A Charge Delivered to the Clergy of the Archdeaconry of Oxford, at the Visitation 1840 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1840. Excerpt: ... A CHARGE TO THE CLERGY OF THE ARCHDEACONRY OF LEWES. My Reverend Brethren, When I cast my thoughts around with the view of ascertaining the subjects on which it will become me to speak to you on this occasion, the first feeling which rises in my heart, is thankfulness to Almighty God for the blessed change which has been wrought during the last few years in' the aspect and prospects of our Church. No one, I think, can call to mind, what were his own anticipations with regard to the destinies of the Church, or what was the general tone and the common topics of conversation among her friends, only half a dozen years ago, without perceiving that there has in truth been a great change, that we stand more firmly, that we look around us more confidently, and forward more hopefully. Still indeed we are encompast by enemies, who are numerous, strong, and active; and many among them would gladly snatch at any opportunity to wound or shake us. This however has always been the case, more or less; and so far as we ourselves are concerned, it is not much to be deplored. Ever since Christ came to send a sword upon earth, there has always been hostility between the World and the Church. The World has hated the Church; and the Church has waged war against the World. Her spirit however has not I been that of hatred, so far at least as she has been animated by the spirit of her Lord: for her appointed task has not been to destroy the darkness, except by transfiguring it into light, not to destroy the World, but to save the World. The spirit of the World on the other hand has truly been the spirit of hatred: and it has often happened that, in proportion as the light has brightened, the darkness has also become thicker; the more mightily the Lord has set up His Son upon His...