The Nevada County picayune., 1922-01-12

the hands of one who has been or dained to hte ministry by the hands of one who himself received ordination from some bishop who could trace his ordination back through an unbroken line to the Apostles. A thing, by the way. which no man living or dead can do. Others still have said, You can not be member of the christian church unless you have been baptised by immerSian at the hands of one who can trace his own baptism back, in an unbrollen chain. through the centuries to the Apostles Another thing which is historically impossible. Against these. and all similar claims. Metho- dism has insisted with Paul that the marks of membership in the church of God are not mechanical, historical. or ritualistic, but moral and spiritual. We believe that the true Israel is com posed of those "Who worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh"
 In the second place we observe that this universal, or catholic. church iS built upon the common foundation of the Apostles and Prophets. in which foundation Jesus Christ is the chief corner stone Churches. like nations. are built upon the foundation of men and women. St John saw the names of the Twelve Apostles in the founda tions of the Holy City. Jesus Chrisf does not belong to any particular diyi- sion of the christian church in any eX elusive sense whatever. He is not Methodist Baptist, Presbyterian. or anything of the kind. He is the chief cornerstone in the blessed company of the apostles and prophets and all the holy company who have laid the fotm- dations of the church in the world.
 In the third place this universal church k living. growing orsaniza- tior-"The whole building itly framed together growcth unto an holy temple in the Lord The church is not Il fos>ilizcd inStimtion bat il is ever growing into a noblcr. more beautiful spiritual structure Whether we real ize it of not the various branches of the christian church are each making theif individual contribution 10 the life afthc5 whole, and each k helping to br'ng the church 10 perfection.
 Last of all, let Ills observe that the church universal draws it's life from the Holy Spirit The church iS 4 human institution in the sense that il k organized hy men and composcd ot men. bat we must never lose sight of the fact that the church. as a body of believers in Christ. k nouriShed within hY the life of the Holy Spirit. and that this life is imparted not to any particular company of believers such as Methodists, or Baptists alone. hut to all who hold fellowship with Christ the living head"
 This then s what we mean when we say. T believe in the Holy Catholic Church" that the church of God in the world k not composed of any one particular company, or denomination
 hut of all the company of true be lirvcrS in Jesus Christ.
 Briefly. let us answer the second question proposed in our theme. "ShaH We strike these words ont of the crccd>" This K not an idle question Many good people are sincerely op- posed to repeating these words in our creed. l have all due respect for their feelings and opinions in this natter. and would gladly yield to their wishes if I could do so without sacrificing my own convictions But. after very careful study of this whole matter am compelled to take my stand with those who insist that these words which have expressed Inc faith of SD many people for centuries past shall he retained in our creed. Many req sons might be given for this conclusion but l must be content with the state ment of only two of the more i'm portant,
 First. cannot consent to abandon this ancient form of sound words sim