The Bishop, however, omits to mention, that these publications, so highly thought of by Papists, are altogether condemned by every sound Protestant.
In bringing this little publication to a close, I find it has run out to a length I did not look for when I took up my pen.
I would express a hope that in any thing I may have said of individuals, I have not given way to unkind or acrimonious expressions. It is foreign to my feelings to have done so; and I would desire to remember “that the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
Far abler pens than mine have already shown forth the true character of “Tractarianism,” and unmasked its semi-popish principles and practices. If, in the object I had in view (as alluded to at the commencement of my prefatory remarks), I have said any thing to serve as a warning to my Protestant friends and neighbours, and to lead them to be more in earnest in contending for the faith “once delivered to the saints,” I have an ample reward.
I now leave the question (Is the Vicar of Brompton a Tractarian?) to the judgment of those who may take the trouble to read this Pamphlet. I can truly say, I shall sincerely rejoice to have it made plain to me that what Dr. Irons says of himself is a true picture, and that he is not a Tractarian “in any sense.”
FOOTNOTES.
[6] The official statement, with the names of the (then) Churchwardens attached to it, says, “that the Vicar has declined to be a party to the Memorial in consequence of the words in italics being added.” These words were the “Rider.”
[8] I asked for, and obtained, the sanction of Dr. Irons to publish these letters (if I thought it worth while,) soon after the correspondence had taken place.
[11] Dr. Irons is the son of a respected Dissenting Minister, who was held in high esteem by many eminent Clergymen of the Evangelical party.
[13] “The nearer the candle the safer the moth.” Such is Tractarian logic. I respectfully borrow this apt illustration from the “Heir of Montresor Abbey,” a work published by Nisbet & Co., and written by the Protestant Authoress of “The Two Paths.”