Page:The spiritual venality of Rome.djvu/109

88 the comiptions^ both in doctrine and discipline^ of the church of Kome^ and asserted their own independence, was neither unnecessary nor un- justifiable. Another is, to offer an additional induce- ment to those, who belongs and still adhere, to Rome, with a simple heart, unconscious of her abommations, many of them, individually, of an excellent spirit, and for whom our heart's desire and prayer is, that they may be saved— to reflect upon the character and acts of this Babylon, this deceiver of the nations of the earth ; and to withdraw &om her society, that they may not be overtaken by her plagues ; and thus effect for themselves the only real Emancipation from a real, and most degrading, as well as oppressive, slavery. The last object is, with unfeigned thankful* ness for our own emancipation, as Protestants, ambition, their love of earthly gratification, (of which they are by no means insensible,) and a free, as well aa lucrative specu- lation in the sins of men, (as in former times,) might riot with- out restraint — at least with none, from which the opportune casuistry of Peter Dens would not relieve them. Let the nation mark the insolent encroachments, which common prudence can- not curb, and can scarcely disguise. Let it observe the attitude of r^olution and threat, which seems to defy the intended vic- tim. And then let it consider, how far apathy, security, and a neglect of the moat vitro roun measures of defence and repulaeji are, in Proteblauts, becoming, prudeut, or Justi^abl^,