| As to the Episcopalians,
it is difficult to conceive how they can be arminians, as large numbers
of them have been, while they profess to hold the 39 articles as the platform
of their faith, which articles embrace all the peculiarities of Calvinism
in a high degree. Their forms of prayer are too general, & more than
100 years behind the enlightened era of the nineteenth century. The language
in the baptizmal service is ambiguous, apparently making that ordinance
to be regeneration; & the use of prayers altogether unscriptural. Their
funeral service, applicable only to such as die in the Lord, is administered
to all who have been baptized in their communion. But this denomination,
have of late years become more evangelical, & we have reason to believe
embraces a goodly number of genuine christians. Another, & the most
exceptionable feature in this denomination, is the establishment of
three orders of the clergy, viz. bishops, rectors &
priests; whereas we think the scripture places all the clergy, bishops,
elders, pastors & teachers on an equal footing, without any preeminence
over above another; and that the proceedings of the church are regulated
by the pastor thereof as moderator, only, to receive & declare its decisions
by regular votes of the male members in meeting duly assembled. |
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