The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1878-04-03
JOSEPH r. WILSON, Stated Clerk.
WILLIAM BROWN, Permanent Clerk.
WHO SHALL VOTE FOR PASTOR /?

Some further remarks are called for in re-
ply to the articles of last week and this by
ANDREW Melville"
l. melville" incorrectly represents those
who oppose his views. He thinks our plan
Of combining the voters to members in full
communion, treats the others who are not
allowed vote, as real and dangerous foes,
bitter enemies, son of Belial and ehild Of
the DeriL Nothing could be more unfair
than this. Ny fathers family own house
and farm; we agree that tenant may enjoy
certain privileges upon paying certain rent.
Bat has he any cause to complain because
We do not admit him to the rights and powers
over that property which belong to the fami-
"? Do we in this treat him as ga son of
Belial and child of the Devil?" There are
men who have such general convictions of
the usefulness of religious institutions, as to
desire their enjoyment for their families
They shave their reward for all they con-
tribute. But we deny that the renting a
pew, or making contribution in money,
should any more purchase the right to a
part in the government of the Church, land
the election of pastor is confessedly an act
of Church government than it has to pur-
chase seat at the Lords table, or to pro-
cure the administration of baptism. When
ever his attendance upon the means of grace
is allowed to affect bis heart so as to make a
credible profession of love to Christ, then his
right is clear: to demand more than THE is
unreasonable.
2. "Dr. TbornHell teaches (vOl. ~, p.
486) that whoever provides the support has
a clear right Gn the human side at least to
the appointment"
Now, without going into the details, We
must say that, according to our understand
ing of the passage and its context, DR.. Thorn
we'll teaches nothing there to sustain "Mel-
vile :" and if he will consult the same volume
pp. 1887, he will find good deal directly
contrary to his view.
8. 1t is represented that Every frequently
the cOmmuning members of church are ig,
nOrsnt, illiterate, prejudiced and narrow
minded people, not very competent to judge
amongst several ministers, who would make
the best pastor for their church" But on
tie other hand there are often non. professors,
who are "by education and training most
excellent judges of men and minister's
This is remarkable logic. If it proves any
thing it would 60 to show that ncn-prOfesSOrs
ought sometimes to be made ruling elders,
and even ministers of the gospel; for unques-
tionably all of Us have sometimes known some
men of this class who were better qualified
for those offices than some who held them.
4. Melville says, "manifestly there is both
difficulty and danger in arguing that COM
municauts, and they only, are the channels
of the Spirits grace in the election of pas
tor" He sees, however, no difficulty or
danger in laying down the principle that the
mind of the Spirit, in a call to the ministry,
may be satisfactorily made known through
vote where three-fourths might be men whose
heart that Spirit of God had never renewed,
provided they give their money freely.
5. But ViH not thiS ALLEVIATE that class p
We answer Il 1t does not have this effect
in the Baptist communion, for example.
e. The objection ssvors of mere worldly
policy. We have no more right to make use Of
such means of attracting men, than by offer
ing them a share in sll other ecclesiastical
affairs. Wehsve no right to make breach
of trust on the part of the Church for any
such end. But even in the light of expedi-
ency it is mistake. VIII it likely win them
to 8 pure, spiritual faith, to let them see that
the lines are narrowed between the church
and the world? We have been taught to
believe that incorporating loyalty to her
Head was the most effectual way to influence
those outside of her pale, while this ad cap
tandum policy is suited to bring religion into
contemps, and to ipjure the very class of
men whom it processes to benefit.
6. It is said that great evil would result
from attempting to make the visible Church
as pure as the invisible. Here We have
long quotation from DR.. Hodge, which the
writer himself is not prepared to adopt as
wholly applicable to his purpose. No ex-
tended answer to " Melville's" argument is
necessary. 1t is true that we cannot search
the heart, and therefore the Church On earth,
as an organized society, can not be made
Identical with the Church composed of those