A SKETCH OF THE HISTORY OF ERASTIANISM; TOGETHER WITH TWO SERMONS ON THE REALITY OF CHURCH ORDINANCES, AND ON THE PRINCIPLE OF CHURCH AUTHORITY. BY ROBERT ISAAC WILBERFORCE, A.M., ARCHDEACON OF THE EAST RIDING. LONDON: JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET; 1851. 110.a.156. ECT A HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE SYSTEM OF ERASTIANISM. : RELIGION addresses itself so directly to the inner nature, and is so much concerned with the feelings and duties of individuals, that men are apt to attach inferior interest to its public concerns and collective character. And yet there are occasions when these likewise require attention. The Christian faith was originally proclaimed as the germinant principle of a society and it cannot be otherwise than important that it should be perpetuated among ourselves under conditions not inconsistent with its original constitution and organic laws. This is matter of especial concernment to the clergy, who are bound by solemn engagements to "minister the Doctrine and Discipline of Christ," not only "as this Church and realm hath received the same," but likewise "as the Lord hath commanded." And obvious circumstances make the subject peculiarly interesting at the present day. B |