The ecclesiastical polity of the New Testament unfolded : and its points of coincidence or disagreement with prevailing systems indicated
Davidson, Samuel, 1806-1898
^snnnM^, ^^^^^^^^^^ccCo^ '^^^^n^^^^^l WKK^k^ g^H ^Kks^^ '-^S^H L I B R A. K Y <1F TIIK Theological Seminary PRINCETON, N. J. C^PV 647 .D3 1848 c.l Davidson, Samuel, 1806-1898. *' The ecclesiastical polity of Bo the New Testament unfolded i THE CONGREGATIONAL LECTURE, THIRTEENTH SERIES. THE ECCLESL^STICAL POLITY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT UNFOLDED. By the REV. DR. DAVIDSON. ION DON : Bt.ACKBUKN AND PARDON, PRINTEftS, HATTON GARDEN. THE ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT UNFOLDED, ITS POINTS OF COINCIDENCE OR DISAGREEMENT WITH PREVAILING SYSTEMS INDICATED. SAMUEL DAVIDSON, LL.D. LONDON: JACKSON AND WALFORD, 18, ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD. 1848. " Cedat consuetudo veritati." — Augustine. " CONSDETDDO SINE VERITATE VETUSTAS ERRORIS EST." Cyprian. PREFACE. TiiEEE are some phenomena in the rehgious world, which appear to discourage a timid writer, at the present day, from attempting to discuss the subject of the following Lectures. And when these symptoms dissuading from its examination are of a cheering aspect to the pious mind, it becomes a matter for serious reflection whether the topic should be pubhcly agitated. But yet the Author cannot believe that the religious sects now existing are better prepared, in reality^ to amalgamate with one another, than they were half a century ago ; or that an examination of the topic is likely to impede their future incorporation, should that incorporation be deemed desirable or near. It is possible, indeed, that the narrow-minded adherent of a party may magnify the importance of belonging to his own denomination so highly as to look on all others with an evil eye, or with profound pity, as if they were deeply involved in serious error ; but the man who VI PREFACE. endeavours to rise above the views of interested partisans, will treat the subject in a more liberal spirit. While indicating his own preferences, he will be careful not to provoke the bitter recrimination of those who differ from him. A few years ago, the Author was led to investigate the New Testament in regard to its teachings on the disputed question of Church Government. Ever since that period, which forms an important epoch in his hfe, the subject has been seldom absent from his thoughts. He has revolved it in his mind with an earnest desire to know it fundamentally and fully. Had he been disposed to proceed per- functorily, he should have been satisfied with a shorter period of gestation, and consequently a shorter book ; but a determination to search out every important part of the subject, prompted a slower and more cautious progress in arriving at results. If he knows himself aright he can honestly affirm, that he has sincerely endeavoured to ascertain the truth and to adduce it, irrespectively of its agreement or discordance either with the denomination to which he belongs, or with any other. By the production now submitted to the public, he has no selfish interests to promote — no self-exalting purpose to serve. On the contrary, he expects to be blamed for it by almost every section of the universal church, because, in some minute particulars, he happens to dissent from prevalent notions. PREFACE. VU It is necessary that the reader should distinctly remember the nature of the work undertaken, which is not to explain or defend the opinions and practices of any one denomination on the subject of ecclesias- tical polity, nor to identify the polity of the New Testament with modem Congregationalism ; but to investigate the volume of inspiration with the view of unfolding its teachings, and to point out their agreement or discordance with the principles and usages of modern sects. For this purpose, the Author has endeavoured to keep his leanings in perfect subservience to the divine word; and he is not aware that they have misled him in his explanations. If they have done so in any instance, it has been unconsciously. The reader is therefore entreated to recollect, that the Lecturer stands before him, not as the advocate of Congregationalism in particular, but as an humble, and he trusts an honest, inquirer into the revealed will of God. If he expects to find the thorough defender of any other system than what is sanctioned by infalhble authority, he will be grievously disappointed. Hence the Writer alone is accountable for the sentiments advanced. The opinions advocated, are not to be charged on the denomination to which he has the honour of belong- ing. They possess no official authority. The Lecturer is not an expositor of the prevailing sentiments held by the Congregational body. Many of his brethren would probably disagree with some of the statements. Vlll PREFACE. At all events, they must not be held responsible for them. Whether true or false, the burden of them rests on the shoulders of him who makes