The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

94 THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS.From what has been said in the preceding pagesit follows that the Catholic Church cannot be reformed. I do not mean, of course, that the Pastoraof the Church are personally impeccable, or not subject to sin.Every teacher in the Church, from thePope down to the humblest Priest, is liable at anymoment, like any of the faithful, to fall from grace, andto stand in need of moral reformation. We all carry"this treasure (of innocence) in earthen vessels."My meaning is, that the Church is not susceptibleof being reformed in her doctrines. The Church isthe work of an Incarnate God. Like all God sworks, it is perfect. It is, therefore, incapable ofreform. Is it not the height of presumption formen to attempt to improve upon the work ofGod? Is it not ridiculous for the Luthers, theCalviiis, the Knoxes, and the Hearies, and a thousand lesser lights, to be offering their amendmentsto the Constitution of the Church, as if it were ahuman Institution ?Our Lord Himself has never ceased to rule personally over His Church. It is time enough for little men to take charge of the Ship when the gieatCaptain abandons the helm.A Protestant gentleman of very liberal education remarked to me, before the opening of the lateEcumenical Council :"I am assured, sir, by a friend,in confidence, that, at a secret Conclave of Bishopsrecently held in Home, it was resolved that theDogma of the Immaculate Conception would be re-