muft be totally blinded by his prejudices not to perceive. The minds of the people will more than ever be alienated from us, their numbers will ftrengthen their refolution, and their fuccefs will infure their perfeverance. To me it is manifeft, that, in fuch parishes at leaft, the repeal propofed will be favourable to the other, and the only Chriftian, method, of perfuafion, because it will be of great ufe to us for gaining their confidence, and bringing them without fufpicion to join with us in other ordinary affairs. If we will not admit perfons who offer themselves as friends and fellow-citizens, and accept fuch service from them for the defence of the ftate, as they think they can in a confiftency with their duty give us, we in a manner force them to combine with one another, for their own defence, against us. We gain to our felves, befides, all the odium of being perfecutors, without gaining any thing • See the account published by the fociety for propagating Christian knowledge in 1774. [36.207.]

to the caufe. They will have all the ad. vantage of the plea of being perfecuted for confcience fake, without fuftaining any lofs by perfecution. We arm their minds with prejudices against us, and deprive ourselves of the power of ever gaining on them by fofter methods. In brief, if nothing will please but the antichriftian plan of converting by the sword, and if we are now fo unaccustomed to e vangelical weapons that we should be ut terly at a lofs how to use them, we have no chance at all, on that plan, if we fet about the work in a faint-hearted man ner, and adopt the measures of Anti chrift by halves. We fhall but expofe ourfelves, and be found in the end to have done more ill than good.

Well, if we are not to go faintly to work,' it may be asked, what is the ftout-hearted method you would propofe?' I anfwer, What would the Pa pists, our admired masters in this motley fpiritual temporal warfare, have done in the like cafe? for though in words we loudly condemn their conduct, we are ever recurring to their example for a pa tern, and to serve as a juftification of ourselves. I should rather ask, What did they when heretics were fo numerous that penal laws could have no effect? Their aim was then to fubdue them by the fword. They inftituted a crufade and made war upon them as the enemies of Chrift. This was their method with the Albigenfes. Soldiers were inlifted in Chrift's name; for those pretended fervants would fight for him, in spite of himself. An army was accordingly fent to convince the heretics of their errors after the military fashion, and convert them at the point of the fword. Thofe who were fo obftinately unreasonable as not to be convinced by fuch weighty arguments, were butchered without mercy. Chrift's kingdom had, in their hands, totally changed its character. By his ac-i count, it was not proper for his fervants, to fight, unless his kingdom were, what it was not, a worldly kingdom: by their account, nothing was fo proper. But the mystery is unravelled when we refle&, that the kingdom they fought for, was in fact a worldly kingdom, mifnamed Christ's.

There is no exaggeration or hyperbole in what I fay: I infift on it seriously, that if the Popish and not the Chriftian mode of conversion is to be adopted, there is not a step on this fide the utter

extirpation

extirpation of those that will not yield, at which we can ftop, without doing the caufe of Proteftantifm more injury than fervice. Now it is only in those highland parishes that I find any complaints of the increase of Popery. The smalleft degree of attention to the above-mentioned accounts published by the fociety, makes it evident, that it has been occafioned neither by the want of penal laws, or by a failure in the execution, for in both refpects they were on the fame footng with other parts of the country, but by the want of inftruction. The places that we deferted they occupied. Can we wonder at this? Would we have the eople be Atheists? If we will give them in religion, can we blame them for acepting one from those that are willing o give it? In the lowlands, which are ar more populous, where the parishes re much lefs extenfive, and generally well fupplied both in minifters and in choolmasters, we find no reason for fuch omplaints. In regard to people of rank, we have been rather gaining ground than ofing it. The only places where there 's immediate occafion for a check, are he highlands and weftern ifles; and in hefe it is plain, that any coercive me bods which have yet been thought of, would prove totally ineffectual. It would se impoffible in that way to anfwer any valuable purpose, unless we were to proSeed to fuch extremities, as I hope (not withstanding the ugly appearances of late [108.] in fome of our principal cities) we have not retained fo much of the spirit of Popery as to be able to think

of.

If it is in vain then to recur to the weapons of Babylon, let us be induced to betake ourselves to the armoury of Chrift. Had we but half the zeal that we may be Chriftians ourselves, which we have that others may not be Papifts, there would be no occafion for arguments on this head. Nothing can be more manifeft, than that the great caufe of the evil complained of, is the want of Proteftant teachers, both paftors and fchoolmasters: and the principal caufes of this deficiency are, the immoderate extent of parishes, and the want of livings. If a proper method could be devifed for fupplying this defect, if new erections were made from time to time where moft needed, and the new-erected parishes suitably fupplied, there would De great ground to hope, that, in pro

cefs of time, a confiderable change in res fpect of Chriftian knowledge might be effected. We fhall be convinced of this truth, if we but reflect, that, in the highlands, Popery and ignorance are always found to go together. And even where the measures propofed may have little effect at firft, in furmounting prejudices, and producing converfions, it will not be without its ufe, in preventing further feductions.

