ISBN: 9781154341386

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustra… Mehr…

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1855 Excerpt: ...that the constitution of the church continues to sanction strict communion, while the sentiments of a vast majority of its members are decidedly in favour of a contrary system; and, in opposition to the usage which obtains on other occasions, the private sentiments of the few, are made to regulate and control the conduct of the many. Where, it may be asked, is the propriety, where the justice, of such a mode of proceeding? Whatever respect may be due to the conscientious, though erroneous, scruples of an upright mind, it is not easy to perceive why these should be permitted to prescribe to the better judgement of those whom we must necessarily consider as more enlightened. As the majority, convinced, as they are supposed to be, of the right of all genuine christians to communion, must necessarily regard the dissentients as being in error, it deserves to be considered in what manner error ought to be treated. Ought it to be the object of toleration, or should it be invested with dominion? Surely all it can reasonably claim is the former; but when, in deference to it, the far greater part of a society refrain from acting agreeably to their avowed principles, and consent to withhold, from another class of their fellow-christians, what they consider as their undoubted right, they cannot be said merely to tolerate the error in question; no, they in reality place it on the throne--they prostrate themselves before it. Yet, strange as it may appear, such is at present the conduct of baptist societies. While there remains the smallest scantling of members averse to open communion, the doors, in compliance with their scruples, continue shut, and paedobaptist candidates, however excellent, or however numerous, are excluded. Thus the intolerance of one class of christi... Robert Hall, Books, History, The works of Robert Hall, A.M. Volume 2 Books>History <