Questions on Chapter 7.
held responsible? Upon the supposition that in each of those Churches the minister in charge was invested with the power of government, the whole matter is plain; but upon any other hypothesis, it is inexplicable. From the scriptural proofs presented, it is unquestionable that the right of government and the administration of the discipline of the Churches are placed in the hands of the elders, or ministers, having the pastoral charge thereof. But as there is no specific restriction or instruction to the contrary, they may of course, so far as they deem it expedient, exercise this governing power through the medium of councils, conventions, synods, conferences, or presbyteries; or they may commit the exercise of a portion of this prerogative to certain chief ministers, styled bishops, general superintendents, or presiding elders. And that such was the practice of the Church, even in apostolic times, we have ample evidence in the history of the famous council at Jerusalem, and in the special prerogatives with which Timothy and Titus were invested.
QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 7.
QUESTION 1. With what kind of authority did St. Paul invest Timothy and Titus?
2. Is there any evidence that they conferred similar power on any other minister, or established similar regulations in any other place?
3. What is the testimony quoted from the Epistles to Timothy?
4. What is the testimony quoted from the Epistle to Titus?
5. In reference to Timothy and Titus, what general remarks are made?
6. What is the argument, founded on what is said in the second and third chapters of Revelation, concerning the “angels” of the seven Churches of Asia?
7. From the arguments adduced, where was the highest power of Church-government vested during the lives of the apostles and evangelists?
8. Is there any evidence that these high prerogatives were conferred on any other persons?
9. What is the inference from this fact?
10. Did many apostolic Churches exist, that were not placed under a similar regimen to those of Ephesus and in Crete, under Timothy and Titus?
11. What is the inference to be drawn from this fact?
12. Where, then, did the apostles deposit the power of Church-government?
13. What scriptures prove, that this power was deposited in the ordained ministry?
14. What two general conclusions are arrived at from the foregoing?