them. It will not be out of place to remark, that the Lectures were written, in the first instance, without reference to any other book than the New Testa- ment. The conclusions were educed from it, irre- spectively of interpretations assigned by the expositors of systems. After certain results had been obtained, the works of others were consulted, for the purpose of learning the modes of interpretation to which they are attached. These varying expositions were then incorporated in their proper places, with a refutation of them appended, wherever they appeared to require it, A few notes are annexed, consisting chiefly of passages which were found to coincide with the opinions of the Writer, after he had himself arrived at a fall conviction of the correctness of the latter. If they serve no other purpose, they may at least be useful in teaching the admirers of learned men and weighty names, that the sentiments set forth are neither novel nor frivolous. Such as look for authorities in favour of the views propounded will see that they are not wholly wanting. Had the Writer been desirous to give his book the appearance of learning, many more annotations of a similar cha- racter, might have been added. But his wish was to PREFACE. IX free it as much as possible from the encumbrance of erudition, in order that every part might be perfectly clear to the apprehension of the unlearned reader. It is not meant exclusively for ministers of the Gospel, but for the intelhgent and thoughtful of the people also, on whom he places large reliance in the promotion of healthful reforms. The Author can hardly cherish the hope of being exempted from considerable animadversion. He has counted the cost of manifold censure. Truth must not be sacrificed to usage or party. It is better to comply with the suggestions of conscience, than to please men. The favour of others, gained at the expense of conceding what conscience disallows, is too dearly purchased. But he is averse to polemics. He will not hastily allow himself to be dragged into controversy. So much of misrepresentation and asperity is mixed up with it, as to render it a most unprofitable and injurious employment. Neither is it worth while to reply to persons who nibble at minute particulars or things immaterial, while they are unable or indisposed to grapple fairly and fully with the main principles inculcated. As for those who condemn without reading, or affect to be witty at the expense of another, without so much as the semblance of calm and close reasoning, or the power to prove any radical unsoundness in his production, they cannot expect to be noticed, especially when they write anonymously. Fair and manly criticism is A3 X PREFACE. as obvious, as it is generally acceptable to the candid interpreter of God's holy word ; while the sciolist is readily detected by the magnitude of his assertions in connexion with the littleness of his performances. The Author is glad to find, that the long-expected treatise of Dr. Wardlaw, on the subject of the church government, has just made its appearance, and he only regrets that it did not come to hand till this day, after the present work had been printed. Doubtless it has received luminous treatment from that able and elegant writer. For the Index and Analysis he is indebted to two of his young friends and pupils, Mr. J. Hodgson and Mr. N. Hurry, who kindly relieved him of this labour, in the midst of his other . pressing engage- ments, and whom he thus pubhcly thanks for their seasonable aid. Lancashire Independent College, January 8th, 1848 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE COMMITTEE OF THE CONGREGATIONAL LIBBARY. The " Congregational Library " was established with a view to the promotion of Ecclesiastical, Theological, and Biblical Literature, in that religious connexion with whose friends and supporters it originated. It is also designed to secure a convenient locality for such associations as had pre- viously existed, or might hereafter exist, for the purpose of advancing the literary, civil, and religious interests of that section of the Christian Church to which it was approjjriated. Without undervaluing the advantages of union, either with Evangelical Protestants, or Protestant Nonconformists, on such grounds as admit of liberal co-operation, it was never- theless deemed expedient to adopt measures for facilitating the concentration and efl&ciency of their own denomination. In connexion with these important objects, it was thought desirable to institute a Lecture, partaking rather of the character of Academic prelections than of popular addresses, and embracing a Series of Annual Courses of Lectures, to be delivered at the Library, or, if necessary, in some contiguous place of worship. In the selection of Lecturers, it was judged proper to appoint such as, by their literary attainments and ministerial reputation, had rendered service to the cause of Divine truth in the consecration of their talents to " the defence and confirmation of