7 which are confessedly of divine authority. Nature of positive institutions--what may be considered essential to a scriptural observance -the Church of Rome has corrupted the ordinance of Baptism-by adding to it ceremonies for which there is no authority in the New Testament -and by unscriptural representations of its efficacy-Remarks on the doctrine of baptismal regeneration-2nd. By adding to their number such as are altogether unsupported by scriptural authority-Confirmation considered-not a single trace of this rite in the New Testament -Texts examined-Acts viii. 14-17. xix. 5, 6.—and proved to refer solely to miraculous gifts-the word confirm never used in Scripture in reference to any rite whatever-Penance examined - equivocal sense of the word-no symbol in this sacrament1st. No requisition of auricular confession to a priest in the Scriptures-2nd. Penance leads to erroneous views of the method of obtaining the pardon of sin-indulgences explained, and the principle on which they are founded examined-opposed to the doctrine of Christ's satisfaction-3rd. Penance is founded on unscriptural views of ministerial power and leads to priestly domination.-Extreme unction-Holy order-and Matrimony considered as sacraments-their pretensions examined and confuted concluding remarks on the danger of departing from the simplicity of Christian institution-and the necessity of ascertaining whether we possess the inward grace of which Christian sacraments are the external and visible signs. Page 157–195. LECTURE VI. ON THE INVOCATION OF SAINTS AND THE USE Remarks on the general propensity of human nature to idolatry-two kinds of idolatry forbidden in the decaloguedanger and pernicious influence of every practice that might directly or remotely lead to idolatry-observations on the natural and obvious tendencies of the worship paid to saints and angels by Roman Catholics and the use of images to assist them in such acts of worship-Examination of the distinctions assumed by Roman Catholics respecting different kinds and degrees of worship-futility of such distinctions-arguments against the practice-1st. If admitted that saints and angels in heaven are actually acquainted with the state of the church on earth, it does not follow that they ever engage in prayer and intercession. 2. They cannot be supposed to possess a universal knowledge of the states and conditions of men. 3. There is an essential difference between requesting a fellow Christian with whom we are ac quainted to pray for us, and praying to him, or to one we know not for the blessings we may need on the ground of his intercession. 4. Such an invocation of saints and angels is unsupported by scriptural authority. 5. It directly interferes with the mediation of Jesus Christ-and directs the attention of men from his intercession as the only meritorious cause of our acceptance with God. 6. It is directly idolatrous in its tendencies-this proved -especially by the prayers and thanksgivings addressed to the Virgin Mary unscriptural nature of the homage paid to herConcluding remarks on the communion of saints and the intercession of Christ. Page 196-221. LECTURE VII. ON PURGATORY AND THE DOCTRINE OF MERIT. Revelation the only source of our knowledge respecting a future state-statement of the Roman Catholic doctrine of Pur-/ gatory. 1. It proceeds upon a pernicious and unscriptural conception of the nature and de-merit of sin. 2. It is derogatory to the merit and sufficiency of Christ's satisfaction. 3. It is opposed to numerous declarations of Scripture respecting the forgiveness of sins and the immediate happiness of those who die in the faith and hope of the gospel. 4. It is not supported by any of the passages adduced to prove it-Texts examined, Matt. xii. 32. 1 Cor. iii. 13-15. 1 Pet. iii. 18-20.-5. The doctrine of purgatory has been one of the most fertile sources of the corruption-intolerance and priestly domination which have distinguished the church of Rome-account of the Purgatorian Society established in Dublin-Mr. Carlile's remarks on it-Roman Catholic doctrine concerning the merit of good worksScriptural arguments against it--Concluding remarks on the consoling and purifying tendencies of the Christian doctrine respecting the merit of the Saviour. Page 222-258. LECTURE VIII. ON THE ROMAN CATHOLIC HIERARCHY. Observations on the assumed immutability of the Church of Rome-Reasonings and facts to shew that this church is not apostolic-1. The constitution and government of the Roman Church, unsupported by the principles and practices of those churches of which we have an account in the New Testament, ་་ References to Christ's statement of the nature of his kingdomthe antisecular character of the first churches-the spiritual principles on which they were constituted-the nature of apostolic authority-the officers of the first churches-the silence of the New Testament on matters essential to the constitution and government of the Church, if we assume the Romish hierarchy to possess divine authority-2. The earliest records of Christian antiquity are against the claims of the Roman Catholic hierarchy. -Extracts from the writings of Clemens Romanus-the testimony of Polycarp- the episcopacy of the primitive churches, congregational and not diocesan-Power of the people in the election of their pastors-all the first churches were congregational or independent-a departure from the rule of Scripture the source of early corruption.-3. The Roman hierarchy at tained its character and form by merely secular means—and in its essential principles a secular system.-Remarks on the rise and progress of the papal power-corrupt state of the Christian Church previous to the reign of Constantine-testimony of Cyprian-pernicious effects of the establishment of Christianity by Constantine-the use of force or civil power to support the interests of religion, opposed to the principles of the New Testament-accidental circumstances that favoured the power of the Bishop of Rome-the great objects invariably regarded in all the measures of the Papal courts-viz. The dominion of the Clergy over the people, and the subjection of the Clergy to the Pope.-4. The hierarchy of Rome exhibits a minute accomplishment of prophecies respecting the anti-christian power--2 Thess. ii. 1-12. particularly considered---Concluding remarks on the truth of Christianity confirmed by the corruptions of the Church-the danger of neglecting the Scriptures-the gratitude we should feel for the blessings of religious liberty. 259-307. LECTURE IX. Page ON THE GENIUS AND TENDENCY OF THE PAPAL RELIGION. Remarks on the methods of ascertaining the tendencies of principles-on the tendency of the papal religion as exemplified in Roman Catholic countries-Induction of facts on this subject. I. The essential principles of this religion tend to produce a practical disregard to the Holy Scriptures. II. They lead to antiscriptural views of the nature of personal religion. III. Some of their peculiar dogmas are opposed to the first principles of reason and common sense. IV. They tend to cherish the spirit of intolerance and persecution-arguments and facts adduced to prove this-General deductions from the whole series of inquiries.-1. The facts and reasonings alleged in the course of the discussion justify our separation from the Church of Rome.-2. We ought to be grateful that the rights of conscience are beginning to be recognised, and the blessings of religious liberty more widely diffused.-3. We should consider the obligations we are under as Protestants, to a corresponding and proportionate excellence of Christian character.-4. We should cultivate and display a spirit of habitual kindness and conciliation towards those who differ from us. 5. We should hold fast our profession, and attempt by every rational and scriptural method to diffuse the knowledge of those great principles which give to the Protestant cause, all its value and importance. Page 308-338. |