The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-06-02

incumbency to another, provided no Interrupt.
ton occur. But if, amid the vicissitudes OF
time, and the revolutions of empires, the
Church shall at any time find herself without
a ministry, as may have been the case, and
may again occur; then by the acknowledged
delegation to her of the divine mission OF
transmitting the truth to the whole world
and to all ages, sooner than be deprived OF
an institution so important to her spiritual
welfare, she is authorized to provide herself
with ministers in an extraordinary way.
The great truth is to be kept steadily in
view that the right of ordination, although
delegated by the Church for the sake OF
order and convenience to the ministry, re-
sides ultimately in the Church collective.
This work of ordination consequently is
always done in the name of the Church, and
whenever sufficient reasons may arise, she
has the power to resume the exercise OF her
unquestionable authority. 1t is thus appa.
rent that the very simplicity of this method
of succession through the Church collective
commends it to the approval OF all those who
love the true glory of the Church. instead
of clarifying elf.constituted hierarchy
Much hi CHER however are the claims OF this
method to our love and approval, when we
reflect that for it alone is there any founda-
ton in the Sacred Scriptures.
The Word of God, as it is contained in the
New Testament, will be searched in vain for
any traces of the opposite theory. There
indeed we find Apostles mentioned, but as
an extraordinary and temporary class.
There indeed we find Bishops spoken Of,
but everywhere as synonymous with Presby-
tiers or Elders. There is no mention made
of manifold orders or ranks of the ministry !;
Popes, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops,
Presbyters, Deacons, rising in regular grada-
tion of rank and dignity, one above another,
constituting the ecclesiastical aristocracy,
to 'lord it over Gods heritage;" but there
is recognized only one rank; there is per-
feet parity among all ordained minister's
The Head of the Church Himself enjoins us
to "call no man MASTER" the apostolcal
counsel is, "be not many Masters" Jesus
Christ is the Head of the Church; "whoso-
ever will be great among you, let him be
your minister or servant, and whenever the
dispute arises as to "who shall be greatest, I"
or if Diotrephes shows Himself loving
and seeking to have the prominence, it is
rebuked by the Master Himself, or by His
inspired servant, and solemn warnings are
uttered against such propensities and prac
tees on the part of His ministers. The true
succession of minister authorized by Christ,
the Head, through His Church, by delegated
power, the incumbents of which all hold
equal rank and authority, stands prominent
ly forth as an element of the true glory of
the Church of Christ.
4. The glory of the Church includes, as
another of its component parts, "the unaty
Of the spirit IN the bonds of pease."
There is unity of faith, and there is a
unity of heart-its legitimate result.
Wherever body of believers is found
maintaining creed embracing the inspira.
ton of the Holy Scriptures, the doctrines
of the Trinity, the atonement of the Lord
Jesus Christ as the only and sufficient
ground of salvation, the work of the
Holy Spirit in regeneration, conversion and
sanctifcation, the sacraments, the ministry,
the necessity of faith and repentance, and
holiness, the resurrection, the judgment and
its retributions; then no matter what may
be its belief in non. essentials, in form and
ceremonies, polity or modes of administra-
ton, this body of believers, unquestiona-
bly, belongs to the body of Christ, and is
part and parcel of the one Catholic and
Scriptural Church. standing together in the
unity of the faith.
Such substantial unity necessitates a
corresponding unity of heart, and there is
no obstacle to its indulgence or enjoyment,
in the fact that this body of believers may
have chosen to stand under different demon
national banners.
The points of their agreement are many
and substantial; the points of divergence
are few, and immaterial. Certain obvious
considerations will illustrate this position.
Absolute unity of sentiment on all subjects,
in the present condition of the world, is
impossible.
''There is no smiltude in Nature, that owneth not
also to difference,
No two berries are alike, though twins upon one
stalk,
leaf in the forest, hath its counterpart;
No mind in its dwelling of mortality, no spirit in
the world unseen;-
And therefore, since capacity and essence differ
alike with accident
None but the bigot partizan will hope for impossible
unity" a.r.
In "the rainbow based on ocean, span
ming the sky" we behold beauty made
up, not of one, but of seven primary, widely
diverse colors, combining in one harmonious
whole The landscape, touching the soul
with ecstacy, owes its attractions, not to a
single feature however lovely, but to the
beautiful combination of rock, stream, and
rustic arch and verdant field, and lowing
herds and flowers, enamelling the plain, all
thrown together in vast variety, yet harmo.
NOUS unity. This variety in unity, being a
law of the universe, pervades the moral
world, and enters the Church of Christ, de-
handing of its members that unity of faith
shall develope unity of heart, notwithstand
ing distinctive badges of organization grow
ing out of preferences for things non.essen-
tial, teaching us that the strength of the
pillars supporting the bridge is of greater
Importance than the architectural elegance
of its railing; that the keystones of its arches
are more to be regarded than the ornamental
decorations. "Behold" says the Psalmist,
chow good and how pleasant it is for breth.
rem to dwell together in unity 1t is like the
precious ointment upon the head, that ran
down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard;
that went down to the skirts of his garments.
AS the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that
descended upon the mountains of Zion, for
there the Lord commanded the blessing
even life forevermore.'
This unity of heart among the people of
God, like the ointment of the ancient priest