THE AMERICAN PROTESTANT. VOL. I.] MAY, 1846. [NO. XII. TO THE READERS OF THE PROTESTANT-CLOSE OF THE FIRST VOLUME. THE present number will close the first year of this Magazine. Our readers can judge whether we have redeemed the pledge given in our first number, with reference to the design of this publication, and the manner in which it was to be conducted. We reminded them that it would advocate the claims of our own country, and show their paramount importance-that it would show, such are the influences to which we are exposed at home and abroad, that it would require something more efficacious than mere political combinations, to save our country from the dangers that now threaten our civil and religious institutions. We also stated that we should bring to view the duties of Protestants to the Roman Catholic population in the United States, and our course towards the Romanists should be kind and Christian, while we designed to be faithful in exposing error which we believe is destructive to the souls of men. Intelligence was promised from our Missionaries and Colporteurs, and we have cause of gratitude to God that we have been able to communicate so much to you, from month to month, on this subject. With reference to all these, we submit the decision to the readers of the Protestant. We entered upon this work, we can truly say, under a deep sense of responsibility. This we know will not atone for any errors we may have committed, but it may show that we did not thoughtlessly, nor hastily take this position. Having never occupied the Editor's chair, and become personally familiar with his perplexities, his responsibilities, his deep distress, and a stranger to the constant, insatiate demand upon his patience, his kindness, his independence, and his mental resources, we had many fears touching this matter. During the year, we have had the privilege of conversing with 354 D'AUBIGNE'S REFORMATION. many through our columns, whose faces we never expect to see in the flesh. This intercourse we trust has not been without interest, and without profit. May the fruits of it be a holier and more useful life. May these fruits be seen, in more vigorous personal efforts for the salvation of all, and especially for ignorant and deluded papists. If the increase of subscribers is an evidence of interest, and of favour, then we may say, that the American Protestant has met with a very favourable reception. The present number of subscribers is far greater than was anticipated by any at the beginning of the year: and every week is adding to our list. We have received many pleasing testimonials from Pastors and others, of the influence of the Magazine upon the community. We are under special obligations to Editors in various parts of the United States, who have spoken of the Protestant in the most favourable manner, and have commended it so warmly to public attention. Towards all our editorial brethren, we entertain only feelings of kindness, and we most sincerely hope that all their commendations of our humble efforts, will react auspiciously upon their own arduous labours. We enter upon another volume of the Protestant, under more favourable circumstances than we commenced. Our present subscribers we trust will remain with us, and we request all our friends to aid us in adding to our number. We have in prospect some valuable engravings, to adorn our future numbers. We shall have the materials, we trust, of increasing the interest of the readers of the Magazine. Let it be patronized by families. Should it be the means of enlightening the minds of children and youth, and of guarding them against the snares of Rome which have been fatal to so many, it would be an invaluable blessing. D'AUBIGNE'S FOURTH VOLUME OF THE REFORMATION. THIS Volume does not contain, as the public expected, a history of the reformation in England. The events which it brings to our view have occurred in Germany and Switzerland. But it is a narrative of thrilling interest. It will be read with the most ardent desire to reach the results. At times the interest of the reader will be so intense, he will be impatien to see the end-to learn the best or the worst of the case. D'AUBIGNE'S REFORMATION. 355 It is in some respects more instructive than the other volumes. It presents the Reformers and the Reformation before us in new and different aspects. It unfolds to us some great principles by which the Reformers of every age should be governed. It gives us a history of the Protest at Spires in 1526-of the Conference of the Reformers at Marburg-of the Augsburg Confession in 1530, and of the Catas trophe of the Reformation in Switzerland in 1531. The Conference of the German and Swiss Reformers at Marburg was held for the purpose of effecting a general union of all Protestants. Luther and Zwingle were the prominent actors. They differed about the meaning of the words, "this is my body." Luther had not eradicated entirely from his mind the Popish doctrine of transubstantiation. He did not believe as the Popish church does, that the elements of bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ, but he thought that the body and blood of Christ were substantially present in the elements after consecration, which is called consubstantiation. Zwingle, on the other hand, seems to have clearer and more scriptural views of this subject. He had read the word of God and reflected upon it in his native mountains in Switzerland, until the shadows of Popery had fled, and he enjoyed an unclouded vision of the nature of the Lord's Supper. The discussion of this subject at Marburg exhibited the different temperaments of these illustrious men under peculiarly interesting circumstances. In the manifestation of the spirit of conciliation, of Christian forbearance, and of fraternal feeling, it is not to be disguised that Zwingle rose superior to Luther, and won the admiration of the Protestant Princes and of the Reformers. When, after much discussion, a conscientious division in sentiment, was apparent, and yet union was so desirable, Zwingle in the true spirit of Christian liberality and charity said, "Let us confess our union in all things in which we agree; and as for the rest let us remember that we are brothers. There will never be peace between the Churches if, while we maintain the grand doctrine of salvation by faith, we cannot differ on secondary points." Philip of Hesse, first in rank among Protestant Princes, wearied with the apparently unchristian course of Luther, exclaimed, "Yes, yes! you agree! Give them a testimony of your unity, and recognize one another as brothers."-"There is no one upon earth with whom I more desire to be united, than with you," said Zwingle, appproaching the Wittemberg doctors. Ecolampadius, Bucer, and Hedio said the same. |