the threshold of the catholic church

Preface

THE numerous conversions of late years to the Catholic Church in this country have given rise among some Catholics to the idea that the return of England to the Ancient Faith is imminent. In confirmation of this it is urged that there has been a rapid increase in the number of our clergy, of the religious orders, of Church fabrics, of schools, and of new missions. It is further contended that, while bitter prejudice against our Faith is disappearing from the minds of our countrymen, an intelligent and earnest spirit of enquiry about our doctrines is abroad. All indicating, say these sanguine believers, the fast approaching submission of England to the See of S. Peter. Fondly do I desire this were so; but if I read the signs of the times aright, I cannot but conclude that the conver-

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sion of England is yet far off. The Church in this country is indeed striking her roots deeply into the soil, and spreading her branches, day by day, in every direction. She is laying her foundations sure, but it is for a structure to be built in times to come.

The experience of the past appears to me to bear this out. For it may be fairly questioned whether, in proportion to the population, the Catholic Body has numerically increased within the past twenty years. It is the opinion of many of wie older and more experienced of the clergy throughout the country that the losses we have sustained by our former want of elementary schools, by mixed marriages, and by the fewness of our priests and missions, have scarcely been compensated for by the number of converts.

And, assuredly, when we look to the state of religious thought in the marvellously diversified sects which surround us, there is still more reason for doubting the immediate conversion of England. It is certain the High Church party is preparing thousands whom we could never reach, for submission to the Church. To the High Church clergy is due the honour of carefully administering the Sacrament of

Baptism, of teaching more accurately the doctrines of

Preface. vii the Incarnation, of Grace, of Justification, and diffusing a confused knowledge of the Real Presence and the Eucharistic Sacrifice ; “and of spreading a deeper life of daily devotion among their people. Their followers are : steadily increasing, and spreading throughout the land. We wish them God speed ; for they are breaking down prejudices, and unwittingly bringing back our countrymen to “the faith once delivered to the Saints.” But the most ordinary observer may perceive that a stream from Protestantism is running in the very contrary direction. Private judgment, with its natural product, division of opinion, is finally refusing to accept any definite dogmatic truth. Article after article of the Christian Faith is questioned by those who would limit the field of revelation to the capability of reason. It is painfully evident this movement towards Rationalism and Infidelity is making a proeress that far exceeds that of the High Church party. It has on its side some of the most prominent of our men of science; it is upheld by able writers, in the daily press and the reviews ; it is con-. genial to the minds of those who would subvert all authority, and upturn the foundation of Christian society.

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1 fear our country will not return to the Faith till Rationalism and Infidelity have produced sad havoc, The victory of the Church will be after a long and arduous struggle with indifference, materialism, and non-belief, That we may at no distant period receive ‘large accessions from the English Communion is, I think, patent; but this is the limit of reasonable hope.

Heretofore it would seem that the justice of God has exacted reparation through individual conversions for the sin of schism and heresy committed three cen- — turies ago. Even when clergymen of undoubted learning and influence have joined the Church, few of those who hung upon them for spiritual ministrations have immediately followed their steps. Yet there are indications that. we are on the eve of a new phase in the progress of Catholicism in the country. Catholic principles are now brought prominently forward in the various discussions concerning our political rights; there is an anxiety in the public mind to know more _of our doings; there are but few families of importance that do not number in their immediate circle of friends one or more converts; the divisions and contentions in the Established Church, and the rising tide

Preface. ix of Rationalism, make men look Romewards for peace and safety. It is therefore not unreasonable, on the ground of these facts, to hope that very soon, not only individuals, but whole families and congregations may submit to the See of S. Peter. For such emergencies we ought to be ready. Our parochial arrangements should be well organised, so that our own people may not suffer by a large influx of neophytes. It is our duty to be conversant with the best means (1) of preparing persons to enter the Church, and (2) of directing them when they have entered the One Fold.

