Not indifference in worship
From what has been said we may learn, secondly, that a Catholic spirit is not any kind of practical latitudinarianism. It is not indifference as to public worship, or as to the outward manner of performing it. This likewise would not be a blessing but a curse. Far from being a help to it, it would, so long as it remained, be an unspeakable hindrance to the worshipping of God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). But the man of a truly Catholic spirit, having weighed all things in the balance of the sanctuary, has no doubt, no scruple at all concerning that particular mode of worship in which he joins. He is clearly convinced that this manner of worshipping God is both scriptural and rational. He knows none in the world which is more scriptural, none which is more rational. Therefore without rambling here and there, he cleaves close to it, and praises God for the opportunity of so doing.
1771 text
2. From what has been said we may learn, secondly, That a Catholic spirit is not any kind of practical latitudinarianism. It is not indifference as to public worship, or as to the outward manner of performing it. This likewise would not be a blessing but a curse. Far from being an help thereto, it would so long as it remained be an unspeakable hindrance to the worshipping of God in spirit and in truth. But the man of a truly Catholick spirit, having weighed all things in the balance of the sanctuary, has no doubt, no scruple at all concerning that particular mode of worship wherein he joins. He is clearly convinced, that this manner of worshipping God is both scriptural and rational. He knows none in the world, which is more scriptural, none which is more rational. Therefore without rambling hither and thither, he cleaves close thereto, and praises God for the opportunity of so doing.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 39 in the 1771 Works. 2 Kings 10:15.
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