A Manual of Modern Church History (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VI. The Western Churches--(continued). IV. NONCONFORMIST CHURCHES 1. PRESBYTERIAN. AS the Eeformation of the sixteenth century proceeded, it became evident that, with substantial agreement on the general principles of Protestantism, there were differences on minor questions. In France and Switzerland the Beformed Churches, under Zwinglius, Calvin, and Beza, adopted views of doctrine and discipline varying somewhat from those advanced by Luther and Melancthon in Germany. In England, the influence of Erasmus and Luther was felt as well as that of Calvin. Some desired to retain the old forms as far as possible; others preferred to return to the simplicity of the primitive Christians. Calvin's estimate of the importance of the congregation led to the formation of " Congregational" churches, or "Independents," as they were called. The Baptists insisted on the primitive rite of immersion, and on the inclusion of the converted only in church membership. The New Testament doctrine of the equality of elders with bishops led some to the Presbyterian form of government. The Quakers, who insisted that every believer had the teaching of the Spirit, of course rejected the notion that the administration of divine grace came only through sacraments and orders. By all parties the appeal against the traditional doctrines was made to Holy Scripture; which not only disowned many ecclesiastical dogmas, but also disavowed the pretensions of the hierarchy. Bishop Lightfoot has said that Christianity has no sacerdotal order. In the preface to the Ordination Service for Deacons (Book of Common Prayer), it is said that, "From the Apostles' times there have been these orders of ministers in Christ's Church, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons." But Bishop Lightfoot also tells us ...