Higher Criticism: Disastrous Results. By Rev. Dr. Kerr. Third edition: ten thousand.—We are pleased to learn that 100 copies or more in one parcel of this pamphlet may be had at 2d. per copy free from the author, 19 Queen Square, Glasgow.
The Prevalence of Atheism.—The mind of the age, as reflected in its current literature, shews itself to have arrived at a mood of settled atheism. The signs of the times appearing in the movements of kings and peoples are all interpreted without the least reference to God and His Christ. The deep causes and final results of all things are found with man. Man is everything, God nothing. The present posture of affairs in the east of Europe, by reason of the ferment of races and the friction between Turks and Christians, is the theme of several articles in the leading magazines. The subject is one that almost necessitates a reference either to God’s past or future goings in human history, but these men of culture and philosophy sedulously elude all mention of Him. Professing themselves to be wise, they have thus become fools.
The Pope’s Visitor.—On Wednesday, April 29, King Edward finished his Mediterranean tour by a gratuitous offence to the Protestant sentiment of the British Empire. He visited the Pope at the Vatican. The newspapers report that the business was smilingly done on both sides. We are not careful to conceal our stern disapproval of such a bold innovation on the usages of the British throne. King Edward VII. is a constitutional monarch, and he reigns per contract between himself and his subjects. He can challenge their allegiance and respect no longer than he cleaves to the Bible Protestantism, which is of the essence of the British Constitution. We know the Pope only as a conquered, but irreconcilable enemy, who means yet to reign on the ruins of our liberty and prosperity. Any king or statesman of Britain daring to make a covenant of friendship with the Pope tramples on the British Constitution and sets at naught the prayers and sufferings of a cloud of witnesses, whose despised admonitions will yet be terribly avenged. Nevertheless, the present-day place given to Popish men and Popish plans in high places is painful to contemplate, and leads to saddening speculation as to what the end will be.
The Law and Money Left for Prayers.—At the Lancashire Chancery Court, held March 9, the Vice-Chancellor, acting on the law as settled by authorities, ruled that money left for prayers for the repose of the soul of a testator was a superstitious use which the law could not recognise.