CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION. 33 in !833. Although termed a Caterid.era, it is not written in the usual form of question and answer; but is a regular system of religious in- struction, ch/efiy, though not wholly, intended for the use of the priests. It contains five hundred and fifty-one octavo pages. It is a work considerable labour and research, and written in a good style. The doctrines laid down in the decrees of the council are here elaborately discussed and defended; much additional information is supplied; and grga.t skill is employed in endeavouring to make the sentiments of the Chnrch of Rome appear consistent with reason and Scripture. It is an authentic summary, or confession of faith of the Church of Rome, and - is one of her standards which she ca? never deuy, as containing her doctrines, antl,?itativd?t defined. It is a didactic performance, pos- sessing the exact character of a system of doctrinal theel%o-y, and de- signed for the instnzction of those who are to learn from it how to instruct others. The doctrines of the Church of Rome are here cautiously and artfully discussed. The Tridentinc Catechism, or Catechismus ad Parochas, therefore, exhibits an authentic exposition of the Church of Rome, and is binding upon all the pastors of their church, and consequently upon their flocks, which are taught from its pages. V. GENERAL COUNCILS, The Church of Rome, according to the creed of Plus, receives the decisions of general councils, particularly of the Council of Trent; and then condemns, rejects, and anathematizes all things contrary to their decisions. The following is the article of the creed on this head :-.- "I also profess and undoubtedly receive al[ other things delivered, defined, and declared by the sacred canons and general councils, and particularly by the holy Council of Trent; and, ]ikew/se, I also con- demn, reject, and anathematize all things contrary thereto, and all heresics whatsoever, condemned, rejected, and anathematized by the church." This extends to an almost unlimited variety- of subjects and obligations. She does this by virtue of a claimed infallibility which must exist, possibly in a council separately; but, indubitably, in a gene- ral council with the reiguing pope at its head, thus awarding inerrancy to the creed of Rome. The decrees of councils are binding on the whole body of the Roman Church, and those without her pa/e, of whatever rank or degree, are pas.s-/vel?/subject to the decisions and authority of Rome. Eighteen general councils are enumerated by them, from the first Nicene to the Tridentine, rejecting those of Constance and Basil, and several others. �I. PAPAL BULLS. 1. This is another bond or obligation of the Church of Rome, which evidently resolves itself inW the personal authority of the bishop of Rome. We find, in the episcopal oath of the highest clergy, that every archbishop, bishop, and dignitary elect, swears that, from fort ae will be faithful and obedient to Ads lord the pope; will defend the regalities of St. Peter against all men; will endearour to preserve, defend, increase, and adoanee his rig?, Aonours, prit?ges, and authorit?t, and to kis potocr hinder the contrar?t. In thd creed of Plus IV. all the clergy, doctors, teachers, reconciled heretics, schismatics, &c., .proj?ss, and those with the care of souls additionally ?m', Iprom?s truz obsd/ow? to t/? VOL. I. 3 ,Goocle
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