the Gospel." It was also supposed, that some might be found possessing a high order of intellectual competency and moral worth, imbued with an ardent love of biblical science, or eminently conversant with theological and ecclesiastical literature, who, from various causes, might Xll ADVERTISEMENT. never have attracted that degree of public attention to which they are entitled, and yet might he both qualified and disposed to undertake courses of lectures on subjects of interest and importance, not included within the ordinary range of pulpit instruction. To illustrate the evidence and importance of the great doctrines of Revelation; to exhibit the true principles of philology in their application to such doctrines; to prove the accordance and identity of genuine philosophy with the records and discoveries of Scripture; and to trace the errors and cor- ruptions which have existed in the Christian Church to their proper sources, and by the connexion of sound reasoning with the honest intei-pretation of God's holy Word, to point out the methods of refutation and counteraction, are amongst the objects for which "the Congregational Lecture" has been established. The arrangements made with the Lecturers are designed to secure the pubUcation of each separate course, without risk to the Authors; and, after remunerating them as liberally as the resources of the Institution will allow, to apply the profits of the respective publications in aid of the Library. It is hoped that the liberal aud especially the opulent friends of Evangelical and Congregational Nonconformity will evince, by their generous support, the sincerity of their attachment to the great principles of their Christian profession; and that some may be found to emulate the zeal wliich established the "Boyle," the " Warburton," and the "Bampton" Lectures in the National Church. These are legitimate operations of the " voluntary principle" in the support of religion, and in perfect harmony with the independency of our Churches, and the spirituality of the kingdom of Christ. The Committee deem it proper to state, that whatever re- sponsibility may attach to the reasonings or opinions advanced in any course of Lectures, belongs exclusively to the Lecturer. Congregational Library, Blomfield Street, Finsbury, January, 1848. CONTENTS. LECTURE I. VIEWS OF ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY ENTERTAINED BY CHRISTIANS. (Pages 1—53.) Introductory remarks — Tradition not authoritative — Scriptm-e alone the standard of appeal — The views entertained by Christians of eccle- siastical polity, classed under three heads — First, that no one system is laid down in the New Testament, or obligatory on believers — Secondly, that nothing is left to human discretion, but that a precise model is set forth — Thirdly, that a jiattern is delineated in outline — Examination of the first-ojunion — Presumptive evidence in favour of an ecclesiastical system — Man incompetent to frame laws for Chiist's kingdom — Intimate connexion of church polity and Christian doc- trine— Virtual tendency of this hypothesis — Inconsistency of its advo- cates— Its supposed tendency to jiromote Christian union — StiUing- fleet's view examined — Ecclesiastical polity not exhibited in a logical and systematic method— The question of polity one of relative value — Examination of the second hypothesis — Its impracticability — Its con- traiiety to the genius of the New Testament — Its want of adaj)tation — Third hypothesis advocated — Objections to it answered — Its vague, indefinite character — Its infringement on the sufficiency of the Scrip- tures— Its tendency to endanger important doctrines — Criteria for distinguishing characteristic from subordinate features — 1. Eegula- tions set forth with clearness and directness — 2. Diversity of the rea- son of a thing in two analogous cases — 3. Accidental circumstances — 4. Precedents not necessarily connected with the conservation of true religion — 5. Cessation of miraculous gifts — 6. Minute points in which the apostolic churches may have differed from one another — The general outhne of apostolic organisation distinct and authoritative — Neauder's view examined — True expediency consistent with an un- alterable constitution — The constitution of the Clu'istian church not boiTowed ii'om the Jewish synagogue — Observations on the views of Vitringa and others. XIV CONTENTS. LECTUEE II. THE NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF A SCRIPTURAL CHURCH. (Pages 54—136.) Social worship founded on the constitution of man — Dnty and advan- tages of chui'ch relationship — Two meanings of the work eKKKrjcria, church, as appUed to assemhlies convened for religions puiiioses — First, denoting the whole body of believers — Secondly, a number of believers habitually assembling in one jilace for worsliip — The true materials of a church — View and practice of Presbyterians — Charac- teristics of a scriptm'al church — 1. Adoption of scriptiu'al doctrines — 2. Maintenance of religious