In all these acts he turns against the Holy Ghost and his Lord, denying their gifts and presence. Moreover, he deserts his post. God has placed him in the Anglican Church there to be a witness, just as he placed Elijah in Israel amidst its worship. It is just as much desertion for a soldier to go over to some other regiment or place on the battle-field as to run away. Having the faith and sacraments and free from schism we must stay where we are placed.
Secession is thus a sin presumptuous and deadly.
It is the most presumptuous sin we believe a Christian man can commit. For in deciding on the claims of the papal supremacy against the Eastern and Anglican Churches in favor of Rome, he assumes to himself the powers of an Ecumenical council. It is an act full of spiritual danger. It is also the most terrible spiritual sin we believe a Christian man can commit. For if Anglican orders and sacraments are valid, and there is no surer proof of the existence of God than there is of their validity, he denies having received Christ in the sacraments, and so perils his own soul.