Page:Evan's (sic) sketch of all religions abridged.pdf/11

 The Greek, or Russian Church, which now spreads itself over the eastern parts of Europe, is very ancient, and bears a considerable resemblance to the Church of Rome. Denying, however, the infallibility and supremacy of the Pope, they are in communion with the Patriarch of Constantinople. Amongst other articles of belief, they are distinguished for these three:—1. The rejection of images. 2. The doctrine of consubstantiation, or the union of the body of Christ with the sacramental element. 3. The administration of baptism, by immersing the whole body in water.

The Greek Church equals that of Rome in the number of ceremonies, festivals, and superstitious customs. The Russians have likewise a great number of abstinences, or fasts, and among the rest four lents annually.

Under the appellation of Protestants, we include all who dissent from Popery, in whatever country they reside, or into whatever sects they have been since distributed. Abroad they are divided into two sorts—the Lutherans, who adhere to Luther's tenets; and the Reformed, who follow the dissipline of Geneva. They were called Protestants, because, in 1529, they protested against a decree of the Emperor Charles the Fifth, and declared that they appealed to a general council. At present this vast class comprehends those whom Papists used contemptuously to style Hugonots in France; Refugees in Holland, who fled thither upon the revocation of the Edict of Nantz, 1684; the Presbyterians in Scotland; the Episcopalians and Non-conformists in England; together with a numerous body of Christians in America.

Martin Luther, the great reformer of the Church, was born in 1483 at Eisleben, in Prussian Saxony. At the age of fourteen he was sent to the school of Magdeburg, from which he removed to Eisenach, and thence to the university of Erfurt. He was destined by his father for the legal profession but the impression produced on him by the fate of his friend Alexis, who was struck dead by lightning while walking by his side, induced him to devote himself to the monastic life, and he entered the monastery of Augustines in 1505. Two years afterwards he was constituted priest, and in 1508 was made professor of philosophy in the university of WittembergWittenberg [sic]. While in the monastery Luther found a treasure