THE NESTORIANS
AND
Their Rituals, &c.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTORY.
REASONS WHY THE NESTORIANS SHOULD BE HEARD IN SELF-DEFENCE.
In a matter of such importance as that which it is now proposed to investigate, it is by far the safer and more satisfactory way for all parties, to allow the Nestorians to speak for themselves. As in the former ages of the Church's history, so now, there are many who look upon this sect as holding doctrines, not only erroneous, but destructive of the soul's salvation,—doctrines vitally affecting the atonement of our Blessed Saviour, that great corner-stone of the Christian's faith and hope, and without which Christianity is but a name. With so serious a charge laid at their door, it is no more than common justice that the accused should have a patient hearing, and be permitted to state fully and freely what their belief is. It is said, and said with some degree of truth, that Nestorius himself was not fairly treated in this respect; and although we may not doubt of the orthodoxy of the doctrine established by the Œcumenical council of Ephesus, yet it would have been better had Nestorius
VOL. II
