and when seriously performed as naturally conducive to all such dispositions as that faith requires, the participant is deceived, and the rite itself misapplied." No well-wisher to the true idea of the Sacrament, can read such sentiments as these without the deepest concern and indignation. If, therefore, I have occasionally expressed myself with warmth, I have only expressed myself as I felt. Moderation of language, however, my Lord, I take to be quite a relative term.-To speak then calmly, where we ought to speak strongly, in order to do any thing effectually, is not to be called, in my humble opinion, moderation, but indifference, which in a case like this, is a sort of treason to the Church. Yet, nevertheless, I trust, that in no one instance can it be fairly alledged against me, that in blaming cordially the opinions of Hoadly, and those trained up in his school, I have indulged that bitter spirit of bigotry, which destroys the feelings of humanity, steels the heart against the dictates of justice, and by consequence, disgraces the Establishment when it is most eager to protect its dearest interests. Stedfastly persuaded as I am of the truth of what I have been defending, I am aware, it is possible, I may be wrong. But if I have been mistaken in ascribing too much to the Sacrament, I have been mistaken in such a way, as to feel no apprehension of being called to a tremendous account for lending a helping hand to rob my fellow creatures of their greatest consolation in sickness, * See Dr. Bell's Practical Enquiry, p. 30. pain, poverty, and death.-If I have erred, it has been in company with the Cudworths, the Taylors, the Warburtons, the Horsleys; names ever dear to those who, in all the various projected innovations of our religious constitution, are for sound learning and orthodoxy. DEDICATION CONTENTS. Preface Chapter I.....Introductory Observations PAGE Chapter II.....A Concise View of the Opinions of the early Fathers respecting the Holy Eucharist Chapter III.....A Concise View of the Opinions of the first Reformers Chapter IV.....Considerations respecting the Holy Eucharist being a The CONCLUSION ་ i 7 16 28 46 61 |