Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879, by the

AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY,

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

WESTCOTT & THOMSON,
Stereotypers and Electrotypers, Philada.

THIS Volume contains the substance of lectures delivered, through a series of years, to the classes in the Hamilton Theological Seminary. The object of the writer was to place before his pupils the best results of investigation which recent scholarship and thought have reached on these subjects; and for this purpose, in addition to original researches, he has gathered materials from all available sources. In the departments of philology and archæology especially, the progress, as bearing upon the subjects here treated, has of late been marked and important, and of itself justifies a rediscussion of them. Many of the works consulted will be found indicated either in the text or in the foot-notes.

In the discussion of controverted subjects the writer has intended to state with candor and respect the views of Christian brethren who may differ from him; if, in any instance, he has failed in this, it will be to him a matter of sincere regret.

Trusting that the work may aid in elucidating God's word, especially in its teachings relating to the outward institutions of Christianity, it is now sent forth on its mission. H. H.

THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, HAMILTON, N. Y., Oct. 30, 1879.

3

CONTENTS.

STITUTED

INTRODUCTION.

.........

THE EXTERNAL INSTITUTIONS OF CHRISTIANITY DIVINELY CON-
13
Fundamental Position: The Scriptures the only authority on the constitu-
tion and form of the church and the ordinances. Opposing theories
stated and examined:

I. Theory of patristic authority stated; argument against: 1. No hint in
Scripture of defect in apostles' organization of the church; 2. Diverse
forms of the church in Patristic period; 3. This theory less reason-
able than that of continued inspiration in the church held by Ro-
manists.

II. Theory of expediency stated; argument against: 1. The Mosaic insti-
tutions unchangeable by man; 2. The vital influence of external
institutions on doctrine and life; 3. Necessity of a divine form in
order to certain obedience; 4. The Christian institutions actually
ordained by Christ; 5. The apostles expressly inspired to complete
the organization of Christianity; 6. The organization thus completed
final, because no subsequent authority competent to alter or abolish it.

PART I.

CHURCH POLITY.

SECTION I.

RELATION OF THE CHURCH TO THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST........ 21

I. Kingdom of Christ future in Old Testament period, but established at
his ascension.

II. Extent of his reign: (1.) Over the universe; (2.) Within each re-
deemed soul; (3.) Over each individual church.

III. Subjects of his kingdom distinguished: (1.) By a regenerate cha-
racter and life; (2.) By vow of allegiance in baptism.

IV. The church the visible form of this kingdom and the divine organ-
ization for its establishment.