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of truth, the false system that was their bane. I am not writing a critique or commentary on the Discussion that has taken place. It is needless here, to express my opinion as to which of the disputants had the advantage,-suffice it to say, that if one wished to observe the workings, and study the tendencies of the two rival systems of Protestantism and Popery, here he might have been amply gratified, and here enjoyed the intellectual feast of witnessing two men of great natural powers, exercising them under as different modes, as could be imagined. East and West, Zenith and Nadir not more opposed, than their respective apprehensions and trains of thought. One man a scholar, and a finished gentleman, of considerable reading in controversy and if "bonus textuarius bonus theologus" be a truth, it might be fully applied to him, for he seemed a perfect master of the Bible.

He also,

stood before us, as one who never for an instant, forgot the intense solemnity of the cause in which he was engaged; still it could be observed, that though he grasped his subject firmly, reasoned on it lucidly, and clothed his arguments in all the felicity of illustration, and modulations of language, he did not condescend to trammel his powers, within the precise bounds of logical arrangement. The Dialectician might complain that he did not marshal his strength within the limits of a syllogism, and kept not the order of mood and figure. But who will presume to say that his arguments were not put forth abundantly and stated forcibly

who will dare to assume that he did not exhibit reasoning powers of a superior order. In due time, the authenticated Report of this controversy, will shew with whom the advantage in argument lay -If then, he did not suit the requirements of a Maynooth dogmatiser- we care not - we rest content-and shall desire to change our champion-when our minds and dispositions alter so as to wish to take from nature's lawn, an evergreen, luxuriating in all the breadth of its branches, and the pride of its foliage, and consign it to the taste of a Dutch gardener, to trim into the finished form of a Burgomaster's wig. But if, exceeding ingenuity, in the detecting and exposing of the sophisms of his opponent-if the rapid conception and evolution of strong points-if the possession of a happy tactic, whereby he succeeded in throwing his adversary on the defensive, when he had hoped to rush onward in all the license of offence. If to suffer sometimes with astonishing patience, impertinent

reproach; and at other times, fling back accusation, with tremendous sarcasmi and triumphant refutation-if all these qualities suppose a good controversialist, then the Protestants of Ireland may rejoice in such a champion. But this was not all; for at times constrained by divine love, he forgot the polemic in the preacher, and burst forth from the controversy, as a butterfly would break from its chrysalis; and with rapturous declamation on the glories of redeeming love-on the finished work done on Calvary, he mounted to his proper sphere, and poured down such a tide of eloquencepure, Christian, heavenly eloquence, that none but a priest-and a bigot priest, could stem the torrent, or refuse to give himself up to the current that swept along, bearing all before it. And here it was for an observer to remark, what a fatal system Popery is, when allowed to possess the spirit of a man. It seemed in the case of our Romish Disputant, as well as with most of his party in the room, to sear the heart against all feeling concerning the great gospel plan of redemption. The sources of spiritual discernment seemed to be dried up, and when the Protestant Advocate on more than one occasion, broke forth and expanded his great powers, in the display of the internal evidence of the Scriptures of God --when he came close to every Protestant heart, in the grand exhibition he gave of the adaptation of the doctrines of the Gospel to the aspirations and necessities of fallen man, no Romish heart seemed to respond, and his antagonist scouted at all he said, as untenable and fanatic absurdity; and was pleased to assert that the authenticity of the Sacred Volume resolved itself into a mere dependence on the decision of an infallible Church.

If then the Papal Controversialist stood up with a well balanced mind and body; if he shewed himself in either case, capable of great workings; if he was dauntless in debate; if he seemed well grounded in the dogmatic theology of Maynooth; if he showed no mean proficiency in Ecclesiastical history; if he assumed credit to himself for logical precision, and now and then evinced an expertness in resorting to the subtle suppression of an enthymem, or in assuming the unconceded ground of a petitio principii. After all, a practised reader of Romish controversial works, might detect the disputant in using the shot that had been discharged from old artillery. His merit seemed to consist in assimilating the strength of others; and

