In the progressive class of pastors, there will be a marked division. The first will include those who have clear and decided perceptions of truth and duty, and at the same time a full conviction that outspoken frankness and honesty is not only a duty, but the best policy.
Thus, when they find their minds perplexed and [pg 350] doubtful as to the system in which they have been trained, they will, if called to speak, frankly say so. If they advance to a new position, and yet are not clear in regard to certain connected topics, they will say so. If they are clear that the system of Augustine is false, root and branch, they will say so, and carry out all the results involved in this position. In short, they will go forward in a perfect faith in truth, honesty and freedom of speech.
Nor will they consult “expediency,” except as to the time and the manner of making known their change of opinion.
The other portion will adopt the policy which assumes that peace and quiet in holding error is more important than truth which involves trouble and contention. Such will conceal their real opinions under forms of expression that will deceive the conservative portion of their people, by making the impression that they hold to old creeds and formularies, in the sense in which they formerly did, when they do not. They will use the stereotyped forms of orthodoxy, knowing that those of their people who are alarmed at supposed changes, will be quieted by impressions which are false. And they will do this, believing it to be Christian expediency, although it is a course exactly opposite to that pursued by Christ and his disciples.
What the Church will do?
In regard to church organizations, it has been shown that there are two diverse principles on which these organizations may be perpetuated. The first is the Augustinian, in which the principle of union is a supposed change of the nature transmitted from Adam, [pg 351] enabling a man to perform truly virtuous acts, as none ever do who are not thus re-created. The second is that of common sense, in which the principle of union is the acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as Lord and Master, and the purpose to obey him in all things; or, in the words of the Episcopal formula, “a church is a congregation of faithful men, in which the pure word is preached and the sacraments duly administered according to Christ's ordinances.” This definition, in order to represent the common-sense view, assumes that “faithful men” are persons who believe in Christ's authority, as the Lord of all, and who purpose to obey him.
It has been also shown, in a previous chapter, that the church organizations based on the Augustinian theory, are gradually modifying their practice so as more and more to recognize the common-sense principle.
It is believed that this process of quiet change is to be greatly accelerated by discussion. The people are not aware that the mode of church organization and discipline now most prevalent is an innovation, which has existed less than two centuries, and chiefly in this country, and that there can be found no authority for it, either in the Bible or church history. The word “church,” as used in the New Testament, in the original Greek means congregation, and includes all who unite in one assembly to worship.
No case can be found in the Bible of any such organization as corresponds with that which is now called by the name of “church,” as distinct from the “congregation.”
These being facts, the whole matter of church organization [pg 352] and discipline is soon to become a matter of general discussion, the result of which, of course, can not be predicted in any details. But it is certain that the more discussion there is, the more the common-sense system will become dominant. And it is certain that the portion of the people connected with churches will more and more demand discussion. They will assume that their pastors are not to be their authoritative, dogmatic teachers; but their leaders in worship and ordinances; their presiding officers in discussions, and the administers of much of that kind of knowledge needed by the people, to enable them to act independently in interpreting the Bible for themselves.