England sends her members to the Bible, to examine whether her religion is true or false.

Answer. (1.) The Reformation maintained that all articles of faith should be proved from scripture; but it did not affirm that each individual must himself examine scripture, before he believed any doctrine. On the contrary, every branch of the Reformation taught children to believe the articles of the christian faith, before they could possibly examine them. (2.) The Church of England sends her members to the scripture, not because she doubts her own faith, or considers them at liberty to doubt it; but in order to confirm and enlarge that faith which she has taught them. If they misinterpret scripture and fall into obstinate heresy, she excommunicates them", and declares that they shall" without doubt perish everlastingly."

Canons 1603 and 1640.

Athanasian Creed.

A TREATISE ON THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.

PART IV.

ON THE AUTHORITY OF THE CHURCH IN MATTERS OF FAITH AND DISCIPLINE.

A TREATISE

ON

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.

PART IV.

ON THE AUTHORITY OF THE CHURCH.

INTRODUCTION.

In the preceding part I have treated the general doctrine of christians in all ages as a testimony which cannot reasonably be rejected, and have briefly touched on the office of the existing church in preserving faith by her instructions: but it now remains to consider the authority of the church properly so called; namely, the right of the church to judge in matters of faith and discipline, and the obligation which those judgments have on individuals.

I shall, in the first place, trace the right of the church universal to judge in matters of christian faith and morality, and the mode and authority of those judgments; and then descend to the various instances in which such judgments have been made or alleged; secondly, I shall examine the authority and nature of judgments made by particular churches; and, thirdly, observe the authority of the church in questions of discipline, and resolve various questions connected with the preceding subjects.