The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-05-26
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
Christian Liberality.

CnrlSClan L1OerdllCy
Every truly pious man wishes to see the people
of God near to each other in heart, if they must
be separated still in opinions on some matters OF
Importance If we read Alright the signs Of the
times" the growth of this desire among Chris
tians of the various branches Of the Church Of
Christ, is favorable omen of our day. Let every
thing be done to foster this spirit in the household
of God, to secure harmony in the body Of Christ.
We are not of the number of those who expect,
or wish to see all the lines of distinction between
the different denominations obliterated. Those
self-styled, selfapponted reformers, who have at
tempted this, have only added each another to the
number of factions in the Church of Christ. They
set out with the position that all are wrong but
themselves, and demand Of the whole Christian
world that they lay aside their own opinions, and
adopt the new tenets they so earnestly advocate
A demand so unreasonable, of course is not com
piled with, and wider separation is the result
The end desired cannot be reached by means Of
new organisations Nor would we diminish aught
of the tenacity with which our Church adheres tc
every doctrine which we believe to be a part of the
system of divine truth. Looseness in doctrine
will engender distrust unfavorabe 10 harmony.
If nearer union of the people of God in the
bonds of Christian love ever be affected, it must
be the fruit of a growing Christian iberaity
among the followers Of Christ toward each other
There must be more of that charity so highly
commended by Paul, that 'sufereth long and i;
kind, is not pulled up, doth not behave
itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily
provoked, thinketh no evil The essence Of this
liberality which we urge is to practice it ourselves
rather than demand it of others. In our dealings
with those who differ with us in doctrine or prac
tice, we should always have due regard for theiI
right of Judgment; we should respect their opin-
ions, though we can not adopt them, and espe-
ciay should we have tender regard for the feelings
of those who are our brethren in the Lord. What
though they seem not to manifest the same charity
toward us; let US not therefore come down from
our more elevated position to their less charitable
ground. Our part is to practise true hberality
ourselves, not to demand it of them. Let them
be left to the guidance Of their own conscience, as
it may be enlightened by the Spirit of God.
Our Church in its authoritative acts, and in its
established CUSTOMS is among the most liberal. 1t
opens the communion to all the children Of God.
The use of our pulpits is rendered to all who
preach the fundamental truths of the Gospel. We
recognise the ministry of other denominations,
and admit the validity of their ordination, and Of
the sacraments administered by them, though
both may differ in form from what we believe to be
the scrptural methods Incur ecclesiastical bodies,
we invite ministers of other branches of the
Church to seats as corresponding members! But
whilst the Church is thus liberal, there may be
in it individuals of an uncharitabe spirit; there
may be acts that do not consistently carry out the
spirit of the Church. The error we usually commit
is that of being driven from our position by want
of like hberality on the part of those with whom
we have to do.
We invite other Christians to unite with us in
the Lords Supper; because we believe this to be
the communion of the body of Christ and that it
is especially proper that all Christians should unite
in an act which is sign of their union in Christ,
and that every one who is united to Christ by a
living faith has right to partake of it. Some
times when the occasion arrives to extend this In
vitation there are those present who can not COM
mune with us, because we use different Psalmody
in worship from their own, or because we do not
apply water in baptism in the same method with
themselves; and the minister, in extending the in
vitation, takes occasion to argue the proprety OF
open communion, and to attack the position OF
those present, who differ with him. Now is this
the time and place to enter into such discussions
Does it show due respect to the opinions OF
others? True, they never extend such an invita-
ton to u.s. but they act conscientiously in this
And let US not, at time when we wish them
brought nearer to US in heart, array them against
us by an assault Let the invitation be cordial,
but do not attack the position of others. Better
request them, if they cannot for conscientious rea
sons unite with us in the communion in outward
act, at least to do so in spirit. With many, this
wooing of the heart will have more power to set
them right, than labored controversy.
We offer our pulpits to other denominations.
Shall this be limited to those who act in like man.
ner toward US? Some ministers so restrict their
courtesies in this particular, Is it right? The
position of the Church is to recognise the mnste-
rial standing of ministers of all evangelical denom-
nations, and to extend to them when occasion
offers the use of our pulpits Now, if we make a
distinction against those who do not extend the
same courtesy to us, we depart from the liberal
ground of our Church; we prevent the golden rule,
and do unto others as they do unto us.
When ecclesiastical bodies invite to seats as cor
responding members only those ministers who can
reciprocate the favor, do they not again depart
from the liberal principles of our Church? The
ground of this invitation is our recognition Of
them, not their recognition Of US. If we make a
distinction against those who do not recognise the
ministerial standard Of our ministers, are we not
changing our ground, and making their iberality
the measure of our own?
The plea often put in, that respect on the part OF
ministers for their office will not allow this iberai-
ty towards those who do not recognise them as
ministers is without foundation in true princi-
pie. Your recognising another man as minister,
whom you really believe to be one is not an ad-
mission that you are not minister, though he
may think you are not. Your course to him does
not affect your relations to your office. Your
having more liberal views than your brother min
lister, cannot possibly be denial of your own min