he stood before us, like a well proved musket, that could be loaded, day after day, to the muzzle, with cartridges, long ago manufactured in the ordnance stores of Milner, Gother and De la Hogue. In truth, though possessed of tact, readiness and clearness of apprehension in no mean degree; I would say, his forte consisted in the unbridled effrontery, wherewith he still maintained, that all his adversary's arguments were mere assertions, and all his own assumptions were sound arguments; that all his own authorities (even when detected in misquotation,) were unquestionable, and most of his opponent's spurious; nay, sometimes he went farther, and made experiments on his rival's temper, by treading on personalities: and conclusions subversive of the loyalty, moral principles, nay Christianity itself of Mr. P-e were drawn, without any premises laid down, that could warrant such deductions. Moreover, we fear that candour was assumed in the preliminary arrangements, in order to disarm wariness; which candour evaporated in the course of the controversy, and it too soon appeared, that as an antagonist he considered, "an dolus an virtus," all was fair in war. After all, no one could deny, that in this young man, there was much metal-metal it is true, ductile, malleable, meet for all the purposes of Popery-but it was BRASS, durable and tough withal, for give him an advantage, and he seized it instantaneously, to put in a home blow; strike him in turn, however hard, yet with the endurance of a Langan, he bore punishment without flinching- cast him down from any height, and like a cat, he always fell on his feet; like the three-legged penny of the Isle of Man, toss him, and throw him how you would, still his motto was, 66 quocunque jaceris stabit." I perceive, Sir, your columns cannot carry any more of my gossiping, concerning this controversy. Suffice it then to say in your present Number, that each party retired, apparently well satisfied with their champion. The merry, mirth-loving, superficial Romanists, who are content to abide by their showy, deceptious religion, may comfort themselves with the acquisition of a controversialist, who would make an excellent actor in low comedy; who, if in Italy, might be employed as a capuchin, or a comedianas a buffo, or a preacher, with equal claims to popularity.

The Protestants have certainly no reason to regret that their cause was assigned to such an advocate as Mr. Pope; or, that beir views, feelings and systems were so

represented. Their taste gratified by the manners of a gentleman; their feelings roused by the appeals of an orator; their spirituality sublimated by the constrainings of a Christian. Their advocate came forward, helped, armed and fortified by their prayers. He retired from the contest with the blessings, gratulations and convictions of every good Protestant in Ireland.

And now, Sir, before I conclude this long rambling letter, let me congratulate you and the Protestants of Ireland, on the result of this discussion, which has been brought to a close, without any of those evil results, which certain persons say they apprehend from such meetings. It concluded in good humour, and was carried on throughout with prudence and good temper; and it is now evinced, that under similar arrangements, and under the guidance of prudent men, there is little to be apprehended from a repetition of such conferences.

Perhaps, Sir, I may be allowed in a succeeding Number of your Magazine, to proceed in my sketches of the company that attended this very interesting colloquy.

P. S. It is expected that no one will re-publish this Article, without the permission of the author,

C. O.

THE REFORMATION.

We have only space to present our readers with the following tabular abstract of the public Recantations that have taken place since our last publication.

On Sunday, 25th March, the numbers in the undermentioned places, were as follows:

Dublin.-In St. Peter's Church, 5; In St. Catherine's Church, 3.

Co. Cavan. -Arvagh, 7; Ballyhaise, 9; Bailieborough, 3; Ballymachugh, 8; Ballyjamesduff, 1; Virginia, 3; Killeshandra, 4; Kildallen, 1.

Co. Longford,-Newtownforbes, 1; Templemichael, 1.

Co. Monaghan.-Carrickmacross, 2; Ballybay, 2.

Co. Limerick.-Askeaton, 35.
Sligo.-Calry Church, 10.

Co. Roscommon.-Ballinlough, 2. Co. Wexford.-St. Mary's Church, Enniscorthy, 1; Kilcormuck, l.

Co. Meath.-Painstown, 1; Ardbraccan, 4.

Co. Fermanagh.—Lisnaskea, 2. Co. Westmeath.-St. Peter's Church, Athlone, 1.

Co. Carlow. Kiledmond Church, 2.

On Sunday, April 1, the numbers were as follows:

Co. Dublin.-Christ's Church Cathe-
dral, 1; St. James's Church, 2; King's
Hospital Chapel, 1; Lucan, 3.
Co. Wicklow.-Bray, 12.

Co. Cavan.-Cavan, 1; Virginią, 7;
Killinkere, 1; Denn, 2.

Co. Fermanagh.-Enniskillen, 2.
Co. Kildare.-Timolin, 1.

