The High Diplomacy of the Church of Rome.—Are you aware, asks the Watchman-Examiner, New York, that thirty-one nations have embassies or legations at the Vatican? Are you aware that the Roman Catholic Church is doing its utmost to have the United States represented at the Vatican by an ambassador or minister? Great Britain has her representative at the Papal Court. France has renewed her diplomatic relations with Rome. Indeed, every great nation in Europe, except Italy, now has accredited representatives at the Vatican. Thus gradually the Pope has once more gained recognition as a temporal prince. The Roman Church here in America is publicly advocating that the United States, contrary to all its traditions and ideals, shall enter into diplomatic relations with the Vatican. This would involve the appointment of an ambassador or minister to the Papal Court and the welcoming of the Pope’s minister at Washington. There can be no possible doubt that strong pressure is being brought to bear on President Harding to recommend to Congress just such a procedure. But there can be no possible doubt that the American people will forbid such a procedure.
Dr. John Duncan.—The concluding part of the late Rev. James S. Sinclair’s lecture on Dr. Duncan is given in this issue. We are sure our readers read it with pleasure and edification. It
has the well-known characteristics of our late friend’s literary style, solidity combined with lucidity of statement and well-balanced judgment, in the selection of incidents in a life so profoundly spiritual and picturesque as Dr. Duncan’s. To our younger readers we cannot do better than ask them to follow up the acquaintance they have made of this remarkable and heavenly-minded saint and scholar, and if they derive half the pleasure and edification that some of us derived when this star of the first magnitude attracted our attention, they will feel deeply grateful for counsel that turned their thoughts to one of God’s saints, if ever there was one on earth. The fullest account of his life is the Memoir of John Duncan, LL.D., by Principal David Brown. Dr Moody Stuart has also paid a beautiful tribute to his friend in his Recollections of Dr. Duncan. This also contains some of his famous utterances and profound musings on divine things. Professor Knight, also, in his Colloquia Peripatetica, has gathered a notable collection of these utterances. Then there is a volume of Dr. Duncan’s sermons entitled In the Pulpit and at the Communion Table. These sermons and Table addresses are characterised by outstanding spirituality and clear insight into the deep things of God. All these books can be had from any well-known secondhand theological bookseller, such as Mr. W. F. Henderson, George IV. Bridge, Edinburgh. We may also here say that it had been the intention of Mr. Sinclair, had God spared him, to publish a volume of addresses and sermons of Dr. Duncan. He entered into this work, heart and soul, and had the volume ready for the printer, but certain circumstances arose which hindered him proceeding with its issue. We hope it will yet be given to the public.
A Peculiar Reply.—Our readers will remember that attention has already been called to the advertisement of a “Sunday” newspaper on a circular issued with the Census forms. The attention of the Prime Minister was called to this by the Edinburgh Working Men and Women’s Christian Sabbath Society, and the following is part of the reply:—”While it will thus be appreciated the circumstances of the case in question are highly exceptional, it should be added that care has been taken by the Census Authorities to obviate any cause for complaint by Registrars or Enumerators on the ground of conscientious objection to the distribution of a Sunday newspaper advertisement. In every case in which any objection or protest has been brought to notice the Registrar-General has authorised the officer in question to adopt the alternative plan of amending the Census schedule itself in manuscript in lieu of distributing the leaflet notifying the correction of dates. The cases in question have not, it is understood, been numerous.” It has been pertinently pointed out that this notorious leaflet was handed in at each door in Great Britain, and for the Prime Minister to speak about the Registrar-General’s care not to wound conscientious feelings is simply absurd. But
it is in keeping with so much of what is being done in high places in regard to God’s day that one need not be surprised that it should have happened and then been defended.
Portugal and Romanism.—It would appear, says the English Churchman, that Romanism has lost its hold upon the greater number of the people of Portugal. Quite recently an attempt was made to hold certain religious processions, but they were prohibited by the Government as likely to offend the liberal sentiments of the nation. The Prime Minister explained that the Republic was not opposed to religion as such, but that the efforts of the representatives of the Papal Church to override public authority could not be tolerated. The processions would be regarded as a challenge by Loyal Republicans and consequently they must not take place. The episode is illuminating. It shows that the Pope has to take a second place in countries where he used to be supreme. It shows that those who have been emancipated from his thraldom are determined not to put their necks in the yoke again. It shows how popish processions are regarded by persons who have the best opportunity of understanding their meaning and purpose. And it consequently exposes the unwisdom of the authorities in this country in allowing the Romanists to make a public parade of their disloyal banners and idolatrous emblems. If the Liberals of Portugal should be saved from offence, so should the Protestants of England.
Free Book.—Rev. Alex. Mackay, F.P. Manse, Oban, begs leave to state that he has received fifty copies of “a Commentary on the Song of Solomon,” from the Author, for free circulation. The only condition attached being that those receiving copies will promise to read the volume from cover to cover. Copies will be sent to the first fifty applicants irrespective of denomination.
CORRECTION.—Rev. Alexander Mackay wishes to state that in his article in last issue in connection with the loan of £1500 to the Edinburgh congregation—”three friends” should be “several friends.”