The Government of the Kingdom of Christ. an Inquiry as to the Scriptural, Invincible, and Historical Position of Presbytery. a Prize Essay

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1872 Excerpt: ...is so highly inexpedient. 'The remedy against schism and faction proved worse than the disease. Prelacy was not attended with the divine blessing, and the wisdom of man continued to make progress in improving upon God's plans and arrangements, until the great body of the professing Church became an entire apostacy. Christ's authority was trampled under foot, and His great design in establishing the Church was in no small measure frustrated by men who professed to act in His name, and to be administering His laws. So dangerous is it to deviate from the path of Scripture, and to introduce the inventions of men into the government and worship of the Church of the living God.' There are, and there have been very many of the excellent of the earth in the communion of the Prelatico-Episcopal Church, both ministers and people. Even in times of haughtiest oppression and bloodshed, some spirits, as that of Leighton, have very strangely, and to their own dismay, been found perched in the prelatic chair. Some of the most devoted labourers in the cause of Christ, at home and abroad, are found sheltering themselves beneath prelatic shadows. Some of the ablest pens have been wielded there also on behalf of the cause of Christ. It is not of men the assertion is made. It is matter of rejoicing that there are many honoured and beloved who rise superior to Prelacy. Nevertheless the system has proved itself inexpedient. Mr Gladstone might be credited when he said--' I think the Church of England enters into the natural life and purpose of the country--that she is associated in a great degree with the feelings, the traditions, as well as the history of England; and there are in my opinion very many who do not formally belong to her communion who would with deep regret witness ...