The Magnetism Of Rome

The attructioii of such a churob as is that of Rome is partially, no doubt, au iraaginative attraction, but not purely 011e of the imagination. Even Dr. Martillean, -who.se poinf of view lias been so different that Jie regards apostolio anthority itself as by no ineans final, has described the Church of Rome as "the missionary of uations, the associate of history, the patrón of art, the vanquisher of the sword." And yet he would admit no final authority at all in the dogmatic decisions of a church which he so describes and would make very light of his episcopal lineage. Newraan and Manning wére neither of them overwhelmed by the more imaginative grandeur of the church 's history. But they. hoth came to believe that no one generation of Christians cóuld rightly emancípate themselves froni the guidance of all previous generations of Christians on the strebgth of a new study of the Scripture or a iust tion at the depth of some of the practical corruptions of the church. They were in search of an authority at ouoe in lineal connection vith rhe churoh of the apostles and ful] of visible life and energy at the present day. They thought that the Aiiglican ohurch could hardJy claim anything like continuity with the church of the apostles, Bud that the Greek church could hardly claim sufficieut independence of state life, or. indeed, snfficient vitality and energy, to mark it out as an institution of the first order of oricinalitv anH in.