1. To win our countrymen to the Faith we must be instant, in season and out of season, in preaching the Word of God. Neither acrimonious assertions, nor the sorry arm of ridicule will avail, The time for controversy is likewise past. The light radiated by Truth will necessarily dissipate ignorance, error, and prejudice. We may well afford to leave the din of controversy to the contending parties in the Anglican Communion. It is for us to giye clear and precise statements of our doctrines, supporting them by appropriate proofs, and illustrating them by history and science. This may be done most effectually in catechetical instructions, and short dogmatic sermons, x Preface.

We need not fear the monotony of repetition. Deepseated prejudices can only be destroyed by frequent repetition of the Truth.

I would strongly urge that great care should be taken, not only to explain our doctrines, but also to describe our life of devotion, Men’s hearts have to be converted, as well as their heads ; and it will be found, — again and again, that the Church’s means of sanctification will attract even more than the definiteness of her doctrines. Experience teaches that instructions embodying a certain portion of doctrine applied to daily life and to individual character, are more fruitful than any other kind of preaching in drawing men into the Church.

Conversions vary as much as do the features of individuals. No two persons seem to be led to the Fold of Christ in precisely the same way. Each submission to the Church is a conquest of God's grace, an exercise of His supreme goodness towards the individual—a work begun, nurtured, and completed by Him. We priests are but His ministers, and instruments of His will, It is not for us, anxiously as we may wish it, to determine when, or under whut set of circeumstances, the gift of faith is to be given. Our duty is

Propace. xi to watch for the moment of grace ; to aid in removing whatever might be an obstacle to the reception of Faith ; and to prepare the soul for this priceless gift.

It is tor us to proclaim to those who wish to join the Church, the need of earnest prayer for light and strength, and of contrition for past sin, so that the mind may be purified to accept truth. Besides, we are bound to see that all are properly instructed before they make their submission to Holy Church. For such submission it is not necessary to know explicitly the whole of the Articles of Faith ; but it is incumbent that none be admitted to the Fold of Christ who do not firmly hold and declare the Roman Church, ruled by the successor of 8. Peter, to be God’s whole and sole appointed Teacher of the Gospel in our days, However familiar persons may be with our doctrines, or however much they may like and believe our dogmas, without holding this the fundamental truth of Catholicism, they should never be allowed to join the Church. On the other hand, the moment it is apprehended, there need be, so.far as the preparation of head is concerned,’ but little delay about the abjuration.

The books I have found most useful to put into the hands of honest enquirers, are these :-—

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Preface.

(a) For High Churchmen.—Wilberforce’s Principles of

Church Authority ; Newman’s Anglican Difficulties; Allies’ See of S. Peter; Humphrey’s Divine Teacher; Knox’s Treatise on Infallibility; Bottalla’s Supremacy of S. Peter ; Dom Raynal’s Ordinal of Edward VI.

(b) For Low Churchmen and Dissenters —RMilner’s

End of Controversy; Cardinal Wiseman’s Lectures on Catholic Doctrines; Hay’s Sincere Christian ; Sweeney’s Lectures on Catholic Faith and Practice; Oakeley’s Bible and the Church ; Stone’s Invitation Heeded.

(c) For Broad Churchmen.—Archbishop Mannine’s

Grounds of Faith ; Sweeney’s Grounds of Faith; Les Dogmes Catholiques, par Laforet; Les Etudes sur le Christianisme, par Nicolas ; Perry’s Exercise of Faith impossible out of the Catholic Church; and De Ravignan’s Conferences.

Yor those who cannot devote very much time to reading, I have found the {following of much use :—Challoner’s Catholic Christian Instructed ; A Protestant converted by her Bible and Prayer Book; The Sure Way to find out the True Religion; What do Catholics really Believe ?

Preface. xili Pye’s Claims of the Catholic Chureh ; Challoner’s Grounds of Catholic Doctrine.

I.—Our pastoral care does not end with the submission of persons to the Church. Rather we may say it has only then begun. There is the preparation to be made for the reception of the Sacraments; the neophyte has tobe instructed and directed in prayer, and _ In the use of devotions; the mind has to be trained to habitual obedience to the Church in matters of religion, and familiarized with those practices that are preeminently Catholic, such as intentions, aspirations, praying for the Holy Souls, visits to the Blessed Sacrament, and the like; indeed, of the greater number of converts, we may without exaggeration say, that their. whole spiritual life has to be re-built. There is no part of our ministerial duties more anxious than this. Jt requires the greatest prudence, the tenderest care, the closest observation, and unless it is commenced immediately after the abjuration, and continued perseveringly for some time, irreparable: mischief will ensue.

