Saint Pancras, Old and New

I have written about Old St Pancras’ Church already, but this time, I had the benefit of being allowed inside. It is certainly one of the oldest Christian sites in England even if the bulk of its current fabric is somewhat modern.

Its current style of worship, judging by the prominence of statues and candles, is rather too High for me, though I am learning to foster a respect for Anglo-Catholics who stand firm against their denomination’s descent into anaemic liberalism. A place of worship awash with images might be appropriate for something on the site of a late Roman church, for the formal veneration of former believers (“saints”) began in the fourth century.

It is quite easy for those of evangelical and reformed positions to sneer at ritualists for their overt affections for saints, for we Protestant dissenters may be heard quoting Calvin, Spurgeon or MacArthur to prove our opinions, or we faithfully read their books and admire their churches. In my own modest home, I have busts of Charles and John Wesley and a dozen of Cromwell and I like nothing more than good biography. Pancras was probably a Christian whose life is worth remembering, like a many other Saints and saints. We can learn form each other, and not just when the breath departs, but we must be on our guard against veneration and worship. Only Jesus Christ is the ‘brother’ worthy of careful emulation and unqualified adoration.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

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