But the great difficulty lies here, How are the teachers to be fupported? Where are our funds? Great zeal has appear ed of late for the Proteftant intereft. In order to oppose any parliamentary relief to Papifts, money, I am told, has been contributed, and fubfcriptions given, to a confiderable amount. Some noted boroughs and corporations have even gone fo far as to have engaged lawyers for oppofing it in parliament [107.]. I should be happy to have it in my power to convince thefe people, of what is a moft certain, and, in my judgement, a most evident truth, that the money thus contributed will be of real fervice to the caufe which they wish to promote, if given for raifing a fund for fupplying the highlands properly with teachers, of which there is ftill fuch manifeft need. I appeal to thofe zealous perfons themfelves, if they can but reflect coolly on any thing, whether this be not, beyond all comparison, a more feasible way (and let me add, a more creditable way) of ferving the cause of Proteftantifm, than to throw money away on lawyers, in order to prevent the repeal of a law, which, by their own confeffion, has not been of the fmalleft utility for checking the evil complained of.

But it may be faid, that though fuch an application of the money were agreed to by the contributors and fubfcribers, it would go but a fhort way, perhaps not farther than the endowment of a fingle parith, if even fo far. This, however, would be fomething. But what I have yet mentioned is not the whole. There are many in the country, not only private perfons but communities, who highly difapprove the propofed oppofition to the repeal, who think it would be not only dishonourable, and unbefitting the caufe of Chriftianity, but even prejudicial, tho' attended with fuccefs, who nevertheless would gladly embrace an opportunity of contributing to advance the caufe by Chriftian methods, and of demonftrating

ta

to the world, that they are not (as they have been mifreprefented by perfons whofe zeal far outftrips their judgement) people who care for one of these things. Let but an attempt of this kind be fet on foot, and more perhaps will be given than is at prefent imagined.

"Indeed I can conceive but one objection against the method I propofe, (fo the Doctor concludes), which is, I own, as times are, a great one, namely, that it is a Chriftian method: for, to fay the truth, Chriftian methods of conver fion are become fo obfolete in Chriftendom, that it looks rather romantic to propose them. This makes me fear much left that objection alone prove fufficient to defeat the project. We are very zea. lous without doubt, and fo are the Pa pits. And what does their zeal mofily, and ours too, amount to? Juft to this that we can be perfuaded to do any thing for God's fake, except to love God and our neighbour. Of all tafks this is the hardeft. For the fake of God men will diveft themselves of humanity, and to ad vance their church, will facrifice every remain of virtue, will even turn assassini and incendiaries. But how few in com parifon can be perfuaded, for God's fake to make a facrifice of their pride, of thei revenge, of their malice, and other un ruly paffions? Who can be induced to be humble, to be meek, to be humane to be charitable, to be forgiving, and te adopt their mafter's rule, of doing to o thers as they would that others should de to them?

It will be faid, "Was there not a collection made by order of Affembly, a few years ago, for the purpofe now mentioned [36.276.], which amounted to a very fmall matter? We have not great encouragement then to expect much in this way." To this I reply, rft, The generality of mankind are apt to be remifs and inattentive to things of this nature, till fome remarkable event happen to roufe them. The alarms lately raised have fupplied us with fuch an event, 2dly, The example of the liberality of thofe communities and individuals who had intended the fame good end, (though by means we think neither judicious nor juftifiable), might, it would be hoped, excite emulation in others, who would chufe to fhow that they are not inferior in their ardour for the Proteftant caufe, when its advancement is not purfued by Romish expedients. 3dly, It may not be improper, if it fhall feem meet to the wisdom of our ecclefiaftical fuperiors in the enfuing affembly, to recommend to Permit me then, my dear Countrymen, fynods or prefbyteries to chufe fit per- Fellow-Chriftians, and Fellow- Proteft fons, both minifters and elders, for recei- ants, to befeech you, by the meeknefs and ving fubfcriptions from perfons of rank gentleness of Chrift, that ye would ma and others within their respective jurif- turely weigh this moft momentous bufi dictions, befide appointing a collection nefs, and not fuffer your minds by ang to be made in the parish churches from means to be corrupted from the fimplici the common people, and to recommend ty that is in Christ. Remember, Ò re alfo to the royal boroughs, which are all member, that if ye would ferve God in reprefented in the affembly, to obtain deed, ye muft ferve him in his own way, the aid of their refpective corporations We fhow an abfolute diftruft in him, for a fervice that in every view fhould and a want of faith in the principles for be admitted by Proteftants to be pious, which we pretend to be zealous, when charitable, and Christian, in respect both we cannot restrain ourselves to thofe of the end and of the means. Were a means only for the advancement of his plan of this kind to be adopted, I fhould caufe, which are warranted by his word. not doubt of our getting liberal affiftance God grant you understanding in all things." from many wealthy perfons in England, from Scotfmen abroad, and even others well affected both to the Protestant religion, and to the caufe of liberty. The money collected ought doubtlefs to be intrufted to the management of the fociety in Scotland for propagating Chri. Aian knowledge, whofe known integrity and zeal, as well as their acquaintance with the state of the highlands and weft. ern ifles, render them of all perfons the