instruction and ordinances — 3. Main- tenance of discipline — National chiu'ches necessarily unscriptural — Erroneous senses attached to eKKkrja-ia — The church at Jerusalem, did it consist of more congregations than one — Examination of the state- ments of Brown and others in regard to it — 1. Number of members — 2. Of ministers — 3. Diversities of language — Assumption that the apostles alone assembled in Solomon's porch — dSeX^oi designating Christians generally, not ministers alone — Review of the church at Jerusalem — The condition of the church at Ephesus — Arguments of the Westminster divines, maintaining — 1. That it contained more congi-egations than one — 2. That there were many elders over these con- gregations as one flock — 3. LECTURE III. OITICES APPOINTED IN THE EARLIEST CHRISTIAN CHURCHES. (Pages 137—194.) All apostolic duties do not pertain to ordinary pastors — The apostolic office contained all inferior offices — The principle for determining what pertained to the apostolic office alone — Office-bearers essential to the ivell-heing of any society, but not to its heing — Office-bearers of a church — Extraordinary, apostles, evangelists — Prophets and teach- ers explained — Office not strictly predicable of prophets and teachers — Their charisms not permanent — Ordinary, bishops or elders and deacons — Reason for supposing these officers to be perpetual — Angels of the seven chiu'ches in Asia Minor not diocesan bishops — What is denoted by these angels — New Testament persons identified with modern bishops, Epaphras, Archippus, Epaphi'oditus, Sosthencs, Crescens, ApoUos, Diotrephes, Timothy, Titus, James — Deacons — Passages in the New Testament relating to them — Two questions discussed — 1. Were the office-bearers mentioned in the sixth chajjter of Acts the first deacons? — 2. Were they identical with the officers mentioned in the fii'St Epistle to Timothy, and called expressly SiaKovoi ? — Were they allowed to preach and teach ? — Deaconesses — Division of elders into preaching and ruling — Examination of the passages supposed to show the distinction — Considerations disproving the office of lay-eldershii). LECTURE IV. ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS IN THE APOSTOLIC AGE. (Pages 195—216.) Election of officers in the early chui'ches — Passages relating to election — Examination of theii* unport — Matthias elected by the whole company of the disciples — Examination of the opinion that the apostles only were concerned — The seven chosen by the whole multi- tude— The evidence from this instance not conclusive for the election of elders — The election in Acts xiv. 23 ambiguous — Primary significa- tion of xe'poToi"70"ai'T-ej — In regard to this word, three significations XVI CONTENTS. have been assiuned — First, to elect by the suffrages of the people — Reasons for rejecting this interpretation — The ordinary use of the word was different when Luke wrote — The persons electing were Paul and Barnabas — Secondly, to ordain by imjiosition of hands — Objec- tions to this signification — There were no elders in these churches previously — This usage of the word is not coimtenanced by Gi'eek writers of that period — Such signification is arbitrary — It would render the subsequent paragraph superfluous — Third signification, to appoint generally, apart from the votes of the people, or lifting uji of their hands — Paul and Barnabas elected, but the popular will was not contravened — The example in 1 Cor. viii. 19 refers only to the election of a delegate — These instances afford indirect, not direct, proof that elders were elected by the popular voice — Is the principle of a hierarchy recommended by apostolic injunction and practice ? — Rea- sons why there is so little dii'ect proof in the New Testament in favour of popular election — Because the churches are voluntary societies — Personal responsibility requires freedom in selecting religious teach- ers— Circumstances and allusions in the New Testament affording a presmnption in favour of the peoj)le's right to elect — The hierarchical principle adverse to spiritual freedom — Objections to election by the people — Practical remarks. LECTURE V. ORDINATION OF OFFICE-BEARERS IN THE PRIMITIVE CHURCHES. (Pages 217—262.) Ordination — What it signifies — Opinion of the Church of England — Of the Church of Rome — Of the Church of Scotland, and the Assembly of London Ministers — Of Congregationalists — The word ordination rej)resented by six different terms in the original Greek — Modern opinion — Improbabihty that six diflerent terms could sjinboHse one act of unique character — What ordination does 7iot mean — What it does signify — The solemn invocation of the Divine presence and assistance — Whatever blessing is communicated at the time is im- parted in answer to prayer — Ordination does not invest with office — It relates to the time of entering on ofiice — Why it should be continued, though not expressly enjoined — There is no reason for dej^artiug from apostolic