The right of the people to a substantive part in the government of the Church is recognized and sanctioned by the apostles in almost every conceivable way. Charles Hodge apostlechurchconceivable Change image and share on social
There can, therefore, be no doubt that Presbyterians do carry out the principle that Church power vests in the Church itself, and that the people have a right to a substantive part in its discipline and government. Charles Hodge carrychurchdiscipline share on social
But to be the Vicar of Christ, to claim to exercise his prerogatives on earth, does involve a claim to his attributes, and therefore our opposition to Popery is opposition to a man claiming to be God. Charles Hodge attributechristclaim Change image and share on social
The Church is everywhere represented as one. It is one body, one family, one fold, one kingdom. It is one because pervaded by one Spirit. We are all baptized into one Spirit so as to become, says the apostle, on body. Charles Hodge apostlebaptizebody share on social
Our first remark on this subject is that the ministry is an office, and not merely a work. Charles Hodge ministryofficeremark Change image and share on social
All Church power is, therefore, properly ministerial and administrative. Everything is to be done in the name of Christ, and in accordance with his directions. Charles Hodge accordanceadministrativechrist Change image and share on social
The Reformers, therefore, as instruments in the hands of God, in delivering the Church from bondage to prelates, did not make it a tumultuous multitude, in which every man was a law to himself, free to believe, and free to do what he pleased. Charles Hodge bondagechurchdeliver share on social
As the Church is the aggregate of believers, there is an intimate analogy between the experience of the individual believer, and of the Church as a whole. Charles Hodge aggregateanalogybeliever Change image and share on social
That the apostolic office is temporary, is a plain historical fact. Charles Hodge apostolicfacthistorical Change image and share on social