^fOLCGICr^L St^^ BX 9184 .B16 Baird, Samuel J. 1817-1893 The church of Christ THE CHURCH OF CHRIST CONSTITUTIOxN AND ORDER. A MANUAL FOR THE INSTRUCTION OP FAMILIES, SABBATH-SCHOOLS, AND BIBLE CLASSES. / • BY THE /^ V Rev. SAMUEL J. BAIRD, D.D., Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Woodbury, N. J. PHILADELPHIA: PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION, No. 821 CHESTNUT STREET. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1864, by THE TRUSTEES OP THE PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. STEREOTYPED BY WESTCOTT & THOMSON. CONTENTS. PAGE 1. The Rule of Order 11 2. What is the Church? U 3. The Primeval Church 18 4. The Abrahamic Covenant 21 5. Patriarchal Dispensation 27 6. Levitical Dispensation 29 7. The Priesthood 32 8. The Levites 36 9. The Elders 37 10. Other Officers.— The Kings 43 11. Privileges of Israel 46 12. The Ordinances 50 13. The Synagogue 56 14. Expenses of Religion 59 15. The Church at Christ's Coining 63 16. TheNew Dispensation 65 8 4 CONTENTS. PAQB 17. The Transition 69 18. Extraordinary Officers 74 19. Evangelists and Elders 76 20. The Diaconate 83 21. The Children 86 22. The Congregation 92 2.3. The Word and Sacraments '. 96 24. Other Public Ordinances 101 25. The Church Courts 107 26. The Call to Office.... 115 27. Legislation and Discipline 121 28. Of Private Christians ,... 127 29. Family Religion 131 30. The True Chiirch 133 PREFACE For several years past, the Synod of New Jersey has had under consideration the matter of the more faithful training of the young. An overture from her on the subject was submitted to the last General Assembly, and by it referred to the next. One point therein urged, is the adoption of measures to secure to our children more thorough instruction '•'not only in the doctrines of grace, but in the principles of order which the Scriptures set forth." Having been called by the Synod to sustain a very respon- sible relation to this movement, the author has been led anew to recognize the fact that no production yet issued from the press, has commended itself to the acceptance of the Church, as a satisfactory exhibition to the young of the divine authority of the system of order and principles of government which adorn the Presbyterian Church. A de- sire to supply this deficiency has originated the present treatise. That the attempt has been in some measure suc- cessful, the author is led to hope, alike, from the sustained interest with which a class in his own congregation has completed the course of instructions contained in the volume ; and from the very flattering judgments of it which have been pronounced by eminent divines of different branches of the Presbyterian family, some of which are given below. The learned reader may find that, on some points, the doctrines of the treatise differ from conclusions to which he may have been led, by Rabbinnic and other extra-scriptural Btudies. In this respect, the work has been prepared upon 1 * 5 6 PREFACE. the principle that the Word of God is the only safe guide, and abundantly suflScient as to the constitution and order of the Church; and that therefore, whatever on the subject cannot be proved out of the Scriptures, is to be rejected aa without authority, and of dangerous tendency. The constitution of the Old Testament Church receives special attention, because, the Church being one in all ages, it is necessary, — in order to ascertain and appreciate her or- ganization, in the maturity of the gospel day, — that it be studied in the light of the organic principles, which were enstamped upon her at birth, and developed during the ages of her minority. It is perhaps unnecessary to state that the Scripture proofs which are cited, are designed merely as suggestive examples, to be supplemented by the reader, from the abun- dant resources of the sacred volume. Should they, in any case, appear at first sight irrelevant, the solution will pro- bably be found by reference to what is implied, rather than expressly stated in them. With earnest prayers for the welfare of the beloved youth, for whom this labor is especially designed, the author with deference submits it to his brethren. Woodbury, N. J,, March 15, 1864. OPINIONS OF THE WORK. THE FOLLOWING WRITERS REPRESENT EVERY BRANCH OP THE REFORMED CHURCH. From the Kev. Dr. A. T. McGill, of Princeton Theo- logical Seminary. "I have had an opportunity of reading in manuscript 'The Church of Christ/ by Dr. Baird. The examination has been too slight and cursory to warrant me in express- ing full approbation of every thing in the plan of the work and formulas of the answers given. But I am free to say, that I consider it a valuable contribution to the means of catechetical instruction, which have hitherto been so mea- gre in this important branch of religious tuition. ** The great principles of church order and ordinances are conveyed with simplicity, completeness, and scriptural force. What is elsewhere to be found only in vexed and polemical discussion, is here presented in that elementary, positive, and almost self-evident form of statement, which constitutes the peculiar excellence of catechetical instruction. " High ground is taken for the Presbyterian polity ; but not too high for its intrinsic importance, or Biblical evi- dence, or noble traditions, or beautiful proportions in the heritage of truth, for which we testify, and which we are bound to ' make known to our children, that the generation to come might know them.* ** I earnestly commend this manual to the churches. "Alexander T. McGill, Prof, in the Theol. Sem,, Princeton, N. J, « Jdly 8, 1863." 7 OPINIONS OF THE WORK. From the Rev. Dr. J. T. Cooper, of the United Pres- byterian Church, Philadelphia. " I have not reflected suflBciently on each statement of the author to justify me in committing myself to its accuracy. 1 can say, however, with great confidence, that the work as a whole meets my cordial approval, and I do not know that there is any position taken, or sentiment expressed, in which I cannot concur. " I look upon this book as admirably adapted to the end designed, and well calculated to exhibit the scriptural cha- racter of the Presbyterian system. "Joseph T. Cooper, Pastor of the Third United Presbyterian Church, Phila." From the Rev. Dr. T. W. J. Wylie, op the Reformed Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. " ' The Church of Christ,' by Dr. Baird, appears to me to be a work of no usual value. The subjects of which it treats are highly important, and the luminous and terse style in which they are presented embodies a large amount of infor- mation in a space comparatively small. We feel confident that all who read this work, whether or not they agree with every view it presents, will find it interesting and profitable. It is the production of an independent and original thinker, and although the subjects it discusses have been often treated before. Dr. Baird presents them with a freshness and originality which is quite remarkable. We regard the book as a valuable addition to our theological literature, and hope it may be soon published and widely circulated. " T. W. J. Wylie, Prof, in Theol. Sem. of Ref. Pres. Church. "Philadelphia, March 9, 1864:." OPINIONS OF THE WORK. 9 From the Ret. J. F. Berg, d.d., Professor of Didactic AND Polemic Theology in the Seminary of the Re- formed Protestant Dutch Church, New Brunswick, New Jersey. " I have examined Dr. Baird's Church Manual and have been greatly interested in it. Whilst differing from some of the views presented in it, I regard it as a valuable compend, and feel persuaded that it will be of great service to the Church. ..AT T. ^ "J. F. Berg. New Brunswick, June 4, 1864." From the Ret. Henry A. Boardman, d.d.. Pastor of the Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, Pa. " In so far as I can judge from a cursory examination of the Rev. Dr. Baird's Catechism on the ' Church of Christ,' I think it admirable, both in plan and execution. Such a manual has long been needed, and the churches should give it a cordial welcome. " Henry A. Boardman. "Philadelphia, June 8, 1864." From the Rev. H. B. Smith, d.d.. Professor of Syste- matic Theology, Union Seminary, New York. "New York, June 11, 1864. "My Dear Sir:— Your ecclesiastical catechism, from what examination I have been able to give it, appears to me to be comprehensive in its plan and clear in its arrange- ment and definitions. Even those who may not agree with all its theories and statements will be profited by the study of it. It must prove a useful manual to both teachers and students. " Yours truly, "Henry B. Smith." 10 OPINIONS OF THE WORK. From the Rev. T. P. Stetensox, Pastor op the First Reformed Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. " Having examined the proof-sheets of Dr. Baird's cate- chism on 'The Church of Christ/ I can freely give it my hearty recommendation. While just exception may perhaps be taken to particular statements, it is still a most valuable and much needed compend of truth, admirably arranged, and clearly and forcibly expressed. Suitable for all, and promising to be of special service in the instruction of youth, it is a welcome contribution to this department of theological literature. T. P. Stevenson. *' Philadelphia, June 13, 1864." From the Rev. J. H. A. Bomberger, d.d., Pastor of the Race Street German Reformed Church, Philadel-" PHIA. "Philadelphia, June 21, 1864. "My Dear Sir: — Although I have been unable to give your ecclesiastical catechism more than a cursory perusal, I feel convinced of its great value for the end contemplated. To a work so comprehensive in its scope, and dealing neces- sarily Avith many controverted points, a full and unreserved endorsernent cannot be expected ; nor does the withholding of such an endorsement in detail imply any reflection upon the merits of the book as a whole, — upon its general excellence. But I am happy to say, that I have found but few points on which I would differ from you. You will readily surmise that they refer to your views regarding special memorial days. This, however, is a matter of subordinate moment, and there is so much in your work that I can cordially sub- scribe, that it scarcely deserves to be named. The free cir- culation of the work cannot fail to disseminate most valu- able instruction on important subjects. It has, therefore, jny best wishes for success. Very truly yours, " J. H. A. Bomberger." THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. 1. THE RULE OF ORDER. § 1. What is the rule of order for the Church? The Scriptures of the Old and New Testa- ments are the only and suflficient rule for the constitution and order of the Church ; beside which, the Spirit of God therein recognizes no other. Psalm xix. T-11 ; 1 Tim. iii. 14, 15 ; Eph. ii. 20, 21. § 2. What necessity is there for such a rule ? The Church is the depositary of the Word, — the pillar and ground of the truth. Her constitution and order must, therefore, exert a powerful influence upon the publication and efficacy of the gospel ; so that inadequate directions here would imply a deficient in- struction, as to the very means of redemp- 11 12 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. tion, and would leave the people of God, without remedy, to inevitable perplexity and division on the subject. Rom. iii. 2; 1 Tim. iii. 14, 15; 2 Tim. iii. 14-17 ; Phil. iv. 9 ; 2 Pet. i. 19-21 ; Rev. iii. 10. § 3. Do the Scriptures contain systematic directions on the subject ? The instructions of the Scriptures are not given in systematic form, whether as to the doctrines of theology, or the constitution of the Church. But they furnish abundant means to enable the industrious and teach- able to know the will of God, respecting the systematic order of the Church and form of its constitution, as certainly as with reference to the divine system of grace. 1 Tim. iii. 14, 15. § 4. How are the instructions of the Scrip- tures given? The instructions of the Scriptures are given, in the exhibition of general princi- ples,^ in particular directions,^ and in illus- trative examples.^ ' 1 Cor. xii. 11-13, 27-30. ' 1 Tim. iii. 2-15. 3 Acts xiv. 23; PhiL iv. 9; 1 Cor. X. 11. THE RULE OF ORDER. 13 § 5. What purpose does tradition serve ? Tradition may serve to illustrate the teach- ings of the Scriptures. But, when proposed as a rule, its teachings, if supplementary, are unnecessary and dangerous; and, if at vari- ance with the testimony of the Word, are to be rejected, as corrupt and anti-Christian. They are, in their very nature, human ; and inevitably infected with the ignorance, pre- judice and corruption of their source and channel. Mat. XV. 3, 6; Col. ii. 8, 18-23. § 6. What then is the rule of guidance as to the constitution of the Church? The only safe rule is, that whatever may be justly deduced from the general principles, the particular directions, or the examples, given in the Scriptures, is of divine authority; whilst whatever may not be so deduced is un- warranted and pernicious. Isa. viii. 20 ; Mat. xxviii. 20; 2 Tim. i. 13; Gal. i. 8, 9. § 7. What relation do the teachings of the Old Testament bear to the constitution of the Christian Church ? The Church of God is one, and the princi- ples of its organization must, therefore, be 3 14 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. essentially the same under all dispensa- tions;^ so that the principles developed in the Old Testament are of permanent au- thority as to her constitution ; and whatever laws or regulations were given at a former period must remain of binding obligation, until repealed by the same sanction which established them. The teachings, therefore, of the Old Testament continue to be applica- ble on this subject, except as they have been expressly superseded in the New.^ ^ Below, §§41-45; 133-145; Acts vii. 37-39. 2 Kom. xv. 4 ; 2 Tim. iii. 14-17,— ^' Holy Scriptures," that is, of the Old Testa- ment. 2. WHAT IS THE CHURCH? § 8. What is the Church ? The Church is the society of Christ's cove- nant people. Eph. V. 23-27. § 9. What is the visible Church ? The visible Church is the company of those on earth who are visibly associated as disci- ples of Christ. 1 Cor. i. 2. WHAT IS THE CHURCH? 15 § 10. What is the invisible Church ? The Church invisible consists of the whole number of the elect, the body and bride of Christ ; which will be complete at last in heaven. Heb. xii. 23 ; Rev. xxi. 2, 9, 24-27. § 11. What is the Church militant? The militant Church consists of those who are still engaged in the conflict with sin and Satan. Heb. X. 32 ; Eph. vi. 12. § 12. What is the Church triumphant ? The Church triumphant consists of those who have gained the victory and entered into heaven. Rev. XV. 2. § 13. Wherein are the Church visible and invisible identified? The Church visible and invisible are identi- fied by the common presence of the one Spirit of Christ; which, abiding in all the fulness of his glorifying power in the mem- bers of the invisible Church who have en- tered into heaven, dwells also in those who are yet upon earth, as a Spirit of alienation from the world, and testimony for Christ; so, inducing their separation from the world, 16 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. and association with each other, in relations of avowed sympathy, union and co-opera- tion in that testimony; thus giving existence to the visible Church. 1 Cor. xii. 13; John xv. 26, 2T; Gal. v. 16, 17 ; 2 Cor. vi. 17. § 14. What is the office of the visible Church? It is the office of the visible Church to keep the oracles of God, and bear witness to all nations, of his whole testimony therein contained;^ thus, to gather and sanctify the elect ; to admonish and condemn the un- believing; and, so, in each, to magnify the glory of the divine perfections, in the pre- sence of all created intelligences. ^ This office is fulfilled by the ministration of the Word and Sacraments, the exercises of pub- lic worship and of discipline, the publishing of the Scriptures, and the example of holi- ness and charity.^ ^ Rom. iii. 2 ; Mat. xxiv. 14 ; Rev. xi. 3; Rom. xvi. 25, 26. ^ 2 Cor. ii. 14-16; Eph. iii. 10; iv. 11-16. 3 Mark xvi. 15; Col. iii. 16; 1 Cor. xiv. 15, 16; xi. 26; 1 Tim. i. 20; Luke i. 1-4 ; John xxi. 24 ; 1 Tim. vi. 1 ; 1 Thes. ii. 10. WHAT IS THE CHURCH? 17 § 15. Is the visible Church designed to consist solely of the regenerate? That the Church be competent and faith- ful to her testimony, renewing grace must be prevalent among her members. But indivi- duals may be valuable constituents of such a body, and even active witnesses for God, who personally know nothing of his grace. ^ And not only does the manner in which grace is given to men render the exclusive selec- tion of an actually regenerate membership impossible ; but the Scriptures forbid the sup- position that such was the design, and pro- hibit the attempt to realize it in practice.^ ' Mat. vii. 22, 23 ; x. 4, 7, 8. ^ Mat. xiii. 30. § 16. Of whom then does it consist ? The visible Church consists of all those throughout the world that profess the faith of Christ, together with their households. 1 Cor. i. 2 ; Mark x. 14 ; Acts xvi. 15, 33. § 17. Wherein does the unity of the Church consist ? The unity of the Church consists, — not in the oneness of a visible organization, — but in the one baptism of the Spirit, dwelling in all the members and incorporating them into one spiritual body of which Christ is the Head ; 2 * 18 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. and in the consequent unity of faith and tes- timony to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the spirit of love to each other, as members of one family, and heirs of one hope. 1 Cor. xii. 13; Eph. iv. 2-6; John xvii. 23. § 18. Wherein consists the perpetuity of the Church? The perpetuity of the Church consists in the continuous succession, unbroken, to Christ's second coming, of a visible body of witnesses, bound together, not by the bond of a con- nected series of ordinations or officers, as essential thereto; but by the continuous pre- sence of Christ, and communication of his Spirit, and consequent unfailing mainten- ance of a public testimony, on God's behalf, by men chosen and called of him, against the hostility of an apostate world. Mat. xxviii. 20 ; John xiv. 16, 17 ; Mat. xvi. 16, 18; Rev. xi. 3: xxii. 17. 3. THE PRIMEVAL CHURCH. § 19. Has the visible Church existed from the beginning ? From the giving of the promise to our first THE PRIMEVAL CHURCH. 19 parents after the fall, God has always had a witnessing people in the world. But the Church did not receive distinctive visible or- ganization, until the covenant with Abraham. § 20. What were the institutions of re- ligion prior to Abraham ? Worship at stated times and places,^ Preaching,'^ Prophecy,^ and Sacrifices,'* are mentioned before Abraham. ^ Gen. iv. 3, — Margin and original, — "And at the end of days, it came to pass;" that is, — "at the end of a stated period" — the week. Ibid. vs. 16. ^ 2 Pet. ii. 5. 3 Jude 14, 15. ^ Gen. iv. 4 ; viii. 20. § 21. What was Sacrifice ? Sacrifice was a Sacrament of expiation, in which such animals as God had pointed out as clean, or acceptable to him, were slain, and the blood sprinkled and flesh burnt upon his altar, to testify and seal the faith of the worshipper in the death of Christ, as a spot- less victim, chosen of God, and offered on the altar of justice, in atonement for the sins of men. Compare Gen. viii. 20, 21, and Lev. x. 10; John i. 29 ; Heb. vii. 27 ; ix. 9-14. § 22. What was the origin of Sacrifices ? 