custom — The mode of ordination — Form not precisely the same in the case of deacons and elders — Should imposition of hands be retained? — Was a supernatural gift always conveyed at the time of laying on hands ? — Examination of passages relating to this point — Miraculous gifts were generally conveyed at the time of the cere- mony— Bestowed only by the apostles — The custom may be properly CONTENTS. LECTURE VI. THE POPULAR BALANCE OF POWER SUBSISTING IN A CHRISTIAN CHURCH. (Pages 263—307.) The question under discussion not the power of one church, in regard to foreign jurisdiction, but the balance of power within itself — Ambiguity in regard to the tenn power — Importance of bearing in mind the dis- tinction between the functions of apostles and those of ordinary elders — The title ambassador peculiar to apostles — Officers not necessary to the being but to the well-being of a church — It is the inherent right of every one to j)reach the gospel — View of TertulHan — The authority of church rulers comes from God, and is founded on the capacity for office ^"ith which he has endowed them — The union formed between pastor and people may be severed by one or both — Lawful groimds for such a severance — Opinion of the Westminster divines that the authority of pastors is ministerial and subordinate — The ideas included in the government of elders — 1. They preside in all meetings of the church — 2. They call the attention of the mem- bers to the laws laid down by Christ, and insist on obedience to them — 3. They instruct and persuade the church — 4. They re- prove, rebuke, and exhort, with aU authority — 5. They propose regulations tending to the welfare of the church — 6. So long as they preside over a church nothing done by it in theii- absence is XVlll CONTENTS. valid, unless they have given their consent to such an arrangement — 7. They formally pronounce sentence or censure in the presence of the church — The authority of elders is executive, not legislative — Duties natiu-ally devolving on elders — The power of ordaining office- bearers— The privDege of presiding at the Lord's supper — Of ad- ministering the ordinance of baptism — The presence of an elder not essential to the validity of baptism and the Lord's supper — The power of discipUne belongs to the chiu'ch together with its rulers — The law of Christ in regard to private offences — In regard to public oflPences — Examination of the case of excommunication performed by the church at Corinth — The conduct of the disciples at Jerusalem in relation to Saul — All the members have an equal right to express their sentiments and to vote — Examination of the opinion that the power of discipline is vested in the office-bearers alone — Power of binding and loosing — Meaning of the phrase " keys of the kingdom of heaven" — Of remitting and retaining sins — Eecapitulation. LECTURE VIL AUTHORITATIVE COURTS OF REVIEW EXAMINED AND DISCUSSED. (Pages 308—344.) Authoritative couils of review — Alleged scriptui-al basis — Keasons ad- duced for supj^osing the narrative in Acts xv. to be the model of a synod or council — 1. There was a proper ground and occasion for ajvu'idical synod — 2. Proper members of a synod were convened — 3. As all were convened by like ordinary authority, so they acted by like ordinary and equal power — 4. Here was the ordinary way and method of synodical proceedings by the apostles, elders, and brethren — 5. Several authoritative and juridical acts of power were put forth in this synod — Kefutation of these reasons — (a.) Such synods are never noticed in any other part of the New Testament, even when their appearance might have been expected — (b.) This assembly was composed in part of apostles — Lispii-ed and infallible men — Examination of the argument that the apostles acted not as inspti-ed men but as ordinary elders, such as that Paul and Barnabas were sent by the church at Antioch and submitted to its deter- mination, that there was disi^utation in the assembly, that other members of the church at Antioch were sent as delegates — The opinion that the apostles acted sometimes as apostles, sometimes as ordinary elders, shown to be untenable — The root of this arbitrary division lies in the notion of succession — The fallacy of the allegation that the apostles themselves distinguished between their extraordinai-y and their ordinary character — The true successors of the apostles are CONTENTS. L-ECTURE VIII. THE NUMBEE OF OFFICE-BEARERS IN A CHRISTIAN CHURCH. (Pages 345—379.) Remarks illustrative of the usage of language — Nouns are employed in a general and specific signification — A word cannot be taken in its ajjpropriated and unapproi3riated sense conjointly — Plurality of elders in the apostolic chm-ches — Reasons adduced for supposing there was not such an institution — Refutation of them — Advantages arising from the primitive method — 1. The people would be better instructed — The objection of Dr. King considered — The custom of the New England Fathers — 2. Pastoral