Page:Tracts for the Times Vol 2.djvu/142

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
4
TRACTS FOR THE TIMES.

comprehend as many as 50,000,000, and these were not there represented. Where too were the Bishops of the Reformed Churches? Catholic doctrines are those to which the whole Catholic Church bears witness: the Council of Trent was collected only from parts of the Church, such parts as differed from the views ultimately adopted there being excluded; and, therefore, representing but a part, not the whole of the Universal Church, it assumed a privilege not belonging to it, for none but the Catholic Church can attest Catholic Truths. As to our Thirty-nine Articles, they were never imposed as essential, only as a basis of union in a particular Church.

It may be added, that, while the Catholic Church is a stay to the inquiring Christian, she is a check upon the forward. She recommends much to us, which she does not impose, like a true loving mother, "giving her judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful." All that is necessary for enjoying the privileges committed to her, is belief in the Apostles' Creed, and that teachable spirit that does not introduce novelties upon it; but in her Articles and Liturgy she aims at directing into the truth, in all its parts, such as wish "to follow on to know the Lord."


Oxford,
The Feast of St. Philip and St. James.



These Tracts are published Monthly, and sold at the price of 2d. for each sheet, or 7s. for 50 copies.

LONDON: PRINTED FOR J. G. & F. RIVINGTON,
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH YARD, AND WATERLOO PLACE.

1835.


Gilbert & Rivington, Printers, St. John's Square, London.