CONTENTS OF THE APPENDIX. On the early circulation of the Apostolic writings.. 388 On the Churches founded by the Apostles...... Observations on Bossuet's Exposition, and a Pam- phlet published by the Reverend John Lingard.. 350 G. On the pretended Miracles of the Church of Rome.. LECTURES ON THE PRINCIPLES AND INSTITUTIONS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC RELIGION, LECTURE I. ON THE AUTHORITY OF THE CHURCH. "As the Christian ministry is established for the instruction of men, throughout every age in truth and holiness, it must adapt itself to the ever-shifting scenes of the moral world, and stand ready to repel the attacks of error under whatever form they may appear." Supported by these views of the nature and design of the office I sustain, it will not be deemed a rash and obtrusive attempt, if I deviate from the ordinary course of ministerial instruction, and commence a series of controversial lectures on the reasons of our separation from the Church of Rome. Though the inquiry on this subject, be at all times interesting and important, I frankly confess, that I should not now have entered upon it, had not local circumstances, in my apprehension, most imperiously required it. You are well acquainted with those circumstances; and their notoriety presents a sufficient reason for my undertaking. In appearing thus prominently, on behalf of the Protestant cause, I hope no suspicion will be entertained of the slightest reflection B on those zealous, and I doubt not, well intended exertions which have furnished the immediate occasion of my present appearance before you. Such exertions are highly commendable. It is, or ought to be a principle of acknowledged authority among Protestant churches, that every man has a right to explain and vindicate his religious convictions: and I hope that day will never dawn on Britain, when any religious party whatever, shall be prohibited from freely discussing, and recommending their respective peculiarities. May the spirit of intolerance never darken by its malignant shade, nor invest with its polluted atmosphere, the churches of the reformation; but a practical conformity to the "law of love," at once adorn and defend their common principles! It should never be forgotten that the interests of truth are always ultimately promoted by free inquiry. I feel therefore thankful for the opportunity which the circumstances alluded to, have presented, of conducting an inquiry into the principles and institutions of the Roman Catholic religion. For a long period, the question respecting the origin and reasons of the Protestant secession from the hierarchy of Rome, has excited in this country comparatively little attention. Intermingled indeed with political discussions on the extent of Catholic claims, the religious and ecclesiastical peculiarities of their system have been occasionally investigated; but it is not my intention to introduce any remarks on that controversy. The collisions of party politics, and secular debate should never be blended with the explanation and defence of Christian truth. On the contrary, to explain, illustrate, and improve the general principles on which alone our Protestantism can be vindicated, is the sole object of my inquiries. It is to be regretted that much ignorance prevails on these subjects. Thousands are Protestants for the same reason that their neighbours are Roman Catholics-because it is the religion of their fathers; and are often less informed, and consequently less capable of defending their cause than those against whom they protest. To remove this ignorance-to present a candid and rational vindication of the grounds of our secession-to enable the members of Protestant churches, to defend themselves against sophistical and unscriptural reasonings-and to furnish an inquirer of the papal communion with materials for reflection, if any such are disposed to make use of them—are the principal objects I would endeavour, conscientiously and faithfully to regard in the course of our subsequent investigation. The zeal of our opponents, naturally leads us to inquire-Can we defend ourselves?—are we in reality separatists from the only-and the apostolic church? are we out of the pale of the true Catholic communion? and must we suffer eternal damnation for venturing to dispute the authority and infallibility of the See of Rome, or the Church of Rome? I wish with all candour and impartiality to state my convictions on these points: and if any expressions unbecoming the sanctity of this place, or tending to produce the feelings of irritation, apart from the natural tendency of the arguments themselves, should escape me in the warmth and ardour of discussion, I trust they will be consigned to the oblivion they deserve. I could wish none to retire from these services under any other impressions, than those which might secure more lively gratitude to God, for the revelation of his will-a more earnest desire to understand its sacred truths, and to obey its holy injunctions--and a more sincerely benevolent disposition towards all those who conscientiously |