MYSTICAL

Having a hidden, allegorical, or secret meaning. In the baptismal offices we read, “Sanctify this water to the mystical washing away of sin:” from which it would be absurd to infer that the mere physical application of water can remove sin; and yet, on the other hand, the fact that the remi ion of sin is a ociated with baptism, rests on Scriptural authority. There is, therefore, a secret operation of God’s grace in cleansing the soul linked to the sacramental application of water to the body; and the concurrence or co-existence of these the Church regards as a “mystical washing away of sin.” Again: in the Communion Office, the faithful recipients are said to be “very [true] members incorporate of the mystical body of Christ .” Now, how the Church can constitute “the body of Christ ,” will appear to any one an inscrutable mystery , if he will but divest himself of the familiarity of the terms. As to the fact, it is indisputable; but the manner is beyond our full comprehension, partaking in some measure of the nature of allegory, and being strictly mystical . It is worth while to add, that the Church does not recognise the notion of an invisible Church, as constituting this “mystical body,” composed of those only who shall be finally saved; for she goes on to pray for the a istance of God’s grace, “that we may continue in that holy fellowship,” ., a petition somewhat irrelevant if such an hypothesis be adopted.