The Spirit and Constitution of the Church in Relation to the General Welfare of the State (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. 1827. Excerpt: ... Chapter XXIII. ON THE PRIVILEGES RESERVED FOR MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH, AS JUSTIFIED BY REFERENCE TO THE PREVIOUS VIEWS. In looking back upon the subjects which have passed before our view, it will be seen that our conclusions, with the proofs on which they rest, constitute a virtual answer to a question, which circumstances are combining daily, to render one of a deeper and more momentous import. How far are we to justify the conduct of the state, for the decided preference she has given the Church, in the exclusive privileges she has conferred upon its members, and the consequent disabilities to which others are subjected? This is a question, evidently permitting of its being considered under a two-fold aspect. It may be considered as a question that is immediately connected with the subject of religion; it may be considered as a question where a point of temporal policy is involved. To the mistaken light in which it has u been viewed under the former aspect, is undoubtedly to be ascribed much of the misconception, of which, under the latter, it has been equally the source. In the hope of being enabled to contribute towards the removal of those erroneous impressions connected with it, in its relation to the other, it will first be necessary that we should advert to those, which have relation to it as a religious question. In doing this, it is our wish to render every justice to the cause we would oppose. It is on this account that we would set out with the express admission, that while there are points in Revelation where it is directly criminal to entertain a doubt, there are others which have been left in an obscurity of that nature and degree, which, according as men are favourably situate for the discovery of the truth, may leave a reasonable ground fo...