Co Leitrim.-Carrick on Shannon, 6; Killenummery, 3.

Co. Tyrone.-Arboe, 6.

Co. Roscommon.- Loughglyn, I.
Co. Down.-Maghera, 1.

Co. Sligo.-Killoran, 6; St. John's
Church, Sligo, 4.

Co. Monaghan.-Ballybay, 2; three others who had offered themselves were deferred until further examinations.

On Sunday, April 8, the number of conformists was as follows;

Dublin.-St. Bride's Church, 1; St. Werburgh's Church, 2.

Co. Wicklow. -Nuinn's-cross, 1; Delgany, 2.

Co. Down.-Maghera Church, 4.
Co. Galway.-Clontuskert, diocese of
Clonfert, 1, a school-master.

Co. Cavan. Killeshandra, 2; Bailieborough, 1; Ballyconnell, 3.

Co. Monaghan.-Carrickmacross, 1.
Co. Longford.- Longford 1.
Co. Leitrim.-Manor Hamilton, 2.
Co. Limerick.-Newcastle, 2; Kil-
peacon, 1.

On Easter Sunday, April 15th, the following numbers renounced Popery at the undermentioned places:

Dublin. At St. Mark's Church, 5, an excellent Sermon was preached by his Grace the Archbishop of Dublin. Irishtown Church, Ringsend, 1.

Co. Limerick.-Kilquane Church. near Limerick, a lady; Askeaton, 2.

Co. Derry.--In Londonderry Cathedral, 2; in Strabane Church, 2.

Co. Armagh. -Armagh, 2; Mullabrack, 1.

On Sunday, April 22, the number of conformists was as follows:

Dublin.-At St. John's Church, 2; at Booterstown Church, 2.

Co. Cavan.-In the Church of Denn, 3; Killeshandra, 3; Virginia, 5; Ballyhaise, 1; Bailieborough, 1; Arvagh, 2. Co Mayo.-Ballina, 8.

Co. Galway.-Clontuskert, diocese of Clonfert, I.

Co. Roscommon.-Balinlough, 3.

It appears that the number of persons that have publicly renounced Popery in Ireland, from October 8th, 1826, to April 22d, 1827, inclusive, amounts to upwards of ONE THOUSAND THREE

HUNDRED AND FORTY.

We shall present our readers with the following extracts from our correspondence, which we think will be perused with interest.

The following is from a clergyman in the county Westmeath:-"I have had a Convert here last December: he was assailed by his own family, and his life was seriously threatened. One, however, of his brothers, who respected his understanding, thought it right, instead of continuing to persecute, to inquire. I had some conversations with him, of which the result was, a conviction of the errors of Popery. He was served with an anonymous letter, in which his life was threatened. The danger was imminent, and I therefore sent away, at their own request, the two brothers, and

Co. Meath. In Carberry Church, 1. the wife of the convert. They finally Co. Kildare.-Naas, 2.

Co. Wexford.-In St. Mary's Church, Enniscorthy, 4; in the Church of St. Iberius, Wexford, 2.

Drogheda.-In St. Peter's Church Drogheda, 3.

Co. Fermanagh.-On Good Friday in Linaskea Church, Parish of Aghalurcher, ; on the same day at Templemahary, 2; on Easter Sunday, in Irvinestown Church, 1.

Co. Tyrone.-Arboe, 1; Donoughmore, 1; Fintona, 1.

Co. Galway.-Ballymoe, 4; Ballinasloe, 72.

Co. Sligo.-Achonry, 4.

Co. Donegal.-Moneymore Church, 3. Co. Longford.-On Good Friday, 1; on Easter Sunday, in Clonbrony Church, 4

directed their steps to Cavan; there the second brother made a recantation of the errors of the idolatrous Church, and the wife of the elder is also a convert."

Dublin.-We have received the following letter relative to the recantations in St. Mark's Church on Sunday April 15th. We have the fullest confidence in the accuracy of the statements it contains:

"MR. EDITOR,-There are some circumstances connected with the recantations which took place last Sunday in St. Mark's Parish Church, which, perhaps, desérve to be rescued from oblivion, and may serve as a stimulus to Protestants,who, following the opinion of the high authorities, who have pronounc

ed the present work of God a chimera, stand aloof ready to laugh at all attempts to forward that work, while they at the same time watch its progress, perhaps with the view of arrogating to themselves more than an usual quantum of wisdom, if it should for a time seem to proceed tardily, or stop; or if it should continue, and assume a more decisive character, they then come forward, and, as has often been the case in human affairs, teaze and perplex by their assumptions and assiduities.

