"Neither repented they of their murders, nor "of their sorceries, nor of their fornications, nor "of their thefts "."

Such is the descriptive character, which the page of Holy Writ has given, of the abominations of Popery! And it is such, that I feel myself effectually relieved both from the apprehension, and the possibility, of saying any thing that is too harsh, in treating of this system of tyranny and imposture.

The Reformation proceeded gradually, and with various success, till it obtained its firm establishment in England, under Queen Elizabeth; since which time, to the present moment, this country has honourably, and most beneficially, distinguished herself, as the constant bulwark and support of it, to the extent of her ability.

7. The establishment of the pure Religion of Christ, by law, in this country, is quite an epoch, even in "The Revelation ;" and many scenes occur in that inspired Volume, which are admirably clear, just, and expressive, when referred to

a Rev. ix. 20, 21.

it, and to the well-known consequences of it; but are utterly inexplicable, on any other principle of interpretation. Upon the taking place of this, "the seventh Angel sounded;" and, with it, we arrive at the close of the third great period already noted.

The blast of the seventh TRUMPET serves to introduce all the Plagues, which should afterwards be inflicted upon the impenitent "Earth," both in the East and West, till the completion of the Mystery of GoD in respect to his Church, and the conclusion of the great prophetical period of the one thousand two hundred and three-score

years.

These Plagues, following the septenary arrangement of the SEALS and TRUMPETS, are called "the seven last Plagues: for in them is completed the Wrath of GOD." And they are symbolically represented as poured upon the nations, for whose punishment they are ordained, out of " the seven golden VIALS."

1. The first of these Plagues consisted in "the noisome and grievous sore" of Infidelity; which widely overspread the regions of the papal "Earth," in consequence, partly, of the revival of learning, and, partly, of the utter intolerance

and irrationality of the Church of Rome.

This,

it may, therefore, be said, will continue in operation so long as Popery itself shall continue; for that is declared to be unchanging, and unchangeable. It had long been working its way gradually, in secret, and unsuspected; but its effects began to be distinctly visible, soon after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, in the most considerable country under the spiritual dominion of the Pope; and they increased, till they arrived at a degree of virulence, which could no longer be controlled, or resisted.

2. From the causes, which have just been adverted to, proceeded that Revolution, which overthrew the Religion, and civil Government, of that unhappy country; and, during scenes of anarchy and slaughter, before unheard of, converted her rich and variegated surface into one vast "field of blood."

3. But the direful effects of this Revolution were not long confined to the country, in which it had taken place. It involved principles, and gave rise to exertions, which struck equally at the Altar and the Throne, in every region of the civilized world; and, in the prosecution of its fell designs, it carried demoralization and wretched

ness, ravage and slaughter, wherever it was permitted to penetrate, by force of arms: where it was unable to do this, it sought to gain its ends by deception and perversion.

The conduct of " the Angel of the Waters," on this memorable occasion, is distinctly foreshewn.

4. After the causes, just mentioned, had been in operation so long as had been determined by Divine Wisdom, things took a rapid turn; and the most unbridled licentiousness became almost suddenly exchanged for the rigours of the most arbitrary power. The Sun of military despotism shone forth with a portentous glare, scorching the inhabitants of the same unhappy land, and its dependencies, and whatever other countries were submitted to its influence, with the unnatural and withering influence of his rays. And, under this position of affairs, was witnessed the remarkable phenomenon of Popery, from motives of policy on the one hand, and of self-preservation on the other, formally coalescing with the prevailing Infidelity, and becoming again, under certain modifications, the professed religion of the state.

During the continuance of this Plague, moreover, the German Empire, which, for more than a thousand years, had sustained the splendid title

of "The Holy Roman Empire," was dissolved; and its dignity, and its power, became virtually transferred to the Protectorate of "The Confederation of the Rhine."

5. But even this tremendous power was not to be long paramount; and to give further opportunity, for repentance and amendment, among the nations of the West, this Sun of military despotism was destined soon to decline from the height he had attained, and then to set; and that which was his newly-formed "kingdom became darkened," in consequence of his decline and disappearance.

Nearly fourteen years have now elapsed, since that glorious and unparalleled Event took place, which was the means of driving the Tyrant from his seat; and of procuring a comparative, but ominous, tranquillity, for the exhausted nations of Europe. And, as it had been repeatedly foretold in this sacred Book, so it has come to pass, that, in a moral and religious point of view, no change has taken place, among them, for the better: there has been no "repentance," or further Reformation, in respect to the enormities, which had brought down the preceding plagues upon them.

So far we have been treading upon sure ground;