"And under such superintendence": A Hackney Phalanx sermon at an 1824 episcopal consecration

Returning to John Lonsdale's sermon at the 1824 consecration of Blomfield for Chester, we see again an example of how the Hackney Phalanx, bearers of the Old High tradition, viewed the episcopal office. As with Lonsdale's sermon at an 1827 episcopal consecration, the complete absence of sacerdotal language is striking.

And, again as with the 1827 sermon, there is the use of the language of "superintendence" to describe the episcopate. This is suggestive of the Hookerian moderation of the Old High understanding of the episcopate, reflecting how the Old High tradition sought to encourage episcopacy amongst non-episcopal continental Protestant churches.

Also interesting at the outset of the extract is the implication of a cautious, modest account as to how episcopacy was understood to exercise oversight in succession to the Apostles.

Well may the Church rejoice, and honestly may she glory, (since ordinary now occupy the place of extraordinary aids) when she sees called to sit in her chief places men high in talent, and rich in learning - men who, like the discipled scribe in the Gospel, can bring forth out of their treasure things new and old for her support and service. But much greater cause has she for joy and confidence, when she sees them counting that earthly treasure but dung, in comparison with the unsearchable riches of Christ, committed to their care and keeping; when, in humility and faith, they seek acceptance for their gifts and acquirements as unworthy sacrifices on the altar of God; when, in short, casting away all vain imaginations of their own sufficiency, they look for both the will and power to fulfil the great duties required of them, from Him who is all in all.

It is only by such ministry, and under such superintendence, that the Church has ever flourished; and through such means alone must it still hope to go on and prosper: till He who is its Head, shall supply its deficiencies from His own fulness, and wash it from its impurities in His own blood; and finally present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, in the holy and heavenly city.

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