Keble's counsel to a New Oxford Movement

It is one of the treasures of the Common Worship calendar that it commemorates John Keble not on the anniversary of his death (29th March) but on the date on which he delivered the Oxford Assize sermon in 1833 - 14th July.

Considering our contemporary challenges and divisions within the Communion, we can listen afresh to words taken from the close of Keble's famous sermon:

As to those who, either by station or temper, feel themselves most deeply interested, they cannot be too careful in reminding themselves, that one chief danger, in times of change and excitement, arises from their tendency to engross the whole mind. Public concerns, ecclesiastical or civil, will prove indeed ruinous to those, who permit them to occupy all their care and thoughts, neglecting or undervaluing ordinary duties, more especially those of a devotional kind.

Amidst the conversations in both the British Isles and the States about the possible shape and values of a New Oxford Movement, it is difficult to think of more important counsel.