is a claim which is, as it clearly appears, diametrically opposed to Arminianism, and in complete harmony with Calvinistic belief, that there is one Supreme will in God, the cause of all existing things, subjecting them to fixed ordinances and directing them towards a pre-established plan. As a Calvinist looks upon God's decree as the foundation and origin of the natural laws, in the same manner also he finds in it the firm foundation and the origin of every moral and spiritual law; both these, the natural as well as the spiritual laws, forming together one high order, which exists according to God's command, and wherein God's counsel will be accomplished in the consummation of His eternal, all-embrac\ ing plan."

186

"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all."-Eph. 4: 3-5.

V

THE CREED CATHOLIC

The catholicity of Presbyterianism,1 its liberality of thought and feeling, its freedom from sectarian narrowness and bigotry, is one of its crowning characteristics. Benjamin Harrison, that noble gentleman, statesman and Christian, whose death our whole country still mourns, said with truth: "There is no body of Christians in the world that opens its arms wider or more lovingly to all who love the Master than the Presbyterian Church."

The catholicity of Presbyterianism is no bur Standmere sentiment. It is not a thing of indi- ards catholic. vidual profession or platform declamation.

It is rooted in our creed. It is proclaimed

1 The words "catholicity" and "catholic", as used by the author in this chapter, have no reference to the Church of Rome.

in our Standards. It is embodied in our doctrine of the Church. "The visible

1

Church", says our Confession, "consists of all those throughout the world who profess the true religion together with their children." Thus formally and publicly do we repudiate the name of "the" church and claim only to be a church of Jesus Christ. Not only do our Standards contain no denunciation of the antagonistic views of sister evangelical churches, they are said to be the only church Standards in existence which make explicit and authoritative recognition of other evangelical churches as true branches of the Church Jesus Christ."2 To the "Communion of Saints", our Confession devotes an entire chapter. We are there taught that our "holy fellowship and communion" in each other's gifts and graces, in worship and mutual service of love, "is to be extended

66

1 "Confession of Faith", Chap. XXV, sec. 2.

of

2 "Book of Church Order", Chap. II, sec. II, par. ii.