Of the Converts, the father had been a Protestant, and the mother a Roman Catholic: the father after his marriage turned Roman Catholic, and the entire family were bred up in that belief. Lately two members of this family began to attend a Sunday-school, and in the course of reading that "word," which it has been promised "will not return void," they began to suspect that they had not been taught truth; this suspicion led to further examination, and many enquiries of their teachers, and finally, to an abandonment of Popery. They, however, did not publicly recant, but privately attended the Protestant places of worship, and heard for themselves; still, however, expressing an earnest desire to become members of

the Church of Ireland; but prudential motives weighed with their teachers, and they were kept back until last Sunday, when it appeared that it would be wrong to prevent them any longer: they were, with the approbation of their mother, permitted to come forward, and received by his Grace the Archbishop, into fellowship with the members of the Established Church.

The remarkable circumstances in this case are, that the father, formerly a Protestant, strenuously opposed the change, and the mother, still a Roman Catholic, approved of it, and is quite proud of her sons for the step they have taken.

That she followed them all the day unseen, and attended Evening Service in the Church, perhaps for the first time in her life, while her husband staid away.

That family prayer has been introduced by one of the boys, and is regularly used morning and evening among the family.

These are not much like the effects said to follow the Proselytizing Band, and for their authenticity I can vouch, Submitting this to your judgment, I am, &c.

S.

VIEW OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

Since our last publication, the most important event that has occurred in the political world, has been the change of Ministry consequent upon the melancholy occurrence to which we alluded in our last, the sudden illness of Lord Liverpool. It is reported that Mr. Peel having declined to form a ministry, Mr. Canning undertook the office, and the immediate result was, the resignation of Mr. Peel, the Duke of Wellington, Lord Eldon, and many other members of the Cabinet. What effect this may have on the important question of Catholic Emancipation, is not yet determined. The objection to the measure in an exalted quarter, is said to be un

changed; but if, as report informs us the Marquis of Lansdowne has joined Mr. Canning's standard, that measure must have been made a Cabinet question. In Dublin, the important discussion between Messrs. Pope and Maguire, has occupied the public mind to a great degree of intenseness, but the subject has been treated of at large in a communication which we have inserted in another part of our present Number.

The religious anniversaries, as usual, were exceedingly well attended, and gratified the religious public by the piety and eloquence they displayed. The French Chamber has thrown out the Bill for the restriction of the press.

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THE excitation produced by the late Discussion has not yet subsided ;-both Protestants and Roman Catholics are looking out anxiously for the authenticated report: conning over the arguments used, and the answers returned, and considering what effect the meeting will have. We unhesitatingly reply, a good one. We feel that the discussion of the great-to Ireland, the all-important question must be for good; and as we deem the spirit of enquiry to be all that is wanting to give Ireland her real emancipation, we rejoice at every circumstance that encourages and directs it—we rejoice even at what we anticipated, and at what Protestants have ever to anticipate, the loud, but not permanent triumph of the Roman Catholics. We remember that such triumphs took place when Luther and Eckius, Claude and Bossuet, Laud and Fisher met in intellectual contest. We remember more recently, that similar declarations were made from Kilkenny and Clonmel, and Cork and Waterford, and Carrick and Carlow, and yet that the soi disant triumphant party declined circulating the statements, but left it to the vanquished to spread the account of their defeats; and we know that the result, in all these places, was an increased cireulation of the Scriptures, and an increased freedom of inquiry. But we have another cause to rejoice—namely, that the very fact that a Roman Catholic Clergyman had actually the boldness for six days to stand up before the public, and defend the tenets of his religion; that he did so without betraying any remarkable diffidence, or manifesting any peculiar degree of shame; that he was not detected in an unwarrantable number of misquotations, or found guilty of an extraordinary number of blunders; all this is so calculated to excite the spirits of his fellows, and to rouse their emulation, that we hope soon to see similar discussions arise throughout Ireland; and that, without having the fear of certain dignitaries before their eyes, and disregarding the decree of certain learned and noble members of a certain dignified house, our clergy will

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