being diminished, have of late years increased. Creature worship has
become more marked and general. The Immaculate Conception has been
proclaimed by Papal authority as the creed of Romanism. In these
countries, and some other Protestant lands, the influence of Popery in
government and education, and so on the whole social system, has been
greatly on the increase. Among those who have most deeply studied
inspired prophecy, there is a general expectation that the period of
Babylon's downfal is hastening on, and is not far distant. There is a
general presentiment too, that the Man of Sin, prior to his downfal,
will make some dire and violent attempt through his infatuated followers
against the truth, and against such as faithfully maintain it. The
"_Slaying of the Witnesses_,"--which we are disposed to regard as yet
future--may take place, not so much by the actual shedding of blood,
though it is plain that Jesuit policy and violence will not hesitate to
re-enact former persecution and massacre, to accomplish a desired
purpose. It may mainly be effected, as Scott, the expositor, suggests,
by silencing the voice of a public testimony in behalf of fundamental
truths throughout Christendom; and of this there are at present
unmistakeable signs not a few, throughout the churches in various
countries.

The Protestant church in all its sections should be thoroughly awake to
its danger from the destructive errors, idolatry and power of its
ancient irreconcilable enemy; and should, by all legitimate means,
labour to counteract and nullify its political influence. The ministry
and the rising youth of the church should study carefully the Popish
controversy, and should be intimately acquainted with the history of the
rise and progress of the Papacy--its assumed blasphemous power--its
accumulated errors and delusions, and its plots, varied persecutions and
cruel butcheries of Christ's faithful witnesses. Above all, they should