(1.) General Corruption—Idolatry—Schism—Infringement of Private Judgment—Popery and Superstition. (2.) Judaistic Doctrine—Carnality—Technicality—Scriptural Uncertainty—Exclusiveness—Uncharitableness—Unchurching other Protestants—among whom may be seen many Evidences of God’s Blessing and Religious Success—Explanation. Catholic Charity—Theoretical and Practical—Review LECTURE IV. THE SUMMARY. The Summary—Mistakes of the Ideality of 109 Christianity—Erroneous popular Notions and Arguments—Contrast of Rationalist and Catholic theories—Comparison—And with Scripture—Analytical Review of the Catholic Religion, illustrating the Doctrine of the Ministry—Synthetical View of the same—Conclusion NOTES 145 I. THE DOCTRINE. FROM THE EPISTLE. {1}—“How, then, shall they call on HIM in Whom they have not believed?—and, How shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard?—and, How shall they hear without a preacher?—and, How shall they preach except they be SENT?”—ROMANS x. 14. AT this season of preparation for the ADVENT, the Apostolical Ministry is one of the subjects especially brought before us by the CHURCH, as doubtless peculiarly calculated to fit our minds for the right reception and reverent contemplation of our SAVIOUR’S first and second Coming. It would be needless to enlarge on the suitability of the Epistle selected for this Introductory Festival, opening and leading the way, as it does, to those of the whole “glorious company of the Apostles.” We can scarcely read the passage now quoted, without recognizing at once much of its appropriateness. It contains a brief vindication both of the moral necessity and the Divine authority of the Christian Ministry; and so plainly, that, to some extent, all must perceive it. But it may be highly profitable to us to draw out and examine with attention the subject, which St. Paul thus lays before us in epitome only; concerning which we know that there is much diversity of thinking among professing Christians, and, consequently, great danger of wrong thinking.