Excerpt from Complete Works of Rev. Thomas Smyth, D.D, Vol. 4
In the following work it will appear that while there may be unity, there cannot be - or at least there never has been uniformity of opinion. This arises from the weakness and imperfection of our minds; the many in uences which shape and modify our view of evidence; and the various standing points (as Neander would express it) from which we con template the truth. This variety in the midst of unity is found even in doctrinal sentiment, but much more in matters of ecclesiastical order. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there will be found unity in all that is essential, and liberty to differ in all that is not fundamental. And when we wish to know what is essential and what is not essential to salvation, and therefore to the glory of God and the edification of his people, we have perhaps the best and only guide in the words of the apostle, The letter killeth but the spirit giveth life; We are ministers, therefore, not of the letter but of the spirit. Just in proporition, therefore, as any point bears upon the spirituality of the church, and the spiritual well being of its members, is it essential; while just so far as it is but a means towards this end, and an instrumentality for securing this result, is it unessential, and one therefore about which differences of opinion may be more freely tolerated, and differences of practice allowed. In reference to all such matters, we should act upon the apostolic canon: N everthe less, (that is, notwithstanding ye be otherwise minded whereto we have attained to unity of sentiment, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing, and be one in our affections towards each other.
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Thomas Smyth is Lecturer at Charles Sturt University in NSW, Australia.
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Paperback. Condition: New. Print on Demand. This book explores the role of Ruling Elders in the Presbyterian Church, arguing that they are not to be equated with Presbyters or Bishops, but rather are representatives of the people, elected to serve in a temporary capacity. The author draws on Scripture, the writings of the Church Fathers, and the history of the Reformation to support this view. The book also examines the nature and functions of the Ruling Eldership, and argues that it is an essential part of the Presbyterian polity. The author concludes by emphasizing the importance of the Ruling Eldership in promoting the spiritual welfare of the church and in maintaining its purity and discipline. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Seller Inventory # 9781333731397_0
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