The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-06-28

trine, holds precisely the same Fundamental
: principles that we hold. The principle tina
the fundamental and original order of tn
ministry is the presbyter, was Bellarmine'
t doctrine, as has been clearly demonstrated
by DR.. Smyth, of Charleston. It is tru'
that they claim what we do not agree to, ant
have developed this fundamental principle
into their hierarchy; but they still hold tina
all the members Of the hierarchy are origi
nally and primarily presbyters-that there ii
a variety of function and of office, but nc
diversity of order theoretically, IN these
That is the doctrine of Bellarmine, an ac
knowledged authority in that Church.
Another reason assign is that the Re.
formed Churches never have denied or re-
.pudiated either the orders or the baptism Of
the Roman Catholic Church. We are taking
a position entirely new and different from
that taken by the Reformed Churches at any
other period. Neither the Lutheran Church,
nor the Reformed Church, nor the Church Of
England has undertaken to do this On the
contrary, the original Reformers in all these
branches of the Protestant Church derived
their orders and received their baptism from
that Communion. In taking this extreme
position we are unchurching them, declaring
that they had no orders and that their bap'
tism was invalid.
Again, that Communion to this day holds
far more thoroughly and soundly the funda-
mental Bible doctrines of Christianity than
many Protestant Communions l would
rather take my chance for salvation in that
Church with its acknowledged symbols of
faith, than with Protestant Communions
which deny the divinity of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and his proper and full atonement.
There are many which do that, the validity
of whose baptism we acknowledge. There
would be an inconsistency in the position we
should occupy.
! Again, the position assumed in one part
of the report is inconsistent with that which
is taken in another. In one part it declares
these baptisms invalid; in another part it
lays down the general principle that while
there are Communions which hold doctrines
that we cannot endorse or approve, yet in
spite of such doctrines we may yet recog-
nize the validity of their baptism. If this
principle is sound it applies with all its force
to this very case of Roman Catholic bap.
tism. l am not contending for the proprie-
| ty of their mode of administering the sacra-
ment. / admit that they have added many
things in the mode of administration, which
are unscriptural and unnecessary. But
among themselves intelligent writer's upon
their doctrines and forms tell us explicitly
that what is essential to baptism is nothing
more than water, and that that is all that is
necessary t9>its validity; that these addi-
tions have Jeen made merely from considera-
tions of expediency, and for impressiveness,
as they suppose. Now, if they recognize
its validity when administered with water
merely and nothing else, how do they differ
from US on this fundamental principle? We
allege that that is all that is necessary; they
grant that it is all that is necessary. Why
should we repudiate their baptism and de-
clare it to be invalid? Again they recog-
nize the necessity, in administering this or
dinance, of the invocation and recognition
of the Holy Trinity, while there are many
Protestant Communions which repudiate the
Trinity altogether and have nothing to do
with it.
Let us beware how we in a moment of
haste and reconsideration, adopt extreme
and ultra positions, theological, ecclesiastical
or otherwise, to which we cannot stand, when
these positions are subjected (as they will
be) to thorough investigation and rigid scru-
tiny. Let us take heed to ourselves We
occupy an anomalous position in this coun-
try. There are many every where looking
askance at us, and ready to criticiSe US. We
are thought to be an eccentric and ultra set,
at the best. If they can get an opportunity
to assail US, tell you they will improve their
chance.
Now, sir, l hold, as the Confession of
Faith holds, that of all the Churches in the
world the most truly liberal and catholic
Church is the Presbyterian, according to her
own published standards; for she says ex-
picitly that while in obedience to the die
tates of conscience and the love of truth,
she is compelled to profess and adhere to her
distinctive and cardinal doctrines, yet she
embraces in Christian charity all who differ
from her in regard to other matters. Shall
we cut ourselves off from the whole of Chris
tendon, because we are the Southern Pres
byterian Church? Are we to stand aloof
and say to the rest of the Christian world ::
"Stand by, l am holier than thou" In
other words, shall we proclaim ourselves not
only sectional, but to an intense degree a
sectarian Church? ! do not know that the
King and Head of the Church has given us
any authority for this. The rule which he
has laid down for US is Let every man
stand or fall according to the judgment of
his own Master. We are not to judge him !;
we are not responsible. 1t is enough to clear
our own skirts, to vindicate the truth as we
honestly and conscientiously hold it. 1t is
not necessary to run a raid upon all the
other denominations of Christendom, to un-
church them, and to sit in judgment upon
the validity of their ordinances. Let us be
careful and be satisfied with the validity Of
our own orders and sacraments. Let US be
content to occupy this position and 60 for
ward with fidelity to our avowed principles,
in spirit of charity to all who profess and
call themselves Christians; and do our work
to the utmost of our ability. l will not
press these considerations further. / was
taken, as it were, by ".snap judgment
this morning, and am not prepared to go into
the elaborate discussion to which the impor-
tance of the question entities it.
THE Moderator-I hope the brother does
not mean by ga snap judgment that
either the Assembly or the Chair has dealt
unfairly.
Mr.. Bery-No sir; I mean the circum'
stances of the case.
DR.. Wills have motion to offer as a