visitation would be properly attended to — 3. A gi-eater impression would be produced on the surrounding popidation — 4. The imsettled state of those sustaining the pastoral office would be materially lessened — 5. The Associations commonly called Coimty Unions would be, in a great measure, superseded — Was a plurality of elders intended to be perpetuated? — Examination of the plea that a j)lurality of elders originated in the circmnstances of the early chtu'ches, and may be conveniently laid aside in modern times — The early rise of episcopacy confirms the fact of a jilurality of elders — The churches not furnished with a supreme bishojj by the apostles — Jerusalem the birth-place of episcopacy in the times immediately XX CONTENTS. succeeding the apostles — Jerome's view of the origin of the episco- pate—Suggestions as to a plurality of elders, and the mode in which they might harmoniously co-ojierate — The exact number of deacons in a chm-ch is left indeterminate, like that of the elders. LECTURE IX. THE CONGREGATIONAL SYSTEM REVIEWED AND DEFENDED. (Pages 380—418.) Review of the principles developed in the preceding lectures — These principles constitute the Congregational system — Advantages it possesses — Scripturality — Simplicity — EflBciency for the maintenance and diffusion of truth — For preserving the liberties of Christian men — Tends to prevent clerical ambition — Stimulates the activity of jjastors — Promotes general intelligence — Importance of separating the essentials from the circumstantials — The Congregational system adai)ted to all states of society, especially to a fi-ee constitution — Examination of an assertion of Richard Watson, respecting church government — Some examples of things indifferent in the worship of God — Has a church power to decree rites and ceremonies? — Ob- jections to Congi-egationalism answered — 1. It is impracticable in some respects — 2. The sentence of one church in regard to excom- munication virtually controls the whole community — 3. It is unsiiited to the imity of the chiuch as a visible body — 4. The system is a pure democracy — All that is good and venerable among the members is placed not at the feet of a democracy, but at the feet of Christ — Concluding observations and counsels. Notes AND Illustrations Pages 41 9 — 452 ^N^vVt*-*'-.*.'.., LECTURE I. VIEWS OF ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY ENTERTAINED BY CHRISTIANS. " HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES." Rev. ii. 7. In commencing a course of lectures on Ecclesiastical Polity, it is necessary to declare the principle or prin- ciples by which we purpose to conduct our examina- tion of the subject. The standard of appeal must be unequivocally stated. We do not mean to inquire what is the voice of early ecclesiastical tradition. Immediately after the apostles' death, changes in the ecclesiastical practices of the early Christians were introduced, which continued to develop themselves until the hierarchical system was consolidated. Early tradition is vague and indefinite. Even if its testi- mony respecting church-government could be clearly ascertained, it could claim no authority. The obli- gation of Christians living in the present day to follow it, is a thing that may be freely questioned. Our standard, therefore, is not early ecclesiastical tradition, 2 VIEWS OF ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY however venerable or hoary. Neither do we purpose to examme primitive practices in conjunction with Scripture, whether they be taken to elucidate the New Testament, or the New Testament be regarded as shedding light on them. The inventions and usages of uninspired men should not be combined with the word of God in this form, or placed on an equahty with it ; because that were to assign equal authority to a Divine revelation and the opinions of falhble creatures. We will not allow the Bible either to be subordinated to early human writings, or to be placed in the same lofty position with them. Scrip- ture alone is the authority we acknowledge. As far as tradition accords with it, our interpretations of the latter are strengthened ; but early ecclesiastical senti- ments or practices must not dictate what we shall follow, or resfulate the mode in which the New Testament shall be imderstood. The Bible is, to a great extent, a self-interpreting volume. The Christian takes it by itself, and uses his best judgment in dis- covering its meaning. It will thus be apparent that the field we intend to occupy does not consist of the writings of the Fathers. We leave their ponderous folios in undisturbed dignity. It is the ecclesiastical pohty of the New Testament which we seek to develop ; not the ecclesiastical polity of the post-apostolic period. The Fathers of the early church throw little light on the form of church- government exhibited in the apostohc age. Indeed, it may be questioned whether they do not tend to obscure and perplex it. It is certain that they cannot, ENTERTAINED BY CHRISTIANS. 