of God our Saviour, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Such objections are therefore inadmissible, as being contrary to the Word of God.

If these objections be merely to the manner of expression; giving them all their weight, they are but as "dust in the balance," compared with the infinite value of the doctrines contained in this Creed. Yet we have seen, that even the expressions alluded to, taken in their widest sense, when connected with the Christian belief, are perfectly consonant with the language of Scripture.

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Judge ye therefore, whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken unto man, more than unto God."

1

Let us not dispute about terms, and neglect the spirit of the Creed; catch at the shadow, and lose the substance! The Athanasian Creed, seriously considered, and duly estimated, stands as a sacred pillar of the Liturgy, and an ornament to

the structure which it assists to support. Take away this pillar, and you weaken the holy edifice; you open an avenue to its inmost shrines, even to the "very horns of the altar."

Hence appear the perilous consequences of entertaining a treacherous spirit of concession, already too prevalent, which may involve the safety of the Church itself; for only once consent to remove the Athanasian Creed from the Book of Common Prayer, and where can you stop? What objection, that seriously affects a part, is not equally applicable to the whole?

Let us be most careful how we encourage a spirit of innovation, in " things belonging unto God;" which, like the altars of old, are sacred memorials of the service of God; like the holy Scriptures themselves, are consecrated monuments of the providential care of an Almighty hand, in preserving them from the influence of infidelity, and from the intolerance of bigotry and fanaticism.

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Be it our anxious concern, to "hold fast this form of sound words," "whole and undefiled," " in faith and love;" that "we may be joined together in unity of spirit, in one communion and fellowship; in the mystical body of Christ;"" in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and purity;"" taking heed unto the doctrine which is according to godliness, even the words of Jesus Christ; continuing in those things which we have learned, and have been assured of, knowing of whom we have learned them, and that they are able to make us wise unto salvation, through faith in Christ Jesus:" To Him, the King eternal! immortal! invisible! the only wise God! with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, be honour and glory, for ever and ever.-Amen.

THE

ATHANASIAN CREED,

WITH

PARALLEL PASSAGES FROM THE LITURGY,

ARTICLES, &c.