The Fairfield herald. [volume] (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1849-1876, 1871-05-03

Pacy,s&o:, ell'of which start with the
assumptions, that there is mdael Of
external church organization clearly
revealed, and Incumbent upon the
oonsciences Of Christians to perpetu-
alto. We lelieve there is No such
model, and intend to state what we
do believe, because tho, sincere, cop-
victions of any Intelligent and con.
scientious Christian, when frankly
stated, tenQ to liberafize the views of
those who differ from him, by sug-
gesting, even to the most exclusive
bigotry,that sincerity would scarcely
anchor itself upun convictions that ate
altogether destitute of f.u'tfation f. in
Scripture, aud that at !, ast some
germ Of truth not fully perceived
by thcn may exist on the side 70
which tboy are opposed.
IT there is an exact model Of
Church Government and O.gnnza-
tion revealed as .pattctn to all sue.
coeding generations Of christians,
how 's it that men 80 intolligent, 30
learned, and SO sincere, 'as many Of
the Divincs Of the different denomi-
nations undoubtedly hayo been, have
not discovered it and have hot agrecd
upon what it really fs, but, on the
contrary, say, one, one thing 'hnd A':r-
other, another? This single reflco-
tion settles the whole question to our
minds completely. Chdrch organiSa-
tion is proved by this ono striking his
torical fact Of tho conti'h ued disagree-
ment of sincere scholars as TO what it
ought to be, to be a matter left to
reason and experience to take charge
of, and not matter 80 clearly reveal
ed as to bo binding upon the con-
science, Aud VIC believe that any
form Of organization which preserves
'decency and order," and "the rever-
cncc due to those who haTo the rule
over" the members of that orgahita-
tion, as legitimate and Salhmul. The
clergy of such organization are
Legitimate and Scriptural clergy
Their administration of the sacra
ments is valid to all that receive
them with faith. Their preaching is
not only legitimate, but We really
regret to say it, is often more scrip
tural, more powerful, more blessed of
God to the salvation Of sinners and
to tho furtherance and extension of
tic Gospel, than the preaching of
those clergymen whose church organi-
ton is undoubtedly better and more
in accordance with the dictates Of
reason and exl e,icnce.
"What then Z" some one may say,
"are you not an Episcopalian z"
We are, aid ono of the strongest
sort. "Do you not believe Epiecopa
cy is Apostolic, % Wo do, and with.
out tho shadow of doubt. "NVell, |
don't understand your position."-
Very likely you do not, and it doesn't
disturb or ruiile us in the lest, though
it is great pity that you inside Of
our. Organization, cannot, and that
some Christians outside of our organi-
zati+n would not understand it, if they
could. 1t is very simple, however.
For it is just this. We are an Epis.
copalian, not because we believe that
no other organization legitimate and
Scriptural, but because nothing can
shake our conviction that it is the best
form of organization that reason and
experience has yet brought to light.
We do, however, believe that the
Bpiscopacy Of "The Protestant Epis.
copal Church Of America" is dcfec.
tive, and capable Of improvement.
Episcopacy means the three orders,
"Bishops, Presbyters and Deacons.'
But the Deaoons of the American
Church are practically Presbyters,
and revival Of the Office in less
exalted sphere Of dignity, and con-
ferring it upon many pious laymen
fully oompetentto to discharge thu du~
ties Of h less exaggerated estimate Of
its scope of meaning, would popular
iSe and extend the inHuenoe of tho
Church.
1t will BIZ seen therefore; how cor.
dial We, with suclr views Of external
Church organization, afe capable of
feeling towards call true bal;eeers;"
and how our heart goes out; when We