20 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. The Divine hand clothing our first parents with skins, — the express approval shortly after accorded to Abel's Sacrifice, and the discrimination of clean and unclean animals, and use of the former alone for Sacrifice, be- fore flesh was allowed to man for food, — seem clearly to show this ordinance to have originated in Eden, with God himself; and, whilst the victims smoked upon the altar, their skins, clothing the worshippers, consti- tuted striking symbols of the robe of Christ's righteousness covering their souls. Gen. iii. 21; iv. 4; vii. 1, 2; viii. 20; Rev. iii. 18; vi. 11; vii. 13, 14. § 23. What was the subsequent history of this ordinance? At first, the herb of the field being alone assigned to man for food,^ Sacrifices were wholly consumed upon the altar. But after the deluge, upon occasion of Noah's Sacrifice of deliverance and thanksgiving, God gave him the flesh of all the living creatures for food, and at the same time attached a sacri- ficial significance to its use, by requiring that the blood be always poured out before eating, as being that which made atonement for sin.^ Afterward, in the institutions of Moses, THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT. 21 whilst holocausts or whole burnt offerings were still retained, by far the larger propor- tion of the prescribed Sacrifices were eaten; certain specified portions by the Priests, and the rest by the worshippers, who thus de- clared their trust in the coming Sacrifice, upon whom by faith they fed.^ Finally, up- on the offering of the body of Christ once for all, the sacrificial system was brought to an end by the destruction of Jerusalem. A ves- tige of it still remains, in the prohibition of blood for food ; which was re-enforced upon the Gentile Church, by the Council of Jeru- salem.'* ' Gen. ii. 16; iii. 18. ^ Gen. ix. 3, 4; Lev. xvii. 10-16. 3 Lev. viii. 21 ; Ps. li. 19 ; Num. xYiii. 10, 11, 18, 19; Lev. x. 14; vii. 15-21; John vL 53-58. ''Acts xv. 20, 29. 4. THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT. § 24. What is a Covenant ? A covenant is a sealed agreement between two parties ; by which one or each promises something of value to the other. §25. What is a Seal? 22 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. A seal is a significant token, confirming a covenant. Rom. iv. 11; Gen. xvii. 11. § 26. What were the terms of the Cove- nant with Abraham? The Lord said to Abraham, — '' Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee : And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great, and thou shalt be a blessing : And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee; and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed." Gen. xii. 1-3. § 27. Was this Covenant ever abrogated? At repeated interviews, the terms of the covenant were more fully unfolded and con- firmed ; and further light is shed on them in the New Testament. But in no respect have they ever been changed or superseded. Gen. xvii.; xxii. 16-18; Heb. vi. 13-18. § 28. Who were the Parties to the Cove- nant ? The parties to the covenant were, on the one part, the Lord, Jehovah; and, on the other, Abraham and his seed. THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT. 23 Gen. xvii. 10; xxii. 17, 18. § 29. What were the spiritual blessings promised ? The covenant assured Abraham that Christ should descend from him, — that his spiritual seed, the children of faith, should be innu- merable, that God would be a God to him and to them, — that heaven should be their in- heritance, — and that salvation should be given to all nations, through his Seed, Christ. Gen. xvii. 1-8 ; xxii. 17, 18 ; Gal. iii. 16, 29. § 30. Who were included in the provisions of the Covenant ? The provisions of the covenant had imme- diate respect to the personal household of Abraham, including his children and ser- vants;^ but they also embraced in their ulti- mate scope, the whole elect of God, of all nations.^ ' Gen. xvii. 9, 13, 23-27. ^ Oal. iii. 7-9, 14, 16, 26-29. § 31. What were its conditions ? The only conditions of this covenant were faith in the God of Abraham, and obedience to him; and these were available as well to all others, as to the natural descendants of Abraham. 24 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. Gen. XV. 6; xviii. 19; xxii. 16, 18; Ntim, xiv. 11; Heb. iii. 18; Deut. v. 29; Rom, iv. 3; Heb. xi. 8. § 32. What relation did the temporal bless- ings of the Covenant bear to the spiritual promises ? The multiplication of Abraham's natural posterity, the descent of kings from him, and the gift of Canaan, were symbols and pledges of the better promises of the Cove- nant. Heb. iii. 8—18 ; iv. 8, 9. § 33. Was the spiritual intent of the Cove- nant understood by the Patriarchs ? The Scriptures testify that the faith of the Patriarchs rested on the promises in their true spiritual import. John viii. 56 ; Heb. xi. 8-16; lCor.x.3,4. § 34. What was the seal of the Covenant ? The Covenant was confirmed with Circum- cision, the seal of the righteousness of Abra- ham's faith. Gen. xvii. 11 ; Acts vii. 8; Rom. iv. 11. § 35. What was Circumcision ? Circumcision was a Sacrament which signi- fied and sealed the promise to Abraham, that the Redeemer should be of his seed,^ through THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT. 25. whose blood the true children of Abraham should be cleansed from the guilt and defile- ment of sin.^ As a seal to the promise of the coming Son, it was administered to males only J ' Gen. xvii. 6-10 ; xxii. 17, 18 ; Gal. iii. 16. =^Ex. vi. 30 ; Jer. iv. 4 ; Col. ii. 11. § 36. To whom was this seal to be given? Both Abraham and his adult household were to be circumcised ; and all the male children of his house, of eight days old. Gen. xvii. 12. § 37. Were the infants capable of enter- ing into Covenant ? Not only the infants, but the unborn, to the latest generation, were expressly in- cluded in the Covenant, and held responsi- ble for its violation. Gen. xvii. 9, 14 ; Deut. xxix. 10-21 ; Jer. xxxi. 32. § 38. Should children be thus bound, with- out their consent ? The Covenant required nothing but a reve- rence, faith and obedience to God, which is already by nature due from all ; and which therefore, none can refuse without heinous sin ; whilst it bestowed blessings of priceless 26 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. value, of which the recipients were utterly unworthy, and to which they had no possible claim ; so that the transaction, in its rela- tion to infants, was not merely just, but most loving and gracious. § 39. How was Circumcision enforced ? Neglect of the seal implied unbelief or con- tempt of the promises ; which were, there- upon, recalled ; so that the uncircumcised child, — having no claim of personal merit, and none of parental fidelity to the grace of the Covenant, — was excluded from recogni- tion among the seed to whom the promises were given. Gen. xvii. 14. § 40. Were all the blessings common to the whole house of Abraham ? Ishmael, as a son of Abraham, was cove- nant heir to temporal blessings, and to the means of grace ; and the spiritual privileges held forth in the covenant, were as accessi- ble, by faith, to him and his seed, as, to the son of Sarah. But the fulness of the pro- mises as to the coming Seed, belonged to Isaac. Gen. xvii. 20-23 fxxi. 12, 13. § 41. Under this constitution who com- posed the Church of God ? THE PATRIARCHAL DISPEXSATIOX. 27 The Church under the Abrahamic Cove- nant, consisted of professed believers, their children, and servants belonging to the household. Gen. xvii. 13 ; Ex. xii. 43-45, 48, 49. § 42. Was this a temporary Covenant, or is it of permanent authority ? This was aii everlasting Covenant, which pledged its blessings to believers of all sub- sequent ages and nations of the earth ; and its promises and privileges belong especially to the New Testament Church. It is iden- tical with the Covenant of Grace. Gen. xvii. 7 ; Rom. iv. 11-18 ; ix. 6-8 ; Gal. iii. 7, 19, 29 ; Heb. xi. 39, 40. 5. THE PATRIARCHAL DISPENSATION. § 43. What have been the principal periods in the dispensation of the Covenant ? There are three principal periods in the history of the Covenant ; — the patriarchal dispensation, continuing from the calling of Abraham to the exodus from Egypt, — the Levitical, extending thence to Christ, — and the Christian, included between the first and second comings of Christ. The two former 28 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. are sometimes called the Old Testament dis- pensation ; and the latter, the New. § 44. What ordinances of religion have been common to all dispensations ? The singing of praises;^ prayer, public and private;^ the observance of the Sabbath;^ prophecy, or the preaching of the word of God;^ covenanting;^ and alms-giving,^ have been ordinances of religion in all ages of the Church. ^ Job XXXV. 10 ; 1 Chron. vi. 31 ; Eph. v. 19. 2 Gen. xx. 17 ; xxi. 33 ; Job xlii. 8 ; 2 Chron. vi ; Eph. vi. 18. ^ Gen. ii. 3; Ex. xvi. 22,23,28-30; xx. 8-11; Rev. i. 10. ^2 Pet. ii. 5 ; Deut. xxxiii. 10 ; Mark xvi. 15. * Gen. xxviii. 20-23 ; Neh. ix. 38 ; Acts xviii. 18. ^ Job xxix. 11-16; xxxi. 19 ; Deut. xv. 11 ; Mat. V. 42. ^ § 45. What offices have been common to all dispensations ? The Eldership has belonged to the Church under all dispensations. Ex. iii. 16, 18 ; Num. xi. 16 ; Deut. xxxi. 28 ; Tit. i. 5. § 46. What was the characteristic of the patriarchal constitution? The characteristic feature of the patriar- THE LEV^TICAL DISPENSATION. 29 chal constitution was the office of the patri- arch, who embodied in his person all the functions of priesthood, prophecy, instruction and government. Gen. xii. 7; xxvi. 25; xxxv. 1; Job i. 5; xlii. 8; Gen. xxvii. 28, 29, 39, 40; xlix. 3-27 ; xviii. 19. § 47. How did the Eldership arise out of the patriarchate ? After the death of the first Patriarchs, as the people multiplied, the patriarchal func- tions descended to the heads of families, in a distributive gradation of authority, deter- mined by respect to the concurrence of primo- geniture, age, and moral qualifications. Hence arose the office of the Eldership. Ex. iii. 16 ; iv. 29; Num. xi. 16 ; Deut. i. 15. Comp. Gen. xxvii. 36; xlix. 3, 4; 1 Chr. V. 1, 2 ; Num. i. 2. 6. THE LEYITICAL DISPENSATION. § 48. What event introduced the Levitical dispensation ? The Levitical dispensation was introduced by the institution of the Sacrifice of the Pass- 3 * 30 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. over upon the occasion of the slaying of Egypt's firstborn, and the exodus of Israel. § 49. What was the Passover ? The Passover was a family Sacrament, in which a lamb or kid was slain, its blood sprinkled upon the lintel and doorposts of the house, and the flesh eaten by all the family, with unleavened bread and bitter herbs ; as a symbol and seal of the redemption of Israel's firstborn from the sword of the destroying angel, and of the deliverance of Christ's peo- ple from the bondage of Satan and the curse, by the offering of his blood; and their spiri- tual nourishment to eternal life. Ex. xii. 3-13; 1 Cor. v. 7, 8 ; x. 3, 4. § 50. How did the Passover affect the con- stitution of the Church ? The firstborn, thus saved from the destroy- ing angel, were thereupon set apart by God as holy to himself, and invested with the priestly functions, which had, heretofore, be- longed to the Patriarchs and heads of fami- lies. Ex. xiii. 2, 12, 15 ; xix. 22 ; xxiv. 5. § 51. How long did this order of priest- hood continue ? The priesthood of the firstborn continued THE LEVITICAL DISPENSATION. 31 until they were superseded by the investiture of Aaron and the Levites, at Sinai. Num. iii. 12. § 52. What were the ordinary officers of the Levitical Church ? The ordinary and stated officers of the Levitical Church, as appointed at Sinai, were Priests, Levites, and Elders. Ex. xxviii. 1 ; Num. iii. 6 ; xi. 16 ; Deut. xix. 12. § 53. What essential difference is observ- able in the functions of these officers ? The functions of some of these officers were essentially typical, whilst those of others were pastoral. § 54. Who were the typical officers ? Whilst the Aaronic Priests fulfilled some pastoral duties, their office was, even in this respect, essentially typical ; they originated, and were closely identified, with the taberna- cle and temple service ; and, of necessity passed away with that typical system of which the temple was the grand center. Heb. viii. 4, 5 ; ix. 9-14. § 55. To what class did the Levites be- long? In the essential functions of their office, 32 THE CHUHCII OF CHRIST. as servants of the Priests and temple, the Levites belonged to the typical system, ori ginated with it, and with it, passed away. In giving instruction, they acted as assis- tants to the ordinary pastors of the flock. § b6. Who were the pastors of the Old Testament? The Elders of Israel were the stated pas- tors of the Old Testament Church; it being their office, to govern and instruct the peo- ple. Jer. iii. 15; Isa. xliv. 28; Acts xx. 28. 7. THE PRIESTHOOD. § 57. What effect had the call of Aaron upon the constitution of the Church ? The priesthood which had heretofore been exercised by the firstborn, who werev distri- butive representatives of the several families of Israel, was now, by an emphatically vica- rious substitution,^ vested in the tribe of Levi and family of Aaron, who were representa- tives, — not distributively, but in common, of all Israel.^ The essential unity of the Church in her one Head was thus signalized and sealed. THE PRIESTHOOD. 33 ' Num. iii. 39, 43, 45-47. ' Num. iii. 10 ; Ex. xxviii. 11, 12, 30, 38 ; xxix. 44-46. § 58. How were the Priests appointed ? Aaron and his sons were expressly called of God, and ordained to the priesthood by Moses, who was "to him instead of God,"' by washing them with water, investing them with the priestly garments, anointing them with the holy oil, offering Sacrifices of conse- cration for them, and sprinkling them with the sacrificial blood mingled with the oil; whereupon the priesthood was made here- ditary in the family of Aaron.^ ' Heb. V. 4; Ex. iv. 16. ' Ex. xl. 12-15; xxix. 9; Lev. viii. 1-30 ; xvi. 32. § 59. What was signified by the washing with water ? The washing of the Priests by Moses, ap- pears to have signified the holiness with which the Father, by his Spirit, clothed the humanity of the Son, in constituting him our great High Priest. Heb. vii. 26; x. 5-10; Luke i. 35. § 60. What was the significance of the holy anointing oil? The holy anointing oil, poured upon Priests, Kings and Prophets, was a symbol 34 THE CHURCU OF CHRIST. of the comforting, enlightening and guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, bestowed upon the Son of God, in his investiture as Mes- siah.^ It sealed to the recipients, a like pre- sence of the Holy Spirit, sustaining and di- rectinor them, in the fulfilment of their re. spective offices.^ 1 Isa. Ixi. 1 ; Luke iv. 18, 21 ; Ps. xlv. 7 ; ii. 2 ; Ixxxix. 20, 21. ^ i Sam. x. 1, 9, 10 ; xi. 6 ; xvi. 13, 14 ; 1 Kings xix. 15, 16 ; Ex. XXX. 23-33. § 61. How were the Priests divided ? All the sons of Aaron were Priests, and qualified to perform the ordinary functions of the office ; but the head, or chief Elder of the family, was the High Priest, and alone competent to fulfil its most important duties. Heb. ix. 6, 7 ; Lev. xvi. 32, 33. § 62. What were the functions of the priesthood ? The Priests were mediators between Israel and God, whose office it was, to ofier upon the altar the sin ofi'erings and other oblations of the people, — to make intercession and atonement on their behalf, — to inquire for them by Urim and Thummim, — to teach them when assembled before the Lord, his laws THE PRIESTHOOD. 35 and statutes, — to judge them, in the last re- sort according thereto, — and to bless them. Lev. vi. 7 ; vii. 7, 12 ; Ex. xxviii. 30 ; Deut. xxxiii. 10; xvii. 9; Mai. ii.7; Num. vi. 23-27. § 63. What was the peculiar office of the High Priest ? Whilst the other Priests ministered, daily, in the first tabernacle or Holy Place, ^ — the High Priest, once every year, on the day of atonement, entered through the vail, into the Holy of Holies, and sprinkled the ark and mercy-seat with the blood of atone- ment.'^ ^ Heb. ix. 6 ; Num. xviii. 1, 7 ; xxviii. 2, 3. '^ Lev. xvi. § 64. What was the design of these ordi- nances? The Priests, in all their functions, were types setting forth to Israel the offices of the Lord Jesus Christ, whose one entrance into heaven and intercession in the presence of God for us was pre-eminently typified by the entrance of the High Priest, once a year, into the Holy of Holies. Heb. ix. 9-28. § 65. Where were the Priests stationed ? The Priests were stationed at the sanctuary 36 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. where alone the law permitted the ordinary offering of sacrifices. Num. iii. 10 ; Lev. xvii. 4, 5 ; Deut. xii. 13, 14. 8. THE LEVITES. § 66. "What occasioned the call of the Levites ? The tribe of Levi, having atoned with the sword for the idolatry of the golden calf, God commanded them to be taken to minis- ter before him, instead of the firstborn ; who, as Priests, doubtless officiated in the idola- trous festival. Ex. xxxii. 26-29 ; Deut. xxxiii.' 8-11 ; Num. iii. 6-13 ; 45-47 ; viii. 16-19. § 67. How were the Levites set apart ? The Levites were cleansed by the sprink- ling of their persons with water, and other rites of purifying ; and then brought before the tabernacle, and there devoted, as an offering of Israel to the Lord, by the laying on of the hands of the whole congregation ; and the offering of sacrifices. Num. viii. 7-13. § 68. What were the duties of the Levites ? The Levites ministered to the Priests at THE ELDERS. 37 the sanctuary, fulfilling the more laborious offices there requisite.^ A portion of them conducted the musical services of the temple.^ Others were appointed as judges, to teach the people the knowledge of the divine law, and determine causes in accordance there- with.^ They constituted the learned class ; and would seem to have been the lawyers and scribes of the New Testament ; the tribal designation occurring but three times in that part of the Scriptures."* With such func- tions and relations to all Israel, they were dis- tributed in towns and villages throughout the nation, without landed interest, or cares of agriculture.^ 'Num. iii. 6-9; iv. 1-49: 1 Chr. xxiii. 27-32. 2 1 Chr. xxiii. 5 ; xxv. 1-7. ^ Deut. xxxiii. 10; 1 Chr. xxiii. 4; 2 Chr. xvii. 7-9; XXX. 22; xxxv. 3; Neh. viii. 7-9. '^Luke X. 32 ; John i. 19 ; Acts iv. 36. ^ Deut. xxxiii. 10 : Num. xxxv. 8 ; Josh. xiii. 33. 9. THE ELDERS. § 69. What were the Elders ? The Elders were the ordinary rulers and teachers of the Church of Israel. 4 38 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. § 70. How did the office arise ? The office of the Eldership grew out of the prerogatives of the firstborn. § 71. Whence did these originate ? The prerogatives of the firstborn originated from the fact that they were the beginning of the strength of the father's house, and from their superior age, with its attendant qualifications ; with ultimate reference, in both respects, to the Only Begotten Son, who is the firstborn among many brethren. Gren. xlix. 3 ; Rom. viii. 29. § 72. What were the prerogatives of the firstborn ? To the firstborn belonged pre-eminence of dignity and power, the priesthood, and a double portion of the inheritance. Gen. xlix. 3 ; Ex. xiii. 2 ; Deut. xxi. 17. § 73. Did these invariably attach to the firstborn ? The rights of the firstborn might be for- feited, whereupon they passed to the next in the order of age. § 74. What remarkable illustrations are there of this ? Esau sold his birthright to Jacob. Reu- ben, Jacob's firstborn, forfeited his right by THE ELDERS. 