It is, I hope, hardly necessary to add that there is no intention or desire in anything here said to pass judgment upon individuals, either within or without our own communion. It will be found stated in the following discourses how readily we believe that many receive the benefits of the Christian altar and sacrifice who are yet unconscious of them; whilst it is also willingly acknowledged, even as regards those who more directly deny Catholic doctrine, that the present divided state of Christendom, and the wide differences of teaching within our own communion, make it a very different thing to be unable to see, (or even to oppose,) the truth than would be the case if the Church were still united, as of old, in one harmonious voice and one external communion, or if there were a perfect unanimity among ourselves. When, alas, even priests are found to repudiate their priesthood, it must be admitted, without reserve, that there is too much excuse for the laity being uncertain and perplexed. Whilst this teaches us to award the largest measure of charitable construction to those who differ from us, it gives only the more urgent cause both to state and vindicate the ancient faith, and to shew that it was in God’s mercy preserved to us at the Reformation.
I must not omit to say that I am indebted to Mr. Carter’s excellent treatise for many facts, suggestions, and illustrations, even beyond those which the references given explicitly acknowledge.
ST. MARY’S, WEST BROMPTON. _February_ 7, 1867.
Treasure in Earthen Vessels.—Faith, not Sight, the Recogniser of the Priesthood.
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”—2 _Cor._ iv. 7. SERMON II.
The Witness of the World, before Christ, to the Doctrine of Sacrifice.
“Thus did Job continually.”—_Job_ i. 5. SERMON III.
The Witness of the New Testament to the Doctrine of Sacrifice.
“Are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?”—1 _Cor._ x. 18. SERMON IV.
The Testimony of the Early Church to the Doctrine of the Priesthood.
“Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.”—_Jer._ vi. 16. SERMON V.