Sermons and Episcopal Charges (Volume 2)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1851. Excerpt: ... CHARGE II. (PHILADELPHIA, MAY, 1833.) THE RULE OF FAITH. MY REVEREND BRETHREN, --It may at first appear singular that, in all the period since the Reformation, no approach hap been effected between any of the Protestant churches and that of Rome, and that no ecclesiastical body has found some middle ground to occupy. A little inquiry however will show the reason why this separation remains undiminished. The two parties build on different foundations--the Protestant, on scripture--the Romanist, on tradition, and on scripture as interpreted by tradition, that sense only being allowed which the Church of Rome declares to be the one always received. The one takes the word of God from the mouth of God--the other from the mouth of the church, or rather of a church, one of the several churches in Christendom. And the Protestant allows an appeal to an authority extraneous to his own party, while the Romanist keeps the issue before his own party as the sole judge. It is not wonderful, therefore, that even three centuries have produced no approximation between these two portions of the Christian world. The author begs leave to disclaim all intention of giving offence in the use of the appellation Romanist. On the principle that a church or denomination may assume what name it pleases, he would willingly nse that of Catholic; but as the members of the Church of Rome claim for their communion exclusive catholicity, it cannot be conceded. See Appendix I. See the Creed added to the Nioene, and set forth by Pope Pius IV. f See the Creed of Pius IV. A difference of opinion so decided and so lasting is always a proper subject of consideration by either party. The point at issue is connected also, if not with all, at least with the more important differences between us an...