39 incest ; Simeon and Levi, the next heirs, were deprived of theirs for their treachery with the men of Shechem ; and the inheri- tance was divided ; Judah, the next son of Leah, was made heir to the government ; JosejDh, Rachel's firstborn, received the dou- ble portion, and became two tribes ; whilst Levi recovered part of the birthright, in ac- quiring the priesthood. Gen. XXV. 33, 34 ; xlix. 3-7, 9, 10 ; 1 Chron. V. 1, 2. § 75. To whom then belonged the govern- ment, in Israel ? The government was exercised by those who combined the most eminent moral quali- fications with primogeniture. It vested ordi- narily in the heir of an elder branch of the family, — who was hence called, the Elder; but not always in the oldest person, nor heir of the oldest branch. Num. xi. 16 ; Deut. i. 13-15. § 76. How were the Elders designated ? The Elders were designated by the voice of the people. Deut. i. 13-15 ; xvi. 18 ; Jud. xi. 11 ; 2 Sam. vi. 1. § 77. How was the government organized ? 40 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. In the continual growth and subdivision of tribes and families, their respective heads or elders, held the posts of dignity, as rulers respectively of tribes, of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens ; not upon a scale of numerical accuracy, but according to the gradation of numbers resulting from the tribal subdivisions of tribe-families, chief houses, houses of fathers, and households.* Of these various grades of families or clans, the head or ruler, in his relation as rep- resentative of its ancestor, was called Fa- ther,^ and, in regard to his primogeniture, — Elder. ' Num. i. 4-16 ; Deut. i. 15 ; Ex. xii. 3 ; Num. i. 2 ; iii. 24, 30, 35 ; xxv. 14 ; Josh. vii. 17, 18; xiv. 1 ; 2 Chron. xxxv. 4, 5. 2 Num. xxxi. 26 ; 1 Chr. ix. 34 ; xxiv. 31 ; xxvi. 31, 32; 2 Chron. xxvi. 12; Ezra i. 5; Neh. vii. TO. § 78. What were the duties of the El- ders ? The Elders were appointed to decide all questions of litigation arising in their re- spective jurisdictions, according to the law of God ; to execute its sentence against transgressors; and with the co-operation of THE ELDERS. 41 the Levites, to teach the people the good knowledge of the Lord. '^ Deut. xxi. 18-21; Num. xi. 16, 17; Deut. i. 15, 16 ; xxxi. 9-13. Proofs of §131. § 79. Did the Elders of Israel exercise legislative powers ? God himself was the only law-giver in Israel. The laws given by him could neither be set aside, modified, nor supplemented by any human authority ; and it was the sole duty of the Elders and officers to execute the laws which were thus divinely enacted. Isa. xxxiii. 22 ; Deut. iv. 1, 2 ; xii. 32 ; xiii. 4. § 80. What was the Sanhedrim ? The Sanhedrim was an administrative coun- cil, consisting, originally, of seventy Elders, who were associated with Moses in the execu- tive management of the affairs of the nation. Num. xi. 16, 17, 24-30. § 81. How did this body originate ? Even in Egypt there seems to have been a certain number of the chief Elders, who ex- ercised a general charge over the affairs of the nation ; and who, as its recognized re- presentatives, were known by the distinctive designation of, ''the Elders of Israel."^ At 4 * 42 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. Sinai, seventy men thus designated were called With Moses, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, to the foot of the mount, saw and feasted in the presence of God, and were left there to await the return of Moses, when he ascended the mount to receive the tables of the law.^ After leaving Sinai, Moses, complaining of the burden of the administration, aggravated by the frequent rebellions of the people, was commanded to bring before God seventy men, whom he knew to be " the Elders of the people and officers over them." These God en- dowed with the Spirit and ordained to join with Moses in the administration.^ The style of description here used, and the incident respect- ing Eldad and Medad,"* would seem clearly to indicate this seventy to have been a body of men already well known ; in all probability identical with the seventy who at Sinai saw the God of Israel, and with the Elders of Israel who accompanied Moses into the presence of Pharaoh. They probably consisted of the twelve princes of the tribes, and fifty-eight others of a grade of authority next below them. ' Ex. iii. 16-18; xii. 21; xvii. 5; xviii. 12; Num. xi. 30. =^Ex. xxiv. 1, 9-14. ^Num. xi. 16, 17, 24-30. ' Ibid. 26-29. OTHER OT'FICERS — THE KINGS. 43 § 82. What was the subseqaent history of the Sanhedrim ? Whilst no significance seems to have been attached to the particular number seventy, the council of "the Elders of Israel," con- tinued to be a recognized body;^ and was called together from time to time, as the cir- cumstances of the nation required it.'^ After the captivity, it was reorganized, and fixed at seventy members, and was that council or senate before which Jesus and his disciples were brought.^ ^ Compare Numb. xi. 16, 30; Deut. xxvii. 1; xxxi. 9; Josh. vii. 6. ^ Josh. xxiv. 1; Judges xxi. 16 ; 1 Sam. viii. 4; 2 Sam. v. 3; 1 Kings viii. 3 ; 1 Chr. xxi. 16. ^ Mat. xxvi. 47, 57, 59; Acts iv. 8, 15; v. 21; xxii. 30; xxiii. 1, 6, 15, 28. 10. OTHER OFFICERS.— THE KINGS. § 83. What other officers were given to the Old Testament Church ? The Old Testament Church was endowed with a number of other officers, such as Moses and Joshua, the Judges, Kings, Presidents of the captivity, and Prophets. 44 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. § 84. What relation did they sustain to the Church ? Except the Kings, they all were extraor- dinary officers, sent in view of special emer- gencies of the Church, and were all types of the Lord Jesus Christ in the various func- tions of his office, as her redeemer from Satan's bondage, her deliverer from all ene- mies, her ruler and teacher, and her leader into the rest of Canaan. Isa. xxxii. 22; Deut. xviii. 18; Acts iii. 22. § 85. What were the Kings ? According to the Levitical constitutions, God himself was the only King, or supreme governor of Israel. But the kingly office was afterward superadded to the system, and the house of David became therein the stand- ing type of Messiah's royalty, as the family of Aaron was of his priesthood. 1 Sam. viii. 7, 8;, x. 19; xii. 12; Psalm ii. 6; Ixxxix. 20, 35-37; Acts ii. 25-36. § 86. How was monarchy introduced ? Israel having demanded a King, Samuel was commissioned to admonish them that this was a rejection of God himself from being their King; and yet to accede to their per- sistent request; with the provision, that their OTHER OFFICERS — THE KINGS. 45 Kings should be God's vicegerents, and that the divine law should be the unalterable con- stitution of the kingdom. 1 Sam. viii. 7; x. 25 ; xii. 13-15, 25; xv. 22, 23. § 87. How were the Kings designated ? God, as paramount sovereign of the nation, appointed Saul to the throne ; and, upon his rebellion, set him aside and called David ; to whom and to his seed he gave the kinordom by a perpetual covenant. ISam. ix. 16; xv. 23; xvi. 12, 13; 2 Sam. vii. 16; Ps. Ixxxix. 4. § 88. How were the Kings set apart ? The Kings were set apart to their office by anointing them with the holy oil. 1 Sam. X. 1; xvi. 12, 13 ; 1 Kings i. 34, 39 ; 2 Kings ix. 6 ; xi. 12 ; Above, § 60. § 89. What was the function of the Kings ? The Kings were executive officers, whose authority was strictly limited to the enforc- ing of the law of God, which they could neither change nor set aside. ^ They were also the commanders of the armies for the defense of Israel and the execution of the di- vine judgments upon her enemies.'^ ^Deut. xvii. 14-20; 1 Sam. xv. 22, 23; 46 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. 1 Kings ii. 1-4; 1 Chr. xxii. 12, 13; xxviii. 5, 7; xxix. 19; 1 Kings xi. 11, 33-38. ^ i Sam. ix. 16 ; x. 1 ; xv. 1-3. § 90. Were any of these offices purely se- cular ? Israel was a holy nation, a kingdom of priests, whose very existence was founded in the Abrahamic covenant, fidelity to which was the sole and essential condition of citizenship. God himself was her King, — the author of her laws, and official superior of her officers ; all whose duties were functions of divine au- thority, subject in every ordinary case, to re- vision and ultimate judgment at the tribunal of the Sanhedrim or council of seventy, where He presided by Urim and Thummim ; — so that there were no merely secular offices pro- per to Israel. Ex. xix. 6 ; Deut. i. IT ; Ex. xviii. 26 ; Num. xi. 17 ; Deut. xxi. 5 ; Ex. xxviii. 30 ; Num. xxvii. 21; Jud. xx. 18, 23, 26-28; 1 Sam. xxiii. 6, 9-12; xxviii. 6. 11. PRIVILEGES OF ISRAEL. • § 91. What privileges belonged to the mem- bers of the Old Testament Church ? PRIVILEGES OF ISRAEL. 47 The privileges enjoyed by the members of the Old Testament Church embraced the pro- mises and seals of the covenant ; — a title to God as the God of Israel; to Canaan, as the type, and heaven, as the inheritance of faith ; to Circumcision, the Baptisms, Passover, Sa- crifices, and other ordinances of the taberna- cle and temple service; and to the social privileges, the instructions, and the worship enjoyed by the people in their local commu- nities. Deut. iv. 7, 8; v. 33 ; vi. 3-9, 24, 25. § 92. Did these privileges belong to all the natural offspring of Abraham? Isaac only of all the sons of Abraham re- tained possession of the privileges of the Church; — of his sons, Esau forfeited the blessing, and of Jacob's seed many were ex- cluded. Gen. xxi. 12 ; xxv. 32-34 ; xxviii. 4; Num. xiv. 23 ; xix. 20. § 93. To whom then did these pertain? All clean persons were entitled to the privileges of the Church of Israel. Gen. XXXV. 2 ; Lev. xv. 31 ; Num. ix. 13. § 94. Who were the unclean ? There were two classes of unclean persons. 48 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. — those who were temporarily defiled with ceremonial uncleanness ; and those who were permanently unclean, such as the leper, the bastard, and the uncircumcised. § 95. "What were the provisions concerning these respectively ? The ceremonially unclean were suspended from the social and public privileges of re- ligion, until the prescribed process of purifi- cation was accomplished; the leper, until he was healed and cleansed ; the bastard was ex- cluded for. ten generations ; and the uncir- cumcised, until he submitted to that rite. Num. xix. 19; Lev. vii. 20; xiv. 3-9; Deut. xxiii. 2 ; Ex. xii. 48. § 96. What was the eifect of thp,se regula- tions ? The eff'ect of these regulations was to ad- monish all, of the holiness which becomes God's house ; and to exclude from the com- munion of Israel all whose faith was not ade- quate to induce a diligent conformity of their lives and conduct to the requirements of the divine law. § 97. Were the privileges restricted to Abraham's natural seed ? With certain specific exceptions, the privi- PRIVILEGES OF ISRAEL. 49 leges of the Church were as free to the Gen- tiles as they were to Israel. Ex. xii. 49; Num. ix. 14; xv. 15, 16; 1 Kings viii. 41-43; ix. 3. § 98. What were the exceptions ? The children of Moab and Ammon were for special reasons, excluded for ten genera- tions, and the Egyptians and Edomites for three. Deut. xxiii. 3, 7, 8. § 99. What then was the condition of mem- bership in the Levitical Church ? With these exceptions, — to all alike, whether of Israel or the Gentiles, the condi- tion of membership in the Levitical Church was one and the same, — professed acceptance of God, as their God, — implying faith in his promises, and obedience to his laws. Ex. xii. 48, 49 ; Num. ix. 14; xv. 14-16 ; Heb. xi. 8; Rom. iv. 11-14; Euth i. 16; ii. 12. § 100. What eifect had the erection of the temple upon the constitution of the Church ? Upon the erection of the temple, the ark and the annual festivals, which had previously removed from place to place, were located permanently there; the Priests and Levitea 5 50 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. were distributed into courses, and assigned to stated tours of duty ; and the prescriptions of the law were more systematically observed ; but otherwise there was no modification in the system. Deut. xii. 5; 2 Chr. vi. 41; vii. 16; viii. 13, 14. 12. THE ORDINANCES. § 101. What were the principal ordinances of public worship and instruction ? Beside the daily services of sacrifice and song at the temple, all the males were re- quired to assemble there, three times a year, to observe the feasts of the Passover, of weeks, and of tabernacles, — to celebrate the praises of God, and receive instruction out of his law; the whole of which was read publicly every seventh year, in the year of release, at the feast of tabernacles, when all Israel, men, women and children, were required to be pre- sent. Deut. xvi. 16; xxxi. 10-13; Neh. viii. 1-3, 18; Lukeii. 41, 46. § 102. What were the Sacraments of the Levitical dispensation ? THE ORDINANCES. 51 The Sacraments of the Levitical dispensa- tion were Sacrifice, Circumcision, the Pass- over, and Baptism. Above, §§ 21, 3d, 49. § 103. How many kinds of washings were instituted ? There were two kinds of washings under the Levitical dispensation ; those which were for the cleansing of minor ceremonial defile- ments, and the Baptism of purification for sin. § 104. Were these both Sacramental? Only the Baptism of purification for sin was Sacramental, as it alone was a seal to covenant promises.' The other was a moni- tory symbol of the cultivation of personal holiness by the believer. ^ ' Heb. ix. 19, 20 ; Ex. xxiv. 5-8. ^ jga. i. 16 ; Jer. iv. 14 ; 2 Cor. vii. 1. § 105. Wherein did the baptismal Sacra- ment consist ? The baptismal Sacrament consisted in sprinkling the person of the unclean with the water of separation, — which was living, that is, pure running water, in which had been mingled sacrificial blood or ashes, with scar- let wool, cedar-wood and hyssop. 52 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. Lev. xiv. 4-7 ; Num. xix. 17-19 ; Heb. ix. 19. § 106. Wherein did this Baptism differ from the other washings as to the adminis- trator ? Those washings which signified the culti- vation of personal holiness, — the putting away of the filthiness of flesh and spirit, — were performed by the subject himself;^ whilst those which were symbols of gifts bestowed were administered to the recipients by others, — by Moses, when acting as High Priest, — by the Priests, — and by any clean person belonging to the "kingdom of Priests. "2 ' Lev. xi. 40 ; xiv. 8, 9 ; xv. 5-13. ^ Heb. ix. 19-24 ; Ex. xxiv. 8 ; Num. viii. 7 ; Num. xix. 19 ; Ex. xix. 6. § 107. How did they differ as to the mode of application ? All those Baptisms which were designed to symbolize grace from above, purifying the unclean, were administered by sprinkling the person; in allusion to the descent of rain from heaven ;^ whilst the others were performed by a free use of water, without direction or restriction, as to the mode of application.'^ THE ORDINANCES. 53 ^ Psalm Ixxii. 6 ; Isa. xliv. 3 ; xxxii. 15, 16 ; Ezek. xxxvi. 25-27. ^ Lev. xv. 5-13 ; xvi. 4 ; Isa. Hi. 11. § 108. To whom was Baptism adminis- tered ? Baptism was the seal of investiture with covenant privileges ; and as such, was admin- istered, originally, to the whole congregation of Israel, upon their exodus from Egypt, and entrance into covenant with God at Sinai ;^ subsequently, to the Levites, upon their consecration,^ — to such as having been excluded from the communion of Israel, for leprosy, were healed and restored,^ — to those who had been under suspension, for defile- ment by the dead,^ — and to Gentiles upon admission to the Church and privileges of Israel.^ It was also applied to dwellings, furniture and utensils, which had been de- filed with the dead.^ ' Heb. ix. 19 ; Ex. xxiv. 6-8. ^ Num. viii. 7. 3 Lev. xiv. 4-7 ; 49-53. " Num. xix. 18, 19 ; xxxi. 19, 22, 23. ^Num. xxxi. 19, 23. (Is not this ordinance the key to the mean- ing of Paul in 1 Cor. xv. 29 ?— " If the dead rise not, what means that baptism from death which implies to the recipient deliverance 5* 54 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. from it, bj the indwelling Spirit shed down as the Spirit of life, not to the soul only, but to the body also." See Rom. viii. 2, II. That the ceremonial law, and therefore this baptism, was still observed in the Christian church, when Paul Avrote this argument, see below, §§ 142—149.) § 109. What was the meaning of this Bap- tism? This Sacrament signified and sealed the cleansing efficacy of the blood and Spirit of the slain, yet living and ascended Saviour,' shed down from heaven ; by which are given spiritual life to the soul, purging from the guilt and defilement of sin, and deliverance, in the resurrection, from the power of death.^ ' Lev. xiv. 5, 7. ^ John iii. 5 ; Ps. li. 5-11 ; Heb. ix. 19-24 ; Rom. viii. 11 ; 1 Cor. xv. 29. Compare below, § 205. § 110. What meant the variations in the preparation of the elements ? The only variations between the Baptism of the congregation and of the leper, were of such a nature as were incident to the appro- priate use of larger animals in the former case than in the latter. For the unclean by THE ORDINANCES. 55 the dead, — since sacrifice was unlawful, ex- cept at the sanctuary, — the ashes of purify- ing were provided, as containing all the pre- scribed elements, in a form suitable for con- veyance thence to every part of the land, and for being kept in readiness for the ordi- nary emergency of death ; and, instead of the priests, any clean person was allowed to administer it, for the manifest reason, that often there might be no priest accessible. Num. xix. 9, 10, 18-20 ; Deut. xii. 13, 14. § 111. What mention is made of this Bap- tism in the New Testament? Beside the Baptism of John,^ the washings and Baptisms of their persons and utensils which were used by the Pharisees, would seem evidently identical with the Levitical washings and the Baptism of purification for sin, multiplied by the Pharisees beyond what was written, through an overmuch right- eousness, — the latter, probably under the pre- tence that in the course of their walks they might unwittingly have come in contact with a human bone, or grave, or with one defiled by the dead.^ ^ Below, §202. ^ Mark vii. 2-4, — In the original, the second and third verses read 56 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. "unwashen," and "wash;" but in verse 4 it is, "except they baptize," and "baptisms of cups," &c. See Num. xix. 18; Heb. ix. 10. § 112. What were the duties of family re- ligion in Israel ? Heads of families were required to have their male children circumcised, at eight days old, — to instruct their households assiduously in the law of God, and in the history of his dealings with Israel, — to exercise discipline upon them and enforce obedience to the di- vine law, — and to take them up to the assem- blies, at the three annual feasts. Gen. xvii. 12; Ex. iv. 24, 25; Deut. vi. 7-9,20-25; xxi. 18; 1 Sam. iii. 13; Ex. xxxiv. 23; Deut. xvi. 11, 14, 16. 13. THE SYNAGOGUE. § 113. What other provision was made for social instruction and worship ? The sanctity of the Sabbath, the function of the Levites as teachers, and their disper- sion throughout the land, the duty of the Elders to know the law, to disseminate that knowledge, and to rule according thereto, and the duty of all to cultivate ac(][uaintance THE SYNAGOGUE. 