But let us attempt now still further to review the whole subject in an analytical and practical way, apart from theories, though it be at the risk of prolixity or tautology. Observe how the Catholic Religion embraces simply and honestly the view of truth just as it is historically presented in the Scriptures. At the beginning of the Gospel, the Baptist announces “the kingdom of GOD” at hand. Soon The Great TEACHER appears,—GOD and Man in One Person. HE preaches truths and corrects errors;—but is that all? Does HE leave the truth to propagate itself? Or is it simply a system of Divine Principles, which HE inculcates? Or, has HE not to establish the “Kingdom of heaven?”—Yes, this Heavenly Personage, this no common teacher or prophet, this SON of GOD, had to found among men a celestial community. HE soon began to incorporate a Visible society endowed with invisible powers. HE called twelve men, and ordained them; declared that HE appointed unto them “a Kingdom even as His FATHER had appointed unto HIM a Kingdom;” staid with them three years; instructed them generally; “manifested Himself unto them otherwise than unto the world;” gave them to see “mysteries of the kingdom of GOD;” promised that they should “sit on twelve thrones” as Vicegerents in the spiritual dominion; and ere HE left them, “breathed on them”—“gave them the Holy Ghost,” accompanying it with most extraordinary words—told them to “baptize, and teach whatsoever HE had commanded”—and promised to send His SPIRIT to guide them, and in some exalted sense to be HIMSELF “with them” (Matt, xxvii.) to the world’s end.—Acting literally on His instructions, the Apostles no sooner received the SPIRIT promised, than they proceeded to set up their spiritual kingdom: First setting forth the truth, according to their Master’s example; then enrolling all who received it as members of their new Society, by means of that literal rite which had been Divinely commanded. And literally did the Apostles accept the statement of their LORD, that HE had given to them “a Kingdom.” Did any man receive their doctrine?—immediately he was addressed in terms like unto the “follow Me” of CHRIST, “Arise and be BAPTIZED”—“have fellowship with us”—“Be ye followers of us.” So systematically at first did they keep “together,” “with one accord,” until much people was “added unto them.” (Acts ii. 41–47.) So naturally did they assume, { 120} and the people allow, their heavenly rule, and Power, that at the outset, as far as possible, every matter of consequence to the new community was transacted by them, personally. Was property sold for the poor?—“they brought the money and laid it at the Apostles’ feet.” Were distributions made to the needy?—the Apostles themselves did it, as matter of course; till finding it too burdensome, at their own suggestion deputies were appointed for the work. Were new converts added? or did any thing of consequence transpire in distant parts? even in “matters of discipline,” and “outward forms and ceremonies?”—it was “reported to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem.” (Acts xv. 2.) And when, in time, Christian communities multiplied in remoter regions, beyond the immediate personal inspection of the Apostles, and their chief companions, subordinate Rulers were instituted; while an Apostle having “the care of all the Churches,” travelled from place to place as the organ of the Apostolic government; visiting again and again the various Christian Societies; giving them the Apostolic traditions (2 Thess. ii. 15.) and directions, “leaving them the decrees for to keep.” (Acts xvi. 4.) So indefatigable were the Apostles in carrying out the arrangements of their spiritual kingdom, and so prominent a part of their teaching was this notion of spiritual sovereignty and power, that even their enemies were struck by it, and charged them with setting up another “king, one JESUS” (a charge which would never be brought by unbelievers against the mere teachers of new principles { 121}). They taught everywhere, that a membership of their spiritual “kingdom” was necessary to all who would enjoy its peculiar privileges. (Acts ii. 41, 47; 1 John i. 3, 5; ii. 19.) And that membership was attained in the One only way which CHRIST appointed, namely, by Baptism. So that even a new Apostle, fresh called by CHRIST’S voice from heaven, was not deemed a member, or in a state of spiritual privilege with them—his “sins not washed away,”—till he was baptized. As it was said to St. Paul himself, “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins.” (Acts xxii. 16.) All the baptized people, that is, the Christians, or the “Church” of every place, were commanded to “meet together” at stated times.