The Spanish Protestant Sailor Released by King.—We are very pleased to learn from The Protestant Alliance Magazine that “King Alfonso has pardoned the Protestant sailor, Pablo Fernandez Garcia, who was recently sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for refusing to kneel during a Romish Mass.” We trust the young man may be abundantly blessed and strengthened by the Lord in the ways of truth and righteousness. The following is a copy of letter of thanks from the Committee of the Protestant Alliance, forwarded to His Majesty King Alfonso:—”Sire,—My Committee have learned with satisfaction that their Petition to your Majesty, praying that the sentence of six months’ imprisonment on Pablo Fernandez Garcia for refusing to kneel at the passing of the ‘Host’ should be commuted, has received your Gracious Majesty’s consideration and prompt action in granting a free pardon to Pablo Fernandez Garcia.—I am, Sire, your humble and obedient servant, HENRY FOWLER, Secretary, Protestant Alliance, 430 Strand, W.C., 23rd January, 1913.”
The Roman Church and Education.—We understand that Pope Pius IX. gave forth the following striking sentiment:—”Education, outside of the Catholic Church, is a damnable heresy.” This statement comes very appropriately from the lips of one who represents a body whose two chief pillars are ignorance and superstition. Romish education is for most part a sham. So patent is this that we learn from The Bulwark that Roman Catholic laymen in Quebec, Canada, are at present “endeavouring to arouse the people to demand improved and public education.”
The King and Prince of Wales, and Romanism.—The ways of our Royal house are not equal. The following much called for resolution was recently passed at a meeting of Protestants in the Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, where Pastor Jacob Primmer frequently takes a prominent part:—”That this meeting deeply regrets that both the King and the Prince of Wales should recognise and honour the Romish Anti-Christian conspiracy; His Majesty, according to The Morning Post, having been represented by Lord Willingdon at the Requiem Mass, held on 16th December in the Roman Catholic Cathedral, Southwark, for the repose of the soul of the Countess of Flanders, and the Hon. Sir Arthur Walsh, Master of the Ceremonies, having also attended the service by command of the King; and the Prince of Wales should give money to help the nuns, according to the Popish Universe, 10th January, declaring that the monetary gift of the Prince of Wales to the ‘Little Sisters of the Assumption’ is a credit to His Royal Highness’s broad-minded charity. That this meeting strongly protests against this truckling to Rome. That copies of this Resolution be sent to the Prime Minister, the Prince of Wales, and His Majesty the King.”
Protestants Preachers and a Church Image.—In the side chapel of St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church, Plaistow, there was placed at “Christmas” a crib containing images of the Infant Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and Joseph. On 27th December, the Church was visited by Protestant Alliance preachers who removed the image of the Infant, and sent it to the Bishop of St. Alban’s with a note requesting him “to do his duty and banish idolatry from the Church of England.” Father Chappell, who is in charge of this Church, is stated to have said that there seemed no possibility of taking legal action against the Protestants, as they had not the image in their possession. It remains to be seen what the Bishop will do.