The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-05-19


ment? How far, too, have some gone
who would dislocate the frame of our
theology so as to leave space for elevatinq
some favorite part-such as the doctrine
OF the second advent, such as the doctrine
of the higher life"-to prominency
which threatens to overshadow much of
the residue? And what, to go no further,
mean those murmurings against the suf-
ficiency of an ordained ministry on the
part of those who would improve the
inspired method by interpolating the
evangelism of self-constituted and ire
sponsible itineracy? 1t is by insidious
approaches that plausible error creeps to
the front and our prayer for prosperity
has sometimes to be lifted in the face Of
the very goodness itself of men who aim
to do well but who are always found to
do i'll in proportion to the extent of their
departure from "the good old paths. :"
Not that there may not be progress in
amended methods of doctrinal statement
and In fresh unfoldings of doctrinal in
terpretation; but never can there be
true progress by means of tunneled short
cuts through the great mountains of doc
trinal substance
2. A second element in Church pros
perity is found is such vital union of
all Its co-acting parts as shall, more and
more fully, verify that text which des-
crib6es the whole body, fifty joined to
gether and compacted by that which
every joint supplieth, according to the
efectual working in the measure of every
part, making increase of the BODY
unto the edifying of itself in love-"
When the. Church has visible oneness.
such as is evinced in community of doc
trinal symbols and in identity of govern
mental order, much is already gained.
that, VIZ, without. which there could be
no proper increment. But where, in ad-
dltlon, there exists an inward principle
at work which is engaged in regulating
the very beatings of the Ohurch's heart
as is evlnced in this movement being
movement OF the entire body as a single
mass and towards a common object
still more Is gained, viz, that without
which there could be no proper yitnzstu
Sameness of knowledge as to what
constitutes a church, considered as to
articles of belief and modes of polity
may exist along with languor of mutual
interest and ineficiency every way.
The orthodoxy may after all be dead
orthodoxy; and the most scriptural
organization outwardly viewed may be
IN practice a nullity 1t may be an ex-
quisite marble statue, as hard and as
cold, although as beautiful: faultless
work of art, but fixed in its place: an
object to be admired, but having no other
use.
Now the theory of the Church requires
us to suppose that it is the body of Christ
informed throughout with the Spirit of
Christ, apart from which informing
Spirit 1t is not different from any other
voluntary association of men, self-con-
stituted and self-ghided In this respect.
accordingly, it resembles an individual
believer, who, with all his outward pro
fession, is of no valuable service unless
he has secured the indwelling presence
of the Holy Ghost But when he does
possess this life-imparting agent, what
occurs? Why, this: in proportion to the
extent in which he is thus spiritually
pervaded, he is energized not only, but
IN way that blends the purposes of his
will into a single determination and that
puts into harmonious activity all the
parts of his being for making this con
centred determination effective. We're
the Church as a Whole, therefore, to be
placed in condition represented by the
life of one of it's godly members, what
would necessarily be witnessed This
they who rule ruling in concord. and thev
who serve serving in concert, whilst both
OF these parts are in equal agreement
with the one all-controlling Spirit who
sits at the convergent and uniting centre
OF all. Granted then a true Church, and
1t ought to prove rigorous Church.
and its universally difused vigor mani
tested in the mutual sympathy of its
several yitalized parts. And, if tlGis LIS
vitality we're complete throughout what
would be further seen? Certainly this:
every one who helps to constitute the
whole would always be found adjusted
to his right place; and in achieving there
IN each his own unobstructed work, the
edlfice would 90 up apace, story by story,
until Its cap-stone should befnally laid in
heaven and song The chief PRAYER Of
the Church, is, accordingly, for the Holy
Spirit if it would be Church transfused
with life harmonious, and because har-
monius, strong and growthful.
lnasmuch, however, as no such strength
ImDartlnO harmony ron 10 ovrocfod -,