3 in any view, be regarded as its legitimate expositors. As such, their aid must be repudiated by the impartial historian. We are now concerned with the New Testament alone. What says that Booh on the subject of ecclesiastical polity ? Is it silent respecting it ? Or does it speak so vaguely that nothing plain can be collected from its utterances ? Or, again, does it contain sufficient directions for the regulation of social worship in all ages? In answering these questions a wide field opens up to view, which it is our intention to prosecute in the spirit of calm inquiry, undeterred by the difficidties of the path, if haply it may be cleared from the obstructions of men who love their own system better than truth. In introducing a subject to the notice of the reader, it is usual to dwell on its importance, or to magnify the difficidties attending it^ In the one case, writers virtually plead for an attentive hearing, on the ground that their theme demands and deserves it ; in the other, they indirectly convey the impression, whether consciously or otherwise, that they are competent to discuss what they propose. In both instances, we fear that the leading desire often is, to exalt self in the estimation of others, although that idea never enters into the mind of some holy men. At the commence- ment of the present series of lectures, we do not purpose to enlarge on the importance, or to enhance the perplexity of the topic. Probably aU wiU admit that it is neither frivolous nor uninteresting ; but that it demands a place in the thoughts of the intelhgent Christian, however entangled it may appear in some B 2 4 VIEWS or ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY of its parts. The views entertained by professing Christians of ecclesiastical polity may be classed under three heads. First. Some suppose that no system of church- government is laid down in the New Testament, and that it is vain to expect a Divine model to regulate the condition of all churches. They beheve that the arrangements of Christian societies should be adjusted by expediency ; the particular order which is suited to one country being ill adapted to another. They look at the fact, that what flourishes in one district does not succeed in another. Where the civil government is monarchical. Episcopacy or Presbytery should be established ; where it is popular or republican, Inde- pendency. Not that the advocates of this sentiment would associate these forms of polity with the specified modes of human government in every instance. They have been selected simply as an illustration of the varying polities which might be established in different circumstances. According to the hypothesis in ques- tion, no Divine pattern is obligatory on Christians generally ; but they are perfectly free to follow their own judgment in the matter, and to modify the government of churches, under the present dispen- sation, as the genius of the age or country may seem to suggest. Expediency is the only rule by which everything should be settled. The discretion or wisdom of men must mould and shape the arrange- ments of social worship. Seco7idly. Others think that nothing is left to human discretion, but that a precise model is laid ENTERTAINED BY CHRISTIANS. 5 down, which we are bound to copy in every parti- cular. They assume that the New Testament is a full and complete guide in all matters pertaining to the constitution and order of churches ; — that Christ has left nothing indeterminate, having supplied all in- formation that could be required on the subject ; — in short, that nothing should be added to, or subtracted from, the precedents and precepts of apostoUc times. They believe that the practices of the first churches are recorded in Scripture for our imitation — that they constitute an entire system adapted to all ages and circumstances, to which the churches of Christ should rigidly adhere, amid the endless vicissitudes of human society. Thirdly. Others advocate the opinion that the New Testament was designed to exhibit a pattern of ecclesiastical organisation and discipline in outline., not in detail. They maintain that certain features, forming the essential parts of a system, are traced ; while minor hues are dimly shadowed, or left entirely to the judgment of Christians. The principles of church-order are clearly propounded, while the appli- cation of them is left to ordinary discretion. In filling up the outline with traits and tints most appropriate, a wise expediency should be consulted. The platform may, therefore, be completed in various ways, without impairing its scripturality. It may be adapted to the exigencies of all times, without losing its essential character ; though some inferior points of primitive arrangement be altered to render the principles coin- cident with the utilities of particular states of society. 