THE CONTROVERSY IS FORCED UPON US. "At length, however, it was thought expedient by some, that the controversy should be set up in the Church of this land, and that the publications on one side, viz: that of the Oxford Divines, should have a re-print here. Hence the far-famed "Tracts for the Times" were issued from the press in New York, preceded by the promise of the re-print of a large selection of other English publications on the same side of the question. During the progress of these works, the most zealous efforts have been made to commend the peculiarities of Oxford divinity to the diligent reading and confidential reception of the clergy and laity of this country. Thus has the controversy been forced upon those, who, while the publications were confined to a transatlantic Church, and only introduced among us by scanty importations, would have been content to leave it with those to whom it especially belonged, however deeply convinced themselves, that Oxford divinity was most justly accused."-Bishop M'Ilvaine, p. 10. ५ "I feel the importance of that Litany 'That it may please thee to beat down Satan beneath our feet. The signs of the times seem to indicate that the Church Sof England, as it has always been the strong hold of truth, is now the grand object of a special effort, in these last days, of the Ruler of the darkness of this world."-Bishop M'Ilvaine, p. 23. 6 "The time seems at hand, when we shall have to retreat upon the strong. holds of our faith; when they that teach, and they that learn, and they that keep the watch-tower, or go forth to the battle-field, will be compelled to do for a declining Church, what for an advancing one the Apostle forbids to be done: to maintain the principles of the doctrine of Christ' instead of going on unto perfection;' to lay again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith towards God;' in order to preserve and strengthen and encour age those who stand, if we may not renew again unto repentance those that have fallen away." Gift Toppon Presb. Ass Таррни 3-14-1932 INTRODUCTION. I. The occasion of this Compilation on Oxford Theology. The Compiler of these extracts having recently had occasion to examine Bishop M'Ilvaine's work on Oxford Theology, (one of the ablest, most interesting and instructive works of the age) was struck at once with the total and irreconcilable dissimilarity between his views and those of Bishop Doane. This led to a re-perusal of Bishop Doane's large pamphlet, (" Brief Examination") in connection with Bishop M'Ilvaine's book; and the result was the marking of a large number of parallel* passages. These are collected together in the following pages. II. The object of this Compilation. 1. To exhibit Oxfordism and Romanism in contrast with evangelical doctrine -a matter of great importance in these times of Popish effort, and of crafty, Tractarian theology. 2. To beseech those prelates and others, who boast of "one church,” “one faith," "one Apostolic succession," &c., not to chaunt their plea of “UNITY” with notes of discord. Silence would be far more becoming, during the continuance of "divisions Church, in any age. among them, which are as serious as ever afflicted any 3. To urge Christians of all "denominations" to renew their efforts to prevent the spread of Popery, or its equivalent, within the limits of the communities in which Providence has placed them. III. The manner of this compilation. 1. The sentences are generally given verbatim et literatim from the two writers. In a few instances, abbreviations are made, without affecting the sense. 2. In some cases, the words of authors, whom the writers quote with approbation, are inserted in connection with their own. This is done to bring out their respective views more fully, and is always made known to the reader. 3. The quotations are taken from passages, which discuss the same subject; and consequently the passages quoted are truly "parallel passages." 4. The works quoted are " Bishop Doane's Brief Examination," and "Bishop M'Ilvaine on Oxford Divinity," unless otherwise mentioned. In conclusion, the writer may be permitted to state that the compilation is made without intending the slightest disrespect, personally, towards either of the two divines, thus placed in antithetical juxtaposition. Although the Compiler very decidedly agrees with one, and "dissents" from the other, he considers himself (as the moderator of the Presbytery) quite impartial in the management of the discussion. The remarks inserted by the Compiler, to illustrate various topics, are printed in different type, aud run across the page. Burlington, N. J., January 12, 1842. "Parallel" may be understood here in its original sense. The views of the two writers, however indefinitely extended, never meet. |