66

distinction between religious communions, when objects of affliction present themselves to her notice:-in that trying hour, she extends the hand of the most affectionate tenderness and charity to all; and the east and the west, and Catholic, Jew, Turk, and Infidel, alike experience the effects of her sympathy and christian love. But, in matters of religion, the case assumes a different shape-the errors, prejudices, corruptions, and false notions in religion of her nearest and dearest friends, are not subject to the same laws "of neighbourhood:parents, brethren, wives, children," are all to be left, when their opinions and manners, militate against the truth, and the establishment of the righteous kingdom of Christ.-A stronger proof of the impropriety of associating with men, whose doctrine is not according to godliness, and whose worship is idolatrous, cannot be adduced, than this prescribed law or direction of the head of our faith.—Indeed, the tender hearted good Samaritan seems to have recollected the opinions of the Jews upon this subject, and in consequerce, completed his character for kindness and benevolence, by withdrawing, the moment he had placed the wounded Jew in safety, and given orders that every attention should be paid to him, and passed his word that he would bear the whole expence, on his return -He then, with a feeling and delicacy of mind, worthy of the most enlightened Christian, departed, that his

presence might not occasion the unfortunate man any pain and uneasiness, and that he might not have to offer his thanks on his recovery, to a person of a religious persuasion he abhorred Men, who lay claim to the title of the real followers of Christ, are not always possessed of the same gentle and courteous demeanour ;-they are not always so considerate, so little obtrusive, so ready to observe the golden rule of the religion they possess.-A few years ago, England, with ready affection, "poured oil and "wine" into the bleeding wounds of her afflicted neighbour. The difference of religious opinions, was entirely forgotten ;-every protest ant pulpit in this country, resounded with exhortations to charity and exertion in her cause: and every protestant heart, was warmed with compassion and sympathy, for the suffering of Catholic Ireland:-every hand was stretched out for her immediate relief;-and the deadly effects of famine and disease, quickly yielded to the healing influence of benevolence and love.Relief being administered, England like the Samaritan, withdraws, first having promised further assisstance of a similar kind, if necessary; but, Ireland recovered from her temporary affliction, follows her, and clamorously demands other favours, which she cannot grant, without endangering her own happiness, by a breach of duty and allegiance to the king of kings. She turns, therefore, to Ireland, and in the language of entreaty, and of sincerity, and

truth, thus addresses her :-you ask of me what I dare not, what I cannot grant:-I, like you, was once attached to Rome-I embraced her false doctrine-I bowed the knee before her images and pictures; and was, like you, wretched and miserable.-The iron yoke of ecclesiastical tyranny pressed me down to the very earth, and drove me to a state of desperation. By one mighty effort, I broke the papal chain, and set myself at liberty.-Then, first I knew what truth and happiness were. I ask you to follow my example-I entreat you to re-examine your religion, and to look into it with care and diligence, as I did, and to strip it of every false doctrine, till it becomes the religion of truth-the religion of the gospel-the pure unadulterated religion of the messenger of the most high.-Do you think my ancient nobility, my rich and powerful families were not quite as jealous of the religion of their ancestors, as any of your nobility and people can possibly be at the present time?-or do you think, they were not as competent to distinguish between truth and error, as your nobility and leading men now are?-Do you believe, they would have relinquished the doctrine of Rome, had they not been really convinced of its error? Why then, do you persist in that, which so many millions, of equal consequence, of equal ability, and of equal pride too, have deliberately renounced for ever?-Are not Newton and Locke, writers, whose talents are

equal to any of those, who have written, or still write in defence of the Romish Church?-But if, notwithstanding all this, you are so violently attached to your ancient religion, that you are determined to continue in it,-if you from the heart believe that your's alone, is the true church of Christ, and that you are bound to follow your divine master in all things-then, are you to imitate his bumility-then are you to follow his example, and avoid giving unnecessary offence to the government under which you live, and under which you enjoy in tranquillity and peace the religion of your choice.Need I remind you of the determination of Christ, to give no offence to the civil magistrate, under whom he lived?-Need I direct your attention to the following short narratives, as given by St. Matthew and St. John, or attempt. to explain their meaning?" When Jesus and "his disciples were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, "and said, doth not your master pay tribute?he saith, yes. And when he was come into "the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, what "thinkest thou Simon?-of whom do the kings "of the earth take custom or tribute?-of their own children, or of strangers ?-Peter saith “unto him, of strangers:-Jesus saith unto him, then are the children free.-Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou "to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the "fish, that first cometh up; and when thou

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

will the introduction of a person in the last stage of it, into an assembly of men engaged in religious duties, be the means of curing him, and preserving them from its destructive infection?-When Christ sent his disciples to preach the glad tidings of salvation, to cast out devils, and heal the sick, he said, "and whosoever shall "not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart "thence, shake off the dast under your feet for a "testimony against them." It was the advice of St. Paul to his Corinthian friends and converts, "that they should not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers ;-for, what fellowship, says he, has righteousness, with unrighteousness, and what communion hath light "with darkness ?-And what concord hath Christ with Belial, or what part hath he that "believeth with an infidel?-And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?"Upon another occasion, when warm and earLest in his argument for the leading doctrine of christianity, the resurrection, he charged them not to be imposed upon, and deceived by the mistaken notions and errors of the enemies of Christ, and to recollect that too great an intercourse, and familiarity with bad people, was very dangerous to good morals;-for, "evil communications corrupt good manners." And Christ addresses the church in Pergamos, by his faithful servant John, in this manner, "I have "a few things against thee, because thou hast "there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam,

66