Etteft for fuch a truft."

Proteflant intereft vindicated. In a ferits of letters to Edmund Burke, Efq; and o ther eminent perfons. By Valerius Carvinus. 8 d. Creech.

This pamphlet confifts of Mr Burke's fwer to Mr Burke's letter, two letters to letter to Mr Bowie [136.], an ana Bishop in England, and a letter to a friend, by Val. Corvinus, and extracts from the Bishop's anfwer.

[ocr errors][merged small]

Extracts from the answer to Mr Burke.

In fome paffages, the publication towed by the fociety [45.] rifes to an nergy, nay, even to a violence of dicon, which, in lefs threatening emerencies, might have been judged impro. But who that is poffeffed of the elings of a man, could recapitulate, in ld blood, the facts and principles there lineated? or who that obferved the itical conftitution by which his per, bis connections, his country, were otected from the fame complicated and upportable miferies, could forbear to fineate them?

In the anonymous pamphlet, a harfher more exceptionable procedure is fuged.Though, whilft the penal against Roman Catholics continue force, nothing fhould tempt one to pt the first measures inculcated by anonymous pamphlet [101.], nor to fe the fecular power for their detion; yet the procedure which is frwards recommended, appears to me mildeft method which a Protestant purfue. Still however, unless the flature fhould fo far forget itself as to a bill, which it cannot ratify, with forfeiting thofe very rights by which is conftituted, a procedure of this may be premature. While Ro-Catholics remain contented in their fent fituation, let us not attempt to the objects of our commercial or intercourfe: but if they afpire to ts, and arrogate privileges, which, their final iffue, are incompatible with fubfiftence of our civil and religious nftitution, we are then authorifed by d and Nature to deny them thofe enragements, and refuse them those kind ces, which, as brethren and fellowatures, they might otherwife claim. legiflature is either impowered or cerned to direct the commerce of iniduals, much lefs to regulate the cities of common life, or determine ir objects and degrees. If commerce, red, thould become licentious; if her orts or exports thould prove detrital; if the fhould refuse those protions of her product which are neceffor the fupport and dignity of the monwealth; if the fhould endeavour lade thofe laws by which the tribute owes to the ftate, or the manner of ting it, are determined; then, and then, Sir, is the legislature intitled

OL. XLI.

to interpofe, not to decree, that A fhall purchase commodities only from B; that, in preparing them for circulation, he fhall only employ the hands of C and D; and that, when ready for public ufe, he fhall only fell them to E and F.

Carry the fame analogy, Sir, to do. meftic life. Suppofe a ftranger should intrude upon your private converfation with your friends, or prefent himself at your table, and rudely vindicate his place among your guests; would fuch a one, in your own judgement, be intitled to thofe exertions of hofpitality and politenefs which are beftowed upon thofe to whom invitation infures their welcome? Ought he to be furprised at his cold reception, or at any indecorum which, during the entertainment, might hurt his fenfibility? Apply this to the cafe in hand. The Roman-Catholics are fenfible of being precluded from the protection of law, and from every regular eftablishment in Scotland. They know the caufes by which thefe folemn and repeated prohibitions were produced. Though, therefore, it could be imagined, that an ignorant or careless legislature might repeal these prohibitory acts, can they anticipate a cordial welcome and warm reception from the inextinguifhable fpirit, the invincible prepoffeffons, of a jealous and infulted people? For my own part, if the bill in queftion fhould pafs, declare, without hesitation, that the whole influence of my example and advice shall be exerted, to intercept all civil or commercial reciprocations between Proteftants and Roman-Catholics, as a conduct infinitely more eligible than perfonal infults or fanguinary encounters; and I heartily with thefe measures might become as popular as they are humane. But there is much reafon to fear, that they are too mild and deliberate to have strong and general influence in ordinary life. The people are abrupt, impetuous, and violent, in all their paffions and exertions; but in none more than those which are thought falutary to their civil or religi ous liberty. On this account, it is much to be apprehended, that fuch a tenor of action as has been formerly described, though at once the mildest and most efficacious antidote in their power againit the infection of religious and political infatuation, will never be generally adopted. I admit, that fuch a ceffation of civil and focial intercourfe adopted in any fociety whofe religious and political principles,

