Objections against the Position of the Anglican Church. The question of Unity considered. The Modern or Various-denomination System: ANGLO-CATHOLICISM. CHAPTER I. THE SUBJECT OF THE TREATISE ANGLO-CATHOLICISM, AS DISTINCT FROM CATHOLICITY, OR CHRISTIANITY. IN WHAT WAY DIFFERENT CHURCHES MAY DIFFER FROM EACH OTHER, YET ALL BE TRUE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL. THE subject intended to be discussed in the following pages, and designated for the sake of brevity, by the term "Anglo-Catholicism," is the system of belief and practice adopted in the Anglican branch of the Church Universal, or in other words, The religion of the Church of England. A It may perhaps be thought by some, that it is incorrect to speak of the religion of the Church of England, as any thing peculiar or distinct it is the religion of the Bible, or the same as that of the Primitive Church, or of the Church universal. The first point, therefore, will be to explain in what sense Anglo-Catholicism is to be considered as a distinct object of contemplation,differing from the terms Christianity or Catholicity. It is certain that the message of Salvation, which the Apostles preached to all nations, was the same everywhere. All nations were invited to believe, and to be baptized, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; and it was declared to all that "he that believeth and is baptized should be saved." And the Apostles everywhere promulgated the same discipline and regulations," as they went through the cities they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the Apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.” 1 Acts xvi. 4. |