Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1867-03-08
LAY REPRESENTATION.

The following are some Of the thoughts
that are revolving deeply and seriously. in
the minds of thousands Of the membership
of the NJ T. Church at this time
lst. l. the end and object of all Church
Government to benefit the Clergy as an or
der, or the great body Of the membership
of Christ's Church
ID, IF the ultimate end and object of all
Church Government IS the protection, edI-
fieztion, and increase of the body of the
membership, thenis there any reason in the
nature .of the case why the membership
should not share with the ministry in the
responsibilities, councils and labors neces-
sary to such government?
Sd Is it not fact that the largest part OF
the business transacted in the Annual ard
General Conferences, whether of a legisia-
tive, executive, or advisory character, nee
essarily has and is intended to have, a d.
rect and ultimate bearing on the member
ship as body
4th. If so, does it not appear reasonable
that the membership should have u0ice in
such legislative, executive. or advisory
measures ?
5th. Is it not of the first importance TO
the welfare of the Church TO Unite the min
istry and the laity together by the strongest
possible bonds of affection, sympathy and
confidence, and is not the proposed measure
of lay representation adapted to and neces-
sary for this end
9th. Is there any reason why any class OF
men should assume the right 70 dlstranGhlse
annthap oI0s, Of raen, aud claim TO be their
| legislators administrators, aud judges Of all
the laws and every possible application OF
| them
-..l.I-l II. e., 49,. I.;4,, r,,,t a
! voice in their government, it deprives them
/ of the strongest motives for activity and
/ liberalty. Our laity have no representa-
/ ton in the legislative assemblies Of the NJ.
/ T. Church delegates to the General Con
| ference are the clergy they represent the
clergy ofthe Annual Conferences. 4 Christ.
! ian Church should be strictly government
/ of fprinciple in relation to the governed. The
right to be represented where law is made
! to govern, is not only essential to civil free
dom but is equally the basis Of religion;
/ liberty.
Justice to Christianity and the interests
| of society demands for the laity right O.
voice in every department of the govern
ment of the Church. If admitted in it
councils, would it not give to our organiza
ton security and efficiency 1t is not trut
| that all Of the legislative, executive, and fl
nancial talent in our Church is confded t
the clergy.
Itmust be admitted that God demands
the exercise of those talents that he ha'
given us, and are intended as a blessing t
the Church, both legislative aud devotional
and we can not disobey this divine injunc
ton with impunity Not a civil govern
ment has existed whose perfection or adap
tation has supplied the wants of any peopl,
for one generation we are constantly ma
king laws adapted for our present wants
the future is not ours. History will recor,
this a revolutionary area Our civil law civ
ers are almost in favor of universal suffrage
! will avoid contrasting our Church Poll
ty with that of our liberal Civil Goyernmen
as it might be construed as being unkind to
wards the law makers of our church-Neh
I 0diSt