CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

We must now take a short survey of the Church of England; afterwards of the true Church of Christ.

It is stated by some that Christianity was introduced into Britain A.D. 40 by Simon Telotes and Joseph of Arimathea, and that they established themselves at Glastonbury in Somersetshire. Others say St. Paul preached in Britain during the last three years of his life, that is, from the time he was liberated from his confinement at Rome to his return there and martyrdom. Vale's Commentary, 807.

However this may be, it is certain Christianity was propagated in Britain before A.D. 200, for Tertullian and Origen, learned theologians, state that at that time Christianity had penetrated in Britain farther north than the arms of the Romans. It seems that persecution had induced some Christians to retire to Bangor in Wales, and their recluse lives is said to have originated monasteries. Vale, 931.

This is clear, that when the Romans were compelled to leave Britain, A.D. 439, they left the Britons perfectly acquainted with the Christian faith as received from the Apostles, with, however, sectaries and errors; for, A.D. 400, Pelagius, a native of Wales, taught that man does not inherit a

corrupt nature from Adam, that a special act of divine grace is not necessary to enable us to become and continue righteous, and that grace is bestowed in proportion to human merit. Against these tenets the Church thus speaks. Wilkinson, Church History.

Art 9.-Original Sin standeth not in the following of Adam, as the Pelagians do vainly talk, but rather is the fault and corruption of every man that naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam, whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness, and is, of his own nature, inclined to evil, so that the flesh lusteth always contrary to the spirit, and therefore in every person born into the world, it deserveth God's wrath and damnation; and this infection of nature doth remain, yea, even in them that are regenerated, whereby the lust of the flesh, called in Greek, phronema sarkos, which some do expound the wisdom, some sensuality, some the affection, some the desire of the flesh, is not subject to the law of God. And although there is no condemnation for them that believe, and are baptized, yet the Apostle doth confess that concupiscence and lust hath of itself the nature of sin.

The doctrine of Pelagius is very gratifying to the pride of the human heart, but it is the object of faith to bring down every high and lofty thought. To the humble Christian, the knowledge of his own natural and actual incapacity to do any thing for himself, throws him entirely on his Saviour's love, which is the only state in which true happiness is enjoyed on earth, but to those who have never experienced this utter self-renunciation, it is as St. Paul saith, foolishness, a thing not to be understood.

A.D. 450. The Saxons, a barbarous and heathen people, passed over into England, conquered it gradually, and exterminated Christianity and civilisation. For 200 years Britain remained in a state of barbarity, when, A.D. 600, Augustin was sent by the Pope to restore Christianity, that is, such as it came from Rome into England. The English soon became notorious for superstition, following Rome with the exception of the Lollards, until the Reformation, 1515, when the strong reasoning powers of the British enabled them to throw off the galling yoke of Rome.

A.D. 1535. Coverdale's Translation of the Bible was introduced.

A.D. 1552. The Prayer Book with the Thirtynine Articles published in the reign of Edward 6th. A.D. 1603. To James a new translation of the Bible was presented, and,

A.D. 1851. There are few families who have not this invaluable guide to happiness.

It thus appears that the Church of England owns a primitive origin, and is distinct from the Church of Rome.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.

By the true Catholic Church of Christ I understand two varieties of the followers of Jesus, viz., those who have borne their testimony to the truth, through good report-and through evil report-these are burning and shining lights, set forth to give light to the world; and those who in private glorify their Saviour by a holy harmless life, learned of Him-these are the salt of the earth, which preserve it from corruption, of whom little or nothing remains to record their names, whose reward follows them. Yet beautiful is it to see that of such witnesses God has never denied any generation; and though sometimes the stream of truth has been hidden, and allowed to flow among sombre shades, it has in its windings widened occasionally into a noble river, and is now fast hastening into the great ocean of Gospel glory.

Of those who have borne testimony to the truth were, first, the prophets of old, without whose constant warnings there is no doubt the knowledge of God would have entirely disappeared from among men. These were the morning stars which ushered in the Sun of Righteousness. Next came the apostles, whose energy and power, received from above, gave an impetus to the Church, which carried it on until its establishment; then the constant disputes

kept the truth from stagnation; exhibited the depth of the wisdom and goodness of God; "that, as the heaven is higher than the earth, so are his ways higher than our ways; thus laying a broad foundation for the future kingdom of Christ. At length error triumphed, but we find Vigilantius of Spain strenuously opposing its progress, teaching the truth without dishonesty, that progress might be retarded, but not prevented; then arose Claude of France; afterwards, the Waldenses: these noble men, who, through much and cruel persecution, kept alive the embers of truth, form a goodly band of martyrs. The Lollards, fellowers of Wickliffe, in England raised up the sacred banner to further the Gospel kingdom, succeeded by the Hussites of Germany, from whom are descended the present excellent missionaries, the Moravians, who, denying themselves for Christ's sake, shall be honoured by Him whom they delight to honour. So in the several Christian countries arose at times of need the true Church, who were willing, and actually did suffer all, that they might win Christ, until Luther opened the flood-gates, and let in to the world the waters of eternal truth. Man may try, but it will be in vain, to close them again. Truth, once overflowing, cannot be resisted. May we, with the glorious company of the apostles, the noble army of martyrs, and the Holy Church throughout all the world, join in everlasting praises to the Father of an infinite majesty, to his true and honourable Son, and to the Holy Ghost the Comforter.

Such are a few faint proofs of the truth of Scripture, and of the Church founded thereon,