Plate 2

THE REFORMATION.

CONNECTED With the establishment, progress, and final overthrow of the apostate Hierarchy, contrived by the "Man of Sin;" the Apostle John, in Patmos, beheld the characteristic features of the witnesses, who should commence their opposition to the Papal perversions of evangelic truth, almost simultaneously with the evolution of that appalling despotism. The prediction recorded in the Apocalypse, 11: 1-14, is a condensed narrative of the successive. testimony, which in all ages has been promulged against the enemies of the unadulterated gospel of Jesus. The mystical number 666 can be applied to nothing but the Latin church. Irenæus, the disciple of Polycarp, nearly 500 years prior to the development of that congeries of abominations, avowed that Rome would be the seat of the Beast. He also affirmed, that such was the decision of them who saw and conversed with the beloved Apostle. Consequently it is most probable, that John was permitted to communicate that interpretation on his infallible authority, that the fulfilment of the prophecy, in subsequent ages, might render the facts connected with it more remarkable. The Papal ordinance, that all the services of the church should be in the Latin tongue, which was authoritatively promulged in the year 666,

seems to determine with undeniable accuracy the applica tion of the mystery.

The appearance of a regular dissent from the exactions and mandates of the Roman ecclesiastical tyranny, cannot be traced to a more distant period, than the era, when the worship of God, through the universal banishment of the vernacular languages, became a mixture of unmeaning gibberish, and of ceremonial mummery. To illustrate the nature of that prophecy which the witnesses pronounc→ ed against Babylon the Great; and to mark the different periods of their manifestation-they may be divided into two classes; individuals, and societies.

I. INDIVIDUALS. The controversy respecting Images produced a vast protest against the Romish idolatrous bulls. Emperors, Councils, and a large number of Prelates dispersed in their various dioceses, endeavoured to resist the introduction of that Pagan corruption; but the Dragon and the Beast eventually triumphed. Clement and Samson, two Culdees in Scotland, were excommunicated for their aversion to the Pope's supremacy, Image worship, Masses, and the Celibacy of the Priests. Bede in England dis played the Romish corruptions with great boldness and animation. Alcuin in France, in consequence of his detestation of Idolatry and his resolute irrefutable arguments against that monstrous fiction, Transubstantiation, was arraigned several years after his death, and branded as a Heretic. Agobard also steadfastly resisted the introduction of the Images into France, and his writings were condemned to the flames. Claudius, in Italy, vehemently defended the truth against the Pagan Christians; and, through the divine benediction, so successful were his labours, it is probable that the seed which he strewed afterwards sprung up among the valleys of Piedmont, and produced that abundant harvest of Christians, the immortal Waldenses.

In the ninth century, John Scotus, for his acute resistance to the introduction of the Papal corruptions, was murdered in England by his own Students when instructing them at Oxford. Bertram in France, and Maurus in Germany, fearlessly, but without success, also wielded "the sword of the spirit which is the word of God" against "the son of perdition." Haymo an Anglo-Saxon, Fortunatus and Hulderic Germans, Lupus and Remigius Italians, and especially Hincmar openly defied the Pope, and trampled with scorn upon his bulls and decretals.

Of the tenth century, scarcely a vestige remains. The Papal advocates describe that period, "as the most debauched and wicked, the most illiterate and ignorant since the coming of Christ. The Popes during 150 years were more like Apostates than Apostles. Christ then appeared to be in a very deep slumber when the ship was covered with waves; and disciples were wanting, who by their cries might awaken him, being themselves all fast asleep." However, some few, like lights shining in a dark place, remonstrated against the prevalent degeneracy and superstition. Smaragdus a Saxon confuted many of the Popish errors. Alfric in England was very zealous against the corporeal presence. Bernet in Scotland resisted the attempt to legalize celibacy. At Oxford many persons pronounced the Papacy to be Antichrist.

Notwithstanding that the following age was ingulfed in a darkness equally gross with that which enshrouded the prior century, yet much effect accompanied the energetic writings and exertions of a few renowned individuals. Berengarius in France so effectually counteracted the doctrine of Transubstantiation, that immense multitudes rejected that cardinal dogma of modern Popery. Bruno likewise strenuously engaged in the conflict. Damcasius in Italy pointed his spiritual weapons against the Beast himself in his pride and majesty. Fulbert and