The Purpose of the Papacy by John S. Vaughan
page 39 of 95 (41%)
page 39 of 95 (41%)
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five former questions, in the dogmatical terms there stated."
Here, then, we have a perfectly fair and straightforward question, deserving an equally clear and straightforward answer: and such as would be given at once if addressed by any Catholic enquirer to _his_ Bishop. But how does the Anglican Archbishop proceed to calm and comfort this helpless, agitated soul, groping painfully in the dark? What is his Grace's reply? He cannot refer the matter to a Sovereign Pontiff, for no Pontiff in the Anglican Church is possessed of any sovereignty whatsoever. In fact the Archbishop himself has to "verily testify and declare that His Majesty the King is the only supreme Governor in _spiritual_ and _ecclesiastical_ things as well as temporal," etc.[6] Nor dare he solve these troublesome doubts himself: for he is no more infallible than his questioner. Then what does he do? Practically nothing. He throws the whole burden back upon poor Mr. Maskell, and leaves him to struggle with his doubts as best he may. Thus; though the Church _of God_ was established to "teach all nations," and _must_ still be teaching all nations if she exist at all; the Church _of England_ seems unable to teach one nation, or even one man. But to continue. The Archbishop begins by putting Mr. Maskell a question. "Are they (_i.e._, the doctrines about which he is seeking information) contained in the Word of God? St. Paul says, 'Preach the Word'.... Now whether the doctrines concerning which you inquire are contained in the Word of God, and can be proved thereby, _you have the same means_ of discovering for yourself as I have, and I have no special authority to declare." Did any one ever witness such an exhibition of ineptitude and |
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