57 with the divine will, would seem to imply a strong probability that religious assemblies were frequent, in the communities of Israel. § 114. Are any such mentioned? Traces of such assemblies are found in the ministry of Samuel and Elisha, in the Psalms, and elsewhere in the Old Testament ; but the complete and systematic organization of the Synagogue service probably took place after the return from the captivity. 1 Sam. X. 5 ; 2 Kings ii. 3, 5, 7 ; iv. 23, 38; vi. 1; Ps. Ixxiv. 8; cvii. 32; 2 Chr. xvii. 9. § 115. Did the Synagogue system intro- duce new principles of organization? The nation had been so dislocated by the captivities that the Eldership probably bore fewer traces of the original law of family primogeniture. But, otherwise, the Syna- gogue system was nothing more than a stated assembly for the performance of duties which were always binding, and had from the first been fulfilled, in a more casual manner. § 116. What was the order of the Syna- gogue service? The service in the Synagogues was held on every Sabbath day, and consisted in read- 58 THE CHURCH OF CHEIST. ing the Scriptures, exposition and exhorta- tion thereon, prayers and songs of praise/ conducted under the supervision of the El- ders, by Levites, Elders, or other competent persons whom the Elders invited and di- rected.^ 1 Acts XV. 21 ; Luke iv. 16, 21 ; Mat. vi. 5; 1 Sam. x. 5; Mat. xxvi. 30. ^ Luke xiii. 14 ; Acts xiii. 15. § 117. What was the constitution of the Synagogue Eldership ? The Eldership of the Synagogue consisted of the ordinary Elders of the vicinage; over whom, when assembled, one presided as chief ruler. Deut. xxi. 6; Ruth iv. 2; Mark v. 22; Acts xiii. 15; xviii. 8, 17. § 118. "What were the prerogatives of the Elders? The Elders had jurisdiction over minor causes, arising under the law of God, with power of scourging, and of excommunica- tion,' they presided over the Synagogue ser- vices, and themselves taught the people, in that assembly.^ 1 Deut. xxii. 18; Mat. x. 17; John ix. 22, 34. 2 Mat. XV. 2 ; Luke xiii. 14. EXPENSES OF RELIGION. 59 §119. What was the court of superior jurisdiction ? The Synagogues were subordinate to the Sanhedrim, or great council of Elders, sit- ting at Jerusalem. Above, §82; Deut. xvi. 18; xvii. 8,9; Num. xi. 16, 17 ; Acts xxii. 5, 30 ; xxiii. 1, 2. § 120. Was the Synagogue system of di- vine authority? Not only did the Synagogue system accord perfectly with the general principles of the law, as addressed to Israel, but it received the highest sanction from the Son of God, by his own constant attendance, and that of his Apostles, upon its services, and participation in them; and by his express assertion of their authority. Mat. iv. 23; ix. 35; Mark i. 21; Luke iv. 16; Acts ix. 20; xiii. 14, 15; xiv. 1; xvii. 2; xviii. 4; Mat. xxiii. 2-7, compare vii. 29. 14. EXPENSES OF RELiaiON. § 121. What provision was made for the expenses of the Levitical system ? Two annual tithes of all the increase of the soil, of the flocks, and of the herds ;' the firstling males of clean animals, the re- 60 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. demption money for unclean firstlings and for firstborn sons,'^ and the first fruits of the annual harvests,^ were statedly appropriated to the service of God, in addition to the several Sacrifices and oblations which were enjoined upon the people, in occasional atone- ment for sin and purification from unclean- ness ; and those free will offerings which they were encouraged to make.^ ' Lev. xxvii. 30-32 ; Num. xviii. 21, 24 ; Deut. xiv. 22. ^^x. xiii. 12; Num. xviii. 15, 16. ^Ex. xxii. 29; xxxiv. 22; Deut. xxvi. 2-11. ''Lev. xxvii. 2, 9, 14, 17 ; Num. xviii. 14 ; Lev. xxii. 18-29 ; Deut. xvi. 16. § 122. How were these distributed ? These appropriations were distributed to the maintenance of the Priests and Levites, the support of the poor, and the expenses in- cident to the attendance of the people upon the annual feast,s, and the other duties of personal and family religion. § 123. What was the provision for the Levites ? A full proportion of tlie cities and townt^ of Canaan with their suburbs Avas assigned to the Levites for dwellings ;' they received the first tithe of all the increase of the land, EXPENSES OF RELIGION. 61 of the flocks and herds as well as of the soil f were entitled to share freely with the people in their annual feasts, at the sanctuary and in their dwellings, and with the poor, in the second tithe of the third year f and were commended to the special benefactions of the people.'* ^ Num. XXXV. 2-5 ; Josh. xxi. 1-42. '^ Lev. xxvii. 30-32 ; Num. xviii. 21, 24. ^ D^ut. xii. 12 ; xiv. 28, 29 ; xxvi. 11, 12. ^ D^ut. xii. 19 ; xiv. 27. § 124. What was the provision for the Priests ? To the Priests belonged a tenth part of the Levitical tithe. ^ They were entitled to certain parts of all animals offered in sacri- fice, except the whole burnt offerings.^ All the firstlings were theirs, the fat of which however must be burnt upon the altar ; and to them belonged the annual first fruits of the land,^ and all the dedicated things of the children of Israel.^ 'Num. xviii. 25-32. ""J^eut. xviii. 3; Num. xviii. 8-11. ^Num. xviii. 15-19, 11- 13; Deut. xviii. 3-5. ^Num. v. 8-10. § 125. What were the regulations respect- ing the poor ? 6 62 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. The more favoured Israelites were en- joined to lend their needy brethren what- ever they required, without interest or re- ward, and without regard to the approach of the year of release, which, recurring every seven years, cancelled all debts ; whilst the fiftieth year, the year of jubilee, restored to every man his landed estate, free of all in- cumbrance.^ They were entitled to enter any field or vineyard, and eat, without re- striction, of the fruit, provided they carried nothing away.'^ The gleanings belonged to them, whilst the harvesters were required to leave a liberal portion to the gleaners.^ The second tithe of every third year was theirs, together with the spontaneous fruits of the seventh year, and they were commended to the free and liberal charities of their breth- ren at all times."* »Ex. xxii. 25-27; Lev. xxv. 35-38; Deut. XV. 7-11; Ps. xxxvii. 26. ^Deut. xxiii. 24, 25 ; Mat. xii. 1. ^Lev. xix. 9, 10; xxiii. 22 ; Ruth ii. 15, IG. '^Deut. xiv. 28, 29 ; xxvi. 12-14 ; Ex. xxiii. 11; Lev. xxv. 35; Deut. XV. 7, 8; Ps. cxii. 9. § 126. What other expenses were incident to the system ? THE CHURCH AT CHRIST'S COMING. 63 Beside the three annual feasts/ and the expenses of the various purifications, and the other sacrifices and ofi'erings ^Yhich were prescribed,^ the second tithe was appropriated to feasting before God at the sanctuary, ex- cept every third year, when it was expended upon the poor at home.^ ' Ex. xxiii. 14, 17. ^ Lev. xii. 6-8 ; xv. 14, 29; Num. vi. 10-12. ^Deut. xiv. 22-29. 15. THE CHURCH AT CHRIST'S COMINa. § 127. Was the divine model of the Church fully realized under the Old Testament ? The divine constitution of the Church was greatly corrupted by Israel. § 128. What direction did the earlier cor- ruptions assume ? The earlier corruptions arose from disre- gard of those provisions which were designed to separate the Church of Israel from the de- filement and idolatries of other nations ; and resulted in frequent idolatrous apostasies. Jud. ii. 12; 2 Chron. xxxvi. 14. § 129. What was the later tendency? The captivities cured Israel of their fond- ness for other nations, and induced the op- 64 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. posite extreme, in a disposition to exaggerate the privileges of Abraham's offspring, and disparage all others, and to draw the line of demarcation between Jew and Gentile so broadly as to exclude the latter from any title to the blessings of the covenant and the favour of God. Acts X. 28; xi. 3, 18; xxii. 21, 22. § 130. What was the condition of the Jew- ish Church at the coming of Christ ? At the time of Christ's coming the Jewish Church had become greatly corrupted both in doctrine and practice. § 131, How was the doctrine of the Church corrupted ? Instead of faithful exposition of the law of God, the Elders had overlaid and superceded it with their traditions; in which the ordi- nances of divine service were encumbered with burdensome additions, — the moral pre- cepts explained away, — the doctrine of the Abrahamic covenant perverted, — the cha- racter of the coming Seed altogether misap- prehended, — the interest of the Gentile world in him ignored, — and the significance of the types and ceremonies of the Levitical sys- tem, as pointing to him, overlooked. THE NEW DISPENSATION. 65 Mat. XV. 2-6; John viii. 19, 39; i. 26; Mat. xxiii. 23 ; xxii. 42-46 ; 2 Cor. iii. 14, 15. § 132. How was the constitution and order of the Church corrupted? Lineal descent from Abraham and scrupu- lous observance of the traditions of the El- ders, were regarded as constituting the high- est title to the privileges and promises of Israel, instead of true faith and obedience to God ; while the truth was hidden from the Gentiles, by the corruptions of the Elders, the law of God rendered odious by the added ceremonies, and by the pride and hostility of the Jews, and the door of entrance encum- bered by a multitude of initiatory rites ; so that, practically, the Gentiles were deprived of their rightful privileges in the Church of God. Luke iii. 8 ; John viii. 33, 39 ; iv. 9 ; Acts X. 28; xxi. 28, 29. 16. THE NEW DISPENSATION. § 133. Was the Old Testament Church dis- solved by Christ? Neither Christ nor his Apostles intimate a design to dissolve the existing Church, or to erect a new one ; nor have we any account 6 * 66 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. of such a transaction ; but the lineal identity of the Christian Church with that of Israel is constantly testified and illustrated. Rom. ix. 6; xi. 19; iv. 11-17. § 134. Was there any change in the essen- tial nature of the society? The Church still remains "what from the beginning it was ordained to be, — an or- ganized instrument of testimony to the truth of God. Isa. Ix. 1-3; Mat. v. 14; Eph. iii. 8-10; 1 Tim. iii. 15. § 135. Was there any change as to the matter of the testimony? The Church is now commissioned to testify of the promised Seed as already come, and of his work as accomplished. But the pro- mises made to Abraham, and witnessed by the ancient Church, included all the blessings of the New Testament; and the word of Christ and his Apostles is nothing more than an exposition of that same gospel which God preached before to Abraham. Heb. vi. 12-20; Acts iii. 25, 26; xiii. 23,' 32, 33 ; Gal. iii. 8. § 136. Are the essential principles of the organization changed ? THE NEW DISPENSATION. 67 The fundamental organic principles, of tlie unity of the Church, — its subdivision into local communities and Congregations, — and its government by Elders, of defined qualifi- cations, chosen by the people, and sitting in a gradation of councils, particular and gene- ral; as well as the terms of membership, — continue, unchanged, as under the former dispensation. 1 Cor. xii. 20-28 ; Gal. iii. 28 ; Eph. iv. 4, 15, 16. Below, § 231. § 137. How was the nation of Israel rela- ted to the gospel Church ? Christ himself was an Israelite and a minister of the circumcision ; his Apostles and first Evangelists were Jews, who retained full connexion with the Church of Israel; their preaching began at Jerusalem, and, elsewhere, in the Synagogues ; and believing Israel were the first to be invested with the privileges peculiar to the gospel dispensation, and constituted the materials of its first Con- gregations ; whilst the rest apostatized through unbelief, and were cut ofi", and believers of the Gentiles were gathered in, and made heirs to the forfeited blessings. Eom. XV. 8; Mat. x. 5,6; Lukexxiv. 47j 68 THE CHUKCH OF CHRIST. Acts xiii. 46; xxii. 18-21; Rom. xi. 1-26; Eph. ii. 11-22. §138. Wherein did Christ modify the constitution of the Church ? The principal changes introduced by Christ, in the constitution of the Church, had re- spect to the mode and extent of her testi- mony. § 139. How was the testimony of the ancient Church maintained? The testimony borne by the Old Testa- ment Church was mainly passive, consisting in the keeping of the oracles of God, the erection of the tabernacle of witness and temple, and the observance of those Levitical institutions which, as dark symbols, foresha- dowed the gospel ; so that, to the nations, her's was but a beacon light dimly shining in the distance. Ex. XXV. 21 ; Num. xvii. 7 ; xviii. 2 ; Acts vii. 44. § 140. What is the commission of the New Testament Church? It is the commission of the New Testament Church to go into all the world, and publish the gospel, as now revealed in Christ, to every creature under heaven. THE TRANSITION. 69 Mat. xxviii. 19, 20 ; Mark xvi. 15 ; Col. i. 23. 17. THE TRANSITION. § 141. In what manner was the new dis- pensation introduced ? Christ appointed Baptism at the beginning of his ministry, and the Supper at its close ; whilst the old dispensation continued in full authority. He then oifered his one sacrifice, and, having commanded that the gospel be preached to all nations, entered, with his own blood, into the heavens, and appeared in the presence of God for us ; thus consummating the work of atonement. Thence, on the day of Pentecost, he poured out his Spirit, endow- ing the Apostles for their ministry, and seal- ing their first testimony by the conversion of three thousand souls, — the first fruits of the gospel. John iii. 22, 26 ; iv. 1, 2 ; Luke xxii. 19, 20 ; Mat. xxviii. 19, 20 ; Acts i. 8, 9; Heb. viii. 1-4 ; ix. 12, 23, 24 ; Acts ii. 4, 41. § 142. What relation did the Christian Church at first bear to the ceremonial law ? After the day of Pentecost, and beginning 70 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. of the gospel, the Apostles and Jewish be- lievers still continued, as before, to observe the strictest conformity to the ceremonial system. Acts X. 14, 28; xi. 1-3; xxiv. 17, 18. § 143. What instructions were subsequently received on the subject ? The Church was taught that observances which were of merely traditional authority must not be made obstacles to the evangeli- zation of the Gentiles; and that even the positive precepts of the ceremonial law, as found in the books of Moses, were inopera- tive with respect to the Gentile converts to the gospel. Acts X. 15, 28; xi. 17, 18; xv. 19-21, 23-29 ; Gal. ii. 3, 4, 11-13. § 144. In what manner was the ceremonial law at length set aside? For the first forty years of her history, the New Testament Church embraced in her bo- som two classes, — the circumcised, and tho uncircumcised ; the former punctually fulfill- ing the requirements of the law of Moses, and che latter independent of it ; until, at length, the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple and dispersion of the nation rendered its ob- THE TRANSITI02^. Tl servance impossible to Israel itself, and re- leased the Church from the Levitical rule. Compare Acts xvi. 3 with Gal. ii. 3 ; Acts xviii. 18, 21 ; XX. 16 ; xxi. 20-26 ; xxiv. 18 ; XXV. 8 ; xxviii. 17. § 145. What was the effect of this order of transition ? The Gentiles were thus at once endowed with all the liberties and blessings of the gos- pel, whilst the continued conformity of Jew- ish Christians to the law of Moses was a pledge that theirs was not a new religion, — that the principles of the gospel were not in- congruous with those of the Old Testament, nor its institutions erected on the ruins of the ancient church, — but that the gospel church was the same, relieved of encumbrances and endowed with that inheritance of all nations which was promised in the Abrahamic cove- nant. § 146. Was this continued observance of the law contrary to the teachings of the gos- pel and mind of Christ ? If in matters so important the Apostles may be charged with ignorance or unfaithful- ness, the very foundations of the Christian church and of the gospel itself are removed, 72 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. as it would then be impossible to know where- in to rely upon their instructions. § 147. Does the vision of Peter show the Apostles to have been still in ignorance ? The vision of Peter shows the promise that the Apostles should be led by the Comforter into all truth to have been fulfilled ; as the requisite instruction was given when needed. John xiv. 26 ; Acts x. 14-16, 28 ; xi. 2, 3, 18. § 148. Did that vision purport to prohibit the observance of the law of Moses ?' Peter's vision had reference to traditions of the Elders, restricting intercourse with Gentiles, of which the law of Moses and the Old Testament Scriptures contain no trace. Acts X. 28, — " unlawful,"— In the original, "uncustomary," contrary to common law. § 149. Does Paul condemn the observance of the law of Moses ? The decree of the council at Jerusalem, in which Paul heartily concurred,^ — his own observance of the law of Moses, ^ — his dis- crimination between Timothy and Titus,® ~ and the whole tenor of his writings, show that his warnings were aimed, — not against the free and believing observance of that law by THE TRANSITION. 73 Jewish Christians, — but against a spirit of bondage thereto, a ceremonial reliance on it for salvation, and consequent imposition of it upon Gentile converts."* ^Acts XV.; xvi. 4. ^ pj^^^fg ^f §144, 3 Acts xvi. 3 ; Gal. ii. 3-5. ^ Gal. ii. 15-21 ; iii. 10-14; V. 1-6; 1 Cor. vii. 18, 19. § 150. Why were the temple services at length brought to an end ? The worship of the temple was essentially national in its character, inaccessible to dis- tant nations, and therefore unadapted to a world religion; and the ofl&cers and ceremo- nies of that system were dark shadows of things now fully knowm, and seals of promises which are now fulfilled. They were there- fore brought to a close, as unsuited to the clearness of the gospel day, and the title of all nations to its blessings. John iv. 20-24; 2 Cor. iii. 13, 14; Eph. iii. 14-19. § 151. Why was not Circumcision observed in the Gentile Churches ? Circumcision was not only a symbol and seal of the promise which is fulfilled in the Sacrifice of Christ, but it was a pledge to the children of Abraham that the Messiah 7 74 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. shoiMd be of their nation ; and, therefore, in- appropriate to the Gentiles, who now receive the gospel. Gen. xvii. 19, 21; xxii. 17, 18. 18. EXTRAORDINARY OFFICERS. § 152. What officers did Christ set in the New Testament Church? Christ gave the New Testament Church Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Bishops — or Teaching and Ruling Elders, and Dea- cons. Of these, the Apostles and Prophets were extraordinary and temporary officers. ^Eph. iv. 11; 1 Tim. v. 17; Phil. i. 1; Tit. i. 5. § 153. How does it appear that the Apos- tles were extraordinary officers ? That the Apostles were extraordinary offi- cers, appears, alike, from the duties assigned them and the qualifications and gifts neces- sary to the office. § 154. What were the duties of the apos- tolic office? It was the office of the Apostles to testify to the Messiahship of Jesus, demonstrated by the facts of his life, death, resurrection EXTRAORDINARY OFFICERS. 75 and ascension to heaven, as witnessed by them;' to separate believing from apostate Israel, and to preside over the Church in en- tering on the performance of its new com- mission to the world. ^ ^ Mark iii. 14, 15 ; Luke xxiv. 48 ; Acts i. 21, 22; V. 32; x. 39-41. ^ Acts ii. 41, 42; V. 12-14; xix. 9. § 155. What qualifications and gifts were requisite to the office ? If not personally conversant with the whole life of Christ, the Apostles must, at least, have seen him alive after the crucifix- ion, and thus be able to testify, from per- sonal knowledge, to the fact of his resurrec- tion and ascension;' they were appointed im- mediately by Christ to bear that testimony,^ and their teaching was dictated by him, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and confirmed by miraculous signs. ^ ^ Acts i. 21; 1 Cor. ix. 1; xv. 8, 9; 2 Cor. xii. 1-5. 