Reformed Covenanter
Cancelled Commissioner
And, first, we may advert to the fact, that not only is the Church a spiritual community, by spiritual means aiming at a spiritual end, and that the functions performed by its members, as members of the Church, are all of a spiritual character, but also, that the standing which any member occupies within the Church depends on spiritual gifts and qualifications alone. The privileges we enjoy as members of it are the result of profession and character, not of civil or worldly status. The rich and poor meet together in the house of God; and the grave itself is not a more complete leveller of all earthly distinctions than the Church.
Men get together for worship—they partake of the sacraments, they bear rule in God’s house, not because they are rich, or noble, or learned, but because they are creatures of the same God, because they have the like precious faith, because they have the graces of the Divine Spirit. It is unquestionable that this is, or ought to be, the condition and character of every true Church. No powers except those which have the express sanction of God ought to have place in it. ...
For more, see William Wilson on the spiritual equality of the rich and poor in the church.
Men get together for worship—they partake of the sacraments, they bear rule in God’s house, not because they are rich, or noble, or learned, but because they are creatures of the same God, because they have the like precious faith, because they have the graces of the Divine Spirit. It is unquestionable that this is, or ought to be, the condition and character of every true Church. No powers except those which have the express sanction of God ought to have place in it. ...
For more, see William Wilson on the spiritual equality of the rich and poor in the church.