Page:Elizabeth Elstob - An English-Saxon homily on the birth-day of St. Gregory.djvu/37

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The PREFACE.
xix

strate the Minds of my Auditors in Humility: But your Humility hath wherein to place its Confidence. For I, who am a Sinner, do entertain most certain Hope, that by the Grace of our Almighty Creator and Redeemer, our God and Lord Jesus Christ, your Sins are forgiven you; and for this Cause are you chosen, that by you, others may be absolved. Nor ought you to be troubled at any thing hereafter, who have caused Joy in Heaven, by the Conversion of many."

Nor is it likely, that St. Augustine, who, sent to be instructed in all things of Importance, by St. Gregory, shou'd so far neglect the Rules, and Advices he had received from him, as to demand or impose any thing upon the Britains, which was not necessary to promote Peace, and Christian Unity. I will here insert both the Question, and the Answer.

St. Augustine’s Question. "Since there is one Faith, but different Usages, in several Churches, and there is one Form of Divine Service, for the celebration of the Eucharist, observed in the holy Roman Church, and another in the Churches of France; What, in this Case, is to be done?

St. Gregory's Answer. "Your Brotherhood knows the Usage of the Roman Church, in which you remember your self to have been educated. But I am of Opinion, that whether in the Roman Church, or in those of France, or in any other Church, you shall have discover'd any thing that may be more pleasing to Almighty God, you