The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-05-18


visible Church, asserted their natural force
over his conclusions; and he convinced him.
self, and the rulers of his day, that force
was reasonable and useful. From that day
to this, these arguments of st! Augustine
have been the most plausible pleas of reli-
gious tyranny; and all the more mischiev-
Gus, because of the deserved honor attached
to his venerable name.
False principles, like leaven in the meal,
always tend to work out their logical conse-
quences, and to lead their votaries to all
their results. These may be very unex-
pected; they may be very unpopular; they
may be bitterly repudiated, even by those
who are unconsciously tending towards
them. But in due time they come, and are
at last boldly avowed. Unless the seminal
errors are purged out this must be SO; be-
cause the human mind must reason connect
edly from It's postulates. Persecution for
opinions sake is disavowed in theory by all,
in this age and country. Whether the per-
scouting temper is not present already, the
observant man can Judge. But let this pro-
iect of Church unions advance to certain
stage, and the claim will be again avowed.
The ground on which the work of fusion is
urged, remember, is that the true Church
must be visiby one. 1t will not be hard for
the growing party to convince itself that it
alone is the true Church. 1t will be equally
clear in its eyes that those perverse people
who refuse to conform to it are very great
sinners, because they obstruct the approach
ing glorious unifcation. And now, as the
character of this great mass is corrupted,
and its arrogance inflated by wealth, num-
bers and conscious power, it will not fail to
persuade itself at last that as it has the
might, it has the right to compel our allie
glance.
For all these reasons, then, am con-
vinced that general organic union is no
means to promote Christian union. AS
began, so end by affirming the inestimable
value of the latter. A true Christian union,
which should make the parts of the visible
Church catholic "frst pure, then peaceable, "
| would indeed increase the moral and spirit
ual power of Gods people for good. do
not look to the mere increase of numbers
and wealth as any power whatever for the
worlds conversion. The true union of prin-
ciple and love would make Christians holier
and happier. 1t would economize much ef-
fort now expended in the rivalries of Chris
tians against each other, which should be
directed to aggressions against the common
enemy 1t would remove the dishonor some
times done to th9 gospel, not by the neces-
sary existence of denominations, but by
their unnecessary contentious.
How then may this worthy object be now
furthered by US? The answer will indicate
my views of what is practical and practica-
BILE.
First; where denominations of Christians
exist separately in the same regions of the
Church, which are really agreed in prlnci-
Piles, and are kept asunder only by unessen-
tial differences of usage, they should fuse
themselves into one organization. In such
case the inconvenience of separation ape
compensated by no gain of peace or of ON
scientous integrity. The testimony of the
two is the same; and they may properly
join in uttering it.
Second; where the differences are such
that there cannot be peaceable and honest
fusion into one, each denomination should
recognize in the others valid Church char
acter, and concede to them the same right
of independent and conscientious testimony,
within the pale of the visible Church, which
they claim for themselves.
Do you ask how far this recognition shall
be extended ? | answer, to all cOmmunaonS
whacA retain those features which are the
marks of a UiSible Chwch-the WOrd, the
ministry, and the ,sacraments Of Christ, euen
to that degree Which IS fundamental to the
qreat end of the Church, the redemption 0t
souls. We all admit that of the doctrines
and instrumentalities of Christ's kingdom,
some are fundamental in sense in which
others are not. Some may be unknown, or
even disbelieved or disused, without destroy
ing the soul. Others are so essential, that
without them salvation is impracticable.-
Now, we should receive those communions
which honestly hold and employ he.latter,
as valid, though imperfect parts of the visi.
Bile Church catholic.
Do you ask again, Who is to decide in a
particular case, which doctrines and ordi.
nances are essential to the being of true
visible Church? l reply, each communion
must, as far as ats intercourse wlth Others
goes, decide this for itself. If it decides toe
strictly, and refuses to recognize some whom
the Scriptures recognize, this is their error
There is no human remedy. This, their un
charitableness, though their error, does moi
unchurch them, and should be treated by
other communions as other lesser bemsheI
are treated. And as long as these others
refrain from retaliation, and stand prepared tc
reciprocate the communion Of saints as soor
as it can be done on equitable terms, the
responsibility of the separation thus made