The Sevenfold Gift; Notes for Confirmation Classes (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1890 edition. Excerpt: ...wherever Bishops are spoken of, the second order is meant. Bishops and Presbyters are, in the New Testament, the one order. The first order was the Apostles. Timothy and Titus were of this first order. It will be plain to you, if you read at all carefully the letters which St. Paul wrote to these two men, that their duties were quite similar to those now performed by Bishops. Look at Philippians i. i. There you have mentioned the three orders and the laity. "Paul and Timotheus" (of the first order) "to the Saints" (the people, i.e., the laity), "with the Bishops" (the second order) "and Deacons" (the third order). In the Apostles' times the functions of the ministry were divided among three orders, three namely: (i) Apostles. (2) Bishops, or Presbyters. (3) Deacons. The division of the functions is still the same, the number of the orders is the same, and the appropriation of duties to the three orders is the same; but the names given to the first two orders somewhat differ, being now: (1) Bishops. (2) Presbyters. (3) Deacons. The members of the first order, now as then, have received from their predecessors, and reserve to themselves and for their successors, the powers of ordaining and of exercising chief rule. They confer upon the second the power of ministering the Sacraments, of absolving and blessing in God's Name, of teaching and of advising about, and joining in, the ruling of the Church. They admit the third to Holy Orders, but confer no power beyond what a duly licensed layman might exercise, except that of assisting in the administration of Holy Communion. It is well to understand that we have little, if any, difference with "the denominations " about their Ministry and Ordinances. These are valid for all that is claimed for...