In the introduction to our first number, we stated, that, as a general rule, we should take no notice of any individual opponent; but always remember, that we have to do with doctrines and systems only, not with persons. To this principle we intend to adhere, but we do not think that we at all deviate from it by commenting, from time to time, upon such local publications, whether of a controversial character or not, as appear to deserve our notice. Thus, in our last number, we directed the attention of our readers to a tract by Clericus, and in our present we purpose to make a few remarks upon another by the Rev. William Trollope, M.A. a clergyman of the Church of England residing in this city.

The tract to which we now allude is entitled "Are the Catholics of Port Phillip Tridentine Romanists?" and the object of it is to show, that certain Anathemas, recently put forth in a "Vindication of the Catholics, by N. J. Coffey, Dean," are plainly opposed to, and irreconcilable with, the decrees of the Council of Trent.

This the writer has proved by placing the Port Phillip Anathemas, as he calls them, and the Tridentine Doctrines side by side with one another; and certainly we should be surprised, if any reasonable man could be found bold enough, when he sees them thus together in parallel columns, to attempt to explain the one, so as to make them harmonise with the other. We consider, therefore, that Mr. Trollope has completely established his point, "that the Roman Catholics of Port Phillip cannot honestly and consistently maintain the obligation of the Tridentine Canons, while they respond, without equivocation or mental reservation, to the Anathemas of their Dean;" and we sincerely thank him as well for his able selection of passages from the authentic formularies, and accredited commentaries, of the Church of Rome, as for his temperate tone, and the clearness of all his statements. We wish we could concur with him in cherishing the hope, that our Romish fellow-countrymen "are gradually casting off the enthralling yoke of the corrupt church to which they belong." We own that we cannot do so, because we do not see in their recent publications any disposition honestly to enquire what is the truth; and because we know that the priests in this country do all in their power to keep the Bible, even their own translation, the Douay Bible, out of the hands of their people. We cannot therefore but regard these Anathemas as a mere blind to Protestants.

To return, however, to Mr. Trollope's pamphlet: while we have much pleasure in commending the ability with which he has treated his principal subject, we cannot forebear expressing our dissent from, and astonishment at, some of his remarks. For instance, we are surprised, that a person of such a clear discernment as he manifests, should place in the same category, with respect to the doctrines of the Church of England, differences respecting Baptismal Regeneration, and respecting Justification by Faith: upon the former of which our Church has, in her dogmatical formularies, pronounced no decision, and our most able divines have confessedly held opposite opinions; while, upon the latter she has, in her Eleventh Article spoken so distinctly, that whosoever denies it, and yet retains office in her ministry, cannot but be regarded as a dishonest man.

Again, we are even more surprised at the exaggerated view which Mr. Trollope takes of the differences among the clergy of our Church in their mode of distributing the bread and wine in the Lord's Supper. He writes: "There are others," i.e. other clergymen of the Church of England, "who distribute the Sacramental elements in a manner almost as alien from the spirit of the communion office, as if they were to administer in one kind only." Now we cannot but think that Mr. Trollope's feelings have here warped his judgement; and we greatly regret that the introduction of the above, and a few other sentences, should have in some degree marred what is in other respects so excellent.

We have thought it right thus frankly to express our sentiments upon a work , which, as proceeding from a clergyman of our Church, and a man of extensive learning and acknowledged ability, cannot but command the public attention: and, in conclusion, we would add our earnest prayer that it may prove, as we trust it will, conducive to the furtherance of the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ in this land.