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The ecclesiastical polity of the New Testament unfolded
The ecclesiastical polity of the New Testament unfolded Author:Samuel Davidson Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: PREFACE, There are some phenomena in the religious world which appear to discourage a timid writer, at the present day, from attempting to discuss the subject... more » of the following Lectures. And when these symptoms dissuading from its examination are of a cheering aspect to the pious mind, it becomes a matter for serious reflection whether the topic should be publicly agitated. But yet the Author cannot believe that the religious sects now existing are better prepared, in reality, to amalgamate with one another, than they were half a century ago; or that an examination of the topic is likely to impede their future incorporation, should that incorporation be deemed desirable or near. It is possible, indeed, that the- narrow- minded adherent of a party may magnify the importance of belonging to his own denomination so highly as to look on all others with an evil eye, or with profound pity, as if they were deeply involved in serious error; but the man who endeavours to rise above the views of- interested partisans, will treat the subject in a more liberal spirit. While indicating his own preferences, he will be careful chapter{Section 4not to provoke the bitter recrimination of those who differ from him. A few years ago, the Author was led to investigate the New Testament in regard to its teachings on the disputed question of Church Government. Ever since that period, which forms an important epoch in his life, the subject has been seldom absent from his thoughts. He has revolved it in his mind with an earnest desire to know it fundamentally and fully. Had he been disposed to proceed perfunctorily, he should have been satisfied with a shorter period of gestation, and consequently a shorter book ; but a determination to search out every important part of the subject, prompted a sl...« less