2 Luke vi. 13; Mark iii. 14; Acts i. 24 ; Gal. i. 1, 16. ^ John xiv. 26 ; xv. 26, 27; xvi. 13, 14; 1 Cor. xi. 23; Gal. i. 12, 16; ii. 2, 6; Eph. iii. 3; 1 John i. 3; Acts i. 8; 2 Cor. xii. 11, 12; Heb. ii. 3, 4. § 156. Have the Apostles any successors ? 76 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. The Apostles were Elders, or, teachers and governors ; and, in this respect, the ordinary ministry of the Church are their successors.' But, in the peculiar functions of the aposto- late, the twelve could, in the nature of the case, have no successors. The Church is founded upon the testimonj^ of " the twelve Apostles of the Lamb;" and in its twelve foundations their names are written.^ ^ 1 Pet. V. 1, 2, compare John xxi. 15-17; 2 John 1; 3 John 1; Phil. iv. 3; Acts xv. 6. ^Eph. ii. 20; Rev. xxi. 14. § 157. What were the Prophets of the New Testament Chui'ch ? The New Testament Prophets were in- spired teachers, who were occasionally sent for the guidance and instruction of the church in the forming period of its evangelic history. Acts xiii. 1, 2; xv. 32; xxi. 9-11; 1 Cor. xiv. 1-32. 19. EVANGELISTS AND ELDERS. § 158. What is the office of the Evangelist ? Evangelists are itinerant Elders, whose of- fice it is to carry the gospel to the unevange- Jized, and to organize those who receive it EVANGELISTS AND ELDERS. 77 into congregations, ordain Elders over them, and set in order the ordinances of the New Testament. Acts xxi. 8; viii. 4-12, 26-40; 2 Tim. iv. 5. § 159. Does the office of Evangelist still exist ? Missionaries to the destitute and the hea- then are Evangelists, and the office must con- tinue to exist, so long as there are any of the human race unevangelized and the Church re- mains true to her trust. Matt, xxviii. 19, 20. § 160. Is this title otherwise applied ? The word evangelist means a publisher of the evangel, or gospel ; and is popularly used to designate the authors of the first four books of the New Testament. It is not, however, so used in the Scriptures. § 161. Do the Scriptures recognize the of- fice of diocesan Bishop ? The only stated officers of which the Scrip- tures speak, as interposed between the Apos- tles and Deacons, are the Presbyter-bishops or Elders ; to whom they attribute, without reserve, all the prerogatives of government, instruction, and discipline over the flock. So that, not only do they ignore, but utterly ex- 7* T8 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. elude dioeesan Bishops from the scriptural system. Acts XX. 17, 28; 1 Tim. iii. 2, 5; 1 Pet. v. 2,3. § 162. By what titles are the ordinary rulers and teachers of the churches desig- nated ? As superintendents of the Churches they are called Bishops, that is, overseers ; as rulers, they are called Elders ; as it is their duty to feed, or guide and instruct, the flock, they are called Pastors or Shepherds ; and as they are servants of Christ, they are called Ministers. Acts XX. 17, 28 ; Tit. i. 5-7 ; Eph. iv. 11 ; Col. i. 7. § 163. How does it appear that Bishops and Elders are the same ? That Bishops and Elders are the same, ap- pears from the use of both titles interchang- ably with reference to the same persons ; from the repeated enumerations in which sometimes one name and sometimes the other is applied to a grade of officers interposed be- tween the Apostles and Deacons, whilst both never occur in the same enumeration ; and from the fact that, in prescribing the qualifi.- EVANGELISTS AND ELDERS. 79 cations of the ordinary officers <5f the churches, Paul recognizes but two classes, — the Dea- cons, and those whom he interchangably calls Elders and Bishops. Acts XX. 17, 28, — "overseers," — In the original, "bishops;" Tit. i. 5, 7 ; 1 Tim. iii. 2, 8 ; Phil. i. 1 ; 1 Pet. v. 1, 2,—" taking the oversight," — ^In the original, " the bishopric." § 164. Does the New Testament mention the creation of this office ? The Eldership had existed in the Church from the time of the Egyptian bondage. Its functions had been ascertained and their ex- ercise regulated at Sinai. Those functions were identified with the stated services of the Synagogues, and were, therefore, well known and familiar in the time of Christ, and they underwent no essential change in passing over to the new dispensation ; so that no specific introduction or description was requi- site.^ Hence no account of the origin of the office is to be found in the New Testament; the first allusions to it being incidental, and implying it to be familiar to the reader, and of recognized propriety to the ecclesiastical system. ^ ^ Above §§ 47, 75-78, 117, 118; Matt, xy- 80 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. 2 ; xxvi. 47, '57 ; Acts iv. 5 ; vi. 12 ; xxv. 15. 2 Acts xi. 30 ; xiv. 23 ; xv. 4. § 165. What are the qualifications pre- scribed for the Eldership ? It is required of an Elder that his life be pure and blameless, that he be characterized by moderation and self-control, of a generous and hospitable spirit, of good report by the world, mature in piety, ruling well his own house, sound in the faith, and apt to teach. 1 Tim. iii. 1-7 ; Tit. i. 5-11. § 166. How many classes of Elders are there ? There are two classes of Elders mentioned, namely, those who rule, and those who also labor in the Word and doctrine, — otherwise called, Ruling Elders and Teaching Elders. 1 Tim. V. 17. § 167. Is there authority for a plurality of Elders in the Congregation ? From the example of the Synagogues, out of which the Christian Eldership was derived, and from express and repeated statements made in the New Testament, it is certain that the Congregations organized by the Apos- tles were severally endowed with a plurality of Elders. EVANGELISTS AND ELDERS. 81 See §§113-118, 189-194; Acts xiv. 28; XX. 17; Tit. i. 5; James v. 14. § 168. What is the warrant for the ruling, as distinct from the teaching Eklership? Their warrant is found in the fact that "governments" were among the gifts dis- tinctively made to the Church, and that there were Elders who did not labor in the Word and doctrine, and yet were by Paul declared worthy of double honor, and could not therefore have been chargeable with offi- cial delinquency. 1 Cor. xii. 28; 1 Tim. v. 17. § 169. How does this accord with the re- quirement that the Elders, as a class, be "apt to teach"? The highest gifts are to be sought for the office, and it is the duty of all the Elders, according to their ability, to instruct the flock ; whilst it especially devolves on those who are called to give themselves wholly to labor in the Word and doctrine. 1 Tim. iii. 2; iv. 14-16. § 170. AVhat are the duties of the Teach- ing Elders ? It is the office of the Teaching Elders, to preach the Word, in public and from hou^ 82 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. to house; to administer the Sacraments; and to bless the people ; and to join "with the Ruling Elders in the pastoral and judicial oversight and government of the flock.* Their ofiice they are to fulfil with all authority and faithfulness, as thereto called and commis- sioned by Christ, and assured of his pre- sence and sanction to their ministry, making it a savor of eternal life to those who receive, and of eternal death to those w^ho reject it.^ ' 2 Tim. iv. 2; Mat. xxviii. 19, 20; Acts XX. 20, 21; Below, §§ 195, 219 et seq. ^ Tit. ii. 15; Luke x. 16 ; 2 Cor. ii. 14-17. § 171. What are the prerogatives of the Elders? The Elders are entitled to the high esteem of the people, to their obedience in the Lord, and to support and honor in the faithful per- formance of their duties; and those who de- vote themselves to labor in the Word not only have a right to special honor in these re- spects, but to all needful pecuniary support, so that they may be unembarrassed in giving themselves wholly to the work of the minis- try. 1 Thes. V. 12, 13; Heb. xiii. 17; 1 Tim. V. 17, 18; 1 Cor. ix. 7-14; Gal. vi. 6. THE DIACOXATE. 8$ 20. THE DIACONATE. § 172. How does the New Testament dis- pensation differ from the Old as to the main- tenance of the ordinances and ministry ? Under the Old Dispensation abundant pro- vision was made by law, for the support of the sanctuary and the officers of religion.^ Under the New, the principle is laid down, in emphatic terms, that they who preach the gospel should live of the gospel.^ But the mode and measure of their support is left to be determined by the free and spontaneous operation of Christian principles in the hearts of God's people.^ ^ Above, §§ 121-126. ^ Luke x. 4-7; 1 Tim. V. 17, 18. ^Oal. vi. 6; 1 Cor. ix. 11-14; and compare, 1 Tim. iii. 3, and 1 Pet. v. 2. § 173. What is the design of this change? Certainly this freedom of the gospel Church was not designed to enable the people of God the more freely to accumulate and hoard the unrighteous mammon; nor to justify a dimi- nished provision for the gospel ministry, whose wants are as great, and whose services are not less valuable to the Church of God 84 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. than those of the tribe of Levi.^ Its design was to give freer scope to the promptings of gratitude and love to Christ and his servants; to constitute the freewill offerings of the peo- ple a bond of peculiar tenderness and affec- tion between them and their pastors; and to leave the resources of the Church unembar- rassed, to flow in such directions as the wide extent and various exigencies of the great field may indicate.^ '1 John iii. 17; Compare Luke x. 4-7, and 1 Cor. ix. 14, with James v. 1-4. ^ Mat. XXV. 35, 40; Gal. vi. 6; Rom. x. 14, 15; Phil. iv. 1.5-18; Acts xi. 28-30. § 174. What occasioned the first appoint- ment of Deacons? Not only were the Apostles, like their Master, numbered among the poor, but many of the first converts of the gospel belonged to that class;' and the expense of their support, as well as of the weekly administration of the Lord's Supper, was met by contributions of proportionate liberality : the management of which threatening to draw too heavily upon the time of the Apostles, they created the office of the Deacon to take charge of it.* * Acts iii. 6; Mat. xi. 5; Luke iy. 18; THE DIACONATE. 85 James ii. 5. ^ Acts ii. 44-46 ; iv. 34-37 ; V. 1, 2 ; vi. 1-6, — "Daily ministration," — In the original, " daily deaconage." § 175. What are the subjects of their charge ? To their charge are committed the table of the Lord, or the expenses of public wor- ship and of the Sacraments ; the table of the ministry, or the support of the preachers of the gospel, whether at home or abroad; and the table of the poor, or all expenses incident to the exercise of the charity of the Church toward the needy. See Proofs of § 174,^. § 176. Are the Deacons independent of the Eldership in the exercise of their office ? The office of the Deacons is administrative only ; and subject, as are all other functions in the Church, to the general supervision of the Elders, the only rulers therein. Acts xi. 29, 30. § 177. What are the qualifications pre- scribed for the office ? The qualifications prescribed for the Dea- cons are similar to those of the Elders, ex- cepting aptness to teach. 8 86 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. ^ Acts vi. 3 ; 1 Tim. iii. 2-13. § 178. Is preaching a function of the dia- conate ? All Christians are required to be ready t'j give on every proper occasion a reason of the hope that is in them ; of which Stephen was an example ; and Philip the Deacon after- ward became an Evangelist.^ But the very design of appointing the Deacons was to pre- vent the pecuniary affairs of the Church from occupying the time of those who were called to preach the Word. They could not therefore have been designed as preachers, — a conclusion which is confirmed by the fact that aptness to teach is not prescribed as a qualification for the office.^ ^ 1 Pet. iii. 15 ; Acts vi. 9, 10 ; xxi. 8. ^ Acts vi. 2 ; 1 Tim. iii. 8-13, — Compare verse 2. 21. THE CHILDREN. § 179. Were the conditions of Church membership changed by Christ ? As Christ did not change the nature of the Church, so neither did he modify the terms of membership ; but the Church still consists. THE CHILDREN. 87 as at first, of professed believers and their households. Mark xvi. 16 ; John xiv. 23, 24 ; Acts ii. 39 ; viii. 13, 23 ; xvi. 15, 33 ; 1 Cor. i. 16. § 180. Do the terms of the gospel call ex- clude children from the privileges of the cove- nant ? The promise that he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, no more excludes in- fants from Baptism than from salvation. The terms of the covenant are the same as of old, when the children were unquestionably ad- mitted ; — and there is no trace of any new law or example excluding them from the pri- vileges which, before Christ, they had Aared with their parents for two thousand years. Mark xvi. 16 ; Rom. iii. 29-31. § 181. What light does the use of Circum- cision among the early Jewish Christians shed on this subject ? The administration of Circumcision in the early Christian Church, was a distinct and solemn recognition of the right of the chil- dren to whom it was administered, to the benefits of the covenant. A refusal of Bap- tism to children would therefore have involved the conclusion that the children of believing 88 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. Gentiles had no title in the covenant, whilst those of Jews had ; and that the latter, al- though recognized sharers in its privileges, might have them confirmed only with the Old Testament seal. Gen. xvii. 10, 14; Above §§ 34, 35. § 182. Would not such a state of things have caused agitation in the Church ? Such a discrimination between Jew and Gentile, and denial of the covenant rights of children must have aroused an excitement and induced a challenge for express divine warrant, of an earnestness far exceeding that which the question of Gentile circumcision creatfd.^ Yet of no such agitation, is there a hint in the Scriptures. ' Acts xi. 3 ; XV. 1, 2, 7, 31. § 183. What are the indications of the New Testament with reference to children ? Christ, with displeasure at the attempt, forbids the exclusion of children from him; and that, expressly on the ground, that they are eminently fit subjects for his kingdom; and commits them, as his lambs, to the care of the ministry; — and the Apostle declares them to be clean, — that is, endowed by God with the privileges of church members. THE CHILDREN. 89 Mat. xix. 14; Mark x. 14; John xxi. 15; 1 Cor. vii. 14; Acts x. 15; Above, §§ 93, 94. § 184. Can the word, clean, have no other meaning ? The Scriptures speak of only two classes of clean persons, — those who are renewed by the Holy Spirit, — and those who are entitled by divine appointment, to claim the privileges of actual fellowship in the visible Church. Either interpretation would leave the right of children of believers, to a place in the Church, unquestionable ; but that given above is alone admissible. Ezek. xxxvi. 25-27; Num. ix. 13; xix. 12, 13; Lev. vii. 20; xxii. 3. § 185. What other indications are there of the position of children in the Church ? The epistles, which are addressed to the Churches of the saints, recognize the children as embraced with their parents therein ; and address them, in their turn, in terms appro- priate to that assumption. 1 John ii. 12-14; Compare Eph. vi. 1, with i. 1 ; and Col. iii. 20, with i. 2. § 186. What are the privileges of infant members of the Church? It is the privilege of infant members to 8 * 90 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. enjoy the tender and affectionate oversight and care of the Church and the Eldership, as well as of their parents, — to receive from them protection, instruction, and counsel, admonition and rebuke, — and by every means, of training and discipline, to be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord ; so that they may be qualified, at a proper age, to enter upon the enjoyment of all the privi- leges of adult citizens of the commonwealth of Israel. John xxi. 15 ; Acts xx. 28 ; 1 John ii. 12, 13 ; Eph. vi. 4 ; Deut. vi. 7. § 187. What is the position of unbaptized children of professing parents ? Neither under the old dispensation nor the new do the seals pertain to the essence of the covenant. Else none of the unbaptized could be saved. They are only pledges which ap- peal to faith, the only condition of the pro- mises.^ Such children are, therefore, none the less, by birthright, heirs ; and the extent to which the absence of the seal vitiates their title in the promises, depends altogether upon the cause of the omission. If from any cause implying lack of parental faith, the promises are void, through failure of the condition.^ THE CHILDREN. * 91 But if it be by reason of ignorance of the pri- vilege, or preventing providences, the grace of God, which is pledged to parental faith and fi- delity in the dedication and training of the children, remains sure ; nor does the ignorance or unbelief of one parent forfeit the blessing.^ ^ Mark xvi. 16; Deut. x. 16; Jer. iv. 4; John iii. 36; Rom. ii. 28; iii. 28; iv. 11. 2 Lev. xxvi. 14-16, 40, 41 ; Rom. iv. 12-16. 3 Gen. xviii. 17-19; 1 Cor. vii. 14. § 188. What is the authority and office of the Sabbath School ? The Sabbath School, conducted under the supervision and control of the teaching and ruling Eldership of the Church, possesses the authority which Christ has given that Elder- ship, to whom he has entrusted the instruc- tion and government of the lambs as well as the sheep of the fold.* Its office is to in- struct the youth in the whole truth of God, alike touching the scheme of doctrines and the system of order contained in the Scrip- tures; there being no scriptural warrant for keeping back any part of the counsel of God from any disciple in the school of Christ.^ Where the officers of the Sabbath School as- sume an independence of the Eldership, they 92 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. are not only without authority, but are guilty of usurpation and schism.^ ^ John xxi. 15 ; Acts xx. 28. ^ Deut. vi. 7 ; Acts XX. 26, 27. ^ Heb. xiii. 17. 22. THE CONGREaATION. § 189. How were the first Christian Con- gregations constituted ? The Apostles preached the gospel first to the Jews at the temple and in the Synagogues, and organized the believers into Congrega- tions like those of the Synagogues ; and, if, as at Berea, the majority of the Synagogue believed, it seems to have been continued, with no other modification than such as re- sulted from the withdrawal of the unbelieving. Acts xvii. 10-14. § 190. What evidence of this occurs in the ministry of Paul ? Paul habitually attended at the Syna- gogues, and took part in the service as a fel- low worshipper, under the direction of the Elders ; and continued, with the converts of his ministry, thus to assemble, unless exclu- ded by the hostility of unbelievers ; when he THE PARTICULAR CONGREGATION. 93 removed thence, and organized separate Con- gregations with similar officers and a like order of service. Acts ix. 20; xiii. 5, 14, 15, 42-48; xiv. 1,23; xvii. 1-4,10-12; xviii. 4-11; xxiv. 12; xviii. 