Untitled - Rore Sanctifica

INTRODUCTION.
Xlll
present Eastern and Western Communions, you will discern
an essential resemblance in all important points. The
English Prayer Book is in truth little more than a trans
lation of portions of the Offices which were in use before
the unhappy division in the Western Church, and contains
nothing which need prevent you from joining with us in
our public Worship.
"
7. In particular, we would specially call attention to
the following points, in which you will perceive that the
English formularies are essentially in harmony with those
of the whole Catholic Church.
"
8. First The Church of England holds unreservedly
one Baptism for the Remission of Sins, and teaches the
doctrine of Regeneration in and by Holy Baptism. In her
Catechism she declares that every child, in his Baptism,
was made a member of CHRIST, a child of GOD, and an
inheritor of the kingdom of heaven. In answer to the
question, What is the outward visible sign or form of
Baptism ? the child is taught to say, Water, wherein the
person is baptized in the name of the FATHER, and of the
SON, and of the HOLY GHOST. And, as regards the
inward and spiritual grace, the child is instructed that it is
a death unto sin, and a new birth unto righteousness for
;
being by nature born in sin, and the children of wrath, we
are hereby (i.e., by Baptism) made the children of grace.
The Office for Holy Baptism, is constructed entirely on this
principle ; and as soon as a child or adult is baptized it is
declared that he is regenerate, and grafted into the Body
of CHRIST S Church, and the congregation present are
called on to thank GOD for these benefits ; and it is
further expressly stated in the Rubric at the end of the
Office that It is certain, by GOD S Word, that children
which are baptized, dying before they commit actual sin,
are undoubtedly saved.
"9. Secondly The Church of England requires that all
those who have been baptized should be brought to the
Bishop, to be confirmed by him, so soon as they can say
the Creed, the LORD S Prayer, and the Ten Commandments
in the vulgar tongue. She believes that by the Laying on
of the Hands of the Bishop in Confirmation the gift of the
HOLT GHOST is conferred. Before the imposition of hands,
the Bishop prays that Almighty GOD, who has vouchsafed
to regenerate His servants by water and the HOLY GHOST,
will Strengthen them by His Holy Spirit, and daily
increase in them the manifold gifts of grace. Then Laying
his Hand on each one severally, after the example of the