The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-10-20
For the Central Presbyterian.
Soriptural Features of Presby-
terianiSm.

In the world, but among them the one
that deserves special recognition is the
Presbyterian for this one conforms more
nearly to the Bible than any other The
attention of the reader is called to the
following important facts:
l. The Presbyterian Church in her
public worship adheres to the holy sim
plicity of the Bible method She repu-
dates the imposing and incomprehensi-
bic mummeries of Romanism. She avoids
ritualism and pomp. She believes that
the Scriptures show that Jesus and His
apostles did not aim to work Oh the rev.
erential feelings of men by dress, and i'm
pressive ceremonies, but by preaching
the word of God. Yet she does not ap-
prove of the methods of those churches
which verge on fanaticism. After the
truths of the Bible have been properly
exhibited, she waits for Gods blessing.
She refuses to force men into a religious
profession by the periodical use of reUival
measures. The needless zeal of some of
the denominations she dares not initiate
She believes that her mission is to pro-
claim the gospel, and that it is God
work to seal her testimony, and by it
save men. The place where she stands
laboring, with God as a co-worker, is holy
ground she walks humbly before Him.
Avoiding then both these extremes, which
are alike of mans devising, she guides
the people in her grandly simple, vet
richly spiritual worship. Its parts are
prayer, praise, the reading and preaching
of God s word, and the sacraments. These
she performs reverently, and simply, in
the sanctuary. For "God is Spirit, and
they who worship Him, must worship
Him in spirit and truth" She observes
Just the forms of worship which the Bible
inculcates She does not for the sake of
pomp add ought to them, but uses them
In the simple way which the Bible di-
reefs. When we remember that the Bible
alone is to man the rule of faith and prac-
tice, this fidelity of the Presbyterian
Church in her worship to the teachings
OF that word calls for special praise. She
has not married her service of God by hu-
man devices. And for this reason her
worship is of all the most wholesome.
2. This Church observes the sacra-
ments in accordance with Gods word
She discards the spurious sacraments that
Romanists have invented, and accepts
only those two that the Bible enjoys
Baptism and the Lords Supper. These
she observes in their biblical fulness and
simplicity. Against the ceremonies of
ritualists, and the faith that they put in
them, she teaches that these sacraments
are to be observed with Bible plainness,
and that they bless not by inherent eff
cacy, but by the grace of God in the
hearts of those who with faith receive
him, In the Lords Supper she uses the
bread and wine to symbolic Christs
death, and to seal Gods people. To its
enjoyment she admits all those whom the
Bible authorizes to partake of it-be-
levers on Jesus. She does not exclude
from her communion table those who
are not Of her sect. In baptism she OBJ
serves Bible simplicity, using in the cere-
mony the exact words that Jesus com
manded; and adds nothing to please or
impress. She gives it the Bible meaning,
as sign and seal of baptism with the
Holy Ghost. She gives it the Bible form,
as baptism with water, not baptism in
water. She gives it the Bible scope,
granting it unto believers and unto their
children. These points are stated, in
such brief compass they cannot be argued.
Most churches have erred in degree in
their views and practices here-some
have erred very much, but the Presby-
terrain Church stands simply and grandly
on the Bible platform.
3. The Presbyterian Church teaches
faithfully the grand truths of the Bible
Her pulpits have resounded with mighty
testimonies for the gospel. Her puIpits
do not utter moral lectures, nor incohe-
rent rantings, nor rationalistic philoso-
phizings; but from them goes forth an
earnest, full, unAinching presentation of
Gods truth The grand doctrines of total
depravity, Of saving grace, of redeeming
power, and Of duties emerging from these
facts have ever occupied her ministers.
She is the great witnessing Church.
4: In form the Presbyterian Church
conforms to the Bible. She turns her
back on priestly pomp and prelatioal
grandeur; and permits but one class of
ministers. For the Bible shows that
Bishop and Elder are one and the same
officer. Besides these she has the ruling
elder who has oversight Of the flock of
Cod and the deacon who serves the
money tables And so her form is sim
ply and fully in accord with the Bible.
The unity Of the body of'Christ she seeks