26. § 191. How does it appear that the Chris- tian Congregations were like the Syna- gogues ? That the Christian assemblies were similar to those of the Synagogues, is evinced, by the designations which are in common ap- plied to them and their officers, — by the similarity of government, worship and disci- pline, intimated in occasional hints, — and by the silence of the New Testament, as to the introduction of any new system or principles of order or government, by the Apostles, or deviation from those already existing, with which they were every way, so intimately as- sociated. § 192. Wherein were the designations the same ? The name, Ecclesia, or Church, which is the New Testament designation of the Chris- tian assemblies, is the same in the original as the " congregation" of the Old Testa- 94 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. ment, which was the common Jewish desig- nation for the Synagogue assembly, and was so used by Christ himself, before the new dis- pensation had come in, or a Christian Con- gregation been organized.^ The word, syna- gogue, which was occasionally used to desig- nate the assembly, but more frequently ap- plied to the house of worship, is applied to Christian places of worship f and the ruling officers of the Churches were called Elders, — from old time, the title of the rulers of the Synagogues.^ ' Mat. xviii. 17, — compare Ps. xxvi. 12, and Ixviii. 26; Acts vii. 38 ; 1 Cor. xii. 28; Acts ix. 31 ; Rom. xvi. 4. ^ Ja. ii. 2^ — margin and Greek,*' If there come into your synagogue." ^Actsxiv. 23; xx. 17; Tit. i. 5. § 193. What indications are there of simi- larity of organization and worship ? As in the Synagogues so in the Churches, the Elders were the ordinary teachers and rulers of the Congregation ;^ by whose per- mission other fit persons might take part in leading the worship, which consisted in preaching, prayer, singing praises, reading the Scriptures, and administration of the Sacraments. 2 THE PARTICULAR CONGREaATION. 95 ' Acts XX. 17, 28, 30 ; Tit. i. 5, 9-11 ; 1 Pet. V. 1-4 ; 1 Thes. v. 12, 13. ^ 1 Cor. xiv. 26-33, 39, 40 ; 2 Tim. iv. 2 ; Col. iv. 16 ; 2 Pet. i. 19-21 ; 1 Cor. xi. 20. Compare §116. § 194. What then is the form of a regu- larly organized Christian Congregation ? A regularly organized Christian Congre- gation consists of a company of professed be- lievers, with their households, associated to- gether in one place for divine worship and godly living according to the Scriptures, un- der the oversight and instruction of a bench of Elders, of whom one or more are teachers, and served in the pecuniary and temporal affairs of the Church by a board of Dea- cons. Phil. i. 1. § 195. How are the functions of the Elder- ship divided ? To the Elders of the New Testament Church belong two classes of functions, — those of the Power of Order, embracing all which may be exercised by individuals ; and those of the Power of Jurisdiction. § 196. By whom is the Power of Order to be exercised ? 96 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. The functions pertaining to the Power of Order, are Preaching, Administering the Sa- craments, and Blessing the people, — all which being functions of instruction, belong pro- perly to the Teaching Elders. Mat. xxviii. 19 ; 1 Cor. xi. 26. § 197. What is the Power of Jurisdiction ? The Power of Jurisdiction is that authority which belongs to assemblies of Elders, or church courts ; and is comprehended under the three general heads of Ordination, Legis- lation, and Discipline. 23. THE WORD AND SACRAMENTS. § 198. What is preaching i Preaching is the utterance of a public and official testimony, in the name of Christ, to the truth of God, as contained in his Word and summed in the gospel ; accompanied with the presence of the Son of God, sealing it unto eternal life to those that believe, and making it a savor of eternal death, to those who reject it. Mark xvi. 15, 16; Mat. xxviii. 19, 20; Luke x. 16 ; Acts xx. 21, 26, 27 ; 2 Cor. ii. 14-17. THE WORD AND SACRAMENTS. 97 § 199. What relation do the Sacraments bear to the preaching of the Word ? The Sacraments are seals appointed by Christ, by which he attests and confirms the preached gospel, the truths of which are sym- bolized in them. Mat. xxviii. 19 ; xxvi. 26-28 ; Acts ii. 38 ; xxii. 16 ; 1 Cor. x. 16. § 200. AVherein do the New Testament Sacraments differ from those of the Old ? Of all the Old Testament Sacraments, the shedding of blood was an essential part ; be- ing designed the more intelligibly to set forth the offering of Christ, the promise of which they attested and sealed. But, that offering having now been made once for all, — the blood of the cross is the sacrificial element of the New Testament Sacraments ; which are therefore without other blood. 1 Cor. V. 7 ; Heb. ix. 23-28 ; x. 12-14. § 201. What relation do they sustain to each other ? Circumcision and Sacrifice were Sacra- ments of unmingled blood, and seals to the promise of Christ's coming and sacrificial work, and are therefore finished in him.^ But the Baptism of purification, and the Passover, 9 98 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. embraced mainly, in their design, the benefits to believers following upon the sacrifice of Christ. Thej are, therefore, divested of the bloody rites connected therewith, and perpet- uated, in Baptism and the Lord's Supper.^ ' Above, §§ 21, 35 ; Heb. viii. 7, 8, 13. 2 §§ 49, 109 ; Luke xxii. 15-20: 1 Cor. v. 7. § 202. What was the Baptism of John ? John was sent to call Israel to purify them- selves from their sins, and prepare for the coming of the Lord ;^ he was a Priest of the family of Aaron and a minister of the Leviti- cal system,^ of which the Baptism of purifica- tion for sin was one of the most remarkable ordinances.^ With it, in the absence of any other description, or the announcement of a new ordinance, the " Baptism of repentance for the remission of sins," would seem to be clearly identified ; in the administration of which John fulfilled a function proper alike to his priestly office, and to his commission as herald of the new covenant.^ 1 Mai. iii. 1 ; iv. 5, 6 ; Luke i. 17, 76, 77 ; Mat. iii. 3, 8-10 ; Isa. xl. 3-5. ^ Luke i. 5, 13. « Above, §§ 104-110. ^Below, § 206. § 203, Is there scriptural evidence of Baptism by immersion ? THE WORD AND SACRAMENTS. 99 Neither in the Old Testament nor the New is there a single unequivocal allusion to im- mersion, as a symbol of the gift of the Holy Spirit for the purging of sin, or for any typi- cal purpose whatever. § 204. What is Christian Baptism ? Christian Baptism is a Sacrament wherein the washing with water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, doth signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's. Mat. xxviii. 19 ; Gal. iii. 27, 29. § 205. How does Baptism signify our in- grafting into Christ ? The pouring or sprinkling of water upon the person is the scriptural and divinely ap- pointed symbol of the renewing gift of the Holy Spirit ;^ who, dwelling in Christ,^ and poured out by him upon his people,^ ingrafts or unites them to him, as branches to the vine, or members to the head ;'* and, so abid- ing in them, bestows life to the soul ; works in them cleansing and sanctifying grace; and will quicken their bodies in the resurrec- tion.^ 100 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. ^ Isa. xliv. 3; xxxii. 15 ; Ezek. xxxvi. 25- 27; : Prov. i. 23 ; Joel ii. 28 ; Zech. xii. 10; Acts i.4,5; ; ii. 4, IT, 18. 2 Luke iv. 1, 18 -21; John i. 33; iii. 34. 3 Luke iii. 16; John i. 33; XV. 26; ; xvi. 7. ' 1 Cor. xii. 13; Kom. vi. 3- ■5; viii. , 9, 10; John XV. 1-7 ; Eph. iv. 15, 16 ; V. 30 ; Col. , ii. 19. ^ 1 John V. 12 ; Ps. 1: i. 7- -12 ; Lev. xiv. 7, 51 ; Num. viii. 7 ; Rom. viii. 11. § 206. Who are to be baptized ? As under the Old Dispensation, so now, Baptism is the seal of investiture with cove- nant privileges ;' and is therefore to be ad- ministered to all who are embraced in the provisions of the covenant, and admitted to discipleship ; whether adults or infants.'^ ' Above, § 108 ; Acts ii. 38, 39. ^ Mat. xxviii. 19, margin, and original, — " Go ye and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them," &c. ; John xxi. 15-17 ; 1 John ii. 12, 13 ; 2 Tim. iii. 15 ; above, §§ 179-186, § 207. What is the Lord's Supper ? The Lord's Supper is a Sacrament, where- in by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ's appointment, his death is showed forth, and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, OTHER PUBLIC ORDINANCES. 101 but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace. Mat. xxvi. 26, 27 ; 1 Cor. xi. 23-2T ; John vi. 48-58, 63 ; 1 Cor. x. 16, 17. 24. OTHER PUBLIC ORDINANCES . § 208. What is the Benediction ? The Benediction is an official blessing of the people of Christ, in his name, according to his will, and by his authority, by minis- ters of his appointment. Lev. ix. 22, 23 ; Num. vi. 23-27 ; Rom. XV. 33 ; xvi. 24 ; 1 Cor. xvi. 23 ; 2 Cor. xiii. 14; Gal. vi. 18; Eph. vi. 23, 24; Phil. iv. 23 ; CoL iv. 18 ; 1 Thes. v. 28 ; 2 Thes. iii. 18. § 209. What are the other Ordinances of public worship ? The other Ordinances of public worship are prayer,^ singing praises,^ fasting,^ thanks- giving,^ vowing or covenanting,^ and free will offerings of charity ;^ in each of which it is the privilege and duty of all to join, under the direction of the Elders. 'Acts ii. 42; iv. 24, 31. ^Eph. v. 19; 9* 102 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. Col. iii. 16. ^Acts xiii. 2; xiv. 23 ; Mat. ix. 15. ''Neh. xi. 17; 2 Thes. v. 18; Heb. xiii. 15. 5 Acts xviii. 18; xxi. 23; Neh. ix. 38. « Acts iv. 34-3T ; v. 1-4 ; 1 Cor. xvi. 2 ; Phil. iv. 18 ; Gal. ii. 10. § 210. May others than the Elders lead the devotions of the Congregation ? Under the direction and responsibility of the Eldership, any competent persons may both lead in the prayers of the Congregation, exhort the people, and preach the Word. 1 Cor. xiv. 26, 29, 31-33 ; compare Acts xiii. 15. § 211. Do the Scriptures give any forms of words to be used in public worship ? Except so far as relates to Baptism, the Lord's Supper and the Benediction, the Scriptures contain no form of words to be used in the worship of the New Testament Church; the whole ordering thereof, in that respect, being left to the devout intelligence of the Elders and others who are called to conduct the devotions of the assembled Con- gregation. 1 Cor. xiv. 15-17, 26-40; 1 Tim. ii. 1,2, 8. § 212. Was the Lord's prayer given to the Apostles as a form? O^trtER PUBLIC ORDINANCES. 103 That the Lord's prayer was designed for guidance as to matter, and not as a form, is evident, from the express words of our Sa- viour, — "After this manner pray ye;" — from the diversity of language in which it is reported by the different evangelists; — from the omission, therein, of the name of Christ, and from the entire silence of the Scriptures as to this form having ever been used on any occasion in the apostolic Church. Mat. vi. 9-13; Luke xi. 2-4; John xvi. 24. § 213. Is it lawful to control the devotions of the Congregation by written forms ? It is not improper to use such forms as may secure an orderly and uniform observance of the sacraments, and the maintenance in all the churches of a common testimony. But the limiting of public worship to forms im- posed by ecclesiastical authority is unwar- ranted in the Scriptures ;' it infringes the liberty which Christ has given to the devo- tions of the Churches ;^ and supersedes the agency of the Spirit, who is the promised guide of believers in this duty, and whose presence is especially pledged to the ministry in the fulfilment of their office.^ 1 Mat. XV. 9. 2 See proofs of §211. ^ Rom. 104 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. viii. 26 ; Zech. xii. 10 ; John xvi. 7-11 ; Mat. xxviii. 20. § 214. Is the rite of Confirmation an or- dinance of divine authority ? Confirmation, as a prerogative peculiar to Prelates, in which, by the laying on of hands, the Spirit is given, and the grace of baptism confirmed, is irreconcilable with the Scrip- tures; with respect, alike, to the office of Bishop, which they identify with that of Pas- tor,' — to sanctification, which they never rep- resent as accomplished by the laying on of hands,^ — and to the nature of the baptismal covenant, which is not established upon pro- mises made by others in the name of the bap- tized, nor upon a supposed faith of the child- ren ; but upon the faith and fidelity of the parents ; which cannot be assumed or con- firmed by the children.^ The laying on of the Apostles' hands was for conferring miraculous gifts, in attestation of their gospel ;'* and the confirmation which they dispensed was, to the "souls" ofthe disciples, and to the "churches" as bodies, — and was given, not by the laying on of hands, but by exhortation and preach- ing the Word.^ ' Above, § 163. ^ John xvii. IT. ^ 1 Cor. OTHER PUBLIC ORDINANCES. 105 vii. 14 ; Gen. xviii. 19. '^ Acts viii. 15-19, Compare x. 44-46 ; xix. 6 ; Heb. ii. 4. 5 Acts xiv. 22 ; xv. 32, 41. § 215. What are the holy days of the Christian Church? The first day of the week, which is the Lord's day, is the only holy day appointed or authorized by the Head of the Church, under the New Dispensation. § 216. How does it appear that the Lord's day supersedes the Old Testament Sabbath? That the Lord's day has superseded the Jewish Sabbath appears from the fact that the observance of the latter is expressly con- demned;^ from the command that Christians forsake not the assembling of themselves to- gether ; the designation of the Lord's day as the proper time of assembling and of cele- brating the Lord's Supper and other ordi- nances of religion, and examples of its obser- vance f and from the resurrection and re- peated appearances of Christ, the Pentecost, and other remarkable events, which have dis- tinguished that day above all others.^ ^ Compare Gal. iv. 9-11, and Col. ii. 16, 17. 2 Heb. x. 25; Acts xx. 7; 1 Cor. xvi. 2. 3 Mat. xxviii. 1-6; John xx. 14-19, 26 ; Luke 106 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. xxiv. 15, 34; Compare. Acts ii. 1-4, and Lev. xxiii. 15, 16. (The word, pentecost, means the fiftieth ; it being the fiftieth day from the passover.) Rev. i. 10, 11. § 217. May the Church appoint holy days beside the Lord's day ? The observance of days of devotion, fasting and thanksgiving, occasionally appointed, in view of special circumstances of providence, is in entire accord with the teachings of the Bible. But the designation, by the Church, of holy days other than the Lord's day, is not only without warrant in the Scriptures, but the observance of such is severely cen- sured;^ and, when enforced by appeal to an- tiquity, is clearly involved in all the rebukes which Christ addressed to the Jews respect- ing the observance of tradition.^ Experience has demonstrated a uniform tendency to dis- esteem the Lord's day, in proportion as re- spect is rendered to holy days of human au- thority. ^Gal. iv. 9-11; Col. ii. 16, 17. (In the English translation, Easter appears in Acts xii. 4. But, in the original Greek, it is, "the Passover.") ^ Mat. xv. 1-9 ; Mark vii. 7. THE CHURCH COUKTS. lOT § 218. Was it not Jewish holy days which were condemned by Paul ? It cannot be pretended that the Apostle makes any exception in favor of Christian holy days. The alternative, therefore, is, that he neither knew of any such, nor con- templated the possibility of their subsequent appointment, — which would imply, that they are altogether foreign to the spirit and prac- tice of the apostolic Church ; — or, that, hav- ing them in his mind, Paul, by the gene- rality of his language, without exception in favor of Christian days, designedly included them in the censures pronounced. 25. THE CHURCH COUETS. § 219. What is the scriptural designation of an assembly of church rulers ? Elders or Presbyters, (from the Greek, Presbuteros, an elder,) being the only scrip- tural rulers in the Church, the courts of the Church are hence called Elderships or Pres- byteries. 1 Tim. iv. 14; Luke xxii. 66, "the Elders of the people;" — Original, "the Presbytery of 108 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. the people ;" Acts xxii. 5, ^'the estate of the Elders,"— Original, "the Presbytery." § 220. How does it appear that the govern- ment of the Church is committed to the El- ders ? That the government of the Church is en- trusted to the Elders appears, from their lineal identity with the Elders of Israel, who were confessedly rulers,' from the qualifica- tions required for the office,^ from the dis- tinct recognition of them as rulers,^ and from the subjection to them which is required of the Churches.'* ' See above, §§ 164, 165. =^ 1 Tim. iii. 4, 5. ^ Acts XV. 6; xvi. 4; xx. 28; 1 Pet. v. 1-4; 1 Tim. v. 17. n Thes. v. 12; Heb. xiii. 7, 17. § 221. Is not the Church itself spoken of as exercising the powers of Government ? The Church, or, Congregation, — the words being the same, in the original, — is some- times spoken of as exercising the powers of government.' But, that the word in such places signifies the representative Congrega- tion, that is, the Eldership, is proved by the express recognitions of the ruling authority of the Elders j by the use of the word, Con- THE CnUECH COURTS. 109 gregation. and its equivalents, when it is im- possible that the whole body of the people could be meant ;^ and by examples in which it is used avowedly to designate the Elders or rulers of the people.^ ' Mat. xviii. 17 ; 1 Cor. v. 4. ^ Ex. xix. 7, 8 ; XXXV. 1, 4, 20, — " All the congrega- tion," if it meant the whole of the twelve tribes, would have numbered more than three millions of souls. ^ Deut. xxxi. 28, 30; Josh, xxiii. 2 ; xxiv. 1, 2 ; 1 Chr. xiii. 1-4. § 222. Of how many kinds of Presbyteries does the New Testament give indication? In correspondence with the Old Testament system, there appear to have been at least three grades of Presbyteries in the apostolic Church; namely, the parochial Presbyteries, otherwise called Consistories or church Ses- sions, each consisting of the Elders of a par- ticular worshipping assembly, statedly meet- ing together in one place ;^ provincial Pres- byteries, composed of the Elders of cities or larger districts, each embracing in its juris- diction several particular Congregations;^ — and a general Presbytery or Sanhedrim, is- suing decrees and exercising authority over the whole Church.* 10 110 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. ^Acts xiv. 23. 2 Acts xi. 30; xx. 17. ^ Acts XV. 2-6. § 223. How does it appear that the Elders at Jerusalem had charge of more Congrega- tions than one ? The Church at Jerusalem consisted of several myriads or ten-thousands of be- lievers, who could not have met in one place ;^ whilst the number of Apostles and other preachers residing there forbids the supposi- tion that they would restrict their labors to a single Congregation.^ ^ Acts ii. 41, 47; iv. 4; v. 14; vi. 7; xxi. 20, — "how many thousands," — Original, "how many myriads," — that is, ten-thou- sands. =^ Acts xi. 27 ; xv. 4, 22, 32, 33. § 224. What other instances are there of the same kind ? At Antioch there was a great multitude of believers, preachers of Cyprus and Cy- vene, prophets from Jerusalem, Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Manaen, Saul, and many others, prophets and teachers.' At Bphesus, while Paul laboured for two years and three months, there were "about twelve" prophets who spake with tongues, besides Timothy and Erastus, and others Paul's per- THE CHURCH COURTS. Ill sonal assistants; — all Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus; and it mightily grew and prevailed.^ At Corinth, similar evidence of many Congregations^ is confirmed by the ex- press language of Paul, recognizing several '' Churches" frequented by the Corinthian be- lievers.