JOHN WICKLIFFE, D. D.

HUMAN institution is liable to perversion, as well as to decay. So extensive is this lamentable consequence of our depravity, that no civil or ecclesiastical polity, however excellent in its original composition, can entirely escape its malignant influence. The passions and prejudices of men being in perpetual operation, the essence of this evil lurks among the primary elements of all establishments, till circumstances afford scope for its developement.

The obvious remedy for this mischief is a recurrence to first principles. While the hasty and superficial argue from the abuse to the disuse; while the inconsiderate reasoner would overthrow the establishment, or demolish the institution, which cannot boast exemption from infirmity; the more cool and reflecting will seek the cure for the disorder, with that spirit of meekness and wisdom, which is equally removed from the desolating rage of innovation on the one hand, and a superstitious reverence for antiquity on the other. The expediency of this mode is universally acknowledged in law and in physics. He is the best civilian, who can make the most correct appeal to existing records: he is the best philosopher, who most stea

JAN. 1822.

dily recurs to fundamental principles.

This remark applies with equal force to defection in theological doctrine, or corruption in ecclesiastical establishment. These are not reformed by extravagant speculation or wild experiment, but by reference to original articles and recognised data. From the age of Charles the Second, the English Church gradually departed in her public instructions from that simplicity of doctrinal exposition, and perspicuity of evangelical statement, which distinguished the discourses and treatises of her venerable Fathers. But about the middle of the last century, some grave and enlightened characters saw and lamented the existence of the evil. Nor this alone. They ventured to incur the odium which always attaches to the subordinate few in actual or in seeming opposition to the ascendant many. They dared to recur to first principles. In the conduct of the dispute which followed, they were mainly favoured by the providential circumstance, that the Church, of which they were sincere members, possessed within herself the means of correction. They could appeal to her own formularies, as grounded on the sentiments of the most eminent reformers, for the veracity of their assertions and the integrity of their professions.

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