the subject of Purgatory. He contends for Prayer for the Dead, but argues against Purgatory. The following extract, perhaps, shews the views of the Nonjurors on this subject. "You see then that we agree in practising Prayer for the Dead: but you must not think that therefore I own the lawfulness of your way of praying for the dead: for I utterly condemn it, because it is founded upon the doctrine of Purgatory. So that though we both practise the same thing, yet we differ entirely in the end and design for which we practise it. You pray for those souls whom you believe to be in torment, that their sufferings may diminish, and at length cease. I pray for those, whom I believe to be in a state of bliss, that their condition may be improved, that they may have a happy resurrection, and a good and merciful trial at the day of judgment. Let the Primitive Church judge in this difference between us."[1]
He closes his book with a definition of a Catholic. "My definition is this: 'a particular Catholic Church is a rightful Bishop, with his Clergy and the laity united to them, professing the true Christian faith, without the addition of false doctrine: and practising the necessary Christian worship without corruption.' This is a definition which I suppose you yourself cannot deny is adequate and just: and by that do I offer to try the cause betwixt your Church and that of which I am a member. Do you shew that any part of your Church answers to this definition, or that ours does not, and I will be your convert. But, Sir, I know this is impossible for you to do: for your Church has added many false doctrines to the true
- ↑ Deacon's Doctrine of the Church of Rome, &c. p. 7.