LI

principles, though different, were compatible with its fubfiftence and profperity, would be abfurd and cruel: but, from thence, it will by no means follow, that fuch regulations in the procedure of individuals ultimately tend to the diffolution of all fociety. It will be allowed, that no community has ever exifted, or perhaps will ever exift, which is ftrictly unanimous in the doctrines of its religion, or the principles of its government; but, whilft the diverfities which prevail are merely innoxious, if not falutary; the circulation of kind of fices, of civil privileges, and commercial advantages, ought to proceed without reftraint. It is, therefore, only in defperate cafes that measures fo adverfe to the feelings of our nature can be juftified. Their intention, then, is not to deftroy fociety, but to difengage it from redundant or contagious members, who, in every plan of action, would retard its progrefs, either by diminishing its force, or by counteracting its efforts.

LONDON.

Confiderations on the Diffenters bill; or, The propriety of Proteftant Diffenting minifters acceding to a declaration of their belief in the holy fcriptures, annexed to a bill now depending in parliament for the farther enlargement of religious liberty. 6d. Rob Jon.This candid and judicious advocate for the bill fets out with ftating, in general terms, the Diffenter's plea for the right of private judgement, and the free exercite of his religion; and then proceeds to inquire, whether, on the different grounds of confcience and of expedience, a Diffenting minifter accede to the propofed declaration? This question, in both respects, but efpecially in the latter, he determines in the affirmative. With refpect, however, to an acknowledgement of the magiftrate's right to demand of any man a declaration of his faith, there are among the Dillenters many worthy minifiers who entertain fentiments differen. from thofe of our author.

may

M.

Free thoughts on the incontiliency of conforming to any religious teft as a condition ot toleration, with the true principle of Proteftant diffent. by John Palmer, minifter to a fociety of Proteftant Diffenters in New Broad-dicet. I s. Johnson, The point to which this writer's remarks chiefly bear reterence, is the interference of the magiftrate in requiring of Pro-eftant Diffenting minifiers, tutors, and fchoolmatters, a declaration of faith in the fetiptures, as the condition of their enjoying a legal toleration to exereik then refpective functions; and his

[blocks in formation]

The nature and extent of intellectual berty. By the Rev. David Williams. 1 Dodley. This author infifts, that of religious opinions must be injurious any tel truth and liberty. It has been usually alled ged, that though meus thoughts must be fre yet the declaration or avowal of them muf in fome cafes, be restrained. In anfwer this objection, the author endeavours prove, that every man fhould be at liber to declare all his principles and opinion "I do not fee (fays he) why thieves thou not be allowed to preach the principles theft, murderers of murder, feducers of of treafon. If any man can be fo weak, duction, adulterers of adultery, and traitt to think, that advantages would arife to quity from it, he cannot be benefited by by reafoning which can be offered hi Here we must confefs, we do not fee weakness in thinking, that wickedness wou be encouraged and propagated by the dif mination of fuch atrocious opinions: for herd of mankind are not fo much influenc by truth and reafon, as by fpecious arg ments and perfuafions, co-operating their own irregular paffions; and corry principles are undoubtedly the fource of ked actions. Every wife legiflator there would endeavour, as much as poflible, prevent the former, as well as the latter.

EDINBURGH.

Military memoirs of G. Britain; or, A ftory of the war 1755-1963. With he of the most celebrated flatcímen, generä and admirals. By David Ramfay. No 1. F blished April 10. To be completed in twe numbers, one published every toug! 6 d. each. Churfide & Wilfon.

The fpirit of moderation in religioa commended: A fermon from Phil. iv. į preached May 20. 1779, at the opening the general affembly. By Patrick Gra D. D. 6 d. Balfour.

Evangelical difcourfes on feveral practic fubjects. By Harry Robertton, A. M. N nifter of Kiltearn. 3 s. the coarse. and 4 the fine paper in boards. Grey.

The excufes urged by the abfenters fro public worthip examined: A dialogue b tween Mr Alamode, a young gentleman fortune, and Mr Freeman, an aged countr gentleman. 9 d. Chalmers & Co. Aber in

TA

« ZurückWeiter »