retend the Sacraments
are not necessary to salvation, while we make use of the offices in
the Liturgy; for when God appoints means of grace, they are _the_
means.

I do not see how any one can escape from this plain view of the
subject, except (as I have already hinted) by declaring that the words
do not mean all that they say. But only reflect what a most unseemly
time for random words is that in which ministers are set apart for
their office. Do we not adopt a Liturgy _in order to_ hinder
inconsiderate idle language, and shall we, in the most sacred of all
services, write down, subscribe, and use again and again forms of
speech which have not been weighed, and cannot be taken strictly?

Therefore, my dear brethren, act up to your professions. Let it not
be said that you have neglected a gift; for if you have the Spirit of
the Apostles on you, surely this _is_ a great gift. "Stir up the gift
of God which is in you." Make much of it. Show your value of it. Keep
it before your minds as an honourable badge, far higher than that
secular respectability, or cultivation, or polish, or learning, or
rank, which gives you a hearing with the many. Tell _them_ of your
gift. The times will soon drive you to do this, if you mean to be
still anything. But wait not for the times. Do not be compelled, by
the world's forsaking you, to recur as if unwillingly to the high
source of your authority. Speak out now, before you are forced, both
as glorying in your privilege and to insure your rightful honour from
your people. A notion has gone abroad that they can take away your
power. They think they have given and can take it away. They think it
lies in the Church property, and they know that they have politically
the power to confiscate that property. They have been deluded into a
notion that present palpable usefulness, producible results,
acceptableness to your flocks, that these and such like are the tests
of your divine commission. Enlighten them in this matter. Exalt our
Holy Fathers the bishops, as the representatives of the Apostles, and
the Angels of the Churches; and magnify your office, as being ordained
by them to take part in their Ministry.

But, if you will not adopt my view of the subject, which I offer to
you, not doubtingly, yet (I hope) respectfully, at all events, CHOOSE
YOUR SIDE. To remain neuter much longer will be itself to take a part.
_Choo