. . .eir manifold systems it would be impossible now to enter.  Nor is it necessary; it is enough to point out the fundamental error, of having a system, and then “explaining” texts down to that system.  And this perhaps may be sufficiently done by glancing chiefly at two classes of the most received theories, with a view of showing that they alike proceed on a common principle, and that (in consequence) instead of taking the words of Scripture as they plainly stand, and accepting them as the Church does, in their full natural meaning, they are obliged to “explain.”  Such, indeed, we have already said to be our running argument.  “Would the sectarians, or would Catholics, have been more likely to employ naturally such and such words?”  And more than this we can scarcely attempt on this occasion.  Indeed a formal confutation of many such systems as we are now alluding to, would be almost impossible.  There is something so. . . Read More