The-papacy-its-history-dogmas-genius-and-prospects-wylie

;OPUS OPERATUM. 285Thus have we come to a leading characteristic of the systemof Popery,—one that is already sufficiently distinct, butwhich will become more fully developed as we proceed,—thedisposition to substitute the ordinances of the Church for thegospel,—the symbol for the truth,—the form for the principle,—thesacraments for Christ. The great doctrine ofsalvation through faith in the free grace of God is set aside,and the opus operatum of a sacrament is put in its room." That it is faith that worketh in the sacrament, and notthe sacrament itself," say the Romanists, " is plainly falsebaptism giving grace, and faith itself, to the infant that hadnone before."*• Kheimish Testament, note on Gal. iii. 27.