An Inquiry Into the Means of Grace, Their Mutual Connection, and Combined Use with Especial Reference to the Church of England, Sermons Preached at the Bampton Lecture - Softcover

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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.1844 Excerpt: ... SERMON VIII. St. John Xv. 2. EVERY BRANCH IN ME THAT BEARETH NOT FRUIT HE TAKETH AWAY: AND EVERY BRANCH THAT BEARETH FRUIT, HE PURGETH IT, THAT IT MAY BRING FORTH MORE FRUIT. In the General Thanksgiving, which we offer daily in the Church, amongst the special blessings for which we give unto the "Father of mercies," "most humble and hearty thanks," we make mention of "the means of grace;" a blessing manifestly regarded by our Church as of great moment, if we only judge by the context in which it stands; placed in most appropriate relation to its actual bearing upon our salvation, between the only cause of all our spiritual blessings and their ultimate perfect consummation; between "the redemption of the world by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," and "the hope of glory." Yet it is to be feared, that, often as this expression passes our lips, there are few who realize to themselves any definite notion of the meaning of the terms. A vague general impression, that it alludes to the influence of the Holy Spirit, with perhaps a more special reference to the two Sacraments of the Gospel, seems to satisfy most minds. The object of the present inquiry, then, has been to examine, whether the terms do not comprehend much more; and I have endeavoured to shew, by an induction of particulars, what is the nature, and extent, and mutual relation of the principal means appointed and revealed for the attainment of Divine grace; and, that nothing may be wanting which may possibly be comprised in the subject, I have likewise given as much attention as time permitted, to the consideration of those ordinances which, being of Apostolical, Catholic, or Ecclesiastical origin, are supplemental, in various degrees, to the great primary instruments, by which the Holy Ghost ordinaril...

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