6 VIEWS OF ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY The ideas entertained on this subject by professing Christians, at the present day, will be found to harmonise with one or other of the hypotheses now mentioned. More opinions might, possibly, be enu- merated, were it expedient to distinguish minor shades of sentiment ; but it is sufficient for our purpose to reduce them to three classes. Let us consider each separately. The first opinion has many able advocates, of whom we need only mention Stillingfleet and Camp- bell. Those who belong to established churches often adopt it. It is an Erastian notion. That it com- mended itself to the Bishop of Worcester, at least in his younger days, there can be no doubt in the minds of those who read the " Irenicum," in which he says : " I conclude, then, according to this sense of jus, that the Batio regiminis Ecdesiastici is juris divini naturalis, that is^ that the reason of church-govern- ment is immutable, and holds in all times and places, which is the preservation of the peace and unity of the church ; but the modus regiminis Ecdesiastici, the particular form of that government, is juris divini permissivi, that both the laws of God and nature have left it to the prudence of particular churches to deter- mine it."" The remarks of Campbell are to the same effect: he terminates a very able discussion of the primitive form of church-government, by saying : " It will be observed, by the judicious and the candid, that what has been advanced does not affect the law- ° See Note I. ENTERTAINED BY CHRISTIANS. 7 ftilness, or even, in certain circumstances, tlie expedi- ency of tlie episcopal model ; it only exposes the arrogance of pretending to a jus divinum. I am satis- fied that no form of polity can plead such an exclusive charter, as that phrase, in its present acceptation, is understood to imply. The claim is clearly the offspring of sectarian bigotry and ignorance. In regard to those polities which obtain at present in the different Christian sects, I own, ingenuously, that I have not found one, of all that I have examined, which can be said perfectly to coincide with the model of the apostolic church. Some, indeed, are nearer, and some are more remote ; but this we may say with freedom, that, if a particular form of polity had been essential to the church, it had been laid down in another manner in the sacred books. The very hypothesis is, in my opinion, repugnant to the spiritual nature of the evangelical economy. It savours grossly of the conceit, with which the Jews were intoxicated, of the Messiah's secular kingdom — a conceit with which many like-minded Christians are intoxicated still."" Those who look to the diversities of worship ex- isting among professing Christians often fall in with the opinion in question. Had one form of church order been set forth for general adoption, they infer that so many sincere and upright men could not have differed so widely respecting it. The Deity could not have intended to have established any one " Lectures on Ecclesiastical History. Lect. iv. p. 81. 8vo. London: 1834. 8 VIEWS OF ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY system, even in outline, from whicli none should be at liberty to depart, else the directions respecting it had been far clearer and less liable to be misunder- stood. Surely the Author of revelation would have made it so explicit on this subject as to preclude much difference of sentiment. On that supposition, his precepts and examples must have been more luminous. Influenced by these and like considerations, many sincere individuals persuade themselves that Christ has instituted no particular form of polity for his people on earth. And, indeed, the hypothesis in question saves a world of inquiry. It precludes the necessity of laborious investigation. It is a very convenient weapon in defence of a favourite dogma. What need is there to hunt after the principles and practices of the first Christians, when they are in- volved in so much obscurity, and cannot, after all, be of any moment to us ? Thus many perfunctory men rest satisfied with the present view of the subject. It suits their superficiality, their dreams of union among Christians before truth and principle have obtained due homage^ and that passive quietude of mind which is alike indisposed and unable to take a firm grasp of any theme, however important it may be to the true welfare of man. In an age of which haste is a prominent characteristic, faith in the future having become feeble, it is easy to foresee that it will obtain many votaries and bid fair to prevail. Strong intellect^ deeply imbued with the study of the Bible in all its comprehensiveness, and keenly alive to evan- gelical purity, may not relish it ; but an ordinary ENTERTAINED BY CHRISTIANS. V observer of sects, who is, at the same time, an ordinary reader of the Bible ; a pious and peace-loving man, will always be incUned to embrace this supposed "weapon-salve for the church's wounds." It has peculiar charms for minds of a certain order. And yet it appears to us to be singularly unphilosophical, as well as fraught with injurious consequences. 