Daily Republican., 1880-05-10
THE GOSPEL WORK.
Among the Preachers sna Parish.
Oners-Unfon Services at GsshfraI
Rresbyt toyfan Church-EIaers Or.
dained and Installed-Addresses
etc.

etc.
Tho members Of the First, Hanove
and West Presbyterian churches, ,joinec
the members of Central Presbyterian
church last evening and held unioI
services in the latter congregation
Echurch. The attendance was quit,
large. After two hymns had been suns
Rev. +. B. DuVal, pastor Of the FRS
Presbyterian church read a portion o
a chapter Of the book of Acts, and offer
cd prayer.
Rev. J. H. Nixon, D. D., spoke fol
some moments upon the manner ofgov
erning churches. Said he the church
on the earth appoints pastors and teach
srs to assume authority. There are
four systems of church government
First, the papal; second, the Episcopal
third, the Congregational fourth, the
Presbyterian.
The Pspalauthority is based upon
five assumptions. Tie drst, is If believe
Christ gave to Peter the authority over
all. Second, his authority shall be
transmitted to his successors. Third,
he gave tito the Bishop Of Rome.
Fourth, it should come from him to us.
Fifth, the Pope shall have all the au-
thority which Peter had.
The Episcopal authority depends on
three of the assumptions which belong
to the Papal system. Christ appointed
his disciples as persons of authority.
Their power has been maintained from,
their tiras till ours. The only succss.
sors to the apostles are those who are
eye witnesses TO his resurrection.
The Congregational system is invest
ed with the same authority.
The Presbyterian system is in oppo-
sitioR to the others. 1t is governed by
Elders and has three principles: First,
the unity of the ehurch-the church of
Christ is one; the smaller is subjected
to the larger, and the larger to the
whole; second, the equality of the cler-
gy, which is in opposition 10 the Epis.
copal. The Presbytsrians taught it
from the beginning.
None claim Office or authority above
their brethern; third, the right Of the
people to take part in the government
Of the church. This differs from the
Papal system. The early fathers in
speaking said "where ever the spirit of
tod is there is the church."
Elders are to administer to the afflct-
ID, watch over the flock and hold the
Keys of the church. They are to ad.
reproof and discipline and
'eek by Cody example to carry on
}od's work. They sit with ministers
n the Presbytery, with eqnal voice in |
he General Assembly of the church. |
We acknowledge no one Lord of con-
'cience but Christ, and call no one
Master except Christ.
There is nothing in our confession of |
aith which excommunicates other de-
nominations. Whatever we may think |
# the defects Of their government, all
rho love Christ We recognize as our
'rethern.
ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION.
During the twenty-five years history
( the Central church there has been
My one change in the Eldership.
Three of the Elders who first were ap.
ointed still attend the church. Owing
D the increased membership of the con-
regation it has become necessary to ap-
oint two additional Elders. With
rayer and the laying on of hands Lewis
:. Bush, Jr., was ordained an Elder. Il
William H. Crosby, the Superin-
'ndant Of the Sabbath school, whs was
n Elder Of Boston Presbyterian
lurcb, was installed. The two gen.
emen promised to perform the duties
their Office and were heartily shaken !
the hand by the elderly members OF
le church.
ADDRESSES.
Rev. DR.. Marks, pastor Of Hanover
resbyterian church. referred to the I
aties of the Eldership and Rev. DR.. I
sigwin, pastor of West Presbyterian
luIch, spoke of the duties of the con- =
'egation toward the Elders.
Rev. Mr.. Dixon Of Yonkers, N. Y. r
former pupil of DR.. Nixon, offered a e