Theory of the Eldership [pp. 702-759]

Theory of the Eldership.
thus become one kingdom, with Christ for its acknowledged
head. All are learning to recognize and illustrate the universal
brotherhood, and are expecting to see the human race return to
the fellowship and union of a single family. Thus the kingdom
of God will come, and his will be done on earth, as it is in
heaven.
ART. VI.-The recent Theory of the Eldership examined.
THE ruling elder according to this theory is the presbyter of
Scripture and of the Christian church in the early period
of its history. It is the one fundamental order of which the
preacher is a class-a functionary-who, by virtue of an additional gift, performs different duties, "but is by no means of a
different order." There is, therefore, but one order of rulers
in the church-deacons being only assistants or helps.
According to Dr. Breckinridge and Dr. Thornwell this theory
involves all that is essentially distinctive of Presbyterian government.* The issues are therefore of vital import. The
theory is dogmatically "affirmed" to be sustained by arguments
"clear, conclusive, and irresistible." (Review, p. 7.) "The Scriptures and our Standards both EXPRESSLY teach that the ruling
elder is strictly and properly a presbyter, and therefore entitled to participate in all the acts-(of necessity he wuould be)in which any presbyter, as such, can bear a part." (lb. p. 57.)
"The presbyter, as a title of office, means a ruler, and nothing
more than a ruler." (Ib. p. 58.) This "is clear from the passage
which proves beyond the possibility of a doubt, that presbyters
and ministers of the word are not synonymous terms. That
passage is 1 Tim. v. 17." (lb. p. 61.) "From the account
given of the meaning of this word it follows, that it is not
* See The Christian Pastor and Appendix, by Dr. Breckinridge, Baltimore,
1845, and The Elder Question, by Dr. Thornwell, in the Southern Presbyterian Review, June, 1848.
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