The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-03-04
HIGH AND Low-CHURCH.


Our Presbyterian people often speak of an
other illustration of the way inwhieh brethren
of the Episcopal Church fail to carry out their
own avowed principles. Whenever the larger
ecclesiastical bodies are convened, it will be
found that MethOdists, Baptists, Lutherans,
Presbyterians, &C., freely invite one another
TO their pulpitS Go into any of these church
es, and you find the pastor in the pulpit with
the invited brother, and if no other stranger
is in it, he commonly takes some part in the
service. What is the significance of this2 1t
is a beautiful and appropriate way we have Of
declaring before the world, that while we
think it best for certain reasons to have sepa
rate organizations, yet we do cheerfully and in
brotherly affection acknowledge each other as
one in Christ. 1t is in itself most becoming
act recognising "the communion Of saints,
it very much tends to promote kind feelings
among Christians, and is peculiarly gratifying
TO orr people generally Do our Episcopal
brethren cordially and fully come into this
good custom? We think not In a good
many, probably most OF the places, they do
indeed give other denominations kind Of in
vitatiOn, but it generally amounts to nothing
more than lending their. church TO them for
the occasion. Hardly ever viii the rector be
found in the pulpit and they seem shy of
those very things which give any value to the
hospitality, namely an open recognition of one
another as churches Of the Lord Jesus Christ.
If this be not cordially and fully manifested,
why offer the use of the church at alp But
In many places there is not the slightest notice
taken of Convention, Conference or Synod !;
and what affects many very unpleasantly is
that generally in those places where the Epis-
eOpal Church is weak, they are most disposed
towards somewhat liberal course; while gene
rally where it is strong, they stand alooG-
Ne have no recoiiSetion, for example, of any
courtesy of this kind being extended to the
Synod of Virginia in Norfolk, or Petersburg,
or Richmond, or Alexandra. So unsatisfac-
tory is the footing on which this whole matter
stands, that many of our best ministers and
people often express the wish that it were
made either cold or hot. - .lt
We call attention to these things certainly
in no unkind spirit towards our brethren of
that Church. If in the particular here men
toned, there could be on the part of Episco-
palians that complete, practical exhibition of
church recognition that most other evangelical
denominations manifest, we are wholly unable
to perceive that it would be at all inconsistent
with the principles they profess when they
admit that they are undoubtedly churches of
the Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed we are unable
to see how, with those views, they can do
otherwise. But still if in their eonSciences it
is judged to be wrong-and contrary to the
viii OF GOd-tO the law of Christ, then surely
their fellow Christians of other names can
never eOyet constrained fellowship. If not
spontaneous and hearty, better not to have
the form at all
Still we should rejoice that our brethren of
the Low Church do go so far as to avow open
" and in express language, the good old doc
trine Of their fathers OF the Reformation. -
They declare that they do and viii own others
as churches Of Christ. TO some valuable ex-
tent, also, this is carried into practice They
cooperate with US cordially in the Bible Socie-
ty, and in other modes of evangelical labor
In private intercourse, how often do we find
them patterns of Christian excellence, and
sweet and lovely are the fruits of their piety.
In most important respects is their position
different from the High-Chureh, who are &C.
elesiastieal Ishmaelites, and thorough schisma-
tieS, as can be demonstrated by every scriptu-
raj and reasonable test.
1t is on these accounts we have always felt
unwilling TO have any controversy with our
brethren Of the Low Church; and during the
whole years Of conducting a religious paper,
there arc some Of them, at least, who know
how eircumspeetly We have not only excluded
what might tend that way, but have endeav-
ored to have our people walk in charity to-
wards each other. With our esteemed brother,
for example, the Senior Editor of the Souther7.
Chlsrchmaa, it was our privilege, during the
whole period Of the war, to hold delightful In
tereourSe almost daily in our offices, TO gather
strength from his manly good sense, and, as
we hope, to be made better by his Christian
spirit By the side of such a brother, we
should be sorry for the Presbyterian who could
not live peaceably all his days Suppose in
many things We differ, yet In many more and
essential things we agree. Suppose that in
some things l do not think him altogether con
sistent in carrying out his own principles
But he may not view it as do, and may think
he is consistent The case stands Just here
In spirit We agree fully, and in sentiment to
large extent Then what is the prudent, peacea-
bic, Christian course to pursue? Exactly what
the Apostle Paul told the Philippians
"WheretO We have already attained, let US
walk by the same rule, let US mind the same
thing, and wait for that happy day of prom
Use, that if in any thing we be otherwise
minded, God shall reveal even this unto US. -
The obligation to pursue this course is much
strengthened from the position occupied by
this part of the Episcopal Church at the pre-
sent time. Every thing betOkens for them
a great fight of Affections - within the bo-
som Of their own sect. The Romanism and