Church be that great instrument of blessing, which Scripture implies, and which we in our Creeds profess, one must expect that Satan will in varying ways endeavour to seduce men from realizing it, and to continue their depreciation of it. It were too bold to hope that the truths now anew recognized, will not be overcast by some clouds, which the god of this world may be permitted to interpose. Enough, if their general influence be to warm and kindle. Even of Divine Grace it has been said, that "like the sun, whom it does not "soften, it hardens ;" much more then of any form of Divine Truth. It were then nothing, whereat to be dismayed, were Satan allowed in some cases, to pervert these doctrines, and mislead into Popery some who had partially embraced them. There was a Simon Magus among the first baptized Christians; the Anabaptists and the Socinians were a produce of the reformation. We are conscious also, that the press is but a rude way of disseminating truth; it conveys it on the whole, but unadapted to particular cases; and so it often happens, as in the case of human medicines, that persons will misapply them, those who need them will neglect them, others use them wrongly, or employ them, while continuing in habits of life, which neutralize them, or make them pernicious. In a sounder state of the Church, where all the members of our flocks would have spiritual advisers, and the advisers themselves be more carefully trained, this evil would be much mitigated; meanwhile, the system will bear the blame of what it would provide against, would men but adopt it completely. This is said only for fear "offences should come,” and some be scandalized at them; for the present, the influence of these truths has been rather exercised in the contrary and their rightful direction; furnishing a resting-place from Romanism to some who were wandering thither, and recovering others from it to the bosom of our English branch of the Church: meanwhile we commit cheerfully our way unto Him who has thus far prospered His truth; trusting, not in the Church-system, but in Him who ordered it; not in the force of truth only, but in Him Who is the Truth; not in the Church, but in Him Who is "its Saviour," and "Who gave Himself for "it, that He might cleanse it by the washing of "water in the word, and present it to Himself a 66 glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any "such thing, but that it might be holy and without "blemish." That your Lordship's endeavours for the good of that portion of the Church committed unto you, may be prospered, is our daily prayer: to obey your godly admonitions, and to follow your guidance, is our earnest desire. May He, who has called you to this high office, make it hereafter your crown and joy, and requite you, as well for your labours and anxieties, as for your kindness to those who labour under you in the Vineyard. With true respect for your sacred character, and (if it not be too bold) affectionate acknowledgment of your Lordship's unvarying kindness, I have the honour to remain, Your Lordship's faithful Servant, CHRIST CHURch, Feast of St. Matthias, 1839. E. B. PUSEY. PRINCIPAL SUBJECTS OF THE ABOVE LETTER. Art. VI. and XX.-On the sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures Art. XVI. Of sin after Baptism Art. XXV.-On the Sacraments.. PAGE 26 62 81 97 109 125 Baptism Art. XXVIII. Of the Lord's Supper ... Art. XXIII. Of ministering in the Congregation........ 146 .... Prayers for those departed in the faith and fear of God.... 186 Invocation of Saints.. 192 Celibacy 208 |