-In the normal course of things, it will be found wiser to allow the new convert to have some days of quiet xiv Preface.

preparation and prayer before approaching for the first time the Holy Table. And before Confirmation is received, the principal parts of the Catechism should be carefully studied. At first all attention should be concentrafed on the assisting at Mass well, approaching the Sacraments with due dispositions, performing the duty of daily prayer with exactitude, carefully observing the fasts and abstinences of the Church—in a word, teaching the practices of ordinary Catholic life. The “Garden of the Soul” will be found the very best prayer-book that can be used for this purpose. Other works of devotion may be used later, but in the first months after conversion, no safer nor more useful book of prayer can be placed in the hands of the neophyte.

The immediate desire of the newly converted is to join many confraternities, to undertake great bodily severities, to enter religious life. This should be most carefully guarded and restrained. Later it may please God to demand of the soul to walk in higher paths of perfection, but for the moment the new convert should be trained to an ordinary life of piety. Meanwhile, devotion to the Most Holy Sacrament should be cultivated with great care. From it will naturally flow a tender devotion to Mary, the Mother of God.

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In the way of doctrinal instruction, I have ever tried to make those whom I have “received into the Church master the little Catechism of Christian Doctrine, used with the approbation of the Bishops in this country. To this I have added the admirable little book, Perry’s “Full Course of Instruction,’ and the “Catechism of the Council of Trent.” These I have found ample for an after and convplete course of instruction.

But ever since I have been thrown into the work of conversions, I have fel€ the greatest need of a manual, containing in moderate compass an intelligent and systematic explanation of the chief doctrines and practices of the Church. Such a book the Rev. J. B. Bagshawe has now written, under the happy title of the “Threshold of the Church.” It is drawn up with the judicious experience of one who has appreciated the difficulties of new converts. I doubt not but. it will be an invaluable aid to all who enter the Church.

And should this little work find its way to the homes of those who, bewildered by the sight of the Establishment torn by dissensions and surrounded by

_ sects, nevertheless think it their duty to remain there, | b

XV1 Preface.

trying to infuse Catholic Truth into the Anglican Communion, to these would I say, you will ever be tossed to and fro, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, unless you submit to that Divine Authority established by God. You may believe in your sacraments, and in the separate truths of Christianity ; you may render obedience to individual clergymen, while you refuse it to your bishop; in all this you are but acting on the Protestant principle of Private Judgment; you but exercise it over the wider field of Bible, Prayer Book, and the History of the First Six Centuries. To have a real participation in the life of the Church, and a secure foundation for your faith, I say to you in the earnest words of S. Augustine to the Donatists :—“ Come, brethren, if you wish to be inserted in the vine ; for we grieve when we see you lie thus cut off from it. Number the Bishops from the very chair of 8. Peter, and in that list of Fathers, see what has been the succession. This is the rock against which the proud gates of Hell do not prevail.”—(Ps. c. Don. 8. Aug. ix. 7.) ‘ @. J. CAPEL.

Lent, 1873.

Cedar Villa, Kensington.

INTRODUCTION,

THE object of this course is to collect together into one book all the instruction needed by converts, What it contains may easily be found in other books ; but I do not know any one which treats of all the subjects that require explanation.

The plan of it is this:—The First Part contains five

Instructions. In these is given shortly all the teaching which a convert would ordinarily require before being received into the Church. The Second Part has also five Instructions. These are to give the explanation of all the things which a new convert will wish to understand, and which are necessary for the proper performance of the religious duties of a good Catholic. There are necessarily many things which at first appear strange to one entering into the Church. I have endeavoured to treat of these as simply and familiarly as I can, and at the same time to enter into practical details, which are not commonly found in books. bee

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T have made the course of Instructions resemble as much as possible the oral teaching which a priest would give to a convert of reasonably good education ; first, before receiving him into the Church, and, secondly, before admitting him to Holy Communion.

