By Rev. D. J. MACASKILL, M.A., North Uist.
WHEN the vast majority of the people of this country are still Protestant, it is difficult for us to understand the motive behind such a visit. All communication with the See of Rome is distinctly forbidden in the British constitution. The Pope’s children in Dublin and Eire and French Canada are not among the most loyal and affectionate of His Majesty’s subjects. The people of Northern Ireland, on the other hand, are among the most devoted in the British Dominions. Our most distinguished generals came from Protestant Ireland. It is to be hoped that such courtesy visits will not be repeated, as they constitute a danger to the Protestant Succession.
Some R.C. publications point out that the new Prince Charles will not have liberty of conscience to become a Roman Catholic. This country suffered enough under R.C. Sovereigns to wish for any more of that persuasion. At the time of the Marian persecutions of 1555, it was seen what a Queen could do for the Church of Rome, when many godly men and women were burnt at Smithfield, near St. Paul’s Cathedral. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs tells us only one question was put by the Bishop of London to the accused, whether they believed in transubstantiation or not. If they said “No,” they were ordered to the stake. The House of Stuart thought they could do what they liked with the religious convictions of their subjects. They found out the contrary. James VI. tried to impose his will on Scotland by forcing bishops on Presbyterians. This caused several wars and much bloodshed. He said, “No bishop, no king.” Charles I. and II. followed his principles. Charles I. lost his life on account of his obstinacy. Charles II. was a deeply-dyed hypocrite, who pretended to be a supporter of Presbyterianism and the Solemn League and Covenant. He was a perjurer, and goes down in history as a wicked man. James VII. was true to Stuart tradition. He appointed Roman Catholics to the highest positions in the Navy and elsewhere. His fate was decided at the Battle of the Boyne in Ireland. So the royal Stuarts lost their crown and throne, to which they were legitimate heirs, but forfeited by their aversion to Protestantism. We hope Britons still value their liberty, and will not give it up without a struggle. The Papacy has been often characterised as the greatest conspiracy against human rights and liberty that was ever known. The Holy See has caused a sea of blood to be shed. Although the Pope has lost a great deal of his power, he still interferes behind the scenes in international politics. Owing to the diabolical Confession box, he has access to many secrets from his deluded devotees, over whose consciences he claims supreme dominion. He is supposed to be a champion against Communism. He himself is the worst tyrant.
In 1688, at the glorious Revolution, the Protestant Succession was established by law. After 28 years of suffering, Presbyterianism was established by law in Scotland. The Coronation Oath debarred Roman Catholics from the Throne for all time coming. It has since been whittled down to exclude the statement, “that the sacrifice of the Mass is a blasphemous fable and dangerous deceit.” These bulwarks and safeguards of our civil and religious liberty are being attacked by the enemies of the Protestant Faith. The price of liberty is vigilance. Our young Free Presbyterians ought to be well indoctrinated in all these matters, so that they can give a reason for the hope that is in them.
Hast thou heaven in hope? It is more than if thou hadst the whole world in hand. The greatest monarch on earth would be glad, at a dying hour, to change his crown for thy helmet, which is “the hope of salvation.” His crown will not procure him thy helmet, but thy helmet will procure thee “A crown of glory, that fadeth not away.”—Gurnall.