EPISCOPACY.
As to Episcopacy, I think with Bishop Hall, that it is necessary for the well or better being of a Church, but not essentially necessary to its very being itself; and as to High Church principles, or Puseyism, or Tractarian notions, I go not a single step. I regard them as quite subversive of the doctrine of Christ; there is not one single point, by which they are distinguished but, if honestly carried out, must lead to Romanism. Admit, for example, that in ordination there is conveyed through the bishop, of necessity, and independent of the state of mind of the candidate, any grace or virtue or qualification for the spiritually and graciously discharging the duties of the ministerial office, which is not conveyed by Presbyterian or Methodistical ordination, and you arrogate for our Church what neither Scripture on the one hand, nor daily observation on the other, will substantiate. They may authorize and commission those who appear to them already qualified, but it is the Divine Spirit alone, which can fit and qualify with all the gifts and graces necessary for a due discharge of their important function.