There would be no crystallization of the Church into any one form. There would be variety, diversity, commensurate with the different judg ments of its adherents, always, however, within the lines of loyalty to the truth. There would be no greater attempt to secure a uniform interpreta tion of the Historic Episcopate than there would be to have one definition of inspiration in ac cepting the Holy Scriptures as the Word of God, or one explanation of the Sacraments, or one interpretation of every article of the creed.
The generous character of this Church is indi cated in the view which is held as to what con stitutes membership in the Christian body. It does not rebaptize them if they have been al ready baptized with water in the name of the Fa ther and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. It recognizes all such baptized persons as already members of Christ's body—the Church.
Then note how it refers, in most courteous terms, to "the different religious bodies of Chris tians in these states as being at liberty to model and organize their respective churches." Of course it uses the word "churches" here without invali dating its own claim to be a branch of the his toric church, for later on it defines what it be lieves to be essential to the integrity of this Church as a branch of the historic church.
If it appears exclusive and unsympathetic be cause it will not permit the ministrations of min isters who have not been episcopally ordained, it must be remembered that it stands by this law to retain episcopacy as one of the valuable fea tures which have been transmitted to the present from the Apostolic Age. It is evident that it has no more right to relinquish or to undervalue episcopacy, than it has to give up the ob servance of the Lord's Day. It must trans mit the office, and that for which it stands, to the next generation as it has come down to this from past generations. The disposition of this Church towards other hodies of Christians is kindly and sympathetic, and among no other body is there found to-day so much that is tolerant and gen erous.
It is true that not all of its own members really understand the true position of their Church towards all who profess and call themselves Chris tians, and it is also true that sometimes views are expressed which seem to be arrogant and re pellent, but they are the views of individuals or of parties, not of the Church as a body.
(5) Individual and Church Teaching. There is always to be made a distinction between what men teach as individuals, and what is set forth by the Churcb iu its collective capacity. No man, sio party, no combination of men or of parties, can speak for the Church with authority. What they deliver is simply their view of the Church's teach ings. As has already been noted, this Church holds a very simple faith—a few facts clustering around our Savior, Christ—which it sets forth as essential. Besides this it announces a number of truths as important to be received, but does not press them as vital like the others. It also al lows much range of interpretation of the truths it delivers. But the Church can make no change in any essential principles of the Christian faith. They never become antiquated. There is no new gospel to be delivered. There is ever but one faith, one Lord, one baptism, one God and Fa ther of all. The Church does not attempt to set forth new doctrines, for the religion of Christ is not a discovery or an invention of man's. It is a revelation to man. Holding to essentials men may be loyal to the Church, even though they dif fer as to non-essential points. They may adopt different usages, and hold even opposite opin ions. Hence there are parties and schools of thought. It is a tolerant Church. A stranger casting his lot in with it finds in himself certain tendencies of thought and feeling which may in cline him to favor one school of thought or an other, or to ally himself with others who in some way express his present views, but his future stud ies and broader experiences may bring him closer to others. It must never be forgotten, however, that the Church itself is broader and more generous than all the parties in it, and the Church's generous attitude is an appeal to each to cultivate a like spirit towards all who call Christ their Lord and who seek to serve him. It is the fervent prayer of many that this Church may become a bond of union between all who profess and call themselves Christians, and thus be helpful in the realization of the purpose of Christ that "they all may be one." G. W. S.