The Blunders of Dr. Ewer [pp. 813-824]

824 BLUNDERs OF DR. EwER. [Mar.,
A good example of Dr. Ewer's ignora~ce of theology is also
-found in his fumbling round after a sort of int~ntion which he
fancies will fit the plural form in the single canon of Trent, which
he goes at as if it were an inscription in some unknown tongue.
He comes to the conclusion that all which Rome really requires
is "a general intention in the life, character, and mental disposition of each priest." This seems to mean what is known as an
"habitual intention"; if he knew anything about Catholic doctrine he would know that such an intention is not sufficient. But
be is an average Protestant, and of course, as he says, "the average Protestant" is in'" ignorance as to what Rome is driving
at in her statements of doctrine generally." He is like a cobbler
reading a treatise on astronomy.
Here we will take leave of this ecclesiastical dilettante for the
present. There may be other absurdities in his article which we
have not fully realized or brought to the surface. But these will
suffice. "iVe sutor ~tttra crcpidarn" should be his motto for some
time to come. He is, strictly speaking, a layman, and these
matters do not fall in his province; though if he really wants to
study theology, there can be no objection. But let him study
before writing again, unless he likes to make a show of his ignorance. ~Te shall be happy to furnish him with any assistance he
may require, and would suggest to all interested in his welfare to
kindly do the same.
TWO SAINTS.
ST. HILARIoN once went to the island of Cyprus, whose primate was St. Epiphanius, his countryman, and formerly his disciple. At his table a fowl was set before him. Hilarion declined
to partake of it, because, since he had borne the habit of an anchorite, he had never tasted anything that had had life. "And
I," answered Epiphanius, "since I have worn this habit, have
never suffered any one to retire to rest with anything against me
in his heart, and I myself have never laid me down to sleep in
discord with any one!" "Forgive me, my father," replied Hilarion meekly; "thou hast followed a better rule of life than I."