^ ' Acts xi. 21, 24, 26; 20, 27; xiii. 1; xv. 35. 2 Acts xix. 8, 10; 1-7; 22; 18-20. 3 Acts xviii. 8, 10, 11. * 1 Cor. xiv. 34. § 225. What was the Council of Jerusalem? The Council of Jerusalem was a general Presbytery, assembled for the purpose of settling, for the whole Church, the authority of the ceremonial law over the Gentile be- lievers. It was composed of such of the Apostles as still remained at Jerusalem, — the Elders of the Church in that city, which was the centre of Jewish Christianity, and a delegation from the Church at Antioch, the mother city of Gentile Christendom. Acts XV. 2, 12, 23; xxi. 25; xv. 2, 6. ' § 226. Why in this case, was appeal made to Jerusalem? Appeal was made to Jerusalem, — not so much because of the presence there of two or three Apostles ; for, Antioch sent the Apos- 112 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. tie Paul, on this very business, — as, because that was the mother Church, where many myriads of the true sons of Abraham, looking for the consolation of Israel, had found it in Christ. That Church, therefore, — mature in a growth dating from Abraham, and familiar with the teachings of the Old Testament Scriptures, — enjoyed a degree of light, know- ledge and grace, and consequent competence for judgment, far surpassing that of the Gen- tiles, who had but recently come to the light. Acts vi. 7; ix. 31, — compare 1 Cor. v. 1, 2, and xi. 20, 21, with 2 Tim. i. 5 ; iii. 15. § 227. How does it appear that this was a Presbyterial council? That this was not an Apostolic conference, but a Presbytery, is evident from the very nature of the apostolic office, — from the actual presence and participation of the El- ders in its deliberations, — and from the ex- press recognition of their authority in the promulgation of its decrees. § 228. How is it proved from the nature of the apostolic office? The authority of the Apostles was that of the Holy Spirit, dwelling by inspiration in THE CHrRCH COURTS. 113 them. It was therefore complete in each, and adequate in them individually to the de- cision of any question; as, in the case of Peter with Cornelius. By virtue of apostolic authority, Paul was as competent, alone, at Antioch, to have settled the questions in- volved, as were all the Apostles, at Jerusa- lem. Consultation precludes the idea of ap- peal to that individual inspiration which was the prerogative of the Apostles; and the fact that the question was not determined by the apostolic authority of Paul at Antioch, can only be explained on the ground that the occasion was designed by the Holy Spirit to serve as a precedent for the exer- cise of authority in the New Testament Church, as in the Old, by Presbyterial councils. Acts i. 8; Rom. xv. 18, 19; Gal. ii. 1-9. § 229. How does it appear from the pre- sence of Elders ? From the nature of the apostolic authority, it was incommunicable. In its exercise, other Presbyters could not participate. So that the admission of others to sit in this Council, proves the Apostles to have sat, in the exercise of their presbyterial authority,^ and not in apostolic prerogative. 10* 114 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. n Pet. V. 1; Above, §156. § 230. Were the Elders co-ordinate mem- bers of this Council, any more than "the brethren," who are mentioned? The satisfaction of the membership of the Church of the circumcision with the conclu- sions had, on questions so interesting to them, was an important fact, and therefore, men- tioned by the historian ;^ and in the saluta- tions of the epistle written by the council, the authors of it join with them the brethren, as Paul frequently joins others with him in the salutations of his epistles.^ But no au- thority is attributed to them, as it is to the Elders. It was to " the Apostles and El- ders," that the question was sent ; — it was they that were called together, to consider it ; — and the decision was communicated to the Churches of the Gentiles as " the decrees which were ordained of the Apostles and Elders which were at Jerusalem."^ ' Acts XV. 22. 2 lb. 23 ; 1 Cor. i. 1 ; 2 Cor. i. 1 ; Gal. i. 2 ; Phil. i. 1 ; Col. i. 1 ; 1 Thes. i. 1 ; 2 Thes. i. 1. ^ Acts xv. 2, 6; xvi. 4. § 231. How, according to these examples, should the Church be organized ? THE CALL TO OFFICE. 115 According to the pattern exhibited in the Scriptures, every Congregation should be ruled by a body of Elders, constituting a parochial Presbytery, or church Session ; and the whole Church should be governed by a General council of Elders, representing all the particular Churches ; and by such other subordinate Presbyteries, superior and in- ferior, as occasion may require. 26. THE CALL TO OFFICE. § 232. What is Ordination ? Ordination is the setting apart of persons who are called by Christ to office or service in his Church.^ It is rightly performed by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery, with fasting and prayer.^ ' Eph. iv. 8, 11 ; Num. viii. 10, 11 ; Mark iii. 14 ; Acts i. 22, 24 ; xiii. 2, 3 ; xiv. 23. 2 1 Tim. iv. 14 ; Acts vi. 6 ; 'xiv. 23. § 233. How are men called to office in the Church ? The call to office in the Church, is usually conveyed by the Spirit of Christ, dwelling in the person, endowing him for the office, and inducing him to seek it ; and by the same THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. Spirit, in the Church, leading it to call him to the service ; and, in the Eldership, causing them to recognize his vocation and ordain him to his work. . 1 Cor. ix. 17 ; Gal. i. 15, 16 ; Acts i. 24- 26 ; vi. 3-6 ; 1 Tim. iv. 14. § 234. Is this process essential to official authority in the Church ? The essential ground of official authority in the Church, is the ordination of Christ ;* who commonly acts through the regular in- strumentality of the Church which he has or- ganized ; but is always free to qualify, call and ordain men to his service, by his own im- mediate prerogative, in whatever way he may see fit.'^ ' Gal. i. 1 ; Acts ix. 15. ^ Mark ix. 38, 39 ; Gal. i. 12, 16, 17 ; 1 Cor. xv. 8. § 235. How are those to be known who are called of God? Those who are called of God to the minis- try are to be known by the fruits of sound doctrine and holy living, according to the Scriptures ; and by the divine authority and efficacy accompanying and sealing their minis- try. Mat. vii. 15-20; Gal. i. 7-9; 2 John THE CALL TO OFFICE. 117 9-11; Rev. ii. 14, 15, 20; 1 Cor. ix. 2; Gal. ii. 8. § 236. Is apostolic succession necessary in the ministry ? To suppose it necessary to the ministry to have an ordination lineally derived, by out- ward succession, from the Apostles, is without Scriptural warrant, and irreconcilable with the terms of the gospel offer, and with the duty of the people to judge the spirits of the prophets and reject the false. Mark xvi. 16 ; 1 John iv. 1. § 237. How does it conflict with the gos- pel offer ? It implies that, before men may with safety venture to hear, believe and obey the gospel, they must ascertain whether the preacher has been ordained in a manner, of which the proof is, in the nature of the case^ impossible; and if possible, must be utterly incomprehen- sible to unevangelized hearers ; so that it effectually subverts the freeness of the gospel, precludes the certainty of salvation, even to the sincerest believer ; and exposes the inquirer to the hazard of perishing without hope, whilst engaged in the futile preliminary investigation. 118 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. Phil. i. 18 ; Rev. xxii. 17 ; 1 Cor. ix. 2. § 238. How does it contravene the duty of judging of Teachers ? It sets aside the scriptural rule, which is, that they shall be known by their fruits ; and establishes another, to which the hearers are incompetent to appeal, and which affords no shadow of protection against the teachings of error ; thus it exalts the ministry to an unwarrantable independence, and subordi- nates the consciences of hearers to the au- thority of men, instead of the Word of God. Below, § 266 ; Mat. xv. 9 ; 2 Pet. i. 19 ; 3 John 11. § 239. Does a rejection of apostolic suc- cession, imply indifference to order ? A rejection of the pretence of apostolical ordination is perfectly consistent with the maintenance of a truly apostolic succession, in the inheritance of the Apostles' doctrine, and the possesion of the same Spirit, attest- ing the same gospel, and working the fruits of holiness in those who receive it. This succession is the best pledge of respect for the order of Christ's house, and reverence for the authority of those whom he calls to minister therein. THE CALL TO OFFICE. 119 2 John 9-11; 2 Tim. iii. 14-lT. § 240. What then is the value of Ordina- tion ? The importance of Ordination consists, not in its conveying lineally any imagined apos- tolic grace ; but in its being the divinely ap- pointed mode whereby the Church is in- structed, in dependence upon the aid of the Spirit of Christ, to ascertain and attest the evidence of divine commission possessed by the party, for the purpose of protection against the intrusion of such as Christ has not sent. The value of the ordinance is, therefore, mainly dependent on the faithful- ness of the Church to her trust, and conse- quent presence with her, and guidance of the Spirit. Acts i. 24; vi. 3-6; xiii. 2, 3. § 241. What is signified by the laying on of hands in Ordination ? By the laying on of hands is signified the presentation of the person, as an offering dedicated by the Church, to minister on its behalf in the service of God. Num. viii. 10, 11, 13, 15, 21 ; Compare Lev. xvi. 10, 21, and Num. viii. 12. § 242* To whom is Ordination to be given? 120 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. Ordination is to be given to none but those in whom, upon careful inquiry and trial, there appears sufficient scriptural evidence that they have been qualified and called by Christ to the service to which they are to be set apart. 1 Tim. v. 22; iii. 2-15; Tit. i. 5-11; 1 Cor. xii. 28; Eph. iv. 8, 11. § 243. Does Ordination, of itself, confer a right to claim the prerogatives of the minis- try? Ordination is a solemn and official attesta- tion by the Presbytery, in the name and presence of the Holy Spirit, to the evidence which it recognizes in the elect officer, of a call to office from the Head of the Church. Of itself, it conveys to the party no moral right to the prerogatives of the ministry. 1 Tim. iv. 14; Acts i. 24; vi. 3-6; xiii. 2. § 244. What is the position of such as maybe ordained, without a divine commission? The gospel is not dependent for its virtue upon the worthiness of the earthen vessels through which it is conveyed ; but upon the faith of those who receive it. So that the Word preached and the Sacraments adminis- tered by such persons, if dispensed according LEGISLATION AND DISCIPLINE. 121 to the rule of Christ, are valid, and effectual to the edifying and salvation of believers ; whilst the administrator is guilty, as an in- truder into the sanctuary, and usurper of functions to which he has not been called. 2Cor. iv. 7; Phil. i. 15-18; Rom. i. 16; 1 Cor. iii. 7; Jer. xxiii. 21, 3:fr 32. 27. LEGISLATION AND DISCIPLINE. § 245. What is the legislative authority of Church courts? Church courts have no legislative authority, in the proper sense. Their power is only ministerial and declarative of the will of Christ, as set forth in the Scriptures ; which are the only authoritative rule of faith and manners. They should found all their de- cisions clearly upon these; and have no au- thority to bind the conscience in anything aside from, or contrary thereto ;^ but only to make such circumstantial regulations as may be necessary to fulfil the requirements con- tained in the written Word.^ In the faithful execution of this office, they are entitled to reverence and obedience, as well because they are an ordinance of Christ hereto appointed, 11 122 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. as because of the propriety of the conclusions to which they may come.^ ^ Above, §§ 79, 89 ; Isa. xxxiii. 22 ; James iv. 12; Rom. xiv. 4; 1 Cor. v. 4, 5; 2 Pet. i. 19 ; Mat. xv. 3. ^ i Cor. xi. 13, 14; xiv. 26, 40. 3 Acts XV. 28 ; Mat. xvi. 19 ; xviii. 17, 18 ; John kx. 21-23. § 246. What is church discipline ? Church discipline is the exercise of au- thority, for the prevention and correction of offences and the maintenance of the purity, order and peace of the Church and the honor of Christ. 2 Cor. X. 8; 1 Cor. v. 5; 1 Pet. i. 14-16. § 247. How is discipline exercised? Discipline is exercised by the courts of the Church, by guarding the door of admission to her communion, — by inspection of the lives and conduct of the members, — by paternal warnings and admonitions, — and by the trial and censure of offenders. Acts XX. 28; Heb. xiii. 17. § 248. What is the criterion of admission to the Church ? The criterion of admission to the Church is professed faith and repentance, accompa- nied with a corresponding life and conduct. LEGISLATION AND DISCIPLINE. 123 Mark xvi. 16 ; Acts ii. 38 ; viii. 37 ; xx. 21 ; xxvi. 20 ; Matt. iii. 7-9. § 249. Is every sin a proper subject of judical censure ? As there is none that sinneth not, there must be sins of such a nature as do not in- terfere with good standing in the Church ; although every observable sin is a proper subject of admonition from the Elders.' But an offence, the proper subject of judicial dis- cipline, is anything in the principles or prac- tice of a church member, which is an actual and open violation of the law of God, directly calculated to ensnare others, to mar the edi- fication of the Church, or to dishonor God and cause the enemy to blaspheme.^ ' 1 John i. 8, 10; 1 Thes. v. 12; « 2 Pet. ii. 1; 1 Cor. viii. 12; 2 Sam. xii. 14. § 250. How many classes of offences are there ? There are three classes of offences, — here- sies in doctrine, — immoralities in practice, — and violations of church order ; including, untenderness toward the brethren, neglect of the ordinances and of official duties, disre- spect toward the ministry, and resistence against the authority of the Church. 124 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. Gal. i. 8, 9; 1 Cor. v. 11; Rev. ii. 14; Rom. xiv. 13; Acts xv. 38; 2 Thes. iii. 6, 14,15; IThes. v. 12, 13. § 251. What remedies has Christ provided against offences ? For the correction of offences, Christ has appointed various degrees of censures, to be administered by those having rule in the Church. These include private and public exhortation, admonition, and rebuke; sus- pension from the privileges of the Church, and excommunication. 2 Thes. iii. 14, 15; 1 Tim. v. 20; Tit. i. 13; ICor. v. 5, 13. § 252. What is to determine the degree of publicity of rebukes ? Offences are not needlessly to be published ; but the censure should be proportioned to the magnitude and notoriety of the offence; so that admonition and rebuke may be adminis- tered to the offender, alone, in the family, in the Session, or before the whole Church. Mat. xviii. 15-17; 1 Tim. v. 1, 19, 20. § 253. In what cases is suspension proper? In flagrant cases of scandal, which cannot be brought to immediate decision, a cautionary suspension may be enforced, pending the LEGISLATION AND DISCIPLINE. 125 trial; and in many cases of offence, suspen- sion may be proper upon conviction, with the hope of repentance and restoration. 2 Thes. iii. 14, 15. § 254. What is Excommunication ? Excommunication consists in cutting off the offender, utterly, from the fellowship of the Church, and delivering him over to Sa- tan, whose service he has preferred to that of Christ. 1 Cor. V. 5, 13 ; Gal. v. 12. § 255. In what cases is Excommunication proper ? Excommunication is proper when offences are of such a character, or have been followed by such a course of conduct as precludes the hope of repentance, and justifies the convic- tion that the offender is given over to a re- probate mind. Mat. xviii. 17. § 256. What is the effect of excommunica- tion ? The sentence, when pronounced in the fear of Christ, and in accordance with his Word, is ratified in heaven. Christians are bound as far as possible, to withdraw from all social familiarity with the excommunicate. 11 * 126 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. Satan receives power over him. He is given up to the terrors of conscience, or to a jet more dreadful blindness of mind and hard- ness of heart ; — and if peculiar grace does not work in him new repentance and faith, the sentence of the Church will be rehearsed and ratified, in the judgment of the last day. 1 Cor. V. 5, 11 ; 1 Tim. i. 20 ; Mat. xviii. 18; John xx. 23; Heb. x. 26, 27. § 257. By whom are scandals to be tried and censures inflicted ? The discipline of the Church is to be exer- cised by the Eldership to whose jurisdiction the offender belongs;' — in the case of private members, therefore, it is appropriately as- signed to the parochial Presbytery ; and in the case of ministers to the classical Presby- tery. ^Deut. xix. 12; xxi. 19; 1 Cor. v. 1, 4, 5. § 258. What is the law of evidence in judicial cases ? Two or three witnesses are necessary, to establish any charge ; and, if it be required, the witnesses are to be put upon oath, as to the truth of their testimony. Deut. xix. 15 ; Mat. xviii. 16 ; 1 Tim. v. 19 J Heb. vi. 16, 17 ; Mat. xxvi. 63, 64. PRIVATE CHRISTIANS. 127 § 259. What provision is made for the cor- rection of erroneous decisions ? The mistakes of inferior courts may be corrected, by appeal to those of wider juris- diction. § 260. Is such superior jurisdiction of di- vine right? The doctrine of the unity of the Church involves the subordination of the parts, in judicial cases, as well as in all others ; whilst the analogy of the Synagogues and Sanhe- drim, and the example of the Council of Jerusalem concur to the same conclusion.' 1 Cor. xii. 25, 26; Above, §§ 119, 225-231. 28. PRIVATE CHEISTIANS. § 261. What are the rights of individuals with reference to personal religion ? It is the right and duty of every individual, for himself, to read and study the Word of God, and ascertain the way of salvation therein set forth, ^ — by faith, to lay hold of and appropriate to himself that salvation and all the promises,^ — and to come before the throne of God with boldness, in the name of Christ, and independent of all human instru- mentalities and mediators, and there make 128 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. his confessions and offer his prayers and praises, with assurance of acceptance and salvation.^ ^ John V. 39 ; Acts xvii. 11 ; 2 Pet. i. 19-21. 2 Rev. xxii. IT. 3 Rom. x. 12, 13 ; Eph. iii. 12; Heb. x. 19-22; Ps. 1. 23; John xiv. 6 ; 1 Tim. ii. 5. § 262. What part is assigned to them in the public worship ? The ordinance of song in the sanctuary is appointed as a means of enabling the whole Church to unite in open and joyous testi- mony to the world, of the grace and glory of her God ; and of admitting each worshipper to join personally in the noblest and most hon- orable of all the exercises of religion, — the high praises of Jehovah ; and it is the right and duty of every Christian to join therein with heart and voice. Ps. xxxiii. 1-3 ; cv. 2 ; Eph. v. 19 ; CoL iii. 16 ; Ps. cl. 5, 6. § 263. Should those be required to sing who have no voice for music ? Defective voice is too often consequent upon neglect of culture, induced by criminal indifference to the privilege and duty. But concert in utterance and song has a power PRIVATE CHRISTIANS. 