T hope this may sufficiently account for any abruptness and familiarity which: may appear in the style.

I have introduced many things which are not necessary for all converts, and which will not be interesting to some; as, for instance, the rather minute explanation of Vespers in the Fourth Instruction of the Second Part. It is easy, however, to pass over what is not wanted.

T have put into an Appendix three subjects of which J thought it desirable to treat, but which did not come into the course of Instructions,

RicHMonpD, October, 1872,

Part I. Instruction Ti

ON THE GREAT TRUTHS OF FAITH.

PAGE The Principle of the Catholic Faith.—The chief Truths to be believed.—The Sign of the Cross.—The Unity and Trinity of God.—The importance of the Knowledge of God. —The Incarnation and Death of our Saviour.—Errors of Arius, Nestorius, and Eutyches——Importance of Meditation on our Lord’s Life and Death.—The Four Last Things: Death—the Genera] and Particular Judgments—Hell— Heayen.—Purgatory.—The Church suffering. or Exayers for the Dead. . iets je s ° Sa!

INSTRUCTION II.

ON THE TESTIMONY AND AUTHORITY OF THE CHURCH.

Importance of the Controversy.—How Christ communicated His Religion to men,—-Authority of the Chureh the Foundation of Faith.—Results of leaving the true Foundation. — The Testimony of the Church.—Its authority.—This authority infallible-—Speaks in its own way, and according to its own constitution.—Defines its own limits,—The Church an organized body.—The Teaching Church.—The Hearing Church,—Necessity of a Centre of Union.—The Pope.—His oflice—How Christ made S. Peter the head of

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His Church.— The Bishop of Rome the one claimant to S. Peter’s authority.—The Church a fold, not a constitutional monarchy.— Power of order and jurisdiction.—Ranks in the Church.—Marks of the Church.—Need of them.—Unity of Faith and Discipline. —Holiness.—In what sense a mark of

’ the Church.—Catholicity.—Apostolicity . . . 21

INSTRUCTION ITI.

ON PRAYER ‘AND THE SACRAMENTS,

Faith and Good Works required for Salvation.—Errors on the Doctrine of Good Works.—State of Man after the Fall. —Means of obtaining Grace.—Prayer, inward means.— Necessity of Prayer.—Vocal and Mental Prayer.—The Sacraments external.—For Members of the Church only,— Names and Uses of the Sacraments.—How often and when they can be received.—Matter, Form, and Minister of the Sacraments.—Sacraments of the Living and of the Dead. —Last Sacraments.—Holy Eucharist.—Its importance in the Faith and Worship of the Church - , é . 89

INSTRUCTION IV.

ON THE THINGS NECESSARY FOR BEING RECEIVED INTO THE CHURCH, .

Profession of Faith.—Its meaning.— Object of Faith —Explicit and Implicit Faith.—Can the Faith ever change P—Acts of Faith.—Conditional Baptism.—Reason of it.—Confession. —Difficulty of it.—Parts of Penance.—Absolution.—Contrition.—Confession.—Sincerity.— Satisfaction. — Preparation for Confession.—Examination of Conscience.—How Sin is divided.—Mortal and Venial Sin,—Circumstances of Sins.—Motives for Sorrow.—How to make a Confession,— ‘he usual form of Confession.—Choice of a Confessor fe ROY,

INSTRUCTION VY.

ON THE COMMANDMENTS.

Commandments of God and of the Church,—Their Obligation and Distinctions—Division of the Decalogue.—Things e

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commanded and forbidden by the First Commandment.— Honour given to the Saints,--Kinds of Honour—Supreme _—Inferior—Relative—Sins against Faith._Sundays and Holidays.—Which are the Holidays.—Way of observing them.—Fasting and Abstinence.—Rules of Fasting.— Which are the Fasting Days.—Reasons of Exemption.— Advantages of Fasting.—Easter Communion.—Time appointed for it,—Obligation of receiving Viaticum.—Summary of the Obligations of a Catholic.--Grace of Conversion.