III.* ON THE WORD “CATHOLIC,” IN THE CREED. The word Catholic, as used by the primitive fathers,' simply meant general, or universal, in the ordinary sense; thus, "the catholic resurrection is the resurrection of all men, the catholic opinion is the opinion of all men. This meaning of the word is retained by our best old English writers; so that catholic laws are general laws; catholic truths are truths which are received by all the faithful; a catholic spirit is a liberal spirit; and hence the common term catholicon for an universal medicine. Thus, too, the general epistles of James, Peter, John, and Jude, are literally catholic epistles, because they are directed to all the faithful throughout the world, and not to any particular church. "Catholic church," then, as used in the creed, means the church of Christ generally-the church universal. It is universal as to place, for it is to spread abroad throughout the world, until all the kingdoms of the earth shall have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ. It is universal as to time, for of Christ's kingdom there shall be no end; and he must reign, until the last enemy, death itself, shall be destroyed. To this end he has promised to be with his apostles and their successors * Pearson n the Creed, vol. ii. p. 248. 66 always, even unto the end of the world," while they go forth to teach all nations, and to preach the gospel to every creature. From this brief explanation, we see what is intended, when we say "I believe in the Holy Catholic Church." We merely express our belief" that there is such a general society of christian people dispersed throughout the world; not confined to any particular age, or nation, but CATHOLIC or UNIVERSAL; according to the descriptions so often given of it in the sacred writings. This is what the Psalmist speaks of, when he says, that ALL NATIONS shall serve Christ, and call him blessed: what the prophets so often foretel, and Malachi in particular describes, as being collected out of all parts of the world; from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same; when in EVERY PLACE incense should be offered unto the name of the Lord, and a pure offering: and of this we read in the Revelation, as being gathered out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. Most vainly and falsely, therefore, does the church of Rome assume to herself the title of catholic or universal, which belongs to the whole church of Christ, of which she is only a part; and therefore has no more claim to that title, than any other dénomination of christians."* We, who have not so learned Christ, declare our belief in, or of, that universal church, which is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone; and which he has gra * Waldo's Lectures, p. 133, 134. ciously promised to protect and defend to the end of the world, so that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.* This is that church which he loved, and gave himself for it, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.† This is the BODY, whereof Christ is the HEAD; the BRIDE, of which he is the HUSBAND; the BRANCHES, of him who is the true VINE. The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.‡ *Matt. xvi. 18. † Ephes. v. 25-27. Ephes. i. 17-23. |