the ordinary Christian, "with the fidelity of a reporter," as he says, "rather than the presumption of an author 1"; his purpose is "not to say all that might be said, but just to touch upon such things as are necessary 2," and that "in easy and common speech 3." And according to him the Catholic Christian is to consult the Scriptures for himself, and in interpretation of them to prefer antiquity to novelty, and the decrees of a general council before the temerity and folly of a few. And if there be none, he is to consult the ancient Fathers' opinions," who, living at divers times and places, continued yet in the communion and faith of one Catholic Church." S. Chrysostom gives very similar guidance to an inquirer who came to him; and the Fathers never dreamt of any other way. Even the great French bishop Bossuet speaks to much the same effect. In case of false definitions of faith, he says, there will be no danger of schism, "for the learned will be held by tradition, and the unlearned, if they are true sons 1 "Relatoris fide potius quam auctoris praesumptione." -S. Vinc. Commonit. i. 2 "Ut nequaquam omnia, sed tantum necessaria quaeque perstringam." 3 "Facile, communique sermone." See Gore, op. cit., p. 47, and note. of the Church, will wait most obediently for the judgement of their pious mother 1." (b) And this authority commends itself to us by its naturalness. God usually guides us and speaks to us from within, and teaches us by all sorts of unseen ways-ways which exercise and call forth all our capacities. Such a guidance is that of the Church's authority. In a world where we know in part, are we naturally led to expect an external guide, of such a kind as to save us all trouble and exertion? Rather, as one has said, "God has taken a way of speaking through His Church which is more like His usual methods, more vital and less mechanical than that ;a way which involves more discipline to faith, as well as to intelligence, than the consulting of an external oracle and the submission to ready-made decrees 2." (c) And lastly, this authority commends itself to our consciences and our hearts, and calls forth our most abundant thankfulness. No doubt it is easier to have an authority which can be consulted at a moment's notice, and which can utter oracular responses to order; but we have yet to learn that what Bossuet, Defen. Decl. Cleri Gallicani, x. 36. 2 Mason, op. cit. 1 is easier is therefore better. No doubt the life of the Church as we know it is not free from difficulties: so it must be, or 66 what's a heaven for?" But we thankfully realize that we have the authority which God gave, and it suffices us. We have found by experience, that conforming our minds to the mind of the Church is at once a sure joy in the Communion of Saints, and a safe guide in the Catholic faith. And therefore we thank and praise Almighty God for His most excellent gift. OXFORD: HORACE HART, PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY |