Is the Vicar of Brompton a Tractarian? A Question for the Parishioners — John Shaqi
Is the Vicar of Brompton a Tractarian? A Question for the ParishionersEllis, Arthur
Religion
Is the Vicar of Brompton a Tractarian? A Question for the Parishioners
Ellis, Arthur
Irons, William J. (William Josiah), 1812-1883; Oxford movement
The Puritans of Elizabeth’s reign were not Dissenters, they had not then
been driven out of the Church. If Elizabeth did carry a high hand
towards them, her conduct was merciful and humane if put in contrast with
the tyranny and oppression they suffered at a later period, when the
Monarchs of the Stuart line were aided by the bigotry and persecuting
principles of Archbishop Laud and others, whose memories are held in such
high esteem by the “Tractarians” of the present day.
In endeavouring to ignore the evidence of Cardinal Wiseman in favour of
“Tractarianism,” Dr. IRONS certainly has the example of high
ecclesiastical authority. In a correspondence lately published between a
Bishop of our Church (whose “Tractarian” leanings are but too evident)
and an esteemed Clergyman; the Bishop takes nearly the same line of
argument (if such tortuous reasoning can be called argument), in regard
to “Tractarian” publications highly eulogized by the literary organs of
the Romanists.
The Bishop, however, omits to mention, that these publications, so highly
thought of by Papists, are altogether condemned by every sound
Protestant.
In bringing this little publication to a close, I find it has run out to
a length I did not look for when I took up my pen.
I would express a hope that in any thing I may have said of individuals,
I have not given way to unkind or acrimonious expressions. It is foreign
to my feelings to have done so; and I would desire to remember “that the
wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
Far abler pens than mine have already shown forth the true character of
“Tractarianism,” and unmasked its semi-popish principles and practices.
If, in the object I had in view (as alluded to at the commencement of my
prefatory remarks), I have said any thing to serve as a warning to my
Protestant friends and neighbours, and to lead them to be more in earnest
in contending for the faith “once delivered to the saints,” I have an
ample reward.
I now leave the question (Is the Vicar of Brompton a Tractarian?) to the
judgment of those who may take the trouble to read this Pamphlet. I can
truly say, I shall sincerely rejoice to have it made plain to me that
what Dr. IRONS says of himself is a true picture, and that he is not a
Tractarian “in any sense.”
FOOTNOTES.
{6} The official statement, with the names of the (then) Churchwardens
attached to it, says, “that the Vicar has declined to be a party to the
Memorial in consequence of the words in italics being added.” These
words were the “Rider.”
{8} I asked for, and obtained, the sanction of Dr. IRONS to publish
these letters (if I thought it worth while,) soon after the
correspondence had taken place.
{11} DR. IRONS is the son of a respected Dissenting Minister, who was
held in high esteem by many eminent Clergymen of the Evangelical party.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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