nation.  The boast of its abettors is that it is semper eadem—­ever the same.  Rome cannot reform herself from within, and she is incapable of reformation from external influences and agencies.  The Bible never speaks of Antichrist as to be reformed, but as waxing worse and worse till the time when he shall be completely subverted and irrecoverably destroyed.  Whatever changes may be going on in some Popish countries, whereby the power of the Papacy is weakened, it is evident that the principles and spirit of the Romish priesthood, and of those who are under their influence, remain unchanged.  The errors of the Antichristian system, instead of 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 set themselves earnestly, prayerfully and perseveringly to diffuse the Bible and Gospel light in the dark parts of their native country, and among Romanists in other lands.  By embracing fully and holding fast, in their practical application, the principles of the British Covenants, and by imbibing the spirit of covenanted martyrs—­men like Renwick and the Cameronians, we will be prepared for the last conflict with Antichrist.  The firm and faithful maintenance of a martyr-testimony will be a principal instrument of the victory of truth over the error and idolatry of Rome.  “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death,” (Rev. xii. 11.)