THE

GOVERNMENT

OF THE

KINGDOM OF CHRIST.

PART I.

AN INQUIRY AS TO THE ESSENTIAL SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH GOVERNMEET.

CHAPTER I.

'WHAT SAITH THE SCRIPTURES?'

HAS any form of Church Government been instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, what is that particular form? These questions may be answered thus:-One definite form may be selected, its characteristic features delineated, and that form. vindicated, by comparing its provisions with Scripture, history, and opposing plans. One theme is thus kept continuously before the mind. This gives concentration in defence. But this course seems already to determine the result. The conclusion is rather assumed than reached by patient investigation. Evidence is sought only to sustain what is believed to be right.

Instead of this, a careful investigation may take hold of fundamental principles, and these in combination may present an actual result. The field of Scripture may be traversed for positions, facts, details. From the stronghold thus constructed, adversaries may be repelled. History may then be traversed for confirmation. If opponents are not effectually dislodged, their outposts may be taken, or put to silence.

Let us pursue this last method of inquiry. Let passages of Scripture be considered in their connection, so as to deduce great leading principles, and, if possible, to solve these questions. Let us take note of the Kingdom, its Governor, and Laws. Let us, apart from the din and dust of human contendings and battlecries, ask after that government of the kingdom which embodies the mind of the Lord; and then let us compare the result with prevalent forms, and bring it into contact with the facts of history. Assuming that a form has been appointed, two leading aims are before us: First, To ascertain the outstanding features

B