vernment are of
Divine original, is to surrender a scriptural truth, to act as if facts
in providence could modify the institutes of that society which is
essentially spiritual, to become liable to inefficiency in the
maintenance of the truth, and to give scope to the unworthy suggestions
of those who would contend, that what right even the Church maintains on
an improper ground, other communities besides could claim as well as
she. The state has no right to claim the prerogatives of the Church, nor
to dictate to her the form of her government, or prescribe for her in
other matters. The State has no right to say to the Church, that,
because she does not hold presbyterianism on proper grounds, therefore
it might declare that her government shall be prelatic. But, by holding
Presbytery as alone of Divine origin, she would most effectively
discountenance such unjust claims.

The Church, by a noble act, has thrown off the fetters of erastianism
that had for so long been fastened upon her; let her act so as to be on
her guard against every encroachment of that nature that might be
proposed by the civil power. The struggle for the independence of the
Church was resolutely maintained, and the yoke of those who attempted to
diminish it, was dutifully thrown off. Let not any overture hereafter,
ranging between complete submission to the State, and the mere use of
the veto, on the part of the civil power, upon the appointment of a
given minister to a congregation, though made by the State in the most
attractive manner, be entertained. But let it be practically shown, as
well as solemnly resolved by her, that she recognises only one
Master--who is in heaven.

During the last few years, an arduous struggle has been maintained, in
order to secure, as far as possible, the rights of the christian people.
Now, it is possible to put the people in possession of the unfettered
privilege of electing their own office-bearers; but to put any other
party in possession of that right, would be to do those injury. The
claims of lay patrons are without foundation in the word of God. The
claims of presbyteries, or any other parties than the members of the
Church themselves, are alike unsupported there. In order that the Church
may act in character, her procedure in regard to the election of pastors
and elders, must be scriptural. It is true, that whether the Church act
scripturally or not, no civil class are warranted to usurp her rights;
yet, w