Nicholas Wiseman

“ And so this little congregation partakes of the whole life of the Church catholic, the mighty body of which is spread over the entire globe: a life not shared by any, however humanly strong or earthly powerful, that is cut off from its communion.
Designate us by what name you please; we find in the title the expression of this prerogative. Call us “Catholics”, as we call ourselves; and we see in this the assurance that we cannot fail. The word tells us that we belong to the “universal” Church, to which alone promise of perpetuity was made. ”

“ It is then no idle boast in us to claim this prerogative of perpetuity of Christ’s abiding with us. Most affectionately do we call upon all to come and listen, and know us if as yet they do not.
And may God, in His infinite mercy give all such a docile heart, and spirit free from prejudice and preconceit, that they may learn, with simplicity, what our holy and dear Mother the Church really teaches; and still more let us pray Him to grant them the uprightness and courage, to obey the voice of truth and conscience, whenever they shall hear it speak in our favour. ”

“ Thus may all blend in one holy community – the rich and the poor, the learned convert and the simple old catholic, the native flock and the foreign priest, showing that the Church is one in all times and all ages-and therefore perpetual: lasting till the end of time on earth, through all eternity in heaven. ”

“ The dedication is perpetual; itself is a symbol of the perpetuity of that religion which it represents.
But it was this altar which formed the object of our special care and devotion; on it the ceremonial of our consecrating rites was principally concentrated. For it, in fact, was this church built, for it consecrated. If there had not been an altar fixed and immoveable, a symbol of the perpetuity of our doctrine, I could not have consecrated the church at all. It is no communion table, no shifting expedient for an occasional rite ”

“ In fact, it is this communion with the great Catholic Church, and its centre, which reserves to you, in this little church, perpetuity of faith. It is by it that I feel confident that no pastor appointed by me, to minister and preach here, will differ in the smallest title of faith or practice from his predecessor. Though a foreigner, like your present one, I can have no fear that he will teach any doctrine, practise any ritual, set up any ceremonies even, which a native priest would not equally inculcate or observe ”

“ And though the magnificent scene described by the Apostle is more truly and more beautifully represented in some great cathedral, yet even here around the altar are seated the priests, that is the Elders of the Church, singing to God, and praying with sacerdotal power, between the porch and the altar. And here is incense offered on the altar, by the minister who brings into the sanctuary, and lays upon that altar, the oblation of prayer offered by the faithful.
No other religion dares to cope thus with the celestial, to believe what is there seen, to repeat what is there acted. ”

“ To them, and not to the bulk of His followers was committed the duty of converting the world, and establishing the Church: and consequently to them alone is given the assurance of success in its discharge. Nor could He have been more explicit in the expressions which He selects, to intimate the perpetuity of that assurance.
When a charter is given to a body, a corporation to a borough, a constitution to a kingdom, by an authority capable of bestowing them, when especially it is once for all stated to be granted in perpetuity, it is not necessary to repeat from age to age the original grant. ”

“ In, and from, that moment the promise and assurance of Christ took effect, and attached itself to that body which then undertook and executed His commission. The characters of universality, or catholicity, and perpetuity thus became united, perennially and indissolubly combined. Where is the one gift, there is the other. When therefore you call us Catholics, you virtually admit our claim to be the perpetual and unfailing Church of Christ. ”

“ Our Church does not allow us to hold a variety, or a succession of sacrifices. That of Calvary is that of today, that of the Cross identical with that of our altar. The same offering and the same Priest, and the same ends of sacrifice. ”

“ Where was Christ’s promise of abiding with His Church, during that period? I think we may fairly ask. But no matter. It is clear that no religion believes perpetuity of doctrine to be its prerogative, which admits such a break in its past existence. ”

“ In this we have the guarantee of perpetual identity of doctrine from age to age.
Do you wish to put the reality of this security to the trial? I have alluded to the greater religious structure lately raised close to us, the successor and reputed representative of an older building. It seems thus to carry us back through centuries, and to present a greater security of solidity and duration. Well; ask there whether any security is there given of permanency of right doctrine, supposing this to be now taught there? You would be told, in consistency, that none could be given ”

“ But while this coincidence shows that our worship is not of yesterday, nor of a thousand years ago, is not indeed of time but of eternity, is not of earthly origin but of heavenly, there is one peculiar rite to which I have not yet alluded, but which formed a prominent, and indeed essential, part of our function on Tuesday last. The inspired Evangelist saw the altar in heaven ”

“ We flatter ourselves that the voice of the Apostles sounded on our shores. Spain too and other western countries have the same boast: while Scythia, Armenia and India were reached by these first preachers of God’s word. ”