MISCELLANEOUS THOUGHTS. 329 , to burn out the remnant of self -love, by teaching them patience and entire resignation of the will, and perfect contentment under the fiery discipline. But I cannot imagine how this doctrine should be any temp- tation to men to become proselytes to the church of Rome. One instance of this kind which I am going to relate, methinks should affright persons for ever from turning papists. Promedon was bred in the protestant faith, but having a superstitious turn of mind, and being much impressed by the discourse of an uncle who was a devout Catholic, he began to waver, and was inclined to change. He went lately to pay a visit to this uncle on his death -bed ; where after many crossings and anointings, and holy charms, he saw the dying man continue still in the utmost distress and horror; for notwithstanding all the devotions of his life, and the ceremonies at his last moments, yet, according to the doctrines of his own church, he thought himself plunged into torments equal to hell : His flesh was con- vulsed, and his soul confounded at the thoughts of such imme- diate anguish. He ordered in bis will five hundred pounds worth of masses, yet he was not assured whether the state of his pur- gation would continue months, or years, or ages. Amidst these agonies, Promedon'saw his uncle expire, and performed the last kind office to close his eyes. In his return home he talked thus with himself, " What ! Can the pope promise no more than this? Must a man that is almost fit to be sainted be sent to hell for a season, till the priests are well fee'd to say prayers enough to fetch him out of it? Is the mercy of God so limited in the Popish doctrine, and reduced to such a scantling, as not to save us without some atonements of our own ? Is not the blood of our Redeemer sufficient of itself to purchase our full pardon, but must we buy part of it with the anguish of our own souls after death ? Cannot the blessed Spirit make his own sanctifying work perfect, but the fire of pur- gatory must help to burn out our sins ? Has not Christ pro- mised me in the bible, That if I am faithful till 'death, I shall receive a crown of life; and has the priest power to delay my crown, and keep me so long out of the possession, till his masses and prayers shall bring me into it ? Is not all the grace of the gospel a sufficient security against the pains of hell, but after all my faith and the labours of my devotion, I must be consigned to hellish torments, coloured and softened with another name? Does not the word of God give encouragement to hope, that when we depart hence we shall be with Christ? That when I am absent from the body, I shall be present with the Lord ? And this is not only the blessing of an apostle, but even a disciple of Christ of the lowest rank, and whose character could make no pretence to merit, has the same privilege. A thief upon the Vol.. ix. Y
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