129 over the devotional feelings which, no doubt^ was the motive that actuated the Head of the Church, in appointing this ordinance; and, whilst no one should so join as to interrupt the harmony, and mar the edification of others, — the most feeble and imperfect voices may share in the privilege, by a subdued ut- terance, which will swell the song, without derogation to the harmony. Ps. 1. 23; Ixvii. 3-5 ; Heb. xiii. 15. § 264. What are the duties of private Chris- tians toward others ? It is the duty of private Christians to be ready always to give to every one that asketh them, a reason of the hope that is in them, with meekness and fear ; to watch for and use all suitable occasions to press upon the im- penitent the free grace of Christ ; to employ their means in relieving the temporal wants of the destitute ; and, as they have oppor- tunity, to do good to all men. 1 Peter iii. 15 ; Kev. xxii. 17 ; Heb. xiii. 16 ; Gal. vi. 10. § 265. What are the principles of Chris- tian charity and beneficence ? They are, — that the fruits of our labors are not to be hoarded, but employed in doing 130 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. good ; since thej are not our own, but lent to us as stewards of God's manifold grace ;^ that he who has the means and fails to re- lieve the wants of the needy, has reason to regard himself as destitute of the grace of God ;^ whilst he who, actuated by the love of Christ, employs his means in the service of God and works of beneficence, is thus laying up treasure in heaven f that the gifts of God's people are to be bestowed for the sup- port of the ministry, at home, — the dissemi- nation of the gospel to the destitute, — and the supply of the necessities of the poor ;^ and that contributions of charity are appro- priate to the Lord's day.^ 1 Mat. vi. 19, 21 ; Eph. iv. 28 ; 1 Pet. iv. 9, 10. ^ 1 John iii. 17. ^ Mat. xix. 21 ; Luke xii. 33-35 ; xvi. 9-13 ; Heb. xiii. 16. * Above §§172, 173; Mark xvi. 15; Rom. x. 15; Acts xiii. 2, 3 ; Phil. iv. 15-19 ; 1 John iii. 17 ; Mark x. 21 : Gal. ii. 10. ' 1 Cor. xvi. 1-3 ; Phil. iv. 18. § 266. What is the prerogative of pri- vate Christians, as to the Word preached ? It is the right and duty of private Chris- tians to try both preachers^ and their testi- mony,^ by the written Word of God ; and, OF FAMILY RELIGION. 131 whilst reverently and in a humble and teacha- ble spirit, they receive that which accords therewith, — to reject and avoid whatever is contrary ther§to.^ ^ Mat. vii. 15, 16 ; xxiv. 24 ; 1 John iv. 1 ; Rev. ii. 2. ' 1 Thes. v. 20, 21 ; Gal. i. T-9. ' Heb. xiii. 17 ; Rev. ii. 20-24 ; 2 John 9- 11 ; 3 John 11 ; Rom. xvi. 17. § 267. What authority have they in the appointment of church officers ? Whilst it is the office of the Eldership to try and ordain all ecclesiastical officers, it is the right of the people, under this limitation,^ to elect those who are to serve t*hem in the Lord.* ' 1 Tim. V. 22. " Acts vi. 3 ; xiv. 23,—" or- dained," — Original, "with voting, constitu- ted;" Above, §76. 29. OF FAMILY RELiaiON. § 268. What relation does the family sus- tain to the Church? Not only did the visible Church originate in the family of Abraham, but the family still continues to be a fundamental and es- sential element of the Church, and nursery for it. 132 THE CHITRCH OF CHRIST. Acts ii. 39 ; 1 Tim. iii. 4, 5 ; Eph. v. 21-83; vi. 1-4; Col. iii. 18-22; 2 Jolin 4. § 269. What is the nature of the parental office ? "* The parent is the bishop, the prophet and king of his family, ordained of God to exer- cise these offices to all who belong to his household, and endowed with the sanction of divine authority in fulfilling them. Eph. vi. 1-4; 1 Tim. iii. 4; Ex. xx. 10. § 270.^ What are the principal religious duties of parents toward their children? It is the duty of parents to dedicate their children to God,^ — to bring them early to baptism,^ to teach them to know God, to pray to him, to read his word, and to attend upon the public ordinances of the sanctuary,^ to exercise government and discipline upon them in love ; and to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; main- taining the stated worship of God in the house. "^ ' Gen. xvii. 18; Mark x. 13, 14. ^ Above, §§36-39, 179-186. « Gen. xviii. 19; 2 Tim. iii. 14,15. ^ Prov. xiii. 24; xxii. 15; Eph. vi. 4; Gen. xii. 7; xiii. 4, 18; xxi. 38 fi"^ xxxY. 1-4, 7; Deut. vi. 7; Job i. 5. THE TRUE CHURCH. 133 § 271. What reward is promised to faith- fulness in these duties? God's truth is pledged, in the covenant sealed by Baptism, that those who, in their youth, are trained faithfully in the right way, shall continue to walk therein, to old age ; and that he will be their God. Gen. xviii. 19; Prov. xxii. 6; Ps. xcii. 13- 15; Gen. xviii. 19; xvii. 7; Acts ii. 39. 30. THE TRUE CHURCH. § 272. Is the Church actually organized upon the scriptural model ? The ignorance, blindness, and corruption which still infect the best and purest Churches, have caused errors and divisions which mar the symmetry and unity of the body of Christ. Nor will it be otherwise until the promised day when the Spirit shall be poured out, when all shall know the Lord, and the watchmen shall see eye to eye. 1 Cor. xi. 18, 19, — "heresies,"— Original, "sects ;" Isa. Hi. 8. § 273. May the order of the Church be disregarded for the sake of Christian union ? 12 134 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. Any neglect or violation of the order of God's bouse is a transgression of the law of Christ, by which that order is established, and a disregard of the authority of his Spirit, by whom it is attested in the Word. It can- not, therefore, inure to the unity of the Spirit, which is the only bond of peace, and without which no other union is of any value. It tends, not to edification, but to destruc- tion. 1 Tim. iii. 15 ; 1 Cor. xi. 34 ; xiv. 40 ; Tit. i. 5; Eph. iv. 3; Isa. Ixiii. 10; Rom. xvi. 17. § 274. What then is the present duty of Christians with respect to union ? It is the duty of Christ's people, as much as in them is, to harmonize difierences by the light of revelation ; and whereunto they have already attained, to walk by the same rule and mind the same things ; whilst they adhere, as closely as possible, to the revealed constitution of the Church; as well as to the Scriptural doctrines of grace. 1 Cor. i. 10; iii. 3; Phil. iii. 16; 1 Tim. iii. 15 ; 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17. § 275. Are all professedly Christian Church- es truly such ? There may be and doubtless are many^ THE TEUE CHURCH. 135 claiming to be true Churches, which are in fact no Churches of God at all; but syna- gogues of Satan. Rev. ii. 9; iii. 9, 19 ; 2 Thes. ii. 3. § 276. May Christians safely continue in such Churches ? Connection with such Churches cannot be retained, without great peril to the soul, and injury to the name of Christ; and his people are, therefore, enjoined to separate them- selves from all such. 2 Cor. vi. 17; Rev. xviii. 4; Acts xix. 9. § 277. How is the true Church to be dis- tinguished from the false ? The true Church is to be known by its fidelity to its commission as a witness for God. Wherever the gospel of Christ is faithfully preached and heard, and the testi- mony sealed by a due administration of the Sacraments according to the institution of Christ, there it is not to be doubted is a true Church of Christ. Mat. xxviii. 19, 20 ; Rev. xxii. 17 ; Eph. ii. 19-22. § 278. What is the duty now incumbent on the Church in the world? The visible Church was erected by Christ 136 THE CHURCH OP CHRIST. as an agency to keep the oracles of his truth, to nourish in her bosom the children of his grace, and to publish the gospel to all nations. Her organization, officers and order were appointed, and, in the successive periods of her history, modified by his wisdom, to qualify her for this office.^ To the same pur- pose is the Spirit in her given ; grace be- stowed upon her ministers ; and this world's goods upon her members.^ To her, and her only, has He given commission to that effect ; commission sealed and perpetuated by the last words of her ascending Saviour.^ For lack of that knowledge and grace which her ministrations impart, the world is perishing. Her one great privilege and duty therefore is, by the unreserved dedication of the re- sources of her members and talents of her ministry, by her fervent prayers and un- wearied labors at home and abroad, to make known the gospel to every creature under heaven, in the fulness of its persuasive sweet- ness and saving power. ' Rom. iii. 2 ; Acts xx. 28 ; Eph. iv. 11- 13 ; 1 Cor. xii. 27, 28 ; Gen. xii. 3 ; Mark xvi. 15. 2 1 Cor. xii. 4-13 ; Luke xxiv. 47- 49. 3 Above, § 140, Acts i. 8, 9. THE TRUE CHURCH. 137 § 279. May the Churches surrender to other societies the dispensation of the gos- pel? Every branch, if it be indeed of the true Church, is severally involved in the duty and responsibility imposed by the great commis- sion ; — a duty to be performed by that or- ganism with which she has been to this pur- pose endowed by Christ ; and a responsibility which can only be met under the direction and agency of those officers whom He has commissioned and sent for her guidance and government. Only in the faithful perfor- mance of the work thus set before her can she expect the continued smile of her Head and presence of his Holy Spirit. The erec- tion, therefore, of other bodies not subject to the rulers and courts which Christ has set in the Church, and assumption to them of an independent agency in the work of evangeli- zation, implies the voluntary surrender of her office, by the Church, or her exclusion from it ; and is, in either case alike, indefensible and fatal to her prosperity and growth. It farther involves the alternative assumption, that the Churches whose work is thus under- taken, are not organized after the mind of 12 * 138 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. Christ, or, that the wisdom of the parties has devised a better means for accomplishing his purposes, than that ordained by the Son of God. 1 Tim. iii. 15 ; Mat. xxviii. 19, 20 ; Eph. iv. 4, 11-16. § 280. Is the past an adequate illustration of the future of the Church ? The past history of the Church has been a faint-hearted and feeble struggle for exis- tence, rather than an assertion of her prero- gative and entrance on her inheritance. But the day of darkness, of barrenness and bondage is destined to pass away. She will yet arise, shake herself from the dust, put on strength and beautiful garments, ascend the throne and inherit all nations. The kingdom and dominion and the greatness of the king- dom under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High , Isa. liv. 1-13 ; Iii. 1, 2, 10 ; Dan. vii. 27 INDEX THE REFERENCE FIGURES ARE NOT THOSE OF THE PAGE, BUT OF THE SECTION, (g). Abraham — The covenant with, 26. The parties, 28. Spirit- ual blessings, 29. Temporal blessings, 32. Conditions, 31. Seal, 34, 35. Perpetual force, 27, 42. Its spiritual import understood by the patriarchs, 33. Anointing— Of Priests, 58. Of Kings, 88. Of Prophets, 60. Its meaning, 60. Apostles — Extraordinary oflBcers, 153. Their duties, 154. Qualifications, 155. Have no successors, 156. Apostolic succession, 236-239. Appellate jurisdiction, 259, 260. Baptism — Levitical, 103, 104. Of purification for sin, 105. The administrator, 106. Mode of application, 107. Sub- jects, 108. Meaning, 109. Why varied in the elements, 110. Used by the Pharisees, 111. Baptism of John, 202. Christian Baptism, 204. Its meaning, 205. Its sub- jects, 208. Benediction, 208. Bishops — Diocesan, 161. And Elders the same, 163. See Elders. Call to office— How given, 233, 234. How evinced, 235. Censures — Disciplinary, 251. Publication of, 252. Ceremonial law in the Christian church, 142-149. Charity — In Israel, 125. In New Testament church, 265. Due to all the needy, 264. 139 140 INDEX. Children — In the Abrahamic covenant, 30, 36. They may be . bound in covenant, 37-39. Members of the ancient church, 41. Not excluded by Christ, 180-185. Their privileges, 186. Unbaptized of Christian parents, 187. Christian Church — How different from that of Israel, 138-140. How shown to be the same body, 145. How introduced, 141. Her commission, 140. Her present duty, 278. Church— What is it, 8. Visible, 9. Invisible, 10. The two how identified, 13. Militant, 11. Triumphant, 12. Ofl5ce of the visible, 14. Grace in her, 15. Her con- stituents, 16. Not all regenerate, 15, 16. When erected, 19. Of whom composed, 41, 136. Her unity, 17. Her per- petuity, 18. Corrupt at Christ's coming, 127-132. Not dissolved by him, 133. Nor essentially modified, 134-136. A witness, 14, 134, 135, 139, 140. New Testament organi- zation, 231. Her present duty, 278. Her future, 280. And voluntary societies, 279. The true church, 277. Church Order — The rule of it, 1, 6. Necessity of a rule, 2. A system is revealed, 3, 4. Church privileges under the old dispensation were free to the Gentiles, 97. Circumcision, 35. How enforced, 39. In the gospel church, 144, 181. Clean and unclean — Animals, 21. Persons, 94, 183, 184. Cleansing — Ceremonial, 95. Its design, 96. Conditions of church privileges the same in all ages, 41, 99, 179, Confirmation not Scriptural, 214. Congregations — First Christian, how constituted, 189, 190. They were like the Synagogues, 191-193. Their form, 194. The body is not to exercise the government, 221. Council of Jerusalem, 225. Why called, 226. Was a Pres- bytery, 227-230. Covenant— Defined, 24. With Abraham, 26. Infants in covenant, 36-39. See Abraham and Children. Deacons— Origin, 174. Qualifications, 177. Duties, 175. Not preachers, 178. Subordinate to the Eldership, 17d. INDEX. 141 Discipline— What? 246. Matter of it, 249, 250. Dispensations of the covenant, 43. Divisions in the church, 272. Elders — Have been in all dispensations, 45. Origin of, 47, 70, 71. Were pastors of Israel, 56, 162. Were rulers and teachers, 69, 75. Were elected, 76. Chosen from the firstborn, 75. Their duties, 78, 79. In the Synagogue, 116-119. New Testament Elders — origin not stated — Why? 164. Titles, 162. Qualifications, 165. Preroga- tives, 171. Plurality in each church, 167. Two classes, 166. Ruling, 168, 169. Teaching, 170. Their functions of two kinds, 195. Power of order, 196. Power of juris- diction, 197. They are the rulers of the Christian church, 219, 220. Sat in the council of Jerusalem, 229, 230. Evangelists, 158-160. Excommunication, 254. When proper, 255. Its effect, 256. Expenses of religion in Israel, 121-126. In the Christian church, 172, 173. Extraordinary church officers, 84, 152, 153. Faith the condition of church privileges under all dispensa- tions, 41, 99, 179, 248. False churches, 275, 276. Family and church how related, 268. Family religion in Israel, 112. In the New Testament church, 269-271. Firstborn — Their rights, 72. Forfeiture of them, 73, 74. .Forms of prayer, 211-213. Gentiles entitled to church privileges with Israel, 97-99. Government — In Israel, by whom administered, 75. How organized, 77. Of the Christian church not Congrega- tional, 221. But Presbyterial, 219, 220. High Priest, 61, 63. Holy oil. — Its meaning, 60. Holy days, 215. Not to be appointed by church authority, 217, 218. Immersion — Not a scriptural rite, 203. Israel — Its relation to the apostolic church, 137. 142 INDEX. Kings of Israel — Origin of the system, 86. How chosen, 87. How inaugurated, 88. Their functions, 89. Their office typical, 85. Laying on of hands — The mode of ordination, 232. Its meaning, 241. Laymen leading public worship, 210. Legislation in the church, 79, 89, 245. Levites — Why called, 66. How ordained, 67. Duties 68. Support, 123. Levitical dispensation — How introduced, 48. Its officers, typical and pastoral, 53-56. Its privileges not restricted to Israel, 97, 98. Liturgies unscriptural, 211. Lord's prayer not given as a form, 212. Lord's Supper, 207. Members of the church — Qualifications, 41, 99, 179, 248. Their rights, — as to personal religion, 261. As to public worship, 262. As to the Word preached, 266. As to the preachers, 266. In electing church officers, 267. Ministry — Its support under the Old Testament, 122-124. Under the New, 172, 173. Monarchy — Its origin in Israel, 86. The King a vicegerent, 86, 89. The office typical, 85. Oaths — Judicial, 258. Offerings for the poor — Under the Old Testament, 125. Under the Xew, 174, 265. Gifts to the poor and to the. cause of Christ are acts of worship, 264. Officers — Those common to all ages, 45. Of the Levitical church, 52, 83, 84. None of them were properly secular, 90. Those of the New Testament church, 152. Old Testament — Its authority as to the constitution of the Christian church, 7. Order — The rule, 1, 6. The Scriptures exhibit a system, 3. Ordinances — Before Abraham, 20. Common to all dispen- sations, 44. Those at the sanctuary, 101. Those of the New Testament, 198, 201, 208, 209. INDEX. 143 Ordination— What ? 232. Of Aaron, 58. Of Xew Testa- ment officers, 232. Its importance, 240. To whom due, 242. Its effect. 243. Without a divine call, 244. Parental office, 269. Reward of fidelity, 271. Parental faith, the condition of the covenant for children, 39, 214. Passover, 49. Its priesthood, 50. And the Lord's Supper, 201. Pastors— Of the Old Testament church, oG. Of the Xew, 162. Patriarchal dispensation, 43—46. Patriarchs — Their office, 46. They understood the spiritual intent of the covenant, 33. Perpetuity of the church, 18. Poor — Provision for, 125, 265. Preachers to be judged by their hearers, 266. Preaching — What is it? 198. Relation between it and the Sacraments, 199. By others than the Elders, 210, 264. Presbyters the only rulers of the church, 161, 219, 220. Presbytery — The Scriptural name for a church court, 219. How many kinds ? 222. That of Jerusalem, 223. Those of Antioch, Ephesus and Corinth, 224. Functions of, 197. Priests— The firstborn, 50, 51. Change to Levi, 57, 66. These how appointed. 58. Their functions, 62, 63. Were stationed at the sanctuary, 65. Their support, 124. The office typical, 54, 64. Privileges of Israel, 91. To whom given, 92, 93. Were common to Jew and Gentile, 97-99. Prophets of the Xew Testament church, 157. Rights of private Christians — As to personal religion, 261. As to the word preached, 266. In public worship, 262. In the election of officers, 267. As to the Gospel, 210, 264. Rule of order, 1, 6. Its necessity, 2. Sabbath superseded by the Lord's day, 216. Sabbath School. Its warrant and office, 188. Sacraments — A means of testimony, 14, 199. Of the prime- val church, 21. Of the Levitical church, 102. Of the Christian church, 201. Difference between the old and the new, 200, 201. 144 INDEX. Sacrifice— What ? 21. Origin of, 22. History of, 23. Sanhedrim, 80. Its origin, 81. Its history, 82. Scripture instructions, how given, 4. Support of the ministry — Under the old dispensation, 121-124. Under the new, 172, 173. Suspension from church privileges — Under the old dispen- sation, 95. Under the new, 253. Synagogue system — Origin, 113, 114. Effect on the con- stitution of the church, 115. Order of service, 116. Its offi- cers, 117. Their authority, 118. Subordinate to the Sanhedrim, 119. Divinely sanctioned, 120. Temple — Effect of its erection, 100. Testimony of the church, 14, 135. True church — how known, 277. Typical church officers, 54, 55, 83-85. Union — Not to be cherished at the expense of order, 273. How to be sought, 274. Unity of the church, 17. Sealed by Aaron's priesthood, 57. Voluntary societies and the church, 279. Washing — Of Aaron in his ordination, 59. See Baptism. Witnesses injudicial eases, 258. Word preached — To be tried by the written Word, 266. f ' "' wmmmmmmmmmmmm