ON THE CHURCH OF ADDRESSED TO THE REV. EMMANUEL FERAUT, D.D. & LL.D. CHAPLAIN TO THE KING OF SARDINIA, AND ITALIAN BY BAPTIST WRIOTHESLEY NOEL LETTER I. The Claims of the Church of Rome. LONDON: JAMES NISBET & CO., 21 BERNERS STREET. MDCCCLI. 110. d. 424. THE CLAIMS OF THE CHURCH OF ROME. REVEREND SIR, As the spiritual director of a young person who was once a member of my Bible class, you have challenged me to discuss with you the merits of the Church of Rome, and have expressed your wish that it may be in writing. Being commanded to be "ready always to give an answer to every man who asks me a reason of the hope that is in me," (1 Pet. iii. 15,) I accept your challenge; and as you intend to print your replies in the "Catholic Standard," I shall send you my views in print. In several successive letters, I purpose to tell you what the word of God declares respecting the claims of your Church, its hierarchy, its worship, its doctrine, its sacraments, and its discipline. This letter shall be devoted to the examination of its claims. I. Of the Church of Christ your Church speaks as follows: "By the common custom of the Holy Scriptures, this word (Church) is used to signify the Christian republic and the congregations of the faithful alone: those, that is, who are called to the light of truth and |