Theology and Doctrine
The Divine Plan of the Church
Where Realised, and Where Not
- By Fr. John MacLaughlin
Fr. John MacLaughlin makes a sustained Catholic case for a visible, united Church whose authority rests on the promises of Christ, and tests the claims of the Church of England against it.
- Source edition
- 1901, R. & T. Washbourne, London
- Manualist edition
- September 2026
Christ founded one Church. How can it be recognized? Part One of The Divine Plan of the Church develops the argument from Scripture, examining unity, teaching authority, indefectibility, and infallibility. Part Two tests the claims of the Church of England against those principles, considering its doctrinal divisions, apostolic commission, and relationship with the State.
The appendix addresses familiar objections involving Liberius, Honorius, and Galileo, together with the relationship between infallibility and liberty. This Manualist Press edition was newly typeset from the 1901 R. & T. Washbourne edition. A hardcover edition is in preparation.
Why this book
Writing for the ordinary reader, MacLaughlin begins with a direct question—did Our Lord leave a definite plan for His Church, and what must that plan contain?
Restoration note
This edition presents the historical work in newly typeset form with organized contents and restored notes, preserving MacLaughlin's argument and period language.
Source note
Newly typeset from the 1901 R. & T. Washbourne edition, with organized contents and restored notes.
