William Wilberforce on the leading doctrines of the Church of England

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William Wilberforce on the leading doctrines of the Church of England

William Wilberforce MP (1759-1833)

WHAT was wrong with the “moribund” 18th century Church of England was not her liturgy or her doctrine.

It was the lack of passion with which her liturgy was celebrated, and her gospel brought to the outcasts of men.

THAT God so loved the world, as of his tender mercy to give his only Son Jesus Christ for our redemption:

That our blessed Lord willingly left the glory of the Father, and was made man:

That “he was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:”

That “he was wounded for our transgressions;” and “was bruised for our iniquities:”

That “the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all:”

That at length he humbled himself even to the death of the cross, for us, miserable sinners; to the end that all who, with hearty repentance and true faith should come to him, might not perish, but have everlasting life:

That he is now at the right hand of God, making intercession for his people:

That, “being reconciled to God by the death of his Son, we may come boldly unto the throne of grace, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need:”

That our heavenly Father “will surely give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him:” That “the Spirit of God must dwell in us:” and that “if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his:”

That by this Divine influence “we are to be renewed in knowledge after the image of Him who created us,” and “to be filled with the fruits of righteousness, to the praise of the glory of his grace;” that, “being thus made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light,” we shall sleep in the Lord; and that, when the last trumpet shall sound, this corruption shall put on incorruption; and that, being at length perfected after his likeness, we shall be admitted into his heavenly kingdom: —

These are the leading doctrines concerning our Savior, and the Holy Spirit, which are taught in the holy Scriptures, and held by the church of England.

The truth of them, agreeably to our general plan, will be taken for granted. Few of those who have been used to join in the established form of worship, can have been, it is hoped, so inattentive as to be ignorant of these grand truths, which are to be found every where dispersed throughout our excellent liturgy.

Would to God it could be presumed, with equal confidence, that all who assent to them in terms, discern their force and excellency in the understanding, and feel their power in the affections, and their transforming influence in the heart! What lively emotions are they calculated to excite in us, of deep self-abasement, and abhorrence of our sins; and of humble hope, and firm faith, and heavenly joy, and ardent love, and active unceasing gratitude!

William